Paul Email -27Sept2013- Acts 1 (Receive Power)

How you doin? I received a significant prayer request last night. A 5 year old little girl with cancer. Her name is Christina Reggie. Bill Johnson stated where cancer comes from the best I've ever heard, "God is good, Satan is bad... cancer is bad, where do you think that comes from?" God's will is for all to be healed. Please pray that this little girl is healed in such a way that everyone will know that it was Jesus. Acts 1 today.

Verses 4-10 in Acts 1 are mind blowing. Jesus commands His disciples to "wait for the gift my Father promised". COME ON!!!!!!! That's better then being promised that the Flyers are going to win the next 10 Stanley Cups. A gift from God. WOW!!!!!!! Jesus goes on to say "in a few days you will be baptized by the Holy Spirit". Can you imagine the Biblical hope (eager anticipation of something good) that He created in the 120. DIG IT!!!!!!! The disciples had an interesting response. they asked if Jesus was going to restore Israel. I would think "who cares... I'm about to receive a gift from God". Jesus tells them no one is to know the time set by the Father. Then He says what my Bible calls the "key verse" of the book of Acts. Verse 8, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” COME ON!!!!!!! These are Jesus last words before He ascends into Heaven. My first thought is of worldly power to rule over people. That's a poor thought. The power here is Kingdom power. Resources of Heaven. SAY WORD!!!!!!! I look at my life and wonder where that power is. It's not missing because God doesn't keep promises. To me the key word is "receive". Power is God's gift that he promises. It's my responsibility to receive the gift. Not to question when, but to receive. COME ON!!!!!!! I love this scripture.

I think verses 10 and 11 are a very funny scene. Jesus ascends into Heaven and 2 angels appear to the disciples and say, “why do you stand here looking into the sky?". Angels take Jesus riding into Heaven on clouds much lighter then people do. I can picture a very funny picture of the disciples frozen with their mouths open staring up into the sky and the angels saying "Yo, what's up!". I can't say I wouldn't be dumb founded as well. Receive the Heavenly Power of the Holy Ghost today.

Paul Email -26Sept2013- John 21 (Follow me)

How you doin? This should be short, because I need to get to work. John 21 today.

This chapter is hard for me to understand. The part that stood out to me today is under the last heading, "Jesus Talks with Peter". Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved Him. Each time Peter replied yes, but today I noticed Jesus' response. The first time Jesus said "Feed my lambs". The second He said "Take care of my sheep". The third time He said "Feed my sheep". I like how Jesus associates loving Him with feeding and caring for His lambs and sheep (or people). SAY WORD!!!!!!! I think Jesus was testing Peter's ability to lead people and to be a prominent figure in the first church. I don't believe Jesus was questioning his faith or believe.

Jesus goes on to tell Peter "the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God". Jesus then says "Follow me". So Jesus tells Peter that he's going to die a not so good death and then says "Follow me". COME ON!!!!!!! This makes sense in the context that Jesus just asked Peter 3 times if he loved Him and told him to care for His people. Again testing Peter's ability to carry on His work.

Peter then asked Jesus about John's (the fast runner's) death. Jesus replies "... what is that to you. You must follow me". DIG IT!!!!!!! If Jesus was from the hood it may of sounded something like this "mind your business and do what your told". Jesus keeps it simple. That's a good word. The last verse in the chapter often packs a punch. John 21:25 is no different. "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." Jesus did well more then we read about. He'll do well more with us then we can write about. COME ON!!!!!!! Confirm you love for Him today and follow Him today.

Paul Email -25Sept2013- John 20 (Stop doubting and believe)

How you doin? I hope you didn't feel gypped yesterday. I had like 10 minutes or less, because we had a planning meeting for our Spiritual Conference with the Welton's coming up. We're SO excited. John 20 today. This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.

On a humorous note, I love how John refers to himself as, "the other disciple, the one Jesus loved". John also writes that he can beat Peter in a foot race... v.4 "Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first." It's good to know that John could run faster then Peter. I'm not sure why this struck me so funny this morning. It's as if John is in competition with Peter. It's probably just me.

Back to the good stuff. Mary thought that the resurrected Jesus was a gardener until he personalized His talk with her. When Jesus first spoke to her He said "women" and she answered Him as though He was a gardener who she suspected stole His body. Then Jesus said "Mary" and she cried out "Rabboni" (which means Teacher)"'. It wasn't until Jesus called her by name that she recognized Him. COME ON!!!!!!! I believe that Jesus personalizes prophecy so that we know it's from Him. (Bunny trail) 

Verses 19-23 are AWESOME!!!!!!! Jesus shows up in a locked room and says "peace be with you". I'm guessing the disciples were startled at least. They were in a locked room hiding from the Jews in the first place. "He showed them His hands and side." (20:20) Jesus wants us to know it's Him. The disciples respond well considering the circumstances, "The disciple were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." DIG IT!!!!!!! Jesus again says "peace be with you". He reminds them that He is sending them the way the Father sent Him. Here's my favorite part, " And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit." (20:22) SAY WORD!!!!!!! It's as if Jesus didn't have time for the sanctification process, so He accelerated them to where He needed them to be. AWESOME!!!!!!! We receive the Holy Ghost through reading the Bible, prayer, worship, and prophecy, or however else Jesus speaks to us. Jesus can accelerate us as well through impartation, but then the process is maintaining the impartation. So we're not getting out of the process. Verse 23 links forgiveness with receiving the holy Ghost. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 tells us,  "Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, ¹¹ in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." Unforgiveness is a tool of the Devil. Forgiveness is God's business. SAY WORD!!!!!!!

Chapter 20 concludes with Thomas. Thomas needed proof that Jesus was resurrected. So Jesus shows up in a locked room and again says, "peace be with you". He then addresses Thomas in verse 27, "Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”' That's a good word. I'm going to be saying that to myself all day. "Stop doubting and believe". Jesus keeps it simple. Thomas responds well, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus goes on to say in verse 29, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” COME ON!!!!!!! I believed in Him without seeing Him. It's my biggest prayer to have eyes to see Him and ears to hear Him, but I certainly believe in Him. DIG IT!!!!!!! I stand on my conviction that the best prayer I've ever prayed/pray is for God to increase my desire to love Him. I don't think that Thomas was being rebuked or criticized. He was seeking Jesus. He was after an encounter with Him. Jesus made Himself known to Thomas and will make Himself know to us. THAT"S A GOOD WORD!!!!!!! Peace be with you, today.

Paul Email -24Sept2013- Men's Bible Study

How you doin? We started a magnificent video series in men's Bible study this morning called "The Truth Project". I'm not going to try to reiterate the hour long video, but I will say COME ON!!!!!!! I will give you the headings or points of discussion.

1) Why was Jesus born, John 18:37

2) The cosmic battle- Spirit of Truth vs. Spirit of Falsehood- reality vs. illusion

     a) link between salvation and truth, 2 Thessalonians 2

     b) 2 Fathers, John 8:44

     c) connection between sin, lies, and deceit, every sin can be traced back to a lie

     d) dealing with outsiders, 2 Timothy 2 and Colossians 4:5-6- outsiders are captives

     e) battle of worldviews

3) What is truth? Isaiah 44, Matthew 6, Colossians 2:2-3

     a) according to Websters Dictionary in 1828 (well before political correctness) defines it like this,  "Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be. The truth of history constitutes its whole value. We rely on the truth of the scriptural prophecies." COME ON!!!!!!!

There is so much more to this. What a great Bible study/video. The conclusion posed a tough questions, "Do you really believe, that what you believe is really real". AWESOME!!!!!!! This video series is to encourage a face to face encounter with the Father. AWESOME!!!!!!! I want that. Seek and believe the Truth today.    

Paul Email -23Sept2013- John 19 (Pilate's Role)

How you doin? We seem to have a heightened awareness of the sickness, brokenness, and pain of people right now. People who are close to us have cancer, addiction, severed relationships with loved ones, and several other things not of God. Not to mention the people that aren't close to us. I'm sure I don't have time in my day to pray for all the people who need prayer. I've been praying for our neighborhood, town, county, and state. God is good... Satan is bad. Victory is God's. John 19 today.

Verses 10-12, got me today. Pilate is clearly in a bad spot. he's trying to deal with his political responsibility and the fact that he finds no fault in Jesus. The Jews are way out of line and consumed with disbelieve and hatred for Jesus. Pilate asked Jesus (19:10), "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Pilate is seeking answers from Jesus to help him with the decision he's being forced to make. Pilate doesn't have a clue of what's going on in the Spirit realm. He's clueless that Jesus is handing Himself over. Jesus' response is (19:11),  “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” AWESOME!!!!!!! Jesus lets Pilate off the hook. He lets Pilate know that he's a small part in a huge plan. Verse 12 is the best, "From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, ..." I love how Jesus' compassion continues to poor out even during His crucifixion. COME ON!!!!!!!

Another thing I noticed about Pilate was in 19:19-22. Pilate had a "notice" placed on Jesus' cross that read "Jesus Of Nazareth, The King Of The Jews" (19:19) The Jews of course protested this "notice" saying "this man claimed to be king of the Jews" (19:21) Pilate takes a stand and replies, "What I have written, I have written". (19:22) The Bible never tells us if Pilate was or became a believer. His part of this story may be so we know that Jesus truly handed Himself over to be crucified. I can't find it this morning, but I think I remember reading Old Testament scriptures about the Jews killing Christ. So, perhaps Pilate's roll in this story was keeping this between God and His chosen people. Either way I find Pilate to be a fascinating character in this story.

During devotions this morning I ended up reading Isaiah 53. I would love to copy and paste all 12 verses, but because the most common criticism of my email is the length, I'll just strongly encourage you to read Isaiah 53 on your own. I will say this about Isaiah 53, "COME ON!!!!!!!". Read John 19 along with Isaiah 53 today. 

PS God is deep and wide and lengthy.

Paul Email -22Sept2013- John 18 (Power in Surrender)

How you doin? A very calm morning this morning. Stacey and I have been noticing how other people react to the kids. Audrey and Paulie both seem to have an incredible effect on people. They are Christians and they love Jesus. It's awesome to watch Jesus work through them. John 18 today.

I've been noticing how Jesus had full control over His own life. There are several scriptures that show how Jesus was not under worldly authority. He was under Kingdom authority. In John 18:4-9, this authority is extremely evident. "Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”' (18:4) Jesus knew His destiny. He was their to complete God's will. "When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground." (18:6) I never heard this before today. The power in Jesus' words is incredible. Even those men there to capture Him were affected by the power of His words. I would think Jesus could have easily escaped again when these men "drew back and fell to the ground". Jesus protects His disciple in verse 8. Peter acts out in his human condition as only Peter can and cuts off a soldiers ear. Jesus' response is “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (18:11) The cup represents God's wrath (Jeremiah 25:15). In Luke 22:42, Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus was pure and perfect. He needed to be for the sacrifice to be accepted. The cup Jesus was to drink was for the sin of the world. WOW!!!!!!! My sin is included in that cup. Thank you Jesus.

Jesus claims His authority and Kingship in verse 37 as we, "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered , "You are right in saying I am king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth." Jesus is walking in His identity and destiny as a man. COME ON!!!!!!! The last sentence in verse 37 gets me, "Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." SAY WORD!!!!!!! I hope you read Jeremiah 25 along with John 18 today. Jesus' power in His surrender or His obedience to the Father is AWESOME!!!!!!! Be on the side of truth today.

PS We watched a sermon by Bill Johnson last night and it was AWESOME!!!!!!! Two things he said was, "Before Jesus everything bad contaminated things that were good" and "The only time the world has a voice is when the church is silent". So don't let things that are bad contaminate you and say something. That's a good word.

Paul Email - 21Sept2013- John 17 (Sanctification)

How you doin? It's hard to believe that God could out do yesterday, but we read John 17 this morning. Grab a box of tissues. COME ON!!!!!!!

The first 5 verses are titled, "Jesus Prays for Himself".  "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. ⁵ And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. (17:4-5) WOW!!!!!!! Jesus' authority never ceases to amaze me. His accepting it as a man blows me away. Father God knew us before the world began as well. COME ON!!!!!!! He's that BIG. DIG IT!!!!!!! I feel like I'm just working my way back to the beginning. Like any great story, the end goes back to the beginning. SAY WORD!!!!!!!

Verses 6-19 are titled, "Jesus Prays for His Disciples". Don't forget that we are disciples or we should be disciples (followers of Jesus). Jesus qualifies us in a huge way in this prayer. "For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them." (17:8) Accepting the word of God glorifies Jesus. "All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them." (17:10) COME ON!!!!!!! What a thought that my accepting God's word glorifies the one who saved me. SAY WORD!!!!!!! Jesus goes on to pray for our protection. Jesus prays for us to have the full measure of His joy in us... "so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them." (17:13) I want the full measure of Jesus' joy. I'll take that impartation. Verses 15-19 get me the most. 17:17, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." I've come to love the sanctification process. My Bible's definition of sanctify is, "to cleanse or set apart for sacred use; to declare or make holy". COME ON!!!!!!!  Here comes the "Sonny", "For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." WOW!!!!!!! I'll take that. Just put your hands out in front of you with your palms up while reading John 17 and just receive what Jesus is offering. COME ON!!!!!!!

Verses 20-26 are titled, "Jesus Prays for Future Believers". This really applies to us based on verse 20. I believe that this prayer is the most powerful impartation we as believers can receive. Jesus prays, "May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me". (17:21) DIG IT!!!!!!! "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity." (17:22-23) This is a gift. I need to accept this gift and believe it's for me. The word "brought" indicates a process. This doesn't happen over night. I need to follow Him. I welcome this process.  “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory,...". (17:24) Jesus wants us, He's not stuck with us. He wants us to live from where he's at... Heaven. COME ON!!!!!!! Father God's love and Jesus' love for me is overwhelming. SAY WORD!!!!!!! Here comes the bomb.  “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. ²⁶ I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” (17:25-26) I'll take ALL of that. The word "continue" points out again the process. Just receive that word today. I believe you should be making a ruckus right about now. I know Jesus is causing a ruckus in me. I want the fullness of Jesus in me. COME ON!!!!!!! Jesus is praying this prayer on that side of the cross. We are reading it on this side of the cross. This prayer of Jesus' has been answered on this side. SAY WORD!!!!!!! His acts on the cross (death, resurrection, and ascension) reconciles us to the Father.  I love being free. I love being loved by God. Enjoy your sanctification process today.

PS I asked Stacey to share part of her journal entree:

 v22 "I have given THEM the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one."  WOW!  This word 'glory' in my Strongs Dictionary is the same word as used in v5... (It is also the same word as Matt 6:13 in the Lord's prayer "Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the GLORY forever").  Strong's GLORY:  His attributes and power as revealed through creation.  His everlasting power and divinity.  What he essentially IS and DOES as exhibited in whatever way He revels himself.  Now we carry that!!!  Wow. Now that's a good word! 

Paul's Testimony - ARTHRITIS FREE!!!

How you doin? So I heard testimony about people being delivered from arthritis... completely healed. Since I have arthritis I thought, "I want some of that healing". So God and I started negotiating. When I say negotiating, I mean, I'm telling God that I want to be healed with zero authority or Kingdom hope. I first prayed those soft "your will be done" prayers as if He doesn't make His will very well known to me. Then I prayed some "natural hope" or wishful prayers. You know, the prayers that sound like this, "Dear Jesus, do you think you may be able to heal me if you have the time and think I may be worth healing". Very uninspired prayer with little to no belief. This went on for about 4 months or more. So in the last week of July, I really turned the heat up in my negotiations with God. I said, "look Man (capital M and everything), I can't take this any more... you have to heal me!". So God finally responds. The soft, faithless, no authority, no belief, wishful prayers didn't get a response. Truly needing to hear from Him did. He said to me, "you still take medicine". I said, "WOW!!!!!!! you got me on that one". So I said "OK". I stopped taking all of my arthritis medicine that day.

Now it's 2 months later and I still have zero pain or discomfort. Today, 9/20 I had my regularly scheduled 3 month appointment to have my meds. refilled and to have blood work done. I tell the nurse that I stopped taking my meds. in July. She asked how I felt and I said "great". The Doctor walks in and asked, "so you stopped taking your meds?". I told him what happened and that I don't want to take meds. any more. He asked how my pain was, I said "zero". He did a full examination on me. He checked every joint I have, including my hands and feet. I was twisted and turned and pushed and pulled. He looks at me and said, "your all better... I'm not even doing any blood work". I said PRAISE GOD!!!!!!! He and the nurse looked at me like I was a freak. The Dr. also said, "your blood work from your last visit came back nearly perfect. I have never seen it read so good in all the time you've been coming here". COME ON!!!!!!! God healed me months ago but I didn't move. I didn't move to activate the healing. Faith moves me before it moves Jesus. It wasn't until God pointed out that I was still using worldly solutions (medicine) to fix worldly problems (arthritis). As soon as I moved, or stopped taking my meds., Jesus freed me from captivity. SAY WORD!!!!!!! The most interesting thing is, when God gave me that word, "you're still taking meds", I knew I was healed because I had repented at that very moment. I turned my faith and trust from meds to God. PRAISE JESUS!!!!!!! My Dr. seemed down cast. I asked him when he wanted to see me again and he said, "for what?... come back in 6 months if you want." AWESOME!!!!!!! Jesus said, "If you don't believe me, believe the miracles". I've been treated for rheumatoid arthritis for 9yrs. I was told 9yrs ago that my drinking caused my arthritis to accelerate. That I had arthritis of a 60yrs old. That was when I was 33 or 34. So I prayed with belief, moved to activate my hope and faith (I picked up my mat and walked), and now I'm "all better". If your not jumping up and down right now, check you pulse. I've been jumping up and down all day and it doesn't hurt a bit. COME ON!!!!!!! Jesus healed every one God brought to Him and never prayed once. Jesus said, "Get up! Pick up you mat and walk" (John 5:8) and  “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (John 9:7). The Holy Ghost told me to move by saying, "you still take medicine". I truly believe it is God's will for all to be healed.

Paul Email -20Sept2013- John 16 (Take Heart)

How you doin? We're still transitioning into home schooling. It's going better then expected, but still not without it's bumps and lumps. Most of you will be surprised to hear that the issues are mainly with me. The Holy Ghost will teach me. Please pray for me to remain in Him. John 16 today.

I love learning about the Holy Ghost. I love the Holy Ghost. John 16:12-15, inspires me to receive the gift of and seek the awareness of the Holy Ghost. I believe that 100% of Jesus is in me. The Spirit of truth and revelation reveals Him in me. 16:13, "...he will guide you into all the truth."  I've learned to rely on the Holy Ghost to guide me into all truths. The counterfeit can look really close to the real thing. Sadly enough I'm familiar with the counterfeit, which forces me to depend on the Holy Ghost. SAY WORD!!!!!!! God turns bad to good. 16:15, "...the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you". COME ON!!!!!!! The Spirit of truth will make Jesus known in me. I receive that word. I want to know the fullness of Jesus that lives in me. AWESOME!!!!!!!

There's some identity in here as well. 16:26, "In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf." These next few verses are under the heading, "Jesus Teaches about Using His Name in Prayer".  16:27, "No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God." Jesus' acts on the cross reconciled us to the Father. We can have an intimate relationship with Him through His Word and prayer. COME ON!!!!!!! I am a son of the Most High. WOW!!!!!!! The disciple respond much better then we've seen the Pharisees respond. 16:30, "... This makes us believe that you came from God." That's a good word. There's something to learn from the responses we read about in the Bible.

The last verse in John 16 takes the cake. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (16:33) Take heart! I love this verse. The Holy Ghost guides us into all truth. The truth is that Jesus reconciled us to the Father. Jesus tells us to "take heart! I have overcome the world". We have peace in Him. We have victory in Him. COME ON!!!!!!! Receive peace and take heart today.

PS Here's Hillsong United's song "Take Heart". This is one of my favorites. I can't wait for the Hillsong Conference coming up 10/5 and 10/6. God always does something at these conferences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MfBQ30Ta9w

Paul Email -19Sept2013- John 15 (What do we ask for)

How you doin? We have a new family member. Cousin Chuck's baby girl "Molly" was born today around 1am. Please be praying for this new life and her parents. God is teaching me about His justness through my job. I believe we are to have a heart of servant-hood. I'm allowing my version of justice or the worlds version of justice to block my servant-hood. God help me through this. Teach me to trust in your justice. John 15 today.

Lucky for you today, I didn't get much further then the first 11 verses. 15:3-4 got me first. "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you." (15:3) WOW!!!!!!! Jesus did the work through His words. Just as a reminder, His words are Spirit. 15:4, reminds me that I must stay in Him and Him in me in order to bear fruit. God is the gardener that prunes us so we bear much fruit. Let's review what the fruit is, Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." So, I want to bear fruit. 15:4 tells me, "No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." Ok, remain in Jesus, got it.

15:7-8 is the caper. I've often pondered this verse and others that say the same thing, "ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." The Holy Ghost showed me today the first part of verse 7, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you". "My words remain in you". SAY WORD!!!!!!! Take that with "and it will be given you". Jesus is offering Spirit which produces fruit. He's offering pruning so we can bear much fruit. When I first read this verse (years ago), I'm thinking a house in Stone Harbor, a collection of Harley's, and all kinds of other worldly things. But now I think differently. I believe that Jesus' words remain in me and my desires changed from worldly desires to Heavenly desires. COME ON!!!!!!! I now desire fruits and gifts of the Spirit. These are things that will be "given me". Bill Johnson said, "When I read something in the Bible and think it means something other then what God means... one of us is wrong." He said this in humor, but I get his point. Jesus offers life abundant. Jesus' version of life abundant is slowly but surely becoming my version of life abundant. SAY WORD!!!!!!! Asking for fruits and gifts of the Spirit requires a change in our minds and a change in our desires. Jesus' words remaining in me changes my mind and my desires. That's a good word. I love the word "word". Ask for something Jesus offers today.

Paul Email -18Sept2013- John 14 (Major Truths)

How you doin? I can't get over how much I love the Bible. I often say that, "I had a life changing experience", but in reality my life changes very little. I'm changing the words in my statement from now on. I will now say, "I had a mind changing experience". This will be a more accurate way of describing what God does to me nearly every morning. My life changes a little... my mind changes a lot. I can't seem to make up my mind about my favorite chapter in the Bible, so I'll give up on that. I do love John 14.

As we read this, AWESOME!!!!!!!, chapter this morning, I noticed major truths. First was "Jesus in me" (Colossians 1:27). John 14:10-14,23 give us this incredible truth. I love the correlation between Jesus to God and me to Jesus. Jesus is in the Father and the father is in Jesus. Jesus is in me and I am in Jesus. SAY WORD!!!!!!! Jesus and His Father will "make our home in them". (14:23)

Next is that love comes first. John 14:15,21,23,24 all speak of loving Jesus first. I think 14:15,23 say it best. For several years I've read these verse backwards. I thought that if I was well behaved (sinless) and was obedient (natural obedience), I would love Jesus or more importantly He would love me. Now I believe that by loving Him (1st) that my behavior improves and I understand spiritual obedience, which is answering Jesus' call and following Him. COME ON!!!!!!! By loving Him I hear Him, see Him, and pay attention to Him and sin gets kicked to the curb. DIG IT!!!!!!! Verse 23 connects loving Him to Him living in us. AWESOME!!!!!!!

Following Him is in 14:3,4,6,12, and the last 5 words of the chapter... "Come now, let us leave". WOW!!!!!!! it's just that simple. COME ON!!!!!!! The Holy ghost makes it possible.

John 14:15-31 is titled "Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit". For me this could be the most important promise in the Bible. I believe that all other promises can be received through understanding. 14:26, tells us that the "Counselor" will "teach you all things" and "remind" you of everything Jesus said. I'll take that promise for myself. YES & AMEN!!!!!!! The Holy Ghost is "the Spirit of Truth" (14:27). 100% of Jesus is  in me. I need the Holy Ghost to teach me how to hear, see, and pay attention to Him. The Spirit of truth can reveal the fullness of "Christ in me". Man are my cheeks on fire. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!

The last promise that I'll write about today (that means there are more in this chapter) is Jesus gives peace. In 14:27, Jesus says, "my peace I give you". I'll take that for myself as well. Jesus also says, "I do not give to you as the world gives". COME ON!!!!!!! He offers us a much sweeter deal.

This chapter is SO HUGE. I really hope (Biblical hope, not wishing) that you read chapter 14 today and ask the Holy Ghost to teach you. Have a "mind changing experience" today.      

My dreams have come true!!!

These kids are amazing.  I can't get over how smart and loving they are.  I feel like I am getting to know them better every day.  This is them doing their circus routine for me the other day (I think Daddy is teaching them funny things on Mondays lol).

During individual lessons with Paulie today we were going over his "k" sounds for the first time.  According to Patty (speech tutor) a few months ago that was one of the sounds that he was having trouble with.  That and "p" at the beginning of words.  So I print out all these worksheets for us to do and we sit down.  "Cat!" He says perfectly.  "The King Kisses the Kids" again perfect.  We do all the flashcards, which he does perfectly with his "k" sounds and then I checked my email to make sure I had read it correctly.  Yup, I read it right.  He is THRIVING in this homeschool situation.  Praise God I am Thrilled!  We keep praying for Paulie's speech and the Lord is healing him little by little.  Here they are painting Paulie's flash cards for the letter "k".

We went to the dollar store to practice with money.  They each had $5.50 to spend.  Each checked themselves out and paid with their money.  The cashier could not get over them.  They were very polite and they adore their treasures from the dollar store.  Here they are painting their piggy banks with their aprons.

I feel your prayers everyone and I adore you all.  This is my dream come true.  Pray for my health.  I just got back from the Dr. who told me I am very anemic and my vitamin D is very low.  That explains why I am so tired all the time.  Asking God to heal my body and looking in to suppliments with my girlfriend and nutrition expert.  :)  Love you all!  -Stacey

Paul and Stacey Email -17Sept2013- John 13 (washing each other's feet)

How you doin? Stacey is brilliant. She received such a good word today that I asked her to write the next paragraph. I wrote the rest, but I hope that you enjoy Stacey's brilliance as much as I do. She has ears to hear and eyes to see. Her awareness of the Presence is remarkable. SAY WORD!!!!!!!

As I was reading John 13 this morning, with Jesus washing the disciples' feet, I was ministered to in a huge way.  v1... having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love: ...v5 he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. The part that got me the most is Peter's interaction with Jesus when it was his turn. Peter eventually says to wash not only his feet but his head and hands as well. Jesus tells him he is already clean, and only the feet washing is necessary. The Lord showed me that his head washed would be renewal of the mind and belief in Jesus. Check. His hands would be giving everything up to follow. Check. Now his feet. What is that? They are told to dust dirt off their feet from rejecting cities... the dirt they have picked up in their travels in ministry. Today the Lord showed me that this is us as the church: encouraging, edifying, comforting, washing the disappointment, discouragement, rejection from each others' feet.  Wow!  Jesus says "do you understand what I have done for you?...v14 Now that I your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet you should also wash one another's feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Our feet are to have the boots of the readiness to preach the Gospel... we travel in our walk with the Lord.  We get dirt and cuts on our feet from that. What a ministry to be able to wash each others' feet as the church!  Love it! (Stacey's contribution)

I'm asking for prayer for us as a family. God is leading us into what we feel is the first step into our new lives. Please just pray for our protection and for God's grace to wash over us. I say YES & AMEN!!!!!!! to Stacey's word this morning. I had the same verses illuminated during devotions today as well. Stacey had better wording, but the Holy Ghost lead us both to the same teaching. AWESOME!!!!!!! I also saw Jesus' control over His own life. I saw Jesus' authority and power. Take a look at John 13:24-30. Jesus is telling His disciples who will betray Him in the natural, but in the Spiritual realm His stepping into His destiny and allowing Satan to start his roll in the play. John 13:27, "As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” Satan entered into Judas once Jesus identified him as the betrayer. Up to that Satan had only prompted Judas. Jesus commands Judas/Satan to do what he was about to do quickly. POWERFUL!!!!!!! John 13:30, " As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night." Judas was no longer walking in the light. Jesus was in full control of His life the entire time. COME ON!!!!!!! One more thing, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” (13:36) We are in the later. Let Jesus wash your feet today. (Paul's contribution)

Paul Email -16Sept2013 John 12 (A good word)

How you doin? Stacey and I have been doing our morning devotions together for about 3yrs now. In the past 2yrs, our devotional time has become a life line or a "word" line. We receive tremendous words and impartation from the Holy Ghost during this time in the morning. Like anyone else we deal with Spiritual warfare. I've heard that Spiritual warfare is the only war that the strategy does not involve looking at the enemy. Stacey and I agree with that statement. I've also heard that if you are under constant attack something is wrong with your life or life's choices. Stacey and I disagree with part of this statement. Life choices are certainly relevant in exposing yourself to demonic attack, however we're told in the Bible that the Devil is our constant accuser. The Devil is relentlessly trying to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Stacey and I encounter several people with hardships or demonic attack in their lives. The Holy Ghost gave us this word- "As relentless as the enemy is to steal, kill, and destroy us, we will be equally as relentless to seek God the Father, to hear Jesus' voice, and to follow Him". That's a good word.

Stacey has noticed that throughout the gospels, Jesus is under constant attack, even from the time He was born.  Whether it is Jews picking up stones to kill him, trying to trap him and arrest him... his own disciples rebuking him and leaving him when he tells them they have to eat his body and drink his blood, etc.... Jesus didn't look at the enemy. The disciples did (John 11:7 "but Rabbi... a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there?"). Jesus stayed focused on His Father and His future that was known to Him in His present.  Jesus says He can only do what he sees the Father doing.  His eyes were fixed on God.  It doesn't matter what other people are doing, what the enemy is doing, it doesn't matter the circumstance.  Following God is a path full of light and truth where we do not stumble (John 11:9... "a man who walks by day will not stumble...it is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light").  Jesus was walking a path full of light.  While they were "attacking him" he could see it coming a mile away and was never in fear of stumbling over it. He was in control of His life because He heard, listened, and payed attention to His Father. That's a good word.

I wrote these first 2 paragraphs before Stacey woke up. We read John 12 today... WOW!!!!!!! In AA we have a saying (several sayings actually), "don't let good intentions cover up bad motives". John 12:4-6, describes this perfectly, "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." (12:6)  Verses 10-11, are yet another really bad response by the Pharisees, "So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,". WOW!!!!!!! The hits just keep coming with those following the wrong father. There's been a major truth coming out about "light" in the past few chapters of John. It continues on today. Verses 35-36 really got me. These scripture are all before the cross. Jesus tells His disciples, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” We live after the cross, so we have the "light" all the time. COME ON!!!!!!! Jesus goes on to say even more about this in verse 46, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." I certainly don't want to stay in darkness. To me this truth is a solution to back sliding and retrying old habit or behaviors. Stay in the light. Verses 49-50 give great instruction on how to get this done. While encountering those people, who God brings to us, that are under attack or dealing with our own attack these verses make it possible to stay in the light. Jesus is the perfect model of how we are to live our lives. Here He says in verse 49, "... but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it." In verse 50 he says, "I know that  his command leads to eternal life." SAY WORD!!!!!!! Sin is dark. I'm getting over my fear of seeking purity in my life. I want to walk in the light to make it possible. Jesus is the light. Now that's a good word. Stay in His light today.

Paul Email -15Spet2013- John 11 (Lies)

How you doin? So I had one of the longest weeks at work. I went in after my long weekend in Del. and I was very disappointed with myself that my restaurant wasn't in better condition. I take responsibility for that. Later in that same day, some significant problems were brought to my attention. They were deemed "management issues". These 2 things coupled together allowed for fear (my worst enemy) to attach itself to me. Fear is crippling to me. It renders me irrational and unloving. Not qualities from God. Fear speaks so loudly in my ear that I start to believe lies. Lies of financial insecurity, identity theft, and low self worth. I felt so bad this morning that I believed the lie that I should take a brake from this email. After talking to my Spiritual mentor this morning and speaking at all 3 of my church's services to help my father-in-law give a message on identity, I received some truth. While sitting in the 11am service waiting for my turn, God clearly said not to believe lies. The email is from Him and taking a brake from it is a lie. COME ON!!!!!!! He said don't let Satan win, not even a small battle. PRAISE JESUS!!!!!!!

I'm going to make you work a bit today. I'm not going to copy any scripture, I'm only going to reference it. You will need to look it up yourself to get the full meaning. John chapter 11 this morning. The 2 things I got from this chapter the most is Jesus' present future or prophecy (11:16,23,33, & 38) and Jesus' compassion (11:40-42). I needed to hear this this morning. When I hear prophecy from Jesus, it sparks my desire to listen and hear the Holy Ghost. COME ON!!!!!!! I needed to see Jesus' compassion this morning and as usual God has perfect timing. I once heard that the Bible is the only book in the history of mankind that is always relevant and always pertains to you at the very moment you read it. It doesn't matter your age or circumstances in life. This is true for me every morning and everyday. Don't believe lies today.  

PS I welcome comments or critiques on this new method of email. I'm taking it out for a test spin.

Paul Email -14Sept2013- John 10 Jesus' Words Demand a Response

How you doin? So much going on, it's hard to believe some times. Home schooling is  going great. Our connection to Jesus is increasing daily. Our internal ministry (marriage, kids, and home schooling) is getting better and better. Our external ministry (family, friends, church, ect.) seems to be taking a hit. The Holy Ghost leads us. The hit for me is when I try to walk next to Him instead of behind Him. When I read the Bible these days, I can't help but to see themes. I see themes so often that they are becoming truths more then themes. The themes/truths I've seen lately are identity, intimacy, compassion & care, Jesus' control over His own life, authority, people coming to Jesus, and Jesus' words demanding a response. John 10 today.  

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” ⁶ Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

  

⁷ Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. ⁸ All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. ⁹ I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:3-10)
¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
¹⁴ “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:14-15)

These verses give me such a sense of intimacy, care, and compassion that comes from Jesus. Hearing and recognizing Jesus' voice is HUGE to me these days. Following Him is HUGER. These truths make it possible for me to reconcile my ability to follow Him. COME ON!!!!!!! I love the scouting report on Satan and the comparison of Satan and Jesus in verse 10. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy... Jesus comes comes to give life and life abundant. It's actually not much of a comparison. SAY WORD!!!!!!! I also love the connection to us and Jesus and Jesus to the Father in verse 14 & 15. Jesus is our connection to Father God. DIG IT!!!!!!!

The Jews who heard these words were again divided. ²⁰ Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”
²¹ But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:19-21)

Here are 2 responses. Believe Jesus or don't believe Jesus. It seems to me that there are only 2 responses we could have.

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, ²⁶ but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. ²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.” (John 10:25-30)

Here comes the authority. COME ON!!!!!!! I feel safe. It's not to say I won't face hardships and attack, but I feel safe in putting my trust in God. DIG IT!!!!!!!

Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, ³² but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” (John 10:31-32)

Yet another really bad response by the Pharisees.

Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. ³⁸ But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” ³⁹ Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp. (John 10:37-39)

POWERFUL!!!!!!! Jesus challenges them to take a good hard look at him. He stands on His Father's truths. COME ON!!!!!!! Verse 39, again demonstrates Jesus' control over His own life. Keep in mind that Jesus was a man in these verses. I have the same control over my own life. Not on my own strength, but through Christ in me, I can "escape their grasp". COME ON!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!! That's a good word.

Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, ⁴¹ and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” ⁴² And in that place many believed in Jesus. (John 10:40-42)

Believe it or not my intention was to keep this short today. The Holy Ghost had other plans. I want to respond with believe, obedience (the Biblical kind), worship, praise, and love for Him. I'm finding myself verbally and consciously accepting Jesus' words. I always hope that these emails encourage you to read the entire chapter that they talk about. Today I'll say, please read John 10 today. Be conscious of your response to Jesus today.

Paul Email -13Sept2013- 1 Pet 2 (A solution to fear)

How you doin? So, my young cousin Margaret in Fla. was recently added to the "God People" email list. I was wondering if she had the time to read the emails. At 2:25am this morning she enters the game with a "top ten plays of the week" reply to yesterday's email. It simply read "1 Peter 2:9". So I looked it up and was impressed with her 1st participation in the email/blog. AWESOME!!!!!!! Well done Margaret. I read all of 1 Peter 2 and was undone.

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. ² Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, ³ now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:1-3)

COME ON!!!!!!! Right out of the gate. This scripture is makes me want more. SAY WORD!!!!!!!

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— ⁵ you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5)

I'm having trouble seeing the key board through the tears. This speaks to my identity in a HUGE way. I love scripture that speaks to many different subjects at the same time. "As you come to him", I think we all need to be conscious of coming to Him. "Chosen by God and precious to him", Jesus, as a man, is so endorsed and loved by Father God. Our identity in verse 6. DIG IT!!!!!!!

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:8-9)

All of this is worth highlighting. WOW!!!!!!! The Holy Ghost taught me a while ago that disobedience doesn't always mean my misbehavior. Misbehavior is the natural or human version of disobedience. The Spiritual version is not following Jesus or disobeying the message. OH SNAP!!!!!!!
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴ or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. ¹⁵ For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. ¹⁶ Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. ¹⁷ Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2:13-17)

I love being free. Anyone who has ever had a bad day, week, month, or year at work should memorize these verses. This is an incredible way of seeing things from a Kingdom perspective. AWESOME!!!!!!!
Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. (1 Peter 2:18)

This makes it tougher. But as usual our solution lies in Him.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ²² “He committed no sin,
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.” (1 Peter 2:21-22)
Here come the "Sonny". I love the fact that no matter how much I cry and complain about bad days at work, traffic, people not acting the way I want them to, and anything else I'm a sissy about, Jesus' suffering the way He did for me snaps me right out of it. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. ²⁴ “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” ²⁵ For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:23-25)
I'm wrecked. Thank you Margaret for your awesomely simple reply to yesterday's email that prompted me to read 1 Peter 2. I'm changed. I love Jesus SO much! This scripture delivers me from fear. Jesus went through more pain then any of us will ever know. Jesus "entrusted himself to him who judges justly". Jesus is in me. This scripture gives me a way out of my fear. I love being free. Entrust yourself to Jesus today.

Homeschool Continues to go great!

2nd week of homeschool.  It is starting to get a little more normal for us.  The kids are really smart.  I lack significant patience LOL... but we are getting through it.  I love everything that this is doing to our family.  It just (Like everything) takes time to make the transition.

Bible Class is first.  We have memorized Genesis 1:1, 9:1, and 45:9 based on what we are reading that day.  I can't get over how well the kids do with memorization.  This is them making clay Adam with Play-doh.

We do a letter of the day and then Math is next.  This week we have been studying coins.  They can't seem to get that dimes are worth more than nickles because of the size... but we are getting there.  They both love math because they get to use thei animal counters.

We go between science and geography next.  Geography we are doing the 50 states.  So far, we have learned Trenton NJ, Tallahassee FL, Richmond VA, and Austin TX.  (Have to admit I learn these with the kids LOL).  And science is a lot of exploring our back yard.  This is a picture of the kids with a snake skin that Audrey and daddy found during their bike ride.

We have a nice size snack and PE recess after that where the kids can run and explore and have some time to themselves.  They love being outside which I like to encourage as much as possible.  Here is Paulie having a catch with his football.  Both kids throw surprisingly well.

We do individual lessons: Audrey reading and Paulie Speech and then it is pretty much time for lunch.  The kids help me bake A LOT.  They do chores (REALLY WELL).  Here they are emptying the dishwasher.  And we usually play a game or Spuzzle, Go-fish, or Coodies (thanks Grammy) once (or twice) a day.  Life is great here at the Simmerman house.  We are still making the transition but boy is it fun!

Love you all!  Stacey

Paul Email -12Sept2013- John 9 (who's the light now)

How you doin? I had a great morning with the kids yesterday. Bike rides and snake watching. Audie and I saw a big black snake on our street and watched it sliver off into the woods. Audie thought it was awesome. I thought her response was awesome. I don't dig snakes. We then found a snake skin. Most fascinating for the kids. I love watching them grow. John 9 today.

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. ⁴ As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ⁵ While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:3-5)

This verse makes me ask, "who's the light of the world now?". The word "while" makes me think there's a continuation on this subject. Stacey and I were both drawn to these verses. She found some verses that answer my question.

 ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14)
Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. ³⁶ Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. (John 12:35-36)

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

(2 Corinthians 4:6)

 

COME ON!!!!!!!

For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

(Acts 13:47)

So, I believe that we are the light of the world. SAY WORD!!!!!!! The other part of John 9 that got me was the blind man's testimony. I love the simplicity of the blind man's testimony.

Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.” (John 9:15)

He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25)

A

WESOME!!!!!!!

 

This healed blind may offer us, in my opinion, the funniest verse in the Bible.

He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”

(John 9:27)

I can just see the Pharisees faces. Too funny. Jesus' compassion is on full display as well.

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (John 9:35)

Not only does Jesus heal the blind man, but once He heard the man had been thrown out of the synagogue, He went to find him. DIG IT!!!!!!! Now that's some descent follow up. Ask Jesus to illuminate your heart today.

Paul Email -11Sept2013- John 8 (Belong or believe)

How you doin? No time to spare today. John 8 is overly huge, heavy, and AWESOME!!!!!!! Grab something to drink and a comfortable chair.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

This testimony from Jesus demands a response. Of course the Pharisees respond very poorly.
The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” (John 8:13)

Oh, those silly Pharisees. Let's take a look at Jesus' response to them.
But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. ¹⁷ In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. ¹⁸ I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”
Then they asked him, “Where is your father?”“
You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” (John 8:16-19)

WOW!!!!!!! I love Jesus' righteousness and authority. We can see where this is going. Jesus is teaching truth and the Pharisees aren't hearing or having it. Here's the mind bending part.
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. ⁴³ Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. ⁴⁴ You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. ⁴⁵ Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! ⁴⁶ Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷ Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” (John 8:42-47)

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!! I couldn't help but notice the use of upper case F for Father and lower case f for father. Now keep in mind, this is all going on in the temple/church and Jesus is talking to the Pharisees, which are the leaders of the temple/church. I highlighted the verses that got me the most and out of them, 47 got me the best. The word "belongs" is used and not "believes". This speaks to my identity. I belong to Jesus. The Pharisees believe in God, but Jesus is clearly pointing out that they don't belong to God. COME ON!!!!!!! Let's go back a bit.
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. ³⁵ Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. ³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ³⁷ I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. ³⁸ I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father. (John 8:34-38)

Again, Jesus is talking about different father's. Father and father. He also mentions belonging and not believing. DIG IT!!!!!!! Jesus offers me freedom from sin so I may have a "permanent place in the family". I may be a son that "belongs to it forever". SAY WORD!!!!!!!

There are 2 more reminders of Jesus' control over His own death. Reminders that He handed Himself over to death. Here's 1:
He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come. (John 8:20)

The 2nd one is maybe the most loaded verses of the day.
“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” ⁵⁹ At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. (John 8:58-59)

Jesus makes a 2nd statement that demands a response. His testimony of being before Abraham and being "I am" (which is what God refers to Himself as) is too much for the Pharisees to handle. Their response was to stone Jesus. They did not understand Jesus' language (truth), nor did they belong to God's family. The Pharisees' have a different father. Jesus stayed in control of everything... "but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds". I can just imagine this scene. Jesus is seriously causing a huge ruckus. He turns this temple upside down and inside out, then slips out the back. AWESOME!!!!!!! This email is doing John chapter 8 very little justice. Please ask the Holy Ghost to guide you through this chapter and read it today. I'm going to go put ice packs on my cheeks before they ignite. Don't just believe... belong to God's family today.

Paul Email -10Sept2013- John 6 (A Hard Teaching)

How you doin? A late start today as a result of Tuesday morning men's Bible study. It was great to get back to it. On Sunday, Stacey and I read John 6. I didn't write about it because, I had just come off our retreat weekend and felt like my head was going to explode. Today I wanted to back track a bit.

⁶⁰ On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”⁶¹ Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? ⁶² Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! ⁶³ The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit. ⁶⁴ Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. ⁶⁵ He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” (John 6:60-65)

To get the full effect and context of this scripture you need to read verses 43-59. I was trying to spare you the agony of reading the entire chapter in this email. I love verse 63. Jesus' words come to us in several different ways. First and for most is the Bible. Otherwise, prayer, worship, testimony, messages, and music can work for me. I agree completely with Jesus' words are Spirit. I've experienced the life changing effect of the Word of God.
⁶⁶ From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.⁶⁷ “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:66-68)

I love Peter. I don't know if anyone in the Bible messed up more then Peter, but check out this incredible response. COME ON!!!!!!! I love hard scripture. Verses 43-59 were some of the more difficult for me to read in the past. This time around I understood them and liked them. DIG IT!!!!!!! John 6 is NOT light reading, but I love being stretched. Come to believe and receive the Spirit that is Jesus' words today. 

Paul Email -9Sept2013- John 7 (An invitation)

How you doin? So I'm a bit extreme these days, even for my own liking. I'm trying to hold back from sharing some of the things I learn at the boot camp. Jonathan Welton is quite the teacher. He is remarkably intelligent. Stacey and I are still committed to seeking Kingdom resources for the purchase of the Eldorado, so we can open a place of worship, conferences, retreats, and any events that the glory of God may be on display. After weekends like the one we just had, the fire burns hotter. Stacey's working today, so please be praying for her. John 7 this morning.

At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. (John 7:30)
Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him. (John 7:44)

I love these 2 and other verses that demonstrate how Jesus was in control of everything. He wasn't captured and killed by the Jews... he handed Himself over when His time had come. POWERFUL!!!!!!!
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. ³⁸ Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” ³⁹ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:37-39)

WOW!!!!!!! I accept that invitation. I can just picture the ruckus that Jesus caused at this feast. I love how the verses before tells us that He was there in secret prior to the "last and greatest day". AWESOME!!!!!!! I love His compassion. "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink... rivers of living water will flow from within them." I'm guessing the feast included wine. It would probably be like Jesus showing up on Sat. night of Irish weekend in N. Wildwood. I can picture the seen of drunkenness that Jesus is looking at prior to this invitation. I pray for God given salt to make me thirsty. Jonathan Welton made me thirsty. The Bible makes me thirsty. The drink Jesus offers is as intoxicating as any wine. Jesus offers the Holy Ghost. COME ON!!!!!!! Jesus has been glorified by His ascension into heaven. We can drink the new wine. SAY WORD!!!!!!! I myself love drinking. The full portion of Jesus is in us. We're so full, "rivers of living water will flow from within them". COME ON!!!!!!! The Holy Ghost will give us more revelation of His fullness. Accept this invitation today.  

Paul Email -8Sept2013- 4th Day

How you doin? WOW!!!!!!! We made it home. Johnathan Welton is scary intelligent and a tremendous teacher and even more so on fire for God. It's amazing being in that atmosphere of love and worship for God. What an incredible study in eschatology and how it effects our ability to live in the new covenant. This weekend gave me an outrageous perspective and solutions to my internal conflict in theology and Biblical truths. COME ON!!!!!!! I love being stretched. Joe excepted Christ and is on the road to recovery. All sorts of recovery. On the way home last night he said, "I'm not sure what to think about this, but I have no desire for drugs or alcohol". Praise God. He also said that he felt "something like a tumor" come out of him while receiving a prophetic word from Karen Welton. He got ROCKED!!!!!!! We will be keeping a close eye on him. We're praying for God's protection. He's a baby in Christ. He has a Bible and phone numbers, so hopefully he'll use them.  

S

tacey and I received lots of powerful prayer and impartation

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The thing I got most out of the weekend is verification that

 

I'm in connection with the Holy Ghost and He's leading me into a greater understand of the Kingdom everyday

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Even here at home. Conferences are wonderful, but what we do in our devotional time each morning is as valuable if not more valuable. I loved being familiar with the business of revelation as the means of revealing more of the fullness of Christ in me. I've received all that God has to give me and continue to pray and seek the Spirit of revelation to uncover more understanding of the fullness of Jesus

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COME ON!!!!!!! I will be worshiping God in Truth and Spirit. Seek the Spirit of revelation today.