Luke 19:37-44
I want to take you on a journey with me to Israel. I have to admit the history was fascinating, I could not imagine I was in some of the places Jesus walked, performed miracles, taught with authority, wept over Jerusalem, the place where he was arrested, imprisoned for the night, beaten, crucified, buried, and resurrected. WOW!
I cannot begin to tell you how this trip had opened my eyes to a deeper yearning for the spirit of God. I was able to sit back and just watch God show me things through the scripture. They were jumping right off the pages piercing my heart as I read every word. While observing my heart I did not like what I saw. I saw how much I had missed the mark. I saw how far I have drifted from just sitting at his feet worshipping him for who He is, I have been complacent and comfortable in my walk with the Lord. I have allowed business and works to interfere with my first love. I was like the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2: 1-7 “I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for my name’s sake, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of it’s place-unless you repent!” I know you probably think Ray your being to hard on yourself. NO! I am just being honest; it is the beginning of healing for my soul, and restoration to a lost relationship. Jesus is no respecter of man; our sins will find us out. And by no means is it the fault of the Church, we have some of the most incredible leaders at BCC; they have set it up to where we as your pastors get poured into 2 times a week, and take enough time off for our families. I am blessed to have leaders who know what is important and healthy for us. This is a matter of the heart, our own personal hearts. We have to always take a look at what is in the inside and make adjustments when necessary. I hope and pray that you will be opened to evaluate your heart this morning as God has sent a saint to hear from Him to deliver a message to His people. As it says in Revelation 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says to the church.” Let us pray.
Hello all my brothers and sisters!- Shalom
It is believed that this valley is the very valley David was in when he wrote the 23 Psalms. This is a very familiar passage to all of you I am sure. I have read it time and time again in my life, but to stand atop that mountain and look out over the valley was truly amazing. As we stood atop this mountain we recited this Psalm. You can see the trees in the lower portion of the valley, that follow the stream. The journey through the valley was first of all hot, so David definitely needed some high quality H2O (He leadeth me beside the still waters). Not only that there are hills to each side, which would make you an easy target( even though I walk through the valley…) ”David says I will not fear for though art with me.” The Lord was with David in the valley and He will be with you in your valleys of life as well. All you have to do is trust Him and know “Thou art with me.” David rested in the comfort of the Lord. Brothers and sisters you have to rest in the assurance that the Lord that the Lord will provide the protection. Wherever He is leading you, He will be with you all the way.
The second picture shows me stop the mountain pointing toward Jerusalem. Even on this desert mountain we were still headed up to Jerusalem. Or journeying on up to Zion if you will. The city that sits on a hill. I have to close for now and will send out more later. Look at the pictures and read through the Psalm and let the Lord minister to your heart. I am praying for each of you!