The Eve

Well it is the day before the New Year and I am excited what the Lord has in store for us. I know God never promised us tomorrow so I am greatful for today and anticipate the next day. I will be preaching at a church In Crowley tonight for their watch night service and am pretty excited about that. When Brother Roy asked me all I could think of was thank you Lord for still using me and keeping me preaching. Pray for me to stay in the Mind Of Christ and not get in the flesh. It will start at 8:00pm till midnight. And also for traveling Grace. Please don't forget to pray for our missionary's, Luke Shelby a man I met last year and blessed me with his fellowship and testimony is a missionary to Kenya, and living in Kisi. His family needs prayer for there is a uprising in that part of the world due to the reelecting of their president. 10 people have been killed in Kisi already. All around their home gunfire irrupts. Please pray for them. And please pray for my family, Melinda, John Jr., and Nicole.

It was a Christmas miracle

It was a good day for Big John, Santa Baby was good to me and even T-Boy got in the Sears Christmas spirit, I got a total of 328 pieces of Craftman tools, that's right 328. Yeah Baby. Let me break it down, My wife got me a 263 piece tool box set, 43 piece bit set and 16 wrench's of the new design Cross-Force, and 8 piece wrench set called Extreme grip. If you don't know the names or the design I am talking about go visit your nearest Sears store and get up to date man.

What was so funny about the whole shopping for gifts was that T-Boy was with me at sears and said Brother John would you like this, and of course I said yes, But then I schooled him on how can you buy the standard piece's and not the metric knowing that you cant have one set and it being complete, so he bought them both as you can see in the pic below. He is learning. My wife pick up on the fever and when she bought me the Cross-Force wrench's she knew #1 I would be happy but knew that she better get both Metric and standard. I love her. Feel free to click on pics and lust. On a serious note I do want to thank my wife for the gifts.

What a blessing

Brother Eric, his family and other members of his family came by the house Christmas caroling on Christmas Eve and blessed us so much!!! we were asked to go with them but because it was so cold we decided not to go instead we went out driving looking at Chritmas lights and found a house that had their lights flashing to Christmas music!!! it was awesome!!! they had a radio station you tune into and listen to the music as you sit in your car and watch the lights----it was beautiful!!!

What an awful thought that our family and Friends will be there.


But hey you are saved and that's all that matters anyways right.
Or will you convince that person to repeat after you and tell them they are OK but yet never see no conversion.
Or maybe they need to here what some believe is the recordings of Hell.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6h2dZ51iy8

I asked the question to my family; Are you ready?
In life that question seems to be aways asked. Think about it how many times can you think of the times you were asked are you ready. As a child we heard that many times. But as adults we always are the one asking. God asked me if I was ready, My response to Him was yes but then He asked is your family ready. There is one thing about Pastoring I take very highly, and that is accountability. Being accountable to the people we Pastor. I can say one thing positive about my first church, They heard.
Isaiah 6:9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
I never heard that; was told by many there. Many people are preached at but not taught. I still remember when Ms. Bernadine came to visit and she took me in to the church after Sunday Morning and I can tell she was burdened down. She like many have told me, I don't know I don't know. She knew she was lost but couldn't pray. I kept telling her you can you can and she wouldn't, I mean God was heavy that day with conviction on Ms. Bird (as I would call her) I remember thinking no not her, let her God get saved, I literally felt her crossing the line of no remedy. After I called my wife in to talk to her While I prayed I remember that the Holy Spirit had finally convinced her she could and Asked Jesus to be her Lord. It was wonderful. I still remember the message I preached that morning and had 2 saved that morning Ms Bird made 3.
I remember that night thinking people need to hear the truth. That night I preached with much fervency and had 2 more get saved that night. I haven't spoke much with Ms Bird since then but if you ask her today she can tell you what she told us; I am saved! I have been told by many and even my close friend's that I have no compassion, but God knows me. I will still preached as though it is my last.

I was lost

Aug. 12, 1998
I don't remember much but I do remember waking up one morning dreaming about God and the Book of I or II Corinthians was all I could remember. I called Melinda At her work and explained to her what I had dreamed though it was not much. She did tell me to call the Pastor and so I did. I quite don't remember the conversation but I do know I couldn't wait to go to church. I had just been attending 1 week and was excited to hear the preaching. Till this day I still cant wait to hear the preaching.
Back up a few years and I can remember picking oranges in Florida as a child. I think I was 6 or 8 and I could hear someone preaching the gospel. I was told then it was Hells Fire Preaching, I didn't understand then what that meant but I knew I liked it. I can even remember saying that I wanted to do that then. I even told my mom when I was 10 I wanted to be a priest. Doing something for God then was all I wanted, when the nuns would visit I would tell my mom to ask then if I could be a alter boy. I was lost then but I wanted to do something for God. As the years past I would always make sure church was a part of me. I would even go to summer camps to feel near God. Once as a teenager I read a chick track and I do remember praying that prayer. It was then that I first heard of Hell and dying. For years I would fear dying and not knowing where I was going. Every day it seemed I thought about it. I was so scared. Scared enough that I would get so paranoid. I would lay down and tremble and feel every thing shrinking around me and things going fast. I sometimes would sit on the toilet and cry wondering what do I do.
Fast forward to Aug. 12 1998. It was on that day that I heard the sweetest story ever told, A true story how a King would leave Glory to be born of a virgin live a sinless perfect life and that it was on that tree he died for me. I don't remember much that night, but I do remember asking Jesus to save me.
Dec. 1st 2007, I still think of dying, and some days more that others but you see there is a difference now. I have a place prepared for me. There will be no pain there no more sorrow no more tears to dim the eye, no more parting over there, no more fear of dying for then I have arrived. You see when I die it will be Jesus I will see.
I am saved today. I am a Christian, God has seen me fit to call me to preach and for that I am humbled. I fail Him sometimes, but hey He knew that already.

An Old message I preached about a year ago

I taught in Sunday School this Morning onPsalm 6:3 and this message I preached awhile back came to mind.
ASK FOR THE OLD PATHS--Jeremiah 6:16

Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
Intro: The days of Jeremiah's ministry to the people of Israel were days of deep spiritual wickedness. The people had sinned against God to the point where He was ready to give them up into captivity. And, in fact, they did go into captivity in just a few short years. Yet, even while they perched on the edge of judgment, the Lord desires to see them turn back to Him.

In this verse, we are given the image of a traveler who come to a fork in the road. He has the opportunity to go anyway he desires, but God tells him to ask for the "old paths, where is the good way". Instead of just traveling blindly on, this traveler is to stop an ask directions.

Of course, this is all in a religious context. The Lord wants His people to travel the right path. He wants them on a path that will lead them in His direction. While this word of correction was spoken to the Jews many years ago, there is a lesson in this verse for the modern church this evening.

It is my opinion that the Lord would still have His people to ask for the old paths. We must be sure we are walking the path which God has ordained, the one that He can bless, the one that honors Him.

I. A REQUIREMENT
A. The command that God is issuing to His people is for them not to allow themselves to be lead astray by the false prophets and leaders of their day. They are to look at men like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others who walked the path of obedience and holiness before the Lord and they are to seek that path for themselves.

B. God's command is that they not just go anyway, but that they take the time to find the right path, that old, well-worn path that represents the best way.

C. So many in our day are leading millions off into Hell because they are changing some of the road signs of the faith. Allow me to share a few of the road signs that are being changed in our day.

1. Salvation Through The Blood –
Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
2. Belief In The Scriptures –
I Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Psa. 119:89. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. (Ill. 66 books, 1,189 chapters, 41,173 verses; 774,746 words; 3,566,480 letters in the Bible. It is every ounce the infallible, inerrant, inspired Word of God.)
3. Love For The Church –
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
4. The Reality Of Heaven And Hell-
John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
5. The Value Of The Human Soul –
Mark 8:36-37 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
6. The Soon Return Of Jesus -
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
7. The Holiness Of God -We try to bring God down to man's level. He is holy –
Isaiah 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
II. A REWARD
A. God's promise to those who walk in His paths is that they will find rest for our souls. That is, in His paths, we can be assured of three great truths.
1. One, we can be sure that we will arrive at the proper destination! When we take the Lord's highway, we can be sure that it will end in His presence!
2. Two, we can travel in safety knowing that the Lord is guarding our way. Not only will we end up where we want to be, but we will get there in the safest, most peaceful manner possible.
3. We can know that while we are on the Lord's path, the deepest needs of our soul will be met! There will be fellowship with Him and joy in His presence at the end of the way!
B. However, those who fail to ask for the old paths will find themselves walking in the ways of destruction and misery. When we turn our backs on the way God has chosen as the right way we will find that the way is difficult, there is no peace or safety and the destination is ever in question. There is a reward for those who will walk in the Lord's pathway!

III. A REFUSAL
A. This text tells us that some decided that they would not walk in the Lord's will and in the Lord's path. The results of their choice is chastisement and destruction, v. 17-30. There is a high price to pay for refusing to walk in the Lord's will!
B. We are living in a day when many are refusing to walk in the old paths. Either the old way is too narrow, or they feel that God just doesn't know that what He is talking about. Yet, no matter what the world does, let us, the people of the Lord, stand tall in the old way. Let us be unashamed of who we are. Let us hold our heads high and walk in the way God has ordained without apology and without backing down. Let us be everything the Lord commanded us to be in His Word, 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Conc: The old way isn't the popular way! It is being abandoned daily by people who have decided that new is better. They are leaving the Bible, the old songs of the faith, old fashioned worship, praising the Lord, and preaching. Seeker services are replacing old time worship of the Lord.

Yet, God has not changed, Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. I can find no room to change myself. I think I'll ask for the old paths and walk in them. How about you? The enemies are changing the signs, but the Lord will knows the way. Let's ask Him and He will lead.

Concord Baptist Church Youth choir

you have to hear this man please! over and over. Praise God he is Good....Preach on Brother Allen and all these preachers.

Concord Youth Choir sings Never Grow Old

I just found this on You Tube and it is awsome, Mrs Alenn testifeis during the song Praise God it is Good I needed this Bad. Praise his Holy Name.

Strolling Down Memory Lane - Remind Me Dear Lord

I am not sure who the intro people are or the singer, but the song is one I have loved years ago when i was Lost and undone. I remember my dad would play it when I was young and the tears would just roll.
Now that I am saved it has the same affect, I cant stop crying hearing this song, it is amazing what God let me listen to when I was lost. Helps me to appreciate them more today.

How To Get The Most Out Of Reading Your Bible

The first thing I want to say is that the Bible does not contain the Word Of God, IT IS THE WORD OF GOD, to say that it contains the word of God is to say it contains someone elses word also, it is not so. It is the word of God, all of it.

1. You must be saved.
a. You must have the author in you to teach you what you are reading. Who is that author? The Holy Spirit. I Cor. 2:14
2. You must have a sincere desire to know the word of God.
a. God wrote the bible to reveal His will to man kind.
b. David said, "More to be desired" Psalm 19:10. Job said,"More in His word than that of food" Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
3. You must have a deep reverence for God.
a. Romans 3:18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
b. fear: fear should be defined as, Oh God I am afraid to offend you.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
4. You must learn to depend on the Holy Spirit.
a. Praying to the Holy Ghost before reading.
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Learn to depend on the author(Holy Spirit)
5. You must be willing to do the will of God before you find it.
a. Submission is the attitude, Submission is the Key, Knowledge is the guide.
b. Are you willing to do what the Holy Spirit tells you or will you quench Him again.

So Far All Is Well

Had a good time going thru memory lane last night with my Brother Jay, It is amazing what we forget then remember with one simple comment. All I got to say is JAM-ON-IT, Crazy man.
But I think you need those memory lane to help you thank God of who we are Today because of what God has done for us through Salvation. Jay you have made me proud I love you Brother.
Well I got to go to work now just thought I would Blog before I left.

D-Day

D-day has happened, my little girl is now officially courting. I had a meaningful talk with the young boy this morning and gave him the rules. I explained to him the difference between dating and courting and was very receptive. I can tell he was nervous and I admit I was nervous to, The first thing I told him was that I didn't choose him and that kind of set the tone. Diana is his first girlfriend so I was pleased about that. He assured me that he would follow the rules, and I told him that if he hurt my daughter I would mess him up and boy did his eyes get wide. That was funny. Melinda and I will be praying for them, boy Diana is so happy and giggly(pathetic)
I am proud of my daughter though, and she has grown up to be a pretty girl. I told Melinda Fri. why couldn't she be ugly but hey she cant help it, her mom is beautiful. (I love her)

What the Heck

Well the day that I have been dreading has finally come. My daughter whom I love so much as a father should has grown up to be a pretty girl and well I don't like it. Why? Well after church Friday night we were leaving to go fellowship at Burger King and a young teenage boy in my church called me to his truck and as nervous as he could be he mustard up the strength to ask for permission to court my daughter. I looked at him with disgust and put my fist in his face and told him don't tell me that, you just don't say that. I asked him if he prayed about it and said yes Sir and my response was you wait and let me pray about it, but yet I wanted to break every bone in his body. In his defense he is an alright kid but he likes my daughter, and I don't like him at all, (jk) I do like him though it hurts me to know that my daughter is growing up. I got in my van and at first wanted to hit Nicole but didn't. My wife asked what happened and i told her in spanish and she was freaking out. When I got to Burger King I asked Brother Winston a Capt. with the Jennings police dept. That I needed a background check on T-Boy, oh by the way that is what they call him, his real name is Russell Sonnier. I told Brother Howard and his response is I have a message you need to read, And then he proceeded to make fun of me. I was a mess and I could hardly eat, but don't worry I manged to put it in. Afterwards we went home and couldn't stop thinking about it. My wife and I couldn't get over it. In the morning Melinda said I kept her up because I kept saying over and over, you want to court my daughter, I am a mess and it is tearing me up. I knew for awhile that Nicole liked him but yet she told my wife this morning that she didn't think that he liked her and when Melinda told her what happened last night well she giggled. It is 3:00 right now and after 5:00 today he will come over so I can talk to him and give him the rules of courting. I spoke to his father today and he is in aggreance with me on the rules. Of coures no touching, kissing, sitting close, talking alone and so on. Paranoid, no protecting yes, I told Melinda that the promise certificate will go on her door and we will be fixing her broken promise ring we gave her when she was 15. So please pray for us well more for me and maybe T-boy I'm not sure how things will go.

Mr Dane

Yesterday was a great day!!! revival has been so awesome and it has been exactly what we needed to hear!!! BUT the best part for my wife was when Mr Dane came over to her just because he wanted to...now as you all know my wife loves kids and there has been babies everywhere we go and at Calvary she met Mr. Dane or the great Dane as she calls him....at first Dane was kind of hesitant to go with us but now that he sees us in church, at fellowships or even when Diana takes care of them he has gotten use to us and yesterday during the final prayer of the night we all had our heads bowed and brother bob was praying i felt a tap on my knee and when i opened my eyes i saw Mr Dane trying to move me to get to my wife and at that moment i tapped her and she opened her eyes and i pointed down and to her surprise Mr Dane was trying to get her attention so she could pick him up...well i knew that made my wife happy and she got Mr Dane and carried him. The Lord has been so good to us and we thank Him for the little things in life!!!

I Love My Country And The Men That Serve IT!

When in England at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of 'empire building' by George Bush.He answered by saying, "Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return."It became very quiet in the room. **************
Then there was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break one of the French engineers came back into the room saying "Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intended to do, bomb them?"A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: "Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck.. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?"Once again, dead silence. *****************
A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S. , English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, 'whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English.' He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?'
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied 'Maybe its because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.'You could have heard a pin drop!

Revival

Today we started revival with Bro. Andy Tully, it has been over 4 yrs since I heard Bro.Tully so couldn't really remember his preaching. Last night I took out my wife for dinner and we discussed Bro. Tully and couldn't remember his preaching. We did remember his joke telling though but after this morning it all came back. He preached on Getting Saved in Vain, and oh what a message. There was one that got saved and that was worth it all. We are looking for a awesome week of revival, but we pray that revival would fall though. On Sat. we had a church wide fish fry fellowship and being in Louisiana that would be common, but I did cook some hot dogs and hamburgers, Hey I am from Texas and we do Barbecue baby.

The Rock of Ages Confrence

http://www.roapm.com/ This Link leads to the Rock of Ages website

Monday night went down to Baton Rouge La. and attend Central Baptist Church For the 30th Anniversary of the Rock of Ages. Drove down with Bro Howard, Bro. Winston, Bro. Bob, and Brother Eric. Brother Eric just surrendered to preach and was he blessed at the meeting. Bro. Joe Arthur preached and boy was he up to par.

Since Brother Gearis has gone to be with the Lord Brother Terry Ellis has done an awesome job. I got to see old Friends we I have made in Georgia. Brother Tim Martin is a missionary with the Rock of Ages and it was good to see them.

For those that know Brother John Yaws he is doing alot better now, he is healing well from foot surgery to repair some torn muscles. He has been out of commission for 6 months but is now getting alone in crutches. He is excited to get back to the prisons. So far he got word that over 100 inmates has joined his classes. Just pray for him. I have had great opportunity's to preach with him in prison revivals and have seen the love he has for these men. Here is a pic of him.

And Moses Prayed

Deuteronomy 3:23-27 And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

Moses lost the blessing of leading the children of Israel into the promised land due to disobedience and compromise. But who else can it be said of God holding a personal funeral and burial.

Broken

A couple days ago I was on Gtalk with my Brother Jay looking for this song I had forgotten about. I first heard the song in the church I got saved in and later because I too was an Elvis fan heard him sing the song in his gospel CD I used to own and later thru away. Well I came across this pic and it reminded me of when Jesus spoke about the pharisee and the publican..Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

The reason I remembered that song was because during the song service in church The Trio was singing this song and it reminded me of the song I heard years ago. Our pianist had the song in her song book but I couldn't remember how it went. Well to make a long story short we found the song. Elvis sang a short version of it but, I found a singer other than Elvis to hear it which is a Gospel singer not a country, rock, rap, pop, I'll make a gospel to ease my conscious but yet make there money on that worldly garbage. Brother Bob one of our deacons at the church got up and sang it Sunday night during our Revival. This song is awesome one day I told Brother Steve if we could sing it together. Brother Steve is a blessing he plays Piano by ear but I am telling you he is good, God has blessed him with a gift. One Sunday before choir practice Brother Steve was playing what I thought was Amazing Grace in a lower key and I jumped in and started singing and man I cant sing. (just a joyful noise), Anyways as I was ranting the song is Where No One Stands Alone, And this pic reminds me of the song and the sight I found it on has the words and this pic to it. It is Elvis singing though and I don't recommend you hear it. The Best place I heard it was at church and the first place I ever heard it was back in 98 in church. I still remember that night. I remember everything.......any ways the song is great. If you can play piano find the words and the music and learn it and play it all the time. I can only hum it. My dad and Jay I could always count on to find something or remember a certain song or name. I remember At work years ago I couldn't remember Rosco's dog name in the Dukes of hazard, we at work were going crazy. I called Jay but he couldn't remember and then I called my dad he said it with out hesitation. I am blessed to have a great brother and a one of kind dad. (I love you dad, I know you don't read this dad but I do love you) I remember when I Got saved I told my family and was ridiculed and told not to talk to them about God, it hurt so much, But I prayed. I prayed that they would get saved and I still pray that today. I would prayed that My brother Jay would get saved because I knew that maybe he could get to dad, Well Jay is saved now and I leave this matter up to God. When I lead you to the Lord and directed you to a church, I prayed that you would learn of God, I did what was done to me, I left you to that Under shepherd to train you.

Texas: Some call it Gods Country, I call it TEXAS

We went back to Texas last week and had a good time with family and freinds. This first pic I took was what my wife calls a Buck, but I dont know. I am not conveinced, it is to small and albino, but what do I know.
Now this I know is a Doe, and a nice pic too.
These are pics of Horseshoe Lake, it is the place I spent most of my youth fishing. I also got on my first boat in this lake also.

It was a good day, Pastor was up to Par..

Sunday School for this morning, got to the end of this post this morning.

Psalm 5

Verse 1
Crying unto God
a. Have you ever cried unto God?
Many times now this week I have cried in prayer to God, concerning my dad. But I thank God we can cry unto God.

Just as David hear is asking God to give heed to his prayers or to mark well.
In this prayer it is as David is calling unto God as if he is lost.

What I mean is do you know what one does immediately when found to be lost? We start yelling aloud.
Or when a child gets lost they start yelling in agony. But the thing is this the lost child directs his call to one person and that is mommy.
Well this is the point David is making in 2. His focus is on God.

2 Chronicles 14:11 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.

I wonder where your direction is, or what is the direction of your life?

David’s direction was heavenward.
Let me ask you another Question. Where was Stephens’s direction when he was in distress? Now remember he was beening beaten and stoned. He was Looking unto heaven.
Not first heaven nor the 2nd, but he pierced through to the 3rd heaven. Now he being full of the Holly Ghost saw Jesus.

Acts 7:55-56 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Oh Stephen said,” Behold” In other words he is saying,” Do you see what I see, I see the Heavens Opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God.
In distress he was looking unto Jesus.

David said I will look up.

Verses 4 – 6
We see that sin is hated and hateful.
Deuteronomy 25:16 For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Do you know what an abomination or the definition of the word is? Now Biblical, the word and it new dictionaries have down played many words today.
It is something that is disgusting in the sight of God. In the sight of God.
David displeased the Lord once.
2 Samuel 11:27 And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.

In our daily Christian walk how many times have we really displeased God.
Some have a hard time with sin because they don’t want to give it up.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Scripture is very clear what to do concerning living a separated life.
And it is very unfortunate that to some or most it isn’t popular amongst Baptist churches or people.
How do we live a life most pleasing to God, well #1 is?
1. Lay aside:
let us lay aside every weight; or burden; every sin, which is a weight and burden to a sensible sinner, and is an hinderance in running the Christian race; not only indwelling sin, but every actual transgression, and therefore to be laid aside; as a burden, it should be laid on Christ; as a sin, it should be abstained from, and put off, with respect to the former conversation: also worldly cares, riches, and honours, when immoderately pursued, are a weight depressing the mind to the earth, and a great hinderance in the work and service of God, and therefore to be laid aside; not that they are to be entirely rejected, and not cared for and used, but the heart should not be set upon them, or be over anxious about them: likewise the rites and ceremonies of Moses's law were a weight and burden, a yoke of bondage, and an intolerable one, and with which many believing Jews were entangled and pressed, and which were a great hinderance in the performance of evangelical worship; wherefore the exhortation to these Hebrews, to lay them aside, was very proper and pertinent, since they were useless and incommodious, and there had been a disannulling of them by Christ, because of their weakness and unprofitableness. Some observe, that the word here used signifies a tumour or swelling; and so may design the tumour of pride and vain glory, in outward privileges, and in a man's own righteousness, to which the Hebrews were much inclined; and which appears in an unwillingness to stoop to the cross, and bear afflictions for the sake of the Gospel; all which is a great enemy to powerful godliness, and therefore should be brought down, and laid aside.

In the book of Hebrews Paul delt heavily with the Jews because they at times took old worship and tried to blend it with Christianity. This is the weight that hindered true worship.

To lay aside is the action needed for the putting away of the weight. We may know the way but don’t take the forward step towards the goal.
The convictions I have today are not the ones I got when I first got saved. It took some laying aside.
My willingness to serve God as pleasing to Him took my actions.

2. The weight: The weight is what is the load we carry.
On a side note there is something you need to leave to God. You are carrying a load you can’t handle.

That weight is a hindrance to your race.
What God wants us to see is this?
a. There is a hinderance
b. That is what causes the beseting.
Now read the scripture again;
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

c. Now to explain what easily besets us.
(Illustrate about how a racer can get distracted and be caught standing around)
d. A racer who is focused has only one thing in mind, the prize.
e. To beset is to be left behind standing.
f. When we as Christians refuse to lay aside that sin will be left behind standing.
g. What ever the weight lay it aside.
h. We have a due reward, how do you want to be left standing before the Lord at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Not over it yet

I have been saved 8 years and it is still as sweet as it was then. I have grown in the Lord since then. I sometimes look back and wonder at how God aways provided,protected,and delivered through some trails. Been hurt many times but God has always comforted. lately I have been thinking of my father alot. I think often what he is doing even right now as I write these few words. I love my dad, I might not have always understood him but one thing I knew he loved his kids and we loved him. I often wonder what kind of Christian he would be. Last night I even thought what kind of preacher he would be. He would probably be like me because I would been like him. I see alot of my dad in me, he is a nut. I am a nut in the shell though. It hurt me to see him so weak last week. I always knew him to be the strongest, stronger than all dads. As I think on him I feel like a kid bragging about daddy. I am so jealous of my son. He got what I always wanted, a Pair of my dads boots. My 11 year old son has the same size foot as my dad and I have a size 91/2. My dad once gave me his cowboy hat once but lets be real my head was to big.

With a Heavy Hart

I taught this Lesson the Lord gave me last night after we got home fromTexas for Sunday School. My heart is heavy concerning my dad but I realize this one thing, that there are other Christians out there with lost family's, possibly dads,moms, and even grandparents. The burden is heavy so Please pray for my dad as I will pray for those you mention.

I’ll Do it My Way

Hardest thing my dad ever told me was; I will do it my way.

1. The first thing I want to mention is found in Isaiah
Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

When my father told me what he did this verse came to mind.
Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord; the ways which God prescribes and directs men to walk in are different from theirs; his are holy, theirs unholy; his are plain, theirs crooked; his are ways of light, theirs ways of darkness; his are pleasant, theirs not so, at least in the issue; his lead to life, theirs to death; and therefore there is good reason why they should leave their evil ways, and walk in his. Moreover, the ways which he takes in the salvation of men are different from those which they, naturally pursue, and especially in the pardon of sin; he pardons freely, fully, without any reserve, or private grudge, forgetting as well as forgiving.

2. You know there are many ways. But there is but one way.
There is the divine way.
Psalms 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Psalms 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Hosea 14:9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Revelation 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

Several things I know and that is this; no matter what God is just and true.
When those 2 things come into play this verse comes alive to me.
Psalms 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

3. There have been some in the bible that have tried there way and it fails.
a. The prodigal son, Luke 15:11
b. Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1
c. King Agrippa
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Paul here had a desire for this man to be saved.
1. It is amazing that many would be like Agrippa
2. Many will hear but not all will hearken to the call to repentance.
Paul said I would to God, he here is saying; if only ever time I gave the gospel all would be converted.

The bible is very clear it is whosoever will, that means my dad has the choice.
Agrippa paid for it with his due reward, Hell. He is still there today.

d. Felix was given the opportunity and said this:
Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

1. Our way is to wait but God said today is the time;
Luke 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house,…..

e. Jonas thought that his way would be right but God had plans for Nineveh
f. David thought of ways to deceive and conceal his sin with Bathsheba
My dad scared me yesterday, when he said he would do it his way.
Something as a child of God I don’t want to see is loved ones seek another way.

Jesus said in Matthew that strait is the gate

Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

I believe many men are striving for the goals in life, so go about never reaching the mark.
And I am afraid some die never knowing how close to the way they were.
Aug. 12, 1998 is when I was spiritually striving.
And I found it though Jesus Christ and Him alone, it was then He became Lord of my life.
Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
It was on this date that I got saved and found the way.
Jesus said it Him self;
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

I am the Way - That leads so the Father: - the Truth that teaches the knowledge of God, and directs in the way: - the Life that animates all those who seek and serve him, and which is to be enjoyed eternally at the end of the way.
Christ is the Way:
1. By his doctrine, Joh 6:68.
2. By his example, 1Pe 2:21.
3. By his sacrifice, Heb 9:8, Heb 9:9.
4. By his Spirit, Joh 16:13.
He is the Truth:
1. In opposition to all false religions.
2. To the Mosaic law, which was only the shadow, not the truth or substance, of the good things which were to come. And
3. In respect to all the promises of God, 2Co 1:20.
He is the Life, both in grace and glory; the life that not only saves from death, but destroys it.
No man cometh unto the Father - By any other doctrine, by any other merit, or by any other intercession than mine.

My Heart is heavy today. And the prayers can’t stop till dad gets saved.
Do I believe he will get saved, do you?
Paul said it, I would to God that all that hear.

To Some The Last Stop

I have been given the opportunity to preach in different places before but none has made me more nervous than preaching at a nursing home. God has been good to me to give me liberty to preach at prisons,camp meetings,streets,various churches including my own. I still remember preaching for the first time back in 1999. I hadn't surrendered then but my pastor then was going out of town and asked me to fill in. But this Sunday between services was the most gut wrenching. Some might say whats the deal; well I will tell you. Most people in these homes it is there last stop. Now we all aren't promised tomorrow and I know that. But you see I can go here and there and some of them cant. Some are soon forgotten, left there because of the inconvenience they bring. Now I have visited many nursing homes since moving here to Louisiana but never preached before and in my visiting I have met many who families they have not come back to visit, so you see all this hit me hard. It is awful what they go through. God did give me liberty to preach on Heaven and just tried to be an encouragement. I thank God for Brother Dickie he is our nursing home preacher and God is Blessing him. He had to go on a trip so I filled in for him. And for all you nursing home preacher keep it up. And we also have a great bunch of others that help and that is awesome because of the singing. On average our church sends out about 10 people to nursing homes on Sundays. And that is great, the burden they have is real and I appreciate them so much but more then that I know those people in the homes love to see them come back every time.

17 Years and still growing

Man I was looking at these 2 pics and I really dont see much of a change. Still a hunka hunka

baby. Man I need to wake up. about 130 pounds separate me and that figure today, what a change.

Hell Is Hotter!

I took this picture of trash we were burning and after I developed the pictures I noticed something in this Pic. In the center it looks like a person burning and in agony in this fire.

The Yanez Family

This was us 2 years ago when we first moved to Louisiana. Notice John how he is almost at Melinda's Height. Oh and there is Diana she got a little jealous because I didn't include her in my blog about John and Melinda. So Diana if you are seeing this get over it. Next thing she will say is, "Why not a current pic?".

THE OTHER GIANT

Here is a picture of Diana Nicole and Little John---ok he's not so little anymore!!! it makes me think back when the kids were born Diana was early by about 6 weeks and weighed 6 pounds!!! she was so tiny and we had a hard time finding clothes for her to wear---John John on the other hand was early about 4 weeks and weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces and ended up in the ICU for a week but thank God they are healthy now! I LOVE THEM!!! they have officially left Melinda behind but like i posted earlier she can still take them down--BOTH OF THEM!!!they love Melinda and do alot for her!!! God has blessed us with these two great kids and we pray that He will use them in a mighty way.

My Son the Gaint

My son has grown so much these past 2 years and what is amazing even more is that he is still shy of passing me, but yet he wears bigger shoes than me. My wife still tells him"Just because you are bigger dont think I cant throw you down". And beleive you me she can.

The Frost, Sometimes it makes the blade stick.

It is amazing how one line can make you think as this one did. Some might remember this line but as I was wathching one of my favorite movies this one stuck out because in the heat of the action there is failure. You dont expect failure but it happens. In this one instance it caused one to die but in the real life failure were not expected causes one to fear or worry. I sometimes ask"Am I doing right?".
):::(=====>

Bro. Phil Kidd

Brother Kidd preached this message Nov of 2006. This is one of my favorite preachers. He will preach even though if they don't want him to. This message blessed me so much and I hope you can take time in your busy life to listen to this. Oh and give it a chance o load when you click on the link, also on the one with Bro. Ronnie Simpson. ENJOY!
http://www.faithbaptistcamp.org/11242006pm1.html

Cajun Style

This is how we scale Gar fish in Louisiana. You see the reason I am using this skil saw is because on another occasion a man in my old church was using a knife to cut the back of the gars scale and cut me to the bone. So now I use a skil saw. If you know anything about gar you know I am right.

What a Day

Today was a good day in the House of the Lord. Bro. Howard let rip today, The Holy Spirit just had control today. From the singing to the message it all lined up friend. Man Bro. Steve can play piano and sing his heart out for the Lord. If all goes well I will try to put the Message on this Blog. That old fashioned preaching is it man, none of this watered down mess that is out today.

This is a Picture of my Preacher and his wife, both have been a major influence in my Christian life. I met him back in 2000 and he has been my friend, Pastor, and mentor. Even when he left me in Texas he never let me down. Now 7 years later to serve as his Associate is an honor. It is one thing to love your Pastor but you see with me it is more deep you see I expect him to correct me when I mess up. He has never let me slide, and I appreciate that about him. Most people get close to the pastor and become friends and when it comes to certain things most pastors will let it slide and the next thing you know you got to heads and that is a freak man. I have been accused of having preacher religion along time now and truth be told that is far off, because I would've never left my first or second if that were true because I loved them so much, and they knew I did to. All I ever wanted was a Pastor to teach me and train me up to do right. And till this day I still need it. Having pastored for almost 2 years I tried my best by the Lords leading to do what they have done to me. And that was to train and teach especially to be soul winners after all that is our commission. Whether it stuck or not that was and is between them and God.I still today need that from my Pastor. Teaching Sunday School is awesome it helps me to keep studying and preparing messages because I know and my Pastor knows that in Gods timing He will use me again. I thank God my church is praying for me in that situation and I know they would hate for us to leave and so do I but I am itching friend, but I know it is His timing, I told the church the other day I don't care if its another 3 years of being under Bro. Howard it will be worth it all. I know of 3 churches that need a Pastor and one is in Texas, but I am waiting on God.

My Wife

There is only one woman in my life and she is my wife. She is everything to me and my prayer is I do my best to show her that. Being in the ministry has been great knowing my wife is behind me. I have been her Pastor, husband, and Friend now I am her husband and Friend. But I love it when she says to me you are still my Preacher. She knows that being in the perfect will of God is not only important for me but that it will affect our family. Because they have to follow me. Yesterday marked the 2 year anniversary that we moved here to Louisiana and my family has been with me through the up and downs. Through it all I tried to protect my children from thinking ill on church members even though they lied on me and slandered my name. But my wife has been my hero through it all. She never faltered on God and her Faith in Him. I want to remember this about my wife for as long as God lets us live on this earth till we get home to Heaven. Whether through the door of death or the rapture, not matter what this is my hope.

A Great Truth was Preached this evening

http://www.faithbaptistcamp.org/062507DSL2.html

Dr. Ronnie Simpson preached this message at Brother Sammy's camp 1 year ago and is still as powerful hearing it today as it was then.

I need this

LORD, PROP US UP ON OUR LEANIN SIDE;After hearing the old man pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently. He answered, 'Well sir, you see, it's like this....I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time, it's withstood a lot of weather, it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing, but one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.” “Then I got to thinking 'bout that and how much I was like that old barn. I been around a long time, I've withstood a lot of life's storms, I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning, at times.”“Sometime we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't, so we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side,' so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.’ “

Just for laughs

A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe. So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her. The neighbor said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed. The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor boy he knew. She did this for the whole week. As the boys walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally he said to Timmy, "Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?" Timmy nonchalantly replied, "Yeah, I know who she is." The friend said, "Well, who is she?" "That's just Shirley Goodnest," Timmy replied, "and her daughter Marcy." "Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us? " "Well," Timmy explained, "every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!" The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26) May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always.

The Cokerdile Hunter Ep2

This one is funny also and I especially like the whole; it might be a female thing and how it might have pups. part 3 is in the makings and it will be the Cokerdile meets the Chuckasaurous. Chuck is the director of these films. it is not as funny but it is funny.

David Meets the Freezer 4

They made part 1-4 on this one thing where the frezer attacks david, I think part 4 is the funniest. Part 5 comes out this friday..so stay tuned. these guys are fun to work with.

Stine Lumber web site

http://www.jennings.stineteam.com/ This link is the site to go to our stores website. in it you find some funny things. On the link with stinecinema you see the short films aslo the is a link to Stine TV and others. I just found out the part 5 of David and the freezer comes out this Friday. The thing that gets me is that this is during regular hours that they film these things. I find the Cokerdile hunter is the funniest. David Coker is the Hardware manager. As soon as I get the video I will post it. Weirdest bunch I have ever worked with. They even did a Stine Idol parody.

The Cokerdile Hunter Ep1

I just started at Stine Lumber and found out that a guy named Chuck makes short films with employees. these guys are funny. mind you this is during regulard hours.

Psalm 4 outline on verse 1

I started in Psalm4 this Sunday and got to were this post ends. I will post next weeks message then.

Psalm 4
Oh God of my righteousness
As a child of God we have every right to say this to.
Oh God of my righteousness, we are made right by the blood of Jesus. Not what I did but what He did for me.

This one phrase means literally the right, or from the Hebrew word
qdu tsadaq tsaw-dak'
a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense):--cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness).

David knew God would here because he is a child of God and we to can be heard of God.
Now if you think about that, How awesome is that.
That during our afflictions God will here when we call.
Job 34:28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.
Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

Turn to Lamentation 3:57-58
Lamentations 3:57-58 Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee: thou saidst, Fear not. O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.
We all have that day, and when that day comes it can be hard. Oh and each one of our day is that it is our day. What I mean is that when our day comes we get the feeling that nobody knows our pain. And you know what nobody does but you see as a child of God during that day the bible says that God draws near during those days when we call on Him.

When I get sick forget about it I am a mess and my wife will agree, but I know I can call on Him.
And what does God say, Fear not, That is Gods response when we call on Him He will say, Fear not,

John Gill expository of the bible says this
Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee,… When persons draw nigh to God in a way of duty, and particularly in this of prayer, and calling on his name; he draws nigh to them in a way of grace and mercy, and manifests himself to them, and works salvation for them. The Targum is,
"thou didst cause an angel to draw near to deliver me in the day that I prayed unto thee:''
thou saidst, fear not; any of thine enemies; or that thou shouldest not be delivered from them; see Isa 41:10.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

That word Dismayed means: hev sha`ah shaw-aw'
a primitive root; to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewildered:--depart, be dim, be dismayed, look (away), regard, have respect, spare, turn.

God is literally saying don’t just stand around and gaze at the situation, looking around in amazement or bewildered,
He is saying, fear not.
He will help thee, uphold thee with His Righteousness.
Not because of what I have done but because that is God. He Loves you and He loves me.

A line upon line on this verse is this:
John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIsa 41:10
Fear thou not, for I am with thee,… Not merely by his essence or power, who is every where; or by his providence supporting, preserving, observing, ordering, and overruling all things; but in a way of special grace, to guard and protect his people, support and supply them, comfort and strengthen their hearts; wherefore they need not fear any of their enemies, nor whatsoever they may be called to suffer for his name's sake, even though they pass through fire and water, and the valley of the shadow of death:
be not dismayed, I am thy God; through Christ, in a covenant way, as appeared by the effectual calling of them; and therefore might depend on his love, be sure of his power, expect all needful supplies, and to be comfortably carried through every service and trial they were called unto; and need fear no enemies, or be dismayed at anything that should befall them; or become weak as water, and their hearts melt like wax within them, as the Jewish commentators generally interpret the word1. The Targum is,
"be not broken;''
in spirit. The word signifies to look about, as persons in distress, and amazed:
I will strengthen thee; with strength in their souls, to perform duties, exercise grace, withstand corruptions, resist temptations, bear afflictions, suffer persecutions, and do their generation work, according to the will of God; and if God is the strength of his people, they need not be afraid of any persons or things, Ps 27:1,
yea, I will help thee; help them out of all their afflictions and temptations, and out of the hands of all their enemies; help them in the discharge of duty, in the exercise of grace, in bearing the cross, in fighting the Lord's battles, and in their journey to another world; help them to every mercy, temporal and spiritual, to all needful supplies of grace, and at last to glory; whose help is suitable and seasonable, and may be expected, since he is able to help, either with or without means; has promised to help his people, as here, and he is faithful that has promised; he has laid help on one that is mighty, and set up a throne of grace to come to for help in time of need; and seeing he is their helper, they need not fear what men or devils can do unto them, Heb 13:5.
I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness; either by his almighty power, or by his Son, the man of his right hand, made strong for himself, and the author of righteousness to his people: this is expressive of his sustentation of them, not merely in a providential way, but in a way of special grace; and of his powerful protection and preservation of them, so as that they shall stand in the grace of God, go on in his ways, and not fall finally and totally, but persevere to the end, though their trials and temptations may be great and many.

(Seven reasons for encouragement)
Blessings in the Journey of Life
Ge 26:24
And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.
Nu 21:34
And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
Jg 6:23
And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
Supplies in Famine
1Ki 17:13
And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

Protection in Peril
2Ki 6:16
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
Strength in Weakness
Isa 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Companionship in Trial
Isa 43:1
But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Isa 43:2
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Isa 43:3
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Overshadowing Care
Mt 10:30
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Mt 10:31
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Life Beyond the Grave
Re 1:17
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Re 1:18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

In prayer we have fellowship with God
1Sa 14:36
And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.
Ps 73:28
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
Heb 7:19
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Heb 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Jas 4:8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

It is the duty for the child of God to ask of Him. If you are right with God we can ask.
De 4:29
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.







Ps 27:8
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Ps 105:4
Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

Isa 55:6
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
1. So in the Jerusalem Talmud, as quoted by Abendana on the place,
"seek the Lord, where he is found, in the synagogues, and in the schools; call upon him, where he is near, in the synagogues, and in the schools.''
And so another Jewish writer, mentioned by him, interprets the words,
"whilst the Shechinah is found in the sanctuary; before he hides his face, and causes his Shechinah to remove from you.''
It was important for the jews to seek God. Why is it not so for us. They were afraid that the Shechinah would not fill the temple again, so I ask why don’t we. Do you want to feel the presences of the Lord or cold worship. It is not because the preaching is cold but your attitude when you came in today.
Listen to what Bro. Gill writes;
John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIsa 55:6
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,… The Lord is to be sought unto at all times, whenever the people of God meet together, especially on sabbath days, and while the external ministry of the word lasts, and life itself; so the Targum,
"seek the fear of the Lord, while ye are alive.''
Kimchi compares it with Ec 9:10. The Jewish writers, as Aben Ezra and others, generally interpret it before the sealing of the decree, or before the decree is gone forth. It may be understood of place, as well as time, and be rendered, "seek the Lord in the place where he may be found"1; God is to be found, as Aben Ezra observes, in all places, and at all times; under the Old Testament there was a particular place appointed for the worship of God, the tabernacle and temple, where he was to be sought unto, and might be found; under the New Testament, all places are alike, and wherever the church and people of God meet together, there he is to be sought, and there he may be found, even in his house and ordinances:
call ye upon him while he is near; the same thing designed by different words: seeking and calling design not only prayer, but the whole of public worship, and the time and place when and where the Lord is to be found, and is near. Aben Ezra thinks it refers to the Shechinah in the sanctuary. Perhaps it may have some respect to the time of Christ's incarnation, and his being in the land of Judea; and to the destruction of the temple by the Romans, when the Lord could be no more sought unto, and found in that place; or when the Christians were obliged to move from Jerusalem, because of the siege of it; and when the Jews had no more an opportunity of hearing the Gospel there.