WE WERE COMMISIONED TO GO AND PLANT A CHURCH?

03- 30- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Acts 1:8)

WE WERE COMMISIONED TO GO AND PLANT A CHURCH?

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

This may sound impossible, but we were called to be a part of it. We were called to do the work of an evangelist and the church planters in some ways or in a way where you are gifted. Church planting and the great commission - that is our calling as Christians, and they (church planting and great commission) go together. Someone said that, “It is the decoration of independence to Christians.” Jesus said, “Go and make disciples…” A disciple is a learner and a follower. God has a plan for reaching our world and the Christians are part of His plans. Do you pray for someone to get saved? Do you have someone in mind that you are praying for that they may be saved? Do you witness to someone to get saved? You must be intentional in soul winning. Intentionally plan events for evangelism and involve your people. Be intentional in inviting others to church, evangelistic crusade, prayer meeting or Bible study. (I Cor. 1:18; I Cor. 2:1-5) 18- “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1- And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2- For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3- And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4- And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5- That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. The calling of God to the disciples to go and preach the gospel to every creature was the same calling that Jesus placed in our shoulders. It is indeed an honor with great responsibilities to carry or obey His command for us to “GO”. The best way to make an impact to your world is to lead them to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must learn to plan of reaching out to the lost world. We must learn to pray for the lost world. We must learn to prioritize in reaching the lost world. We must persist preaching to the lost world. We must look for prospects in the lost world. And we must make Jesus popular to the lost world. If we will all put our hands together as Christians, we can make the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ closer than we think. In our church, mission is the main thing. It’s our focus and passion. We pray for our missionaries and the International Mission Board missionaries of the week. We need to support, sent out and start new mission work. Let’s ponder upon the Word of God from the Book of (Matthew 28:18- 20 and Romans 1:14- 16- ) 18- “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20- Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 14- I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15- So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16- For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR BLESSED HOPE!!!

03- 30- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Titus 2:13- 14)

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR BLESSED HOPE!!!

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14- Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

LOOKING- According to Webster’s Dictionary means “To Direct the eye so as to see; To Gaze; To Consider; To expect; To Heed; To Face; To Appear; To See; To Express by a look.”

HOPE- A Desire of some good, accompanied with a belief that it is attainable; Trust; One in whom trust or Confidence is placed; The object of hope; To Trust; To desire with some expectation of attainment.” As according to Webster’s Dictionary

Personal and relative duties must be done in obedience to his commands, with due aim at pleasing and honouring him, from principles of holy love and fear of him. But there is an express and direct duty also that we owe to God, namely, belief and acknowledgment of his being and perfections, paying him internal and external worship and homage,—loving, fearing, and trusting in him,—depending on him, and devoting ourselves to him,—observing all those religious duties and ordinances that he has appointed,—praying to him, praising him, and meditating on his word and works. This is godliness, looking and coming to God, as our state now is, not immediately, but as he has manifested himself in Christ; so does the gospel direct and require. To go to God in any other way, namely, by saints or angels, is unsuitable, yea, contrary to the gospel rule and warrant. All communications from God to us are through his Son, and our returns must also be by him. God in Christ we must look at as the object of our hope and worship. Thus must we exercise ourselves to godliness, without which there can be no adorning of that gospel which is according to it, which teaches and requires such a deportment. A gospel conversation must needs be a godly conversation, expressing our love and fear and reverence of God, our hope and trust and confidence in him, as manifested in his Son. (The Bible Collection)

As the Lord looks down on us, preparing for his coming down here on earth; we as Christians ought to look up to Him with expectation of His Coming which is the Blessed Hope for us Christians.

(Hebrews 12:2) “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (II Timothy 4:8) “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR BLESSED HOPE!!!

03- 30- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Titus 2:13- 14)

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR BLESSED HOPE!!!

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14- Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

LOOKING- According to Webster’s Dictionary means “To Direct the eye so as to see; To Gaze; To Consider; To expect; To Heed; To Face; To Appear; To See; To Express by a look.”

HOPE- A Desire of some good, accompanied with a belief that it is attainable; Trust; One in whom trust or Confidence is placed; The object of hope; To Trust; To desire with some expectation of attainment.” As according to Webster’s Dictionary

Personal and relative duties must be done in obedience to his commands, with due aim at pleasing and honouring him, from principles of holy love and fear of him. But there is an express and direct duty also that we owe to God, namely, belief and acknowledgment of his being and perfections, paying him internal and external worship and homage,—loving, fearing, and trusting in him,—depending on him, and devoting ourselves to him,—observing all those religious duties and ordinances that he has appointed,—praying to him, praising him, and meditating on his word and works. This is godliness, looking and coming to God, as our state now is, not immediately, but as he has manifested himself in Christ; so does the gospel direct and require. To go to God in any other way, namely, by saints or angels, is unsuitable, yea, contrary to the gospel rule and warrant. All communications from God to us are through his Son, and our returns must also be by him. God in Christ we must look at as the object of our hope and worship. Thus must we exercise ourselves to godliness, without which there can be no adorning of that gospel which is according to it, which teaches and requires such a deportment. A gospel conversation must needs be a godly conversation, expressing our love and fear and reverence of God, our hope and trust and confidence in him, as manifested in his Son. (The Bible Collection)

As the Lord looks down on us, preparing for his coming down here on earth; we as Christians ought to look up to Him with expectation of His Coming which is the Blessed Hope for us Christians.

(Hebrews 12:2) “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (II Timothy 4:8) “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

THE ASSURANCE OF OUR SALVATION

03- 29-11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Psalm 51:9- 15)

THE ASSURANCE OF OUR SALVATION

9- “Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10- Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11- Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12- Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13- Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14- Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15- O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.”

If you think you can loss your salvation, then you’ve lost Christ as your Lord and Savior. Let me share to you at least 5 reasons why you can be sure of your salvation.

1- No matter what happens, we are bound for heaven. (Philippians 3:20- 21) 20- “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21- Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

2- Our spiritual position in Christ.

You are seated in heaven with Christ and God the Father.

3- Our possession in Christ. (John 14:1- 3) 1- “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2- 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. 3- 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.”

4- Our Father is in heaven and you are joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:16-18) “16- The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God; 17- And if children, then heirs-heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ-if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18- For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

5- God is a righteous and Holy God and what He has promised He is able also to perform. (Romans 4:21- 25) 21- “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 22- And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23- Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24- But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25- Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”

THE OVERFLOWING SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS OF GOD

03-28- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Revelation 21:6; 22:1- 2; 17)

THE OVERFLOWING SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS OF GOD

6- “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 1- And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2- In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

Niagara Falls is one of the awesome and amazing creations of God. Everyone that I know of who came and visit the place has a great appreciation of the place and the falls. It’s really beautiful, huge and so great that even in winter time it still looks so beautiful. It’s so beautiful and amazing, be it in winter, summer, spring or fall; its beauty does not change. But one of the things that would really amaze you is the non-stop flow of the water in the falls. Niagara Falls is a place that I recommend to our visitors to come and visit if they are in New York City or in Niagara, Canada. The water is not just a small portion of water that flows from its source, but tons and tons of water that falls every minute and its 24/7. This should remind us of the greatness of God and the greatness of the spiritual blessings that we have from the Word of God. This morning, while I was having my physical exercise and while I was walking at the Park; I was reminded of the preachers and pastors who preaches every Wednesdays and Sundays and on weekdays for the Bible study. They never ran out of something to say or preach to their people or churches. And I was thinking of how the Lord blessed their heart and make their heart overflows with His spiritual blessings. Thus, they were able to share something different for the saints and sinners. The Lord refreshed them and gave them a new vision and message from His Word to encourage, challenge and to equip and edify the saints. I remember the words of King David in the Book of (Psalm 119:11; 16; 18) “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 16- I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. 18- Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

A pastor or a Christian who is in constant communication with God in prayer and personal or private Bible study will never ran out of God’s spiritual blessings from His Word and in his/her heart. Notice what Jesus said in the Book of (John 4:13- 14) 13- “Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14- But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.  Also in (John 7:37- 38) 37- “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38- He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water”

WE ARE IN DEBT UNTIL OUR DEATH…

03- 27- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Romans 13:6- 8)

WE ARE IN DEBT UNTIL OUR DEATH…

6- “For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7- Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8- Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”

It is very unfortunate that millions of people are in debts or in bad debts here in North America as well as all over the world. They buy a house and buy everything to put inside a big or huge house with their plastic and at the end of the day, people would work beyond their time and take a double job just to be able to pay their loans and mortgages as well as their credit cards. They spend their times out there working in the expense of their children and love ones.

Paul said; "Owe no man any thing;” For me, it would mean that as believers, we must not live in debt. I used to be in a bad debt with more than $25,000 both in car loans, credit cards, medical bills and utilities. During those times, we were behind with our mortgage for I believe about 3 months. For someone who does not make much, it’s too much. I’m glad I have no more car payments, eliminated some of our credit card debts and working on to clean up every debt we have. You do not spend that which is not yours, and that which you have owed to others. In the Book of (Psalm 37:21) “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth.” But let me share to you the debt that we can never pay even if we will give our lives to such debt. It’s a debt that no amount of money could pay and no positive and godly retribution can redeem us from such debt. The Apostle Paul in the Book of (Ephesians 1:7) talked about what we owed the Father and how the Lord Jesus Christ paid that which we owed the Father by what He has done on the Cross of Calvary. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

We are very grateful to our parents for not flushing us out from our mother’s womb when we were but a fetus. And we owe it to them for letting us live. We appreciate their love and for their care and for loving us with unconditional love. We appreciate them for having us under their roof. But all those things will have its pay day someday. But what God has done in our lives will never be recompensed; it will never be rewarded for, paid back or paid off by any means and anything or anyone. Let me close in with these verses about the sacrifice and the offering of the body and shed Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ for our redemption. In the Book of (Hebrews 9:14  “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15- And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  22- And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23- It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 26- For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”

THE LOVE OF GOD THAT ABIDES AND THE WRATH OF GOD THAT ABIDES

03- 26- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (John 3:16; 36)

THE LOVE OF GOD THAT ABIDES AND THE WRATH OF GOD THAT ABIDES

16- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

God gave us something that’s best for us and we have to make a choice for ourselves and for the salvation of our souls. God the Father has given all the power and the authority to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Book of (Matthew 28:18) “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” And in (John 3:35) “The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.” It is very clear that everything was given in the hands of Jesus. Our faith, our love and salvation is in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s a blessing to know that everything is in the hand of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Even with what is going on right now in our world, it is in the hands of Jesus. It means that He is in control, including the natural calamities. But when it comes to making a decision between God and sin, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ or the enemy, it is in your hands. You are in control of that unless you let the Holy Spirit work in you and through you. God has given us the freedom to choose and He has given us the free will. Your destiny will determine with what you will do with the salvation He offered through the death of His son. The Bible said; “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life…” You have to take that step of faith. You have to believe and abide in His love. For me it means, you have to cling and hold on to that love by trusting or believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. But notice the last phrase of verse 36- “…but the wrath of God abideth on him.” The question would be; is it a threat or the truth of the Word of God. I believe it would be the truth of the Word of God. It’s so sad to know that many people don’t realize this truth. We should not be terrified to know that the wrath of God abideth to those who don’t know Him or believe and accept His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. God has given us the way and has given us something this world can’t give or offer. Everlasting life is just a matter of decision and a step of faith after you heard the good news of salvation. But the sad thing is; we messed up because we ignore the truth of the Son of God. In the Book of (I John 2:6; 10-11; 14- 17; 23- 25) “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 10- He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11- But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 14- I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 17- And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 23- Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24- Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25- And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.”

“GOD’S WRATH ABIDETH IN HIM”

03-25-11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (John 3:35- 36)

“GOD’S WRATH ABIDETH IN HIM”

35- “The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36- He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

I remember when I was a little boy, in our Sunday school class; my Sunday school teacher was talking about this verse in (John 3:36). What really strikes me is the last phrase of the verse and it says, “…but the wrath of God abideth on him.” I was thinking, it means that an individual will have the wrath of God wherever he goes and whatever he does. If you will just imagine that you have the wrath of God with you in your fun time, in your great time, in your bed time and even church time. It abides in you even if you don’t think about it and whether you like it or not. If we love God, His love abideth in us and we know that He is with us. But if we are out of Him or we are disconnected with God by our disobedience in our salvation and in His free gift of salvation, then His wrath abideth in us as what Jesus said in the Scriptures. The worst is yet to come for those who refused and reject God’s love. The wrath of God will be with him or her even after death as he or she will be separated from God forever in the eternal damnation in hell. (Matthew 10:28) “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” In the Book of (John 15:1- 7) Matthew Henry made a great commentary regarding abiding and Christ’s as the true vine. Notice what Mr. Henry said; “(1.) He is the vine, planted in the vineyard, and not a spontaneous product; planted in the earth, for his is the Word made flesh. The vine has an unsightly unpromising outside; and Christ had no form nor comeliness, Isa. 53:2. The vine is a spreading plant, and Christ will be known as salvation to the ends of the earth. The fruit of the vine honours God and cheers man (Jdg. 9:13), so does the fruit of Christ’s mediation; it is better than gold, Prov. 8:19. (2.) He is the true vine, as truth is opposed to pretence and counterfeit; he is really a fruitful plant, a plant of renown. He is not like that wild vine which deceived those who gathered of it (2 Ki. 4:39), but a true vine.” (The Bible Collection)

May we will be reminded of the Lord Jesus Christ in this verses from (John 15:1- 7) as we know that He is the root of our salvation, He is the root of our fruitfulness and the only root of our true love and faith. Notice what Jesus said; 1- “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2- Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3- Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4- Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5- I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6- If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7- If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

“JOY COMES IN THE MORNING”

03- 24- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Psalm 30:1-5)

“JOY COMES IN THE MORNING”

(Rev. Jimmy Jones, Kay and Lori God’s testimony of His amazing grace)

1-“A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. 2- O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. 3- O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. 4- Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 5- For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

I’ve known Pastor Jimmy Jones for almost 20 years. We just did a mission trip in the Philippines last month. He is a godly man who has kept his integrity and good testimony since he became a Christian and a minister of the Gospel. But that won’t keep you from having problems, trials, sufferings and difficulties or sickness such as he just went through recently. Here’s the testimony of God’s grace through the life of this man of God… 

To Joyce and all those who prayed for us and Lori. Thank you again for sharing the prayer request for Lori. It has been a very challenging time for Kay, for me and the whole family. But the Lord is faithful and loving every day. We got a great report today. Lori’s kidneys are functioning. This was our major concern. She was also taken off the respirator this morning and is breathing on her own. They are still searching for the source of blood in her stool. We hope to get a report today. She was given a transfusion yesterday.  We would like to thank all our brothers and sisters in Christ for your prayers. “To God be the glory, great things He hath done…” 

Let me share to you God’s wonderful grace to us.  As some of you may have known Kay and to those who do not know her, she is my wife for 53 years. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994. She had 7 positive lymph nodes, which at that time was a death noticed for her. The Lord used her doctor to recommend a bone marrow transfer. The Lord allowed us to go to Duke Medical Center in North Carolina for the procedure. We felt lead to the experienced of the three Hebrew children in the book of Daniel as their response to the threat of death for not worshiping the idol of Nebuchadnezzar was basically; “Our God is able to deliver us from death but He may not deliver us from death, but we will not doubt or desert Him for he has already delivered us from you.” We said to the Lord; “We know you can heal, but sometimes; You (Lord God) do not… as many great Christians have died from cancer, but we know You have already delivered us from death,” Jesus said; “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die.” Therefore, if You (LORD) heal Kay or take her home, we are going to love you, we will praise You Lord and give You Lord God all the glory and the honor. As you know, the Lord used duke University as His instrument to heal Kay. In this experience with Lori, we again came to this same place and the same commitment. We gave Lori to the Lord and this Tuesday; the doctor gave a report that she had made improvement, but was very sick and she might still die. That night I broke before the Lord as tears flowed beyond control. I asked the Lord for a word. I searched His Word, but I found nothing; not even a word from the Lord. I wondered why I could not find a word from the Lord. Then I felt the Lord gave me a word from memory. Over and over I kept thinking “Joy cometh in the Morning”. I began to look for it in the scripture and I could not find it. I knew that that was not the full verse, but I could not find it. So, I called Gary and he called me back after a few minutes. It’s in (Psalms 30:5b) “Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” That was the Word from the Lord for me. Pam and David persuaded us to go home and get some sleep. We got home at 10:00 p.m. to sleep two hours before going back to the hospital. I tried to lie down and I wondered if I could go to sleep. I do not know what happened, Perhaps a short dream, but I saw a nurse coming toward me saying; “she is over the hump”. I yelled out loud! Kay woke me up and asked me, “What’s wrong?” I said nothing and the alarm went off at 12:00 AM. I got up, the phone rang and it was Pam. She said Lori was responsive and was communicating with them. The nurse said she was responding well. Her breathing was better, and her pulse was down. Everything was turning around. I looked at the clock and it was 12:05 in the morning. Do Baptists shout? Well one does... From that time on there has been continual progress. When we got to the hospital, I saw Lori’s new nurse, do you believe it, I recognized her. Thank you for your prayers, your love and concern. We give God all the glory for showing us again His love to those so undeserving. Keep praying for the Lord’s direction and grace in our lives.

Jimmy, Kay and Lori

(Psalm 30:6- 12)

“THEY SHALL LOOK UPON ME (Jesus) WHOM THEY HAVE PIERCED”

03- 21- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Zechariah 12:9- 11)
“THEY SHALL LOOK UPON ME (Jesus) WHOM THEY HAVE PIERCED”
9- “And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10- And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. 11- In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.”
In verse 9, the first phrase; “And it shall come to pass in that day…” It speaks of the day of God’s deliverance, power and protection for Israel, the City of David and the chosen people of God. It will be a great and glorious day for the people of God as they see the hands of God working in their behalf. The power of Satan and his followers here on earth as represented by the Nations who stand against God and His people will be destroyed. In verse 1, the last phrase; “I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem…” We have witnessed the hands of God and His protection to Israel from the Old Testament times like during the time of Esther, and even when king Herod tried to destroy God’s people by killing all the children 2 years old and under at the Birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. You may have heard or witnessed the Lord’s protection and power as God keep the small Nation of Israel from their enemies during the 1967 seven days war. And we have read on the internet or newspaper and witnessed it on TV how God worked for them and we know that it’s just so hard to deny the truth about it.
Notice here in verse 9 as very well explained by Matthew Henry from The Bible Collection: “Nations come against Jerusalem, many and mighty nations; but they shall all be destroyed, their power shall be broken, and their attempts baffled; the mischief they intend shall return upon their own head.’’ God will seek to destroy them, not as if he were at a loss for ways and means to bring it about (Infinite Wisdom was never nonplussed), but his seeking to do it intimates that he is very earnest and intent upon it (he is jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and has the day of vengeance in his heart) and that he overrules means and instruments, and all the motions and operations of second causes, in order to it. He is framing evil against them; when he seems to be setting them up he is seeking to destroy them. In Christ’s first coming, he sought to destroy him that had the power of death, and did destroy him, bruised the serpent’s head, and broke all the powers of darkness that fought against God’s kingdom among men and against the faithful friends and subjects of that kingdom; he spoiled them, and made a show of them openly. In his second coming, he will complete their destruction, when he shall put down all opposing rule, principality, and power, and death itself shall be swallowed up in that victory. The last enemy shall be destroyed of all that fought against Jerusalem.”
It is very obvious in the history of Israel as recorded in the Holy Bible and it is very obvious in the secular history as well that; anyone who stands against the people of God and the Nation of Israel will never win. Their enemies are not the believers or the Nation of Israel, but God Himself as what Matthew Henry said. In the Book of (Romans 8:31) “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” and in (Philippians 2:10- 11) 10- “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11- And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

“REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH!!!”

03- 20- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Matthew 24:38- 44)

“REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH!!!”

38- For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39- And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40- Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41- Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42- Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43- But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44- Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

One of my favorite hymns is “Redemption Draweth Nigh” which really makes me get excited of the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I love to see my children having their own families and looking forward of seeing our grand kids grow in this troubled world; but there’s nothing more great than to experience the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Rapture would be one of the greatest events in the human history. We know that the Virgin Birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection and ascension were the greatest events that happened since creation. And there are other recorded events in the Holy Bible and secular and history books that I believe were great, but the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is one of the greatest prophecies of the Bible.

Notice the message of the song Written by: Gordon Jensen

 Years of time have come and gone
Since I first heard it told
How Jesus would come again some day
If back then it seemed so real
Then I just can’t help but feel
How much closer His coming is today

Signs of the times are everywhere
There’s a brand new feeling in the air
Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky
Lift up your head redemption draweth nigh

Wars and strife on every hand
And violence fills the land
Still some people doubt He’ll ever come again
But the Word of God is true
He’ll redeem His chosen few
Don’t lose hope soon Christ Jesus will descend

In the Book of (Titus 2:13- 14) 13- “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14- Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. “

THE COMING KING, THE MESSIAH

03- 19- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (I Thessalonians 4:14- 18)

THE COMING KING, THE MESSIAH

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.

Dean Farrar was a privileged personal friend of Queen Victoria, though he seldom referred to the distinction. But on the first anniversary of the accession of Edward VII to the throne of England, during the service in Canterbury Cathedral, he told how the Queen, after hearing on his chaplains preach at Windsor on the second coming of Christ, spoke to the Dean about it and said, “Oh, how I wish that the Lord would come during my lifetime.” “Why does your Majesty feel this very earnest desire?” asked the great preacher. With her queenly countenance lit up with deep emotion she replied, “Because I should so love to lay my crown to His feet.” (Copied)

The world system may change in one day. The world system and its structure will change and the leadership will change, but the Word of the Lord will stay the same. God will still be God. We have observed how our world has changed. The technology and the means of communication, (before the Philippines has a very poor communication system, now the Philippines is the text center of the world) the industry or business dealings have changed so much and now we have ebay and internet store. Everything may change in just a matter of time, but what the Bible said about the coming prophecies will never change. Actually, everything that’s going on in the world has something to do with the Second Coming of Christ.

(Matthew 24:29- 30; 34- 35) 29- “Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30- And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 35- Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36- But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 42- Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”

“AND NOW, THE END IS NEAR…”

03- 18- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Mark 13: 1- 4)

“AND NOW, THE END IS NEAR…”

1- “And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! 2- And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3- And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4- Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?”

Do you remember that song of Frank Sinatra, “My Way”? Notice the lyrics of the song;

“And now, the end is near,
And so I face the final curtain.
My friends, I'll say it clear;
I'll state my case of which I'm certain.

I've lived a life that's full -
I've travelled each and every highway.
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.”

The Lord Jesus Christ was answering questions from His disciples while at the same time making His disciples understand of the coming events and generations. In His answers to their questions, He at the same time was actually giving them the accurate prophecies of the coming events and the end times as well as His second coming. His disciples at that time was in great admiration of the great temple, its structure and beauty, as well as the details of the design and the interior set ups. They saw the temple in a different perspective or outlook. And to be more straightforward as the way I observed their admiration of the temple, they were looking at it in the flesh and not in the spirit. Let me shade a little application on how they have observed, made a comment and how I personally interpret and see their outlook on the temple; I believe, first of all; they just saw the beautiful building. Secondly, they were more concern of the structure rather than the spiritual significance of the temple. Thirdly, they were amazed by the awesome structure and the architectural genius designed of the temple and not the absolute purpose of the temple. It’s very much the same as what we see in the Christian community and churches. People are more concern of the building and how to make it looks great while millions are dying of hunger, without salvation and in miseries and hopeless situations. Some church members may have the same feelings, pride in their heart as they stand in front of their church building feeling great about the awesomeness and the beauty and greatness of the church building just like what the disciples said to Jesus in front of the temple, when they said; “Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!” And Jesus will have the same answer to us, because at the end of this age and of this world, nothing will be standing, but the soul that we have brought in to God and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said in verse (2) “And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Let me clarify this, I am not against the church having a big and beautiful building, because we are also trying to raise some money so we could have our own church building and it’s great. We are in a BUILDING FUND DRIVE and were doing everything that we can do and we use every idea that we have and use the talents of our church members to raise money for our church building. But, we must not forget to win the lost world for Christ and go out there for a Mission trip and tell the whole world about Jesus and the free gift of salvation. Again, let me share to you this verse from the Book of (Mark 13:10) “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.”

Hh hhhh

THE END TIMES… COMING SOON?

03- 17- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Matthew 24:1- 12)

THE END TIMES… COMING SOON?

1- “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple. 2- And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3- And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4- And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5- For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6-And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7- For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8- All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9- Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10- And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11- And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12- And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Some of what the Lord was saying to the disciples during those times may not be as clear to them as well as to those who were with Him as He shared to them the end times and the sign of His coming. It was really beyond their imaginations as we see it the way it is- the real picture, the real thing. They don’t have any idea and we don’t have any idea when Titus the great marched down to Jerusalem and destroyed and burned the whole place with his army and with his followers. Notice what Matthew Henry said; “His disciples came to him, to show him the buildings of the temple, It was a stately and beautiful structure, one of the wonders of the world; no cost was spared, no art left untried, to make it sumptuous. Though it came short of Solomon’s temple, and its beginning was small, yet its latter end did greatly increase. It was richly furnished with gifts and offerings, to which there were continual additions made.” (The Bible Collection- Henry Complete)

We have a more clear account of the Lord’s conversations with the disciples in the Book of (Mark 13:1- 4) 1- “And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! 2- And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3- And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4- Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?”

With regards to what may happen in the future, Jesus showed His disciples the great and beautiful temple and what will happen unto it, but the Lord was I believe emphasizing of the worst to come. The destruction of the temple may not even be the introduction or the beginning of something really worst to come as concerning the sign of His coming. But we can picture already the worst that has to come as we ponder on the Lord’s Words about the sign of His second coming. We have to keep ourselves busy spreading and preaching the Word of God, so we could make Him (Jesus our Lord and Savior) come very soon. (Mark 13:10) “And the gospel must first be published among all nations.”

MISSION, MISSIONARIES, MISSION FIELD…

03- 16- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Isaiah 6:1- 10)
MISSION, MISSIONARIES, MISSION FIELD…
1- “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2- Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3- And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. 4- And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 5- Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. 6- Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: 7- And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. 8- Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. 9- And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10- Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.”
We have a mission and God wants for us to fulfill or accomplish that mission faithfully and willingly. (Matthew 28:18- 20) 18- “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20- Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
We have a calling and we are God’s missionaries in His field and He wants for us to go and preach the gospel to every man and woman, every kids and tongues and nations. (Romans 10:13- 17) 13- “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14- How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15- And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16- But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
And we have a mission field and our mission field will start from our own home and love ones, from our own backyard and neighborhoods, and in our community… and to the uttermost parts of the world. (Acts 1:8) “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (I Corinthians 1:18; 21- 25) 18- “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  21- For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22- For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23- But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24- But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”

MISSION TRIP UPDATES AND BLESSINGS (PART II)

03- 15- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Matthew 28:19- 20)

MISSION TRIP UPDATES AND BLESSINGS (PART II)

19- “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20- Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Police Station preaching and prayer time was something to treasure and thank God for. It was something very unusual for an American pastor to do and be in. Pastor Jimmy Jones was invited by pastors Celso Namuco and Joe Prudentino to preach and pray for the Policemen of Batangas, Philippines. Salvation, compassion, love and proper values were shared to the men and women during the Value formation for the people in uniform. I saw some of them prayed the sinner’s prayer.

Feeding the Natives (Tribal people- the Mangyans) was on the next island. It was an hour of a boat ride from Batangas. The Manyan tribe was so grateful for the chocolate, candies, t-shirts and oat meal with cocoa and milk. For them, it was something special already. We also shared some financial helps for the pastors of the tribes. The gospel was shared to this group of people.

Speaking to the children of 2 Christian schools with at least 200 enrollees on each school was really a blessing. The children from pre-school to sixth grade on each school were very attentive and receptive to the gospel. Rev. Jones shared the story of the Cross to these children in which some of them could be a Catholic, Muslim or members of other religious group. Some of the parents of these children were there listening to the pastor’s preaching.

Feeding the children at the dump area was something that will really break your heart. We shared the same blessings that we shared to the mangyans. But this time, we ministered to the children of the people who work at the smoky mountain- the garbage area. The parents of about 150 children are working at the dump picking up some recycled materials as their means of income. These are the children who sometimes would go to bed with empty stomach. They are the children whose parents can’t afford to send them to school. I don’t have a word to explain or give you the picture of the condition of the people in the area. The Word of God was shared to the children and the kids accepted the Lord as they were lead by Pastor Ogie Pantinople to faith and repentance. Thank you so much to Nanay Corazon Sarmiento for sponsoring the feedings.

I believe that God just started in us, with us and through us. He is not done yet and we are looking forward of coming back with a plan of doing something bigger, greater and wider in terms of geographic scale and results. We covet your prayers, help and consider coming with us next year. TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!!!

(I Corinthians 1:21; 23) 21- “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 23- But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;”

MISSION TRIP UPDATES AND BLESSINGS (PART I)

03- 14- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Romans 10:13- 17)
MISSION TRIP UPDATES AND BLESSINGS (PART I)
13- “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14- How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15- And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16- But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
MISSION TRIP of Pastors Ely R. Sagansay, Andy Sarmiento and Jimmy Jones; From Detroit Airport…
We were at the Detroit International airport at around 11:30 am as we checked in for a 3:30 pm flights, but our flight was delayed due to mechanical problems which made us wait until about 9:30 pm before we get to take off. At least they discovered the problems before we were half way or in the middle of the Pacific oceans. The devil was trying his way to stop us, he knows that God was at work already and God is with us.
Evangelism Seminar in Batangas, Philippines was a great success and we see God’s hand. We only expect to have at least 100 registered pastors, missionaries and Christian workers for the said seminar. But it turns out to be 600 or more in attendance. Many of them drove, took a bus or public transportation and the seminar was not for free. The organizer charged them at least 50.00 pesos= $1.00 which could be a lot of money for the less fortunate. After the first set of the seminar, we extended an invitation after the session of Rev. Andy Sarmiento and we’ve seen people came to Christ for salvation and dedication. And in the final challenge hour by Rev. Jimmy Jones, ¾ of the congregation came forward. It was about 300 people who made the decision. By the way, most of those who attended the seminar were not from the Baptist background and there were students from the computer schools who attended in which many of them came forward. It was more of an evangelistic crusade and a revival meeting than a seminar.
Church Anniversary of our host pastor was a success. We have an overflowing room with people coming to Christ for salvation and dedication. The preaching of Rev. Jimmy Jones made an impact on the lives of many pastors, Bible school students and church members. Pastor Jones preaching about vision made them look forward of what God has for them.
(I Corinthians 1:23- 31) 23- “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24- But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25- Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26-For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27- But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28- And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29- That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30- But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31- That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

MISSION TRIP UPDATES AND BLESSINGS (PART I)

03- 14- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Romans 10:13- 17)

MISSION TRIP UPDATES AND BLESSINGS (PART I)

13- “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14- How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15- And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16- But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

MISSION TRIP of Pastors Ely R. Sagansay, Andy Sarmiento and Jimmy Jones; From Detroit Airport…

We were at the Detroit International airport at around 11:30 am as we checked in for a 3:30 pm flights, but our flight was delayed due to mechanical problems which made us wait until about 9:30 pm before we get to take off. At least they discovered the problems before we were half way or in the middle of the Pacific oceans. The devil was trying his way to stop us, he knows that God was at work already and God is with us.

Evangelism Seminar in Batangas, Philippines was a great success and we see God’s hand. We only expect to have at least 100 registered pastors, missionaries and Christian workers for the said seminar. But it turns out to be 600 or more in attendance. Many of them drove, took a bus or public transportation and the seminar was not for free. The organizer charged them at least 50.00 pesos= $1.00 which could be a lot of money for the less fortunate. After the first set of the seminar, we extended an invitation after the session of Rev. Andy Sarmiento and we’ve seen people came to Christ for salvation and dedication. And in the final challenge hour by Rev. Jimmy Jones, ¾ of the congregation came forward. It was about 300 people who made the decision. By the way, most of those who attended the seminar were not from the Baptist background and there were students from the computer schools who attended in which many of them came forward. It was more of an evangelistic crusade and a revival meeting than a seminar.

Church Anniversary of our host pastor was a success. We have an overflowing room with people coming to Christ for salvation and dedication. The preaching of Rev. Jimmy Jones made an impact on the lives of many pastors, Bible school students and church members. Pastor Jones preaching about vision made them look forward of what God has for them.

(I Corinthians 1:23- 31) 23- “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24- But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25- Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26-For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27- But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28- And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29- That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30- But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31-  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

THE LORD OF HOSTS WITH A FEW GOOD MEN

03- 13- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Numbers 12: 30- 33)

THE LORD OF HOSTS WITH A FEW GOOD MEN

30- “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 31- But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 32- And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. 33- And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

I’ve written a song few years ago and I hope you will like the message of it. The message of the song has something to do with what we will be studying about. The title of the song is

The Lord of Hosts

“In every odd of life, there is mercy, We take the step of faith in His grace, Giving Him our pain and sorrow, Trusting Him of our tomorrow; Jesus gives us rest beyond compare.

God prepares our heart for His glory, As we humbly take up His Cross, Serve and praise the King of glory, Tell of His great love story, Jesus came to die for you and me.

Jesus filled our heart with His Spirit, With His love and joy and perfect peace, We are more than over comers, In His power we are the victors, King of kings and He’s the Lord of Hosts, We are more than over comers, In His power we are the victors, King of kings and He’s the Lord of Hosts,

God is our God and He is the Lord of lords and the LORD of hosts. He is the one who is in charge of everything… In our battle with anything and with anyone if you have one as you serve Him especially as you stand against the wiles of the devil. God is our help and shelter. Paul said in the Book of (Romans 8:37) “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” What an encouragement and a promise for every believer who loves and served the LORD of hosts. God used Joshua, Caleb and Moses with the few good men, but God was with them. The Lord did that to Gideon and his 300 men.

The word “The Lord of Hosts was mentioned in the Bible in the Book of (I Samuel 1:3; 11) 3- “And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there. 11- And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.”

THEY LOST THEIR FAITH BECAUSE OF…

03- 10- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Numbers 13: 26- 33)
THEY LOST THEIR FAITH BECAUSE OF…
26- “And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27- And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. 28- Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. 29- The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. 30- And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 31- But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. 32- And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. 33- And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”
I heard this before, people making comments about a certain individual who were backsliding because of some reasons… Other pastors will make a remark about one of his parishioners of church members who have lost his or her faith. But in this movie “What Would Jesus Do” where the pastor was asked by his members the same question, “Pastor, where is your faith… have you lost your faith?”
Was it not supposed to be a time of celebration and a victory party? Was it not supposed to be the time to recognize everyone and give thanks to God because they made it back and they can plan over and claim the land for God? In verse 26- “And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land.” If I was there during those times, I would be surprise, I would be mad and I would be questioning Joshua and Caleb of what happened to the faith of other spies. It was obvious that they have a testimony and they were so blessed to be back and to be a miracle of God. They did not realize that God was with them and was working in them. They saw the blessings, they feel the Lord and they saw everything they need to know but, unfortunately, they did not catch and see the picture and capture the vision. They came back, brought back word unto them and have the fruit of the land in their hand, and if you would put it in the words of the kids and of the world it would sound like this- “so what’s the big deal and what’s up with you man… and what’s your problem buddy?” It was not because Moses was not a good leader or Joshua was a negative person and they lacked encouragement from Joshua and Caleb, it was just because they were negative and their reactions was beyond their leaders control. In verses 27- And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. And notice what it says in verse 28- Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.

BY FAITH; THEY HAVE RETURNED…

03- 09- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Numbers 13:21- 25)
BY FAITH; THEY HAVE RETURNED…
21- “So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath. 22- And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23- And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. 24- The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence. 25- And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.”
The leadership of Joshua was proven by the way he leads the leaders to the promise land to spy out and to claim it in the Name of God. The Lord was with Joshua when he came in and when comes out of the promise land. Notice verse 21- “So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.” The Bible said, “So they went up, and searched the land…” It speaks of full obedience to Moses especially to God. It’s just a short phrase but, could be full of suspense, difficulties, heartache, sorrow, pain and miscommunications... But it could be an enjoyable time for the group or a very memorable one for all of them. It could be an experienced they could never forget. And it was not like they all come in one place or stand on the top of the mountain or hills with a telescope or with the most advanced binocular looking for people and what they do or checking on their routine. It was not like they were up in the mountain with 2 way radios, satellite and radar or some kind of a detector. They don’t even have a pen to take note but they know what they were doing. In verse 22- “And they ascended by the south…” Joshua and the appointed leaders were there climbing up and down working day and night gathering some info about the land and its people. In verse 23- “And they came unto the brook of Eshcol…” They took some samples to show to Moses and the Israelites. If you will picture what they saw and what they got as according to verses 23 and 24; it was already a great blessings if I will picture myself being there with them and seeing all the fruits, especially the grapes. Others may have thought of business, wine, farming and opportunities as they see all the great fruits and fruit bearing trees. And in verse 25- “And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.” They did not return to their leader empty. They did not return to Moses without any information and empty handed, they have proofs and they have something to show to Moses and the Israelites. Joshua and the leadership were responsible leaders and they were the people of God who went and came in obedience to Moses’ words which was actually the command of God. The Lord blessed their journey and the Lord used them in their simple quest and service to God and His chosen people. If Apostle Paul was there, he may have encouraged them with these words from (Philippians 3:10- 16) 10- “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11- If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12- Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13- Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15- Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16- Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

THEY NEED FAITH AS THEY GATHERED THE INFO

03- 08- 11 MI DAILY DEVOTION

THEY NEED FAITH AS THEY GATHERED THE INFO (Numbers 13:18- 20)

18- “And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; 19- And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; 20- And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.”

The other job or responsibility of the leaders was to see the land. It sounds so easy and the instructions of Moses were simple and basic. They need to know the exact location of the land and they need to know the land geographically so they would know the boundaries, the entrance and the exit of the land. They also needed to know how many mountains, hills, valleys, rivers and springs. They were also instructed to know the agricultural land, the fruits and its supplies. They were instructed to know the people and its culture and language. It is also important for them to know their military power and their capabilities. And Joshua was good on this. He was the warrior of God and for God. He was a good soldier of God and that could be one of the reasons why Moses entrusted to him the leadership and God turned the table to him after the death of Moses. He took the baton that Moses left after his death with the Lord’s blessing. I don’t know if the world is using these principles in spying their enemies or other countries. But it seems that Moses was telling them to observe and spy on and know the people, properties, places and their prosperity in general. It is very important for us to know all these information because Moses sent them as spies so he (Moses) would know which step to take and what he would do as their leader. It is very important to us to know our enemy- the devil. It is also very important to us Christians to be faithful to the Word of God and to the instructions of our leaders for our good and for the benefit of others and the Christian community.

Their lives were in danger as they gathered the information that they can bring back to Moses their leader. They need faith and the grace of God as they worked hard for their country and countrymen and as they served the Lord as spies. They were away from their families and friends for at least forty days. In these verses, it’s very clear that they were inside the enemy line and was there for more than a month. (Verses 25- 26) 25- And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. 26- And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land.” It was a great sacrifice on their part, but after all the sacrifices they made, it seems that they blew it off when they came back for reporting time with Moses and the Israelites. We will talk about it on the next portion of this series. But notice what the wisest man on earth said in the Book of (Proverbs 13:1- 3) 1- “A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. 2- A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. 3-He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”