FollowingJesusUS.com

Buckle Up!

A Friend of mine sent this, just had to share 🙂

“Once upon a time, a person was driving to visit with their relatives over a holiday weekend. They came upon an electronic interstate highway sign, the kind the state can change the message to alert those on the road of different conditions. But this one particularly caught the attention of the person driving and made them think about it. It read, “State Troopers did NOT take the weekend off. Slow down. Buckle up.”

Perhaps the message also gave others, to be more careful about speeding over the allowable speed limit and to remember to use their seat belts for safety precautions. The person also thought about how God’s Word gives us such similar messages. Our Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit does NOT take the weekend off (i.e. or any time for that matter), for His Children to slow down (i.e. to really absorb His Awesome Mercy and Grace being given freely), and to buckle up (i.e. put on the Whole Armor of God).

Although one would always like to take time to relax and take time off from their busy schedule, it is easy to forget that God does NOT. He IS always watching over each of His Children personally 24/7. It is also easy to rush around and miss the tiny miracles that constantly happen around us and His Messages that our Heavenly Father sends us for His Direction in our life. By slowing down, studying God’s Word with the help and guidance of His Holy Spirit, this gives you the opportunity of really soaking in His Breath in you. Always asking for and buckling up with God’s Protection, keeps you safe from the fiery darts of the evil one (i.e. who, by the way, does not take any time off either).

My thoughts and prayers are that you travel safely on your journey through life, slow down and know God’s Blessings Full. That you ask for God’s Protection and Presence in your life, soaking up His Special Blessings of His Awesome Healing Power and Touch, His Mercy and Grace, His Strength and Courage, His Compassion and Caring for His Children, His Love, Joy, and Peace. That you do not hesitate to share ALL of God with others. In Jesus’ Name. Thy Will be done. Amen. Peace.”

Take A Stand For Christ!

“The scribes and pharisies were watching Him closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath, so that they could find a charge against Him”-Luke 6:7

“When the man with the shriveled hand stood before Him on the Sabbath, Jesus knew the pharisees and teachers of the law were looking to accuse Him. But He did not allow Himself to be controlled by potential accusations”-Jesus Day by Day

How many times do we refrain from sharing our faith in Jesus because we are afraid of what others will say? Or we refrain from giving Jesus credit for our Blessings, because we are afraid of someone’s reaction?

Courage is not the abscense of fear; it’s the facing of fear. We can’t let the reaction of others control us. It’s normal to be afraid, but we need to speak anyway.

The “world” may seek to keep us silent; but we have more faith than that and we need to share it. And if we need courage, all we have to do is ask God for it. He will give it to us 🙂

Be The Light 🙂

Violence Does Matter, But One Day Violence Will Be No More!

Violence appears to be plaguing a number of our cities this year. But God promises that one day “Violence will be no more” – Isaiah 60:18. And God always keeps His promises.

In the Bible it says: “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”-Matthew 10:28. And that’s right.

I would love to be able to say that the violence doesn’t matter, but clearly it does. We are just human beings. Violence frightens us. Being beaten or killed hurts. That’s why so many are fleeing the violence of these cities.

But in the end, we are going to Heaven-where there is no violence of any kind. Where we, and those we love, will be safe forever!

When you have a baby, it hurts. People used to tell me that you barely remember the pain once you hold your baby in your arms. Such is the joy one feels. And although I didn’t believe it at the time, it was true.

I think that life on earth and Heaven are like that as well. No matter how many difficulties we face on earth, once we enter Heaven, the Joy we feel is so overwhelming, there just isn’t room for anything else ?.

So take heart, no matter what difficulties we face, they will be nothing compared to the Joy of Heaven ?

Freedom!

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

In reading John 8:36, one thing it clear. Real freedom comes from God-not government.

The freedom we have experienced in America may indeed be lost. And there can be no doubt that many of us have taken that freedom for granted.

But the government does not grant us freedom, God does. And that freedom can not be taken away.

Even now, with the election unresolved, and threats of violence continuing. Even with the restrictions that the government has placed on our lives (using Covid as their reason), we are free.

For our Freedom, as our “Hope and Help, comes from the Lord”. And our Lord is stronger than any government; He always will be.

My Friends, Stand Alongside Your Brother!

1 Chronicles 12:16-18 Then some of the sons of Benjamin and Judah came to David at the stronghold. And David went out to meet them, and answered and said to them, “If you have come peaceably to me to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if to betray me to my enemies, since there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look and bring judgment.” Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the captains, and he said: “We are yours, O David; We are on your side, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, And peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” So David received them, and made them captains of the troop.

Mark 6:7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.

“As David grew in stature those who stood by him increased in number, devoting themselves to fight with him. Though it was a time of adversity for David, and a time of warfare, he found that there were many willing to join their lives to his; “…a brother is born for adversity”; and “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”. Again we note that David’s anointing and his character made him a friend to many…and many became his loyal friends.

When Yeshua (Jesus) sent his disciples out, He never sent them alone — He sent them two by two; and no doubt these pairs of disciples developed deep loyalty, unity and friendship as they proclaimed the kingdom and faced the powers of darkness together.

TheresaF, how would you describe your friendships in the Body of Messiah? Do you feel isolated, fighting battles alone? Do you know others who are in that condition? With the battles now raging, it’s more important than ever to be a friend, and to really know who your friends are. May the Lord grant each one of us loyal and faithful friendships as we fight the good fight.”

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah
Gulf Port, Mississippi

(From Israel)

I have started by day with Worthy Devotionals for over 15 years. They really help me to focus my day on serving Jesus :). To receive them in your email, use this link: Worthy Devotionals

Being Obedient To God

A really good friend sent this to me. It was so good, I just had to share 🙂

“God’s Word captures the moments that the Lord passed the baton from Moses, who had died, to Joshua. God spoke to Joshua of His Commission for him to lead the children of Israel, to the land which He was giving them. God had told Joshua that His Book of the Law that was given them shall not depart from his mouth. That he shall meditate in it day and night, that he may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then He would make his way prosperous, and then he will have good success.

God asked Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God IS with you wherever you go.” Your Heavenly Father was discussing being obedient. Part of being obedient to God IS to be willing to walk down His Path for His Will and Purpose, even when His Way IS not clear! Truly you can NOT foresee what God will do in your life before you are obedient to Him TODAY! You also need to be willing to experience conflict. Know that the evil one does NOT want to see you seeking God’s Face. He will create havoc and disruption to attempt you from going down His Path.

Know that EVERY single time you obey God, He IS able to start His Work in you! Truly, surrendering and trusting in Him for EVERYTHING He needs you for IS required. You need to leave ALL the consequences, of being obedient, to God. You CAN NOT loose in obeying God!! No matter how hard the world tries to knock you down and tells you to trust only in yourself – this WILL NOT work. You will fail – but NOT with your Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit – this IS your ROCK to stand on and be safe for ALL Eternity!!

Learn to accept His Divine Punishment in response to your disobedience. Ask your Father for His Forgiveness, repent, change to reflect His Example to live and represent Him on earth!

My thoughts and prayers are that you are being obedient to God. That you experience His Promises to you for this obedience! Praise Him for ALL! Thank Him for ALL!! Share Him with others! In Jesus’ Name. Thy Will be done. Amen. Peace”

Do Not Fear!

“For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish”-Isaiah 60:12

With the American election unresolved and Europe’s efforts to silence those who would speak God’s Truth, two thoughts come to mind upon reading this verse.

The first is, that the “nations and kingdoms” that refuse to serve our Lord will perish. Some quickly, some eventually. But they will not stand.

The second is, we need not fear. No matter what happens in the coming days and years. Our Father will look after us. No nation will be allowed to persecute those who follow Christ forever.

Whatever difficulties we as Christians may face-They are Temporary!

Trusting God: When Bad Things Happen To Good People!

When bad things happen, a friend often tells us-Trust God. I often struggled with that idea when I was young. How does one trust God when really bad things happen? Trust God for what? To “fix it”? Because bad things don’t always get fixed.

But with Trust comes Acceptance. And that means accepting the bad with the good. This isn’t Heaven. Bad things do happen here. And they happen to us. That’s just part of life on earth.

IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT GOD DOES NOT LOVE US! GOD LOVE US ALWAYS!

So here is what we can “Trust”. God hears our prayers and will use anything bad to the good of those who love Him. God will never leave us. Whatever difficulties we walk through, God will walk through every step with us. When we run out of strength, God will provide it. And God will Never stop loving us.

When we are in trouble, will God answer our prayers? Always! Sometimes He will answer by providing for our needs (whether they are healing, financial or heart driven…), but sometimes God will answer our prayers by giving us the strength, courage and faith to overcome the difficulties we face. And that is where acceptance comes in. When we pray for God’s Help, we need to be willing to accept His decisions for us.

And that is what it means to trust God’s Love for us. It is to know that whatever He decides, whatever He provides, it’s what we need. Because the God who loves us will always provide us with what we need, but perhaps not necessarily with what we want.

Trust=Acceptance. Trust God ?

Enter Into The Light :)

“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.”-Isaiah 60:1-2

The Light is the Holy Spirit!

As we await the final outcome of our presidential election in America, many of us are waiting for the outcome, instead of acting now. But while we are waiting, evil is not. Evil never sleeps.

For example there are efforts to shut down the light occurring in Europe now! On WND’s website, there is an article “Brits consider criminalizing dinner-table talk”’ it’s an important read for every Christian.

So important that I wrote to them to see if this is true. And it is. And while they now appear to be allowing a defense to dinner table-talk (since it is not intended to be heard by anyone else), it well may, if enacted restrict Preachers who preach the Bible. And if that happens there, there is a good chance it will happen here.

And so, we must arise and shine for our Lord-Now. While we can. No matter who wins the election, a time of great darkness is coming. However, we who truly follow Jesus will still walk in the Light.

The Great Awakening is Coming. Don’t Wait. Let’s bring as many as we can-into the Light! God’s Light 🙂

Entertaining Angels :)

^“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”-Hebrews 13:2

One of my very best friends once said to me that “you never know when you are entertaining angels”. What a beautiful image! I asked her what she meant and she explained ?

She said so often as we rush through our days, we forget to take the time to smile at someone who really needs it, or to truly listen to someone. To help that elderly person with their groceries or thank someone for their kindness.

She said not only could angels minister to us; they minister to others and that sometimes while performing their service they can take on the shape of a human being temporarily. So anyone we might meet in the course of our day could be an angel.

I thought about that one for a long time. And I realized she was right. Really, how would I know if any one I met was an angel?

But It also made me think about how I treat others period. How many times had I raced into the grocery store, stood impatiently in line and failed to reach out to anyone? How many times had I seen an elderly person struggle to put their groceries in the car, and felt to busy to help them? How many times had I listened to someone with only half an ear? How many times had I failed to thank someone?

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”-Matthew 6:19-21

And I resolved then and there, with God’s Help, to change.

And “With God All Things Are Possible” 🙂