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Jesus

How Much More?

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As we look more intently at the cross, the tomb, the resurrection, and the ascension at this time of the year, let us consider what immeasurable love and grace we have been given. Let us begin to meditate on “how much more” has been granted to us by the blood of Christ.  Being born of the flesh, we are of a sinful nature. Descending from the first man, Adam, we have sin, and thus death pronounced upon us from the moment that we have knowledge of good and evil. God, as our Creator and Loving Father, wanted us to be restored to that blessed state of fellowship that He created us to have with HIm. So, God gave His law unto us, but we being weak in the flesh did not keep that law. Under the law, atonement had to be made for our transgressions against God when His law was broken. This atonement was in the form of animal sacrifices that was offered to God.

The blood of the sacrificial animals offered by the Levitical priesthood that God had ordained covered the peoples’ sins, but only for a season. The high priest would enter into the Holiest of Holies once a year to offer sacrifice for the people’s sins. The blood of the bulls, goats, and heifers was sprinkled upon the people, sanctifying and purifying the flesh for another year. It was with the blood of the animals with which the high priest entered into the holy place, not with his own blood. Only the flesh was purified, not the soul of man. No mention is made of purification for the soul or for any atoning that was eternal, that would last for “good”.

However, when Christ came, everything was changed.  Everything was made new. Christ entered into that Holy Place, into the very presence of His Father, with his own blood and offered himself, a sacrifice without spot or blemish! Unlike the high priest, it took only one trip for the Lamb of God! How much more? How much more was Christ’s sacrifice sufficient to atone for our sins? Jesus’ blood Purifies, Sanctifies, and Seals the soul of a man eternally. That is just a minute description of “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?” It is so much more that it can take us, the vilest sinners, wash us clean, give us a new heart and mind, and lead us with His Holy Ghost into a life of peace and joy that will never end.

When Jesus died on Calvary’s cross, the veil in the temple that separated man from the Holy Place was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. God, by accepting the complete and perfect sacrifice of His Son, opened up His throne room to “whosoever will”. When we accept Jesus Christ as our atonement, we enter into the Holiest of Holies, into the very presence of God. God makes a person who believes and accepts the blood of His Son as the atonement for their sins as a priest- a priest who has access to God’s presence, His mercy and grace.

Jesus, our great High Priest, passed into the heavens and has become our mediator to the Father. We do not have a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

As God’s redeemed, we will never have to worry about bringing a bull or goat to offer for our sins. Jesus was God’s lamb that He gave so that we could have life and have it more abundantly.  Jesus’ blood is the only cure for man’s sin-sick soul. All He asks is that we offer Him our heart, our love, and devotion. He wants to take a life that is empty and hopeless without Him, and give that soul eternal joy, peace, and fellowship in His Holy Presence.

The Mind Of Christ

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1 Corinthians 2:16 – For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

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When we begin to consider a few of the wonderful qualities of the mind of Christ, it makes us really evaluate what is upon our minds:

First of all, Jesus made of Himself no reputation. Some people in this world are in involved in the interaction and entertainment for a name, fame or fortune. Let me remind all of us that Jesus came so that all could have life and a way unto Heaven (and not to give us an hours’ worth of entertainment on Sunday). We (while in the world today) should remember that we should make what we do about no one but God first and God glorified. If we put out more of God and less of ourselves, they will be drawn to something that will never fail them. Am I saying that we as leaders will fail? Yes. I am also saying that we need to remember who is in control of our leadership as well!

Secondly, Jesus took upon him the form of a servant while living on earth. We love to be in control, but never to follow or be ordered by others. We love to and want to place conditional prayers upon God, as well as putting conditions to serve and obey and truly expect everything to come to pass. A servant unto God will serve in spirit and in truth, through persecution and victory, and will not be moved from the calling that is placed within!

Finally, Jesus humbled himself, and became obedient even unto death. Honestly, even when we feel like the world is crashing around us and we do not hear a voice nearby, God is the still small voice that is there to lead. We have to remember that humbling ourselves allows the Godhead to have its place in our lives, and takes us to a place of complete obedience AND compliance in our lives! Let us begin to take on these high qualities so that we can be the true light of the world!

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Put Into Practice:

A simple way to know what is on your mind is to simply speak what is on your mind. This might be better practiced alone and may lead into prayer when done correctly. Take a few minutes and begin to just allow every thought that hits your mind to come out in spoken word. It may shock you to find what you actually will say verses what you normally suppress in the back of your mind. As you do this for a few moments, begin to start praying about the parts that are bothering you and allow God to help you in these areas. Growth never starts without some groundbreaking action!

Walking Close Versus Standing Back

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When Jesus was alive and walking in the midst of people working miracles, there was always a crowd; people always wanted to be where the action was. They either wanted to get help or bear witness to it. And to those that were not able, they cried aloud for it.

So what about today?

We as God’s people often will be in services today and feel the presence of the Lord enter in the midst but stand by because we are either unsure or do not believe for whatever reason. These reservations, whether we choose to acknowledge it now or later, are ripping the church apart day by day. We NEED the spirit of God to heal our land, guide or direction, and repair the broken-hearted. We need the backbone of the pillars of the saints of God to be restored once more so that we stand again proud and not afraid when one small trial comes through to blow us over!

I choose today to walk close to the presence of God! I want to be right in the middle of it! I press through the crowds of hindrances and stumbling blocks in faith just to get to the hem of Christ’s garment! I’m that desperate for joy and peace in my life! There is no other by which we will stand and have a stable life! Join with me in walking close again and not standing back anymore!

Understanding God’s Will

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Behind any action, there is always a decision behind it. Every decision has a driven will. A person’s will is their own and free for them to decide.

So how does all of that connect with God?

Matthew 26:36-39

[36] Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
[37] And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
[38] Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
[39] And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

When Jesus at the garden, there was a great trial before him; in fact, this would become one of the greatest tests of will that we know as Christians today.

Even though Christ was justified for more reasons than one for giving up and turning away from this, he still chose the Father’s will over His own.

If Christ was strong enough to choose the will of God in the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, that speaks to me in so many ways! I am so thankful for the choice that was made. I now know that I have to begin to choose God’s will over mine own, even when I think I have the right or reason to.

If we are not too careful though, we might become as the disciples were:

Matthew 26:40-41

[40] And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
[41] Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Where were those disciples, really? Yes, in the moment they were asleep in the garden. In our readings and interpretations though, they are metaphorically in the church of today (not literally).

We become comfortable with the way things are, and will (in theory) fall asleep on our walk with God. Then in that moment when Christ comes to speak to us, is what we hear “Could ye not watch with me one hour?”

Are we not able to come in and worship anymore? Are we not able to back the ministers of God and show support? Are we not able to get in and do what God has called us to do? We often blame it on reason, but we do not actually do anything because of our lack of will to do so.

Mark 3:24-25

[24] And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
[25] And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

We have to begin submitting to God’s will and not ours. My will could never carry anyone or anything. My leadership in the church should never be directed by mine own will, but God’s through me. You see, God’s will can lead us through things know and also things unseen.

When leaders take the will into their own hands, critical mistakes occur. This results in self-directed sermons, songs that do not magnify God, and not being attentive to the spirit; in other words we do what we think the church needs. That’s a scary thought, but it’s true. Following God’s will leads to the only path for certain victory.

Mark 3:32-35

[32] And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
[33] And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
[34] And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
[35] For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

There are many areas where our willpower must drive our want to obey:

  • Supporting Singing
  • Taking Interest In Preaching
  • Being More Involved In Church Functions
  • Being Active In Altar Service

If I could say anything, we as a church must begin to cast out every hindrance and distraction. It is vitally essential to see the fruitfulness and the increase of the desire of the people grow!

Always remember, it does not matter who it is that is carrying forth what God has led them to do; as long as it bears witness by the spirit you need not fear!

So how do we know the will of God? Do we want to know the will of God?

Are we truly ready to submit our lives and everything involved to them to his will?

Philippians 2:12-13

[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
[13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

I know that we often love to depend on others to “move” us during service, but God has given us more than enough to move ourselves. He wants to do a great work in you, and it is in God’s pleasure to do it! He wants us to begin to have a stronger will to get up and be more obedient, to get up and go get those in need that God leads you towards, and to get up and keep yourself from falling short simply by doing nothing at all!

Spirit Is Life

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The spirit of God serves so many purposes for us: It keeps our minds when we feel like drifting. It keeps our hearts when we feel broken. It heals our bodies when we feel weak. It goes forth and reaches out to others when we petition to God on their behalf. It does more and goes forth way beyond the mention of my few words, but to sum it all up: Spirit Is Life!

Will We Go Away?

John 6:61-67

[61] When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
[62] What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
[63] It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
[64] But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
[65] And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
[66] From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
[67] Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

The words of Christ should be something we pin up on our walls to remind ourselves: the words he speaks are spirit and are life. It also quickens us; one even would wonder what the purpose of quickening is. If you have people in the midst of your services that are in desperate need, God will quicken you to be obedient so they can know and feel the spirit for themselves.

We Must Serve

Luke 22:27-28

[27] For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
[28] Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.

We have to learn to work in stability, and to be as ones that serve. We also have to continue! My first steps to the Lord were obviously the easiest to take, but once I come to the understanding of the spirit, I have to learn to serve others with the love that God has place inside me (via the spirit).

What The Spirit Does

Matthew 4:19

[19] And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Matthew 5:6-14

[6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
[7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
[8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
[9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
[10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
[12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
[13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
[14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

We are the light of the world! We are the fishers of men! We are the appointed ones to go forth and be the arms and heart of Christ; to love others and reach out to them as Christ reached out to us.

We might face persecution for the preaching and execution of the gospel. We cannot let this make us give up or quit what God has called us to do; for we not only shall be blessed, we are blessed when we face it.

The Goal Of The Spirit

Hebrews 13:13

[13] Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

Let us take that wonderful spirit that is within us, and take it forth as a light of the world so that they can be drawn unto Jesus Christ! It’s the only thing we could ever give that will ever last!

Find Your Balance In What You Do For Others

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Being in a ministry that requires so much of your time allows you to learn many lessons along the way, and I thought that I would share one today that would help all of us grow together as individuals, ministries, and churches all the same.

There are people that I know as well as people that I do not, but nonetheless my ministry has been called to reach out to all of them with the same love and compassion that was showed to me with no regard to my past or persona. I hope that the church of today turns no one away or treats them differently or would chose one over another. Favoritism is just another one of those things that has to stay outside of the doors and should go and live with the “popular opinion”.

Jesus went to heal the sick and afflicted, reached out to the lost and rejected, and loved whosoever would come to believe. We are supposed to attain the mind of Christ, or in other words, take on that same frame of mind. So whatever need comes across your path, no matter how big or small it may be, we have to meet it with a balance of equal love. Just to put it simply in an example: if you spend 20 minutes praying for someone and two for someone else, those things are noticed; especially if you are a leader or someone that is a person depended on in your local community.

Please be considerate, and never forget the compassion once shown towards you! Do this, and people will take on what they see by the example set in you.

Very big words today, but very important.

Get Past Your Unbelief!

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Luke 8:49-56

[49] While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
[50] But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
[51] And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
[52] And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
[53] And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
[54] And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
[55] And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
[56] And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Get past your unbelief in your mind! Your doubt! Anything that would hinder you or stand in the way of your faith or belief! I always remember the old adage “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”. In these scriptures, there were people that had to be put out. There will be things in our mind and life that will have to be put out in order for us to see the miracles of God in our life. We might not like it and may not want to do it either, I know. Then again, you have to consider what is of more worth to you: the blessings of God or the one or two things you have been hanging on to for way too long, or some problem that you have had with someone that you need to let go of. Those problems and stumbling blocks will make us walk right into unbelief! O

One thing I have learned in my life is that God cannot operate if I do not believe. End of story. If I carry doubt in my heart, and hold limits against God, things will just continue to stay the same, if not continue to get worse! We HAVE to get past the little things to see the bigger picture!

Press Through The Crowd

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Mark 5:25-34

[25] And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
[26] And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
[27] When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
[28] For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
[29] And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
[30] And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
[31] And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
[32] And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
[33] But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
[34] And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

This is small and simple thought that I feel like is easy to express, especially to those that are being jaded about their obedience to God. Press through the crowd, get past the bystanders and objects around you and obey God! Your blessings are not behind them, but ahead!  We have many issues that we face, as we know, VERY MANY! But when we push, pray, fast, and stop trying to do everything else that we know to do finally just trust God, we will be made strong!

The Parables Of Prayer

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The Friend at Midnight – Luke 11:5-10

[5] And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
[6] For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
[7] And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
[8] I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
[9] And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
[10] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

One word sticks out when it comes to reading this passage.

Inconvenient. I’m sure a lot of people found it or will find it inconvenient to do the work that God has called them to do, but nonetheless with the love and willingness will be bless for the good work. The question that comes to my mind is, will WE as a church be prepared when they come knocking when it is inconvenient for us? Because I’m here to tell you that they ARE going to come. And they will come when you least expect them, and especially when you do not want them to. Those are the tests of a church versus the tests of an individual. Those are how the churches bear the infirmities of a weak and come together to help people.

At first, we are going to want to be selfish and refuse to help. We will not want to sing our song, give our testimony, hug their neck. We’ll say, “Lord I’ve done this all before for someone else” or “Lord I’ve done this 1,000s of times”, but as the passage reads we are FRIENDS so we MUST give to meet the need. I hope that the church never fails before the given time when God calls us to come home. I hope that people always have a place to come where they will feel loved and have the natural conviction power to draw them to an altar to find salvation. We can go to God in this manner, but we as a church must prove ourselves by asking for God to keep us as a body strong in prayer!

And remember, if it ever feels inconvenient for you, check and see why in your heart. You’ll find the problem.

The Unjust Judge – Luke 18:1-8

[1] And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
[2] Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
[3] And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
[4] And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
[5] Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
[6] And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
[7] And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
[8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Persistent. This man, this judge, had no regard for God or man, and yet, after continual persistence from the widow, avenged her. God has no regard for the enemy, and if we continually seek him, our adversaries will be destroyed. Wouldn’t it be good if we began to have a heart that was persistent and never tiring after God? I hope and pray that we began to be determined to never let go until we see the needs met. We do not have time to stop. We do not have time to let people slip through our fingers and not make Heaven their home.

The Pharasee and the Publican – Luke 18:9-14

[9] And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
[10] Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
[11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
[12] I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
[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.
[14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

“I not as others are” Two points here with the first one being more important than the latter. Having the outlook of “I not as others are” should probably be a good indicator first of all. If we ever get ourselves to a place where we esteem ourselves so high, God has to bring us back to a place where we are abased (lowered, brought down one way or another). And I don’t know about you, but I would rather be a humble person in general and give glory to God where it was due rather than abusing pride in things that I should not take the credit for. If you ever see yourself soaring high in confidence and feel above others, you better take the “I not as others are” test. Because it might be time to be abased.

“God be merciful to me a sinner” If all we can say is God be merciful to me a sinner, it’s good enough for me. You have to admit that you stand before God as a person with flaws and mistakes. Come on. You are not perfect, and will never be. And on your best day, there are handfuls upon handfuls of sin that you cannot control. He that humbleth shall be exalted. In other words, you don’t have to lift yourself up at all when your low before God, it does it for you. It shows on you. There’s a glow, a confidence, there is just something about you. Perhaps then that is the sweet Holy Ghost that encourages you along the way, huh?

Where We Find Success

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John 12:24-28

[24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
[25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
[26] If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
[27] Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
[28] Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

Jesus realized and knew his purpose, even in the midst of the trials and sorrow. You see, Jesus came TO the hour. He was not saved from it, but out of the hour! Sometimes we are in such a rut in our life and we often get so discouraged when we see no immediate results. And believe me, I know that without some kind of sign in front of us as proof of hope that it seems so dark out ahead. Here more than any other place is where we all go out in different directions, trying to find our “own way”. We’ll do it through our passion at our job, or at home, or at church, etc. We’ll go out and try to pull our own weight and bear the burdens of our trials on our own because we think that we can really handle it. Eventually, when we begin to crumble at the pressure, we have to turn to something. People always do. Whatever it is that we turn to is always different with each person, and can prove to be destructive without the leadership of God in your life.

I have learned a few lessons along the journey of my life. Unfortunately, I have also paid a great price to have learned them since most of my wisdom has came from mistakes made in my past. First of all, I have learned that we will never find ourselves through success, because we will fall to pride. When we obtain our monies and our popularity, it never fails that we always attribute it solely to ourselves. We never remember to give glory to God when it counts. I always hear to count my blessings, but we only normally count them when we are in grim situations. Pride has its place in our lives, and we have to learn to put pride in its place. We will never do it through the monotony of the daily or weekly routines; there are plenty of people out there that have been living the same life trying to put of God to find their answers out in this world. The sad truth of it all is that the satisfaction for their soul will never be there to find. And as we all know if you have been through the fire so to say, you know it if you have been through it!

We will only find success by stopping our complaining and murmuring. We have to begin to realize that we cannot do it on our own anymore. We will only begin to build confidence by the strength of God. We will only be able to endure the things that we cannot control nor understand by the peace of God as only can be given by the wonderful Holy Ghost. I cannot explain it to you. It’s just one of those things that you have, and when you have it, it will keep you through it all and help you stand through it all. We need to come TO the hour and stop trying to run from it. God can bring us through it a lot easier with us going forward than us complaining and having no faith. Faith moves God. Prayer and obedience moves God. So let’s move God and get moving! Let’s find our success through God this year!