Well here it is Jan. 2011 ....... I sure hope everybody had a Merry Christmas and a wonderful & safe new years. Kathy and I spent the time with her mom and dad in Ill., up near Champagne. It turned into a working vacation for us however. As it turned out we did some work up stairs for pops to keep him busy and out of our way so we could take over the living room and remove the falling down plaster ceiling and panel the whole room with an open beam type design. It took us almost the whole 4 weeks we were there, only because I can't do/work like I use too. Anyway, for a rushed job it turned out pretty good and ma and pa in-law are happy with the final out come. Shoot, we even brought back a couple 4 legged babies, they were 2 months old on the 17th. I was looking for one, but Kathy had to get two, keep each other company you know, o-well, that's kind of how she is. Anyway, our trip north for the holidays was very trying and I came across something I wrote that helped me out of getting to stress out and I would like to share it. Who knows, maybe it will open a door for you .......
Through My Mind’s Eye
by
Bradley C. Barnett
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
To Forgive or Not to Forgive
My wife asked me recently about forgiveness and how it should work. Now I know she knows how to forgive or I would be out sleeping with the dogs at least once a week, ok, maybe twice. But how does one forgive or ask forgiveness from another?
To forgive someone, for a lot of us, is hard to do. It’s that fleshy thing that always gets in the way; the anger and vengeful thoughts that open a door for Satan to influence our thoughts, our struggling walk with Christ. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:14+15 (14) For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: (15) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Do we not want our heavenly Father to forgive our trespasses? We are required, as written from the words of Jesus, to forgive one another. But because of one circumstance or another sometimes it’s so very hard to do. Among anger, there could also be fear of one form or another. Fear of the forgiveness or being forgiven not being accepted, fear of personal contact due to past history, etc... Whatever the reason/fear might be,
Before I was born again, it was hard for me to forgive and to ask forgiveness. Now, as I study Gods word on forgiving and forgiveness it is becoming easier for me to understand why. However, there are people that I probably will never see again and some that I would rather not ever see again, still, I have asked our Father God to forgive me and also them for our transgressions against each other.
Is that appropriate, to ask God’s forgiveness without the person knowing? I think so, I hope so. In Mark 11:25+26, Jesus says (25) And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught (anything; any part or item) against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (26) But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
I am not a scholar of the Bible but I do try my best, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to understand the teachings of God’s word. Those last two verses, Mark 11:25+26, tell me to forgive, no matter what. Not forgiving someone is like making a judgment against them and that is not a good thing for us to do either. Look at Luke 6:37+38 (37) Judge not and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: (38) Give, and it shall be given unto you: Good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom, for with the same measure that ye mete (to allot or distribute by or as by) withal it shall be measured to you again.
We all have to make judgments and we all judge one another to some degree. It’s how we judge that we need to be careful of, and always forgive. Matthew 18:21+22 tells us the best way to follow; (21) Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? (22) Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: But, until seventy times seven. Now that’s only 490 times, and if I’m not mistaken, to me anyway, that was Jesus’ way of saying, just do it and don’t worry about counting.
Think of this; Even as Jesus hung there on the cross, held by three large spikes, he asked his and our Father God to forgive those that put him there, for they knew not what they did, Luke 23:34.
It’s not easy for us to follow in the exact steps of Jesus, but the act of asking forgiveness, for someone else or for ourselves and forgiving someone else, in a sincere loving prayer to God in Jesus’ name, would be a step in the right direction.
Dear Father God, please forgive me of my transgressive thoughts and behavior towards others and please forgive others for the same against me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
03 Nov. 2010
Friday, January 21, 2011
Monday, December 13, 2010
Just Because
A little something to brighten your day. It's been 3 months sense my last post, as my wife pointed out yesterday. Yesterday, another birthday come and gone. Is everyone ready for Christmas? I'm one of those who always waits for Christmas eve, go in - grab it- and get out.
I have a couple things to post but what I would really like to do right now is just wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas. And don't forget to tell others you love them, as I do you.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What is a Sacrifice
Through My Mind’s Eye
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Edited by Jesus Christ
What is a Sacrifice?
by
Bradley C. Barnett
Just like all of you, I have made sacrifices. From not going fishing for a day with my kids to taking the fall for another. They were my decisions and I blame none other than myself for the outcome. Even though sometimes I still felt angry with myself I have learned to live with the decisions/sacrifices that I have made.
There isn’t one person that doesn’t make some sort of sacrifice every day. What I mean about that would be better explained from the dictionary. “2. A giving up of some cherished or desired object, person, idea, etc., usually for the sake of something else: also, that which is so given up. 4. A reduction of price that leaves little or no profit or involves loss.” Taken from The Reader’s Digest Great Encyclopedic Dictionary.
Why am I talking about sacrifices you ask? Well, I was sitting around one day thinking of all the ones I have made and the ones that I will probably make in the future, and all the people I have listened to or have overheard complaining about having to do this or that. So, I wanted to bring to your attention about some very important facts and aspects of life that you don’t know or just may have forgotten.
The list of sacrifices made in a person’s life time is as far as East is from West. How important are our sacrifices? Are they as important as the young soldier that gives the ultimate sacrifice for us, his country, to be free, so we can continue complaining about our insignificant sacrifices? We should be ashamed!
To put all this in a nut shell; when was the last time you dusted off your Bible and cracked it open and studied (just don’t read, study) the contents? You will find that between sacrifice, sacrificed, sacrifices and sacrificing, presented to us by bibletab.com there are a grand total of 635 occasions where it is spoken of such actions. Read about all those and then start thinking about all the sacrifices you have made so far. After that task has been accomplished find Matthew 27:50, Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46 and John 19:30, Jesus’ last breath. Are you feeling it yet?
In Matthew I was curious. In Mark I was beginning to feel something. In Luke I was getting excited. In John I was shown more than I could imagine and all the sacrifices that I had made, along with the anger, seemed to dissipate as I realized that they were/are insignificant to our Lords sacrifice that he gave to us for our salvation, his Son Jesus.
Now when my sacrifices start riding up on me and I feel the anger and self pity that arises they are easily forgotten because I think of that sacrifice that was made for me and say a thank you, Father God.
What is your sacrifice? Just a little something to think about.
Thank you Father God for all that you have done, all that you are doing and all that is yet to come. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen
Remember – JLY + MGBYAKY
Love to All
Monday, 26 October 2009
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Edited by Jesus Christ
What is a Sacrifice?
by
Bradley C. Barnett
Just like all of you, I have made sacrifices. From not going fishing for a day with my kids to taking the fall for another. They were my decisions and I blame none other than myself for the outcome. Even though sometimes I still felt angry with myself I have learned to live with the decisions/sacrifices that I have made.
There isn’t one person that doesn’t make some sort of sacrifice every day. What I mean about that would be better explained from the dictionary. “2. A giving up of some cherished or desired object, person, idea, etc., usually for the sake of something else: also, that which is so given up. 4. A reduction of price that leaves little or no profit or involves loss.” Taken from The Reader’s Digest Great Encyclopedic Dictionary.
Why am I talking about sacrifices you ask? Well, I was sitting around one day thinking of all the ones I have made and the ones that I will probably make in the future, and all the people I have listened to or have overheard complaining about having to do this or that. So, I wanted to bring to your attention about some very important facts and aspects of life that you don’t know or just may have forgotten.
The list of sacrifices made in a person’s life time is as far as East is from West. How important are our sacrifices? Are they as important as the young soldier that gives the ultimate sacrifice for us, his country, to be free, so we can continue complaining about our insignificant sacrifices? We should be ashamed!
To put all this in a nut shell; when was the last time you dusted off your Bible and cracked it open and studied (just don’t read, study) the contents? You will find that between sacrifice, sacrificed, sacrifices and sacrificing, presented to us by bibletab.com there are a grand total of 635 occasions where it is spoken of such actions. Read about all those and then start thinking about all the sacrifices you have made so far. After that task has been accomplished find Matthew 27:50, Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46 and John 19:30, Jesus’ last breath. Are you feeling it yet?
In Matthew I was curious. In Mark I was beginning to feel something. In Luke I was getting excited. In John I was shown more than I could imagine and all the sacrifices that I had made, along with the anger, seemed to dissipate as I realized that they were/are insignificant to our Lords sacrifice that he gave to us for our salvation, his Son Jesus.
Now when my sacrifices start riding up on me and I feel the anger and self pity that arises they are easily forgotten because I think of that sacrifice that was made for me and say a thank you, Father God.
What is your sacrifice? Just a little something to think about.
Thank you Father God for all that you have done, all that you are doing and all that is yet to come. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen
Remember – JLY + MGBYAKY
Love to All
Monday, 26 October 2009
Monday, August 2, 2010
Hi Everybody ....... :}> Here it is August already. I pray that everything goes well with everyone.
Here's a little something I wrote last year about being afraid, something we very seldom think about and sometimes should.
Are You Afraid?
By
Bradley C. Barnett
Inspired by
The Holy Spirit
Isaiah 12:2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” I just received the results of the testing that were taken a week ago. Part of my right lung is closing down and it looks like a tumor has/is developing. In two weeks they go in for a biopsy to see what’s what. Matthew 10:28-31 (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. (29) Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (31) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
Are you afraid? Those of you who brave the Internet, at one time or another you have probably received one of those personal info games. I have received at least half a dozen different ones, some 3 and 4 times. The one question that has been on most of them is “What are you most afraid of?”, or something like that, and my answer is always the same, nothing! Now, to a certain extent, this is true, I have nothing to be afraid of. I have seen and survived a lot of things and I feel that I am in the right place with God. My name is right where it should be, inscribed on a page in the Lambs Book of Life.
What is there to be afraid of? Is there something in your life you need to get right with God? You are not alone. There is always something we are afraid of, but if we seek out our Father in Heaven, repent, and give our fears to Him, He will take that fear from us and cover us with a Vail of comfort and joy. This is why I feel “not afraid” for myself. You have probably noticed my irritation at times and that is because I have stuck my head out from under my Vail.
Proverbs 3:23-26 (23) “Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. (24) When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. (25) Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. (26) For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”
I am not afraid! I have accepted the healing from God which is possible through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As my body continues on its destructive path, I am not afraid! The healing of my soul is of more importance, than a body that will be left in the ashes after I go home to be with my Father God.
When was the last time you read Psalm 23? It hangs right next to my computer monitor to remind me I am never alone and that He gives me everything.
Don’t ever give up, give in. Give in to our Lord Jesus Christ and see what few others see. Don’t be afraid; open your eyes, reach out your hands, trust Him, and take that step of faith. It will come, when He knows you are ready.
Thank you God for all you have done, all that you do, and all that’s yet to come. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
MGBYAKY
I Love You
11 March 09
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Our Lord being Sighted
Hi everyone ....... :}
I can't believe it's been 2 months sense my last post ....... no excuses, just being lazy. Going through my book I stopped at this next Inspiration and had to read it. I think now is a good time to post it.
Our Lord being “Sighted”
By
Bradley C. Barnett
Inspired by the Holy Ghost
I would like to use my dad as an example here; I pray he doesn’t mind too much. He recently sent me a picture of the dust collected on his shop stool and tells me it’s the image of God. He even went as far as hanging that stool up in the garage so nobody would sit on it and going out and buying a new one to sit on. At first I wanted to write him back and tell him that he has totally lost it and maybe he should take a better look at it and reconsider, before they put him in a padded cell. Well I didn’t and haven’t said a word to him about it one way or another and I’m glad I haven’t, yet. This message will be my answer to him and all who have ever thought as I have.
How many places in the Bible does it say that man has actually seen God? Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis, Jacob said he saw God face to face. In Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers it explains the Ark of the Covenant and how only the most holy were allowed behind the vale to counsel with God. Psalms 27:8 “When thou sadist, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” And Psalms 31:16 “Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.” In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 39, verse 29 reads; “Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord God.” And let’s not forget John in the book of Revelations.
Those were just a few examples from the Bible. How many more between then and today have seen the face of God? My guess would be; only God knows! I have not seen the face of God but I see God every day in everything around me. Even though I have not seen the face of God I feel the presence of the Holy Ghost when I write and such a wonderful feeling it is. I feel the Holy Ghost at other times too, but mostly when I write because I want others to benefit from what the Holy Ghost has helped me put together.
So now; should I be put into a padded cell for what I feel and write? Through my Lord and Savior, Jesus, I am able to talk with God as some of you would not believe. And with the gift of the Holy Ghost given to us a long time ago we are able to be touched and touch others with God’s gift of Love.
What do you see when you see a person with a handicap, physical, mental, or both? I see God! I always have and always will say this; there for the grace of God go I, something my mother instilled in us kids from the day we were able to understand. There are none closer to God than the physically and mentally handicapped for His Mercy and Grace.
So now, who do you see in your pancake? Are you looking? Better yet, do you seek the face of God and how will he appear to you? I have not yet searched for the face of God, maybe someday. Right now I am content in the awesome feelings I receive when the Holy Spirit takes my hand and puts to paper the things we wish to share with you. And the wonderful feeling I get when I ask God to please just sit with me for awhile. It is a totally peaceful feeling when I feel his presence.
Please forgive me Dad, and to all the others too for my selfish thoughts. Seek God and you will find him. Whether it’s His face on a dust covered shop stool, cooked up in the middle of a pancake, written down on paper with the help of the Holy Spirit, or just feeling his presence as he sits with you on your front porch, He loves you and truly wants you to be with Him.
Thank You Jesus
MGBYAKY
I Love You
7 Feb. 2009
I can't believe it's been 2 months sense my last post ....... no excuses, just being lazy. Going through my book I stopped at this next Inspiration and had to read it. I think now is a good time to post it.
Our Lord being “Sighted”
By
Bradley C. Barnett
Inspired by the Holy Ghost
I would like to use my dad as an example here; I pray he doesn’t mind too much. He recently sent me a picture of the dust collected on his shop stool and tells me it’s the image of God. He even went as far as hanging that stool up in the garage so nobody would sit on it and going out and buying a new one to sit on. At first I wanted to write him back and tell him that he has totally lost it and maybe he should take a better look at it and reconsider, before they put him in a padded cell. Well I didn’t and haven’t said a word to him about it one way or another and I’m glad I haven’t, yet. This message will be my answer to him and all who have ever thought as I have.
How many places in the Bible does it say that man has actually seen God? Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis, Jacob said he saw God face to face. In Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers it explains the Ark of the Covenant and how only the most holy were allowed behind the vale to counsel with God. Psalms 27:8 “When thou sadist, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” And Psalms 31:16 “Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.” In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 39, verse 29 reads; “Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord God.” And let’s not forget John in the book of Revelations.
Those were just a few examples from the Bible. How many more between then and today have seen the face of God? My guess would be; only God knows! I have not seen the face of God but I see God every day in everything around me. Even though I have not seen the face of God I feel the presence of the Holy Ghost when I write and such a wonderful feeling it is. I feel the Holy Ghost at other times too, but mostly when I write because I want others to benefit from what the Holy Ghost has helped me put together.
So now; should I be put into a padded cell for what I feel and write? Through my Lord and Savior, Jesus, I am able to talk with God as some of you would not believe. And with the gift of the Holy Ghost given to us a long time ago we are able to be touched and touch others with God’s gift of Love.
What do you see when you see a person with a handicap, physical, mental, or both? I see God! I always have and always will say this; there for the grace of God go I, something my mother instilled in us kids from the day we were able to understand. There are none closer to God than the physically and mentally handicapped for His Mercy and Grace.
So now, who do you see in your pancake? Are you looking? Better yet, do you seek the face of God and how will he appear to you? I have not yet searched for the face of God, maybe someday. Right now I am content in the awesome feelings I receive when the Holy Spirit takes my hand and puts to paper the things we wish to share with you. And the wonderful feeling I get when I ask God to please just sit with me for awhile. It is a totally peaceful feeling when I feel his presence.
Please forgive me Dad, and to all the others too for my selfish thoughts. Seek God and you will find him. Whether it’s His face on a dust covered shop stool, cooked up in the middle of a pancake, written down on paper with the help of the Holy Spirit, or just feeling his presence as he sits with you on your front porch, He loves you and truly wants you to be with Him.
Thank You Jesus
MGBYAKY
I Love You
7 Feb. 2009
Monday, April 19, 2010
Are You Pleased with Yourself
Ok ....... Let's see if the above smiley face is going to show or if all the info garbage for it come's up. We will find out when I hit the Publish button.
Did everyone have a wonderful Easter? Ours was fabulous. Everyone got fed twice that Sunday with a great service and then a big pot luck dinner afterwards.
I have 2 or 3 things I'm working on right now, trying to keep everything as to the way the Holy Spirit wants things done. Here is something from June 2008 that we picked out for you to think about.
Through My Mind’s Eye
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Edited by Jesus Christ
Are You Pleased with Yourself
All my life I have done things for others. Sometimes, not very often, wishing I would get something in return from them but never expecting it. Nevertheless, I would extend a helping hand to do what needed to be done, pleased with myself because it not only took a small burden off them and made them feel a little better it also made me feel good too.
Not until I was reading through the book of Romans did I realize that I was doing something that as a Christian is required from me. Romans 15:1-3 “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himsef; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” (Psalm 69:9).
I had to read Romans 15:1-3 more than just a few times and search my feelings and ask God for help because I was not sure if I should be pleased with myself. As I sat there listening for my answer my eyes were directed to the dictionary on the shelf above the computer. I was to look up the definition of scruples and edification and I would find my answer.
–Scruple(s) – “Doubt or uncertainty regarding a question of moral right of duty; reluctance arising from conscientious disapproval. To have scruples (about); hesitate (to do) from motives of conscience.”
-Edification – “Intellectual or moral enlightenment and improvement.”
For the few times I had wished for something in return, even though I was helping someone else, my heart being in the right place and my mind not, my motives for doing it were selfish. Being pleased with myself did not make God pleased with me for my selfish wishful thinking!
God wants me to Love and be Loved. He wants me to feel good and be pleased with all the good that I can do for others. But there cannot be any other motives than the Feel Good Love I give and receive from helping someone in need! And that alone is reward enough!
I don’t look for recognition, and the reward that I will receive when I leave to be with Jesus and our Father God is reward enough. However, it does make a person feel good when we get a Thank You and a pat on the back, especially when it comes from God. So remember when you do something for someone else, do it because you love them and want to ease a burden they may be carrying. And don’t forget to say thank you if it is your burden being lifted. Those two little words, thank you, along with a hug and a peck on the cheek do make a person feel good and appreciated.
MGBYAKY and remember JLY
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Easter
Hi Everybody :} .......
How is everybody doing this fine wet morning? Yea, I woke up at 2am to the sound of heavy rain hitting the roof. I love that sound and the smell is so fresh, God's way of washing away the skunky smell from the back yard. Our GreatDane, Bison, decided to play with a miss guided skunk and this Dane doesn't know how to play nice. We don't think he is all there. Have you ever read the cartoon in the paper called "Marmaduke"? Well if you have then you know the character of this dog. He was probably playing soccer with the poor thing, he has a couple old basket balls that he loves to play soccer with, one is black and the other is white!?!? Go figure.
Ok, on with the program. Here is a little something to think about for Easter and I pray that everybody has a wonderful one.
EASTER
By
Bradley C. Barnett
Inspired by
The Holy Spirit
EASTER:
Exalt the Ascension of the Son and Treasure and Embrace his Resurrection.
I always thought Christmas; the celebration of the Birth of Jesus was the most important time of year for us. Until I read, with conviction, the last few chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. From the persecution of Jesus to his last visit with the disciples. I found John to be more descriptive in his writings and read chapters 19 thru 21 more than a couple of times.
I’m telling you all this because Jesus arose from the dead on the third day and I feel that all of us should take at least three minutes before our Easter Feast to give thanks to our almighty savior.
Something just wasn’t right. Everyone knows that Jesus arose on the third day from the dead. The number three was stuck in my mind like a grounded boat in the Mississippi mud. I knew the Holy Spirit wanted me to write about this, but he also wanted me to learn something from it too.
This is what the Holy Spirit has shown me and for you that don’t know, or if you have forgotten: In the 23rd chapter of Luke, verse 44, when darkness fell upon the earth from about the sixth hour to about the ninth hour, three. Jesus arose from the dead on the third day, three. In the 20th chapter of John, verses 15-23, when Jesus spoke to Mary that morning he arose and then again that evening with the disciples, visit #1. Again in the 20th chapter of John, verses 26-29, proving to Thomas that he is Christ our Lord, visit #2. And then all of the 21st chapter of John, showing himself to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias and filling the fishing nets with fish, visit #3. John 21:14 confirms his three visits and our saviors ascension to Heaven.
The Holy Spirit was using that number three to bring to my attention important things that had happened and wanted me to learn that Easter is not just another celebration, it is a very important factor in our lives.
So now, how should Easter be celebrated? Society would have us believe that it’s a time for little children to be all dressed up; little boys looking dapper in their little suits and ties and little girls with all the frills, with shiny new shoes and bonnets to match. And all those colored eggs that we take the time to dye and then go around hiding them saying, find, look what the Easter Bunny has left behind.
And what about us, the grown-up side? Have we gotten lost in all the frills, colored eggs, baskets, bunnies and the making of that perfect Easter dinner for all invited that we have forgotten why there is an Easter celebration? There is nothing wrong with all the pretties and good food, as long as we remember that Easter is the most important celebration in our Christian lives, the time we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Now, when you sit down to your fancy Easter Feast, looking pretty and dapper, take those three minutes and tell our Lord and Savior Jesus just how much you love him and thank him for all that he has done and will do for you. Remember; three hours, third day and three visits, which also equal three. Thank you Father God for all that was, all that is and all that is yet to come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
MGBYAKY
I Love You
How is everybody doing this fine wet morning? Yea, I woke up at 2am to the sound of heavy rain hitting the roof. I love that sound and the smell is so fresh, God's way of washing away the skunky smell from the back yard. Our GreatDane, Bison, decided to play with a miss guided skunk and this Dane doesn't know how to play nice. We don't think he is all there. Have you ever read the cartoon in the paper called "Marmaduke"? Well if you have then you know the character of this dog. He was probably playing soccer with the poor thing, he has a couple old basket balls that he loves to play soccer with, one is black and the other is white!?!? Go figure.
Ok, on with the program. Here is a little something to think about for Easter and I pray that everybody has a wonderful one.
EASTER
By
Bradley C. Barnett
Inspired by
The Holy Spirit
EASTER:
Exalt the Ascension of the Son and Treasure and Embrace his Resurrection.
I always thought Christmas; the celebration of the Birth of Jesus was the most important time of year for us. Until I read, with conviction, the last few chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. From the persecution of Jesus to his last visit with the disciples. I found John to be more descriptive in his writings and read chapters 19 thru 21 more than a couple of times.
I’m telling you all this because Jesus arose from the dead on the third day and I feel that all of us should take at least three minutes before our Easter Feast to give thanks to our almighty savior.
Something just wasn’t right. Everyone knows that Jesus arose on the third day from the dead. The number three was stuck in my mind like a grounded boat in the Mississippi mud. I knew the Holy Spirit wanted me to write about this, but he also wanted me to learn something from it too.
This is what the Holy Spirit has shown me and for you that don’t know, or if you have forgotten: In the 23rd chapter of Luke, verse 44, when darkness fell upon the earth from about the sixth hour to about the ninth hour, three. Jesus arose from the dead on the third day, three. In the 20th chapter of John, verses 15-23, when Jesus spoke to Mary that morning he arose and then again that evening with the disciples, visit #1. Again in the 20th chapter of John, verses 26-29, proving to Thomas that he is Christ our Lord, visit #2. And then all of the 21st chapter of John, showing himself to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias and filling the fishing nets with fish, visit #3. John 21:14 confirms his three visits and our saviors ascension to Heaven.
The Holy Spirit was using that number three to bring to my attention important things that had happened and wanted me to learn that Easter is not just another celebration, it is a very important factor in our lives.
So now, how should Easter be celebrated? Society would have us believe that it’s a time for little children to be all dressed up; little boys looking dapper in their little suits and ties and little girls with all the frills, with shiny new shoes and bonnets to match. And all those colored eggs that we take the time to dye and then go around hiding them saying, find, look what the Easter Bunny has left behind.
And what about us, the grown-up side? Have we gotten lost in all the frills, colored eggs, baskets, bunnies and the making of that perfect Easter dinner for all invited that we have forgotten why there is an Easter celebration? There is nothing wrong with all the pretties and good food, as long as we remember that Easter is the most important celebration in our Christian lives, the time we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Now, when you sit down to your fancy Easter Feast, looking pretty and dapper, take those three minutes and tell our Lord and Savior Jesus just how much you love him and thank him for all that he has done and will do for you. Remember; three hours, third day and three visits, which also equal three. Thank you Father God for all that was, all that is and all that is yet to come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
MGBYAKY
I Love You
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