Spiritual Gifts: not wanting you to be ignorant

1 Corinthians 12:8 – 10 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

Wisdom 知恵
Knowledge 知識
Faith 信仰。

Before Easter, we started to look at the Spiritual Gifts. From a number of verse in the Bible, we can find a list that could take us well into the next summer, but I want to cover as many as possible before I return to the US. I believe that when we can see and understand our gifts that the Lord has given to His Church, the better we are to work for His Glory and for the health of the Body because we are working and living in our Giftedness.

So far, we have looked at Wisdom and Knowledge. If you want to look at them again, please go to ICCS’s web page and read over the two weeks of introduction and one week of instruction on these first gifts.

First, a quiz: 8 questions on Gifts,

The more important the Spiritual gift the more mature and spiritual the person. T/F

The major evidence of the Holy Spirit is a person’s life is his/her ability to speak in tongues. T/F

We must ask God for the Spiritual Gift we want. T/F

A person “under the influence” of the Spirit can’t help shouting out. T/F

Some Christians have little to contribute to the Church. T/F

In Church meetings, only the pastor should teach, because he’s usually the only one with seminary training. T/F

There is no real test for ‘spirituality.’ T/F

Some people are more important than others in the church as in every other situation. T/F

(In case you want to know...all the answers are False...)

Again, it is important that we are not ignorant, as Paul put it, concerning Spiritual Gifts. When we look at this next GIFT, the gift of Faith, as a Spiritual gift, I find that it is way different than I first thought.

A man fell off a cliff, but managed to grab a tree limb on the way down. The following conversation ensued:
"Is anyone up there?"
"I am here. I am the Lord. Do you believe Me?"
"Yes, Lord, I believe. I really believe, but I can't hang on much longer."
"That's all right, if you really believe you have nothing to worry about. I will save you. Just let go of the branch."
A pause, then: "Is anyone else up there?"

There are many verses that deal with faith...
... Without Faith it is impossible to please God.
... Add to your faith…
... Lord, increase my faith…
... Unless you have works and faith…
... Faith alone!

The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith. The two are opposite sides of the same coin. ~ A.W. Tozer.

All these verses deal with an overall giftedness of Faith. God gives Faith to His People. (All gifts are from His hand anyway…) It is one of the gifts that is given to each of us—each who have come to believe in Him as Lord and Master. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Therefore, FAITH, as it is, is ours—all of ours—to use, to add to and to grow in.

The issue of a special gift called the Gift of Faith goes much further. And one who has this special gift is really set apart from the others in the Body because of the depth of the gift. ... It doesn’t make them more mature, just gifted.

How it is used and how it develops is key. The main reason Paul brings this up to this church and in other places in his writings is to remind us that we are united in our ministries to the one Body: the Church. God’s Holy Spirit hands out or bestows these gifts “as He wills” (1 Cor 12:11) not as we will or want. None of us should complain about the gift they have nor should any believer boost about them either. One Body; One God.

The gift of Faith. This has to do with believing God for what He wants to do or accomplish in the Church’s ministry … and all for His Glory … that He will lead and provide for us along the way.

The problem is, we who have a Faith in God and a relationship with Him ALREADY have Faith. This gift was given so that we COULD believe. Apart from Him giving that to us, we would still be in darkness and in our sin. Forgiveness is one of the end products of Faith. It is impossible to please God without Faith. So is this something else? Something bigger?

How strong does an ability have to be before we call it a Spiritual Gift? How much teaching ability needs to happen before it is called a spiritual gift of teaching? Or with evangelism before it is recognized as a gift of evangelism? How many times would a person have to pray for healing and the person gets healed before it is considered a gift of healing?

The Bible does not answer that question. Paul does, however, speak of the gifts as being useful for the building up of the Church. [1Cor 14:12]

God does not expect us to submit our faith to Him without reason, but the very limits of our reason make faith a necessity. ~Augustine.

You can’t go through Life without it; Never leave home without it!

A person with this Gift is fast to believe God for things they may never see or experience. They would tend to be an optimist and have the trait of being strong on perseverance. They, as well, have a tendency to be future and change-oriented.

You would be great in new ministries or ones that are developing because you see those significant obstacles are not a problem for you. You are keenly aware of the Spiritual warfare around you yet you are not afraid. You tend to prosper on opportunities for prayer. You also might be fed up with the status quo and might be bored without a challenge before you.

ILL: Faith honors God and God honors faith!

A story from the life of missionaries Robert and Mary Moffat illustrates this truth. For 10 years this couple labored faithfully in Bechuanaland (now called Botswana) without one ray of encouragement to brighten their way. They could not report a single convert. Finally the directors of their mission board began to question the wisdom of continuing the work. The thought of leaving their post, however, brought great grief to this devoted couple, for they felt sure that God was in their labors, and that they would see people turn to Christ in due season. They stayed; and for a year or two longer, darkness reigned. Then one day a friend in England sent word to the Moffats that she wanted to mail them a gift and asked what they would like. Trusting that in time the Lord would bless their work, Mrs. Moffat replied, "Send us a communion set; I am sure it will soon be needed." God honored that dear woman's faith. The Holy Spirit moved upon the hearts of the villagers, and soon a little group of six converts was united to form the first Christian church in that land. The communion set from England was delayed in the mail; but on the very day before the first commemoration of the Lord's super in Botswana, the set arrived. They stayed in Africa for 50 years. They had 10 children. One daughter, Mary, married David Livingstone.

It would be very important for you to understand the difference between intuition (insight-without actual evidence) and presumption (conjecture- based on incomplete information or experience). Faith in God is the belief in or devotion to or trust in the One Who made us!

Like Noah's faith-with the flood, Jacob's faith-blessing Joseph’s sons, Moses' faith-leading Israel out of Egypt, Caleb's faith-seeking out the Promise Land, Rahab's faith- hiding the spies, the faith of Abraham-offering his only son, David's faith-going after the giant, the faith of Daniel-in the lions' den, Ezra's faith-Build the wall, Joseph had great faith to marry Mary, who was with a child, and Peter's faith-so that he could walk on the water…

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) says: 1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

The Message:

1-2 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.

The following are statements that fit with a person who has the Gift of Faith: Things they would feel and say.
“I find it natural and easy to trust God to answer my prayers.”
“I have confidence in God’s continuing provision and help, even in difficult times.”
“I believe that God will help me to accomplish great things.”
“I trust God in circumstances where success cannot be guaranteed by human effort alone.”

... Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends. ~ George Muller.

“I am convinced of God’s daily presence and action in my life.”
“I am regularly challenging others to trust in God.”
“I can move forward in spite of opposition or lack of support when I sense God’s blessing on an undertaking.”


Now, there might be some of you that could answer some of these questions to the positive but you really don’t see, in the practical life how that faith could be your gift. Join the club. We all have a gift. We all do not have the same gift. There are times we ‘might’ be stronger in one area at a certain time of your Walk of Faith. It might mean, for example, that you are expressing a gifting of Faith but not the gift of Faith.

However, if these statements ring true for you, you would instill great confidence in the Fellowship when you exercise this gift. When you are no longer ignorant of your spiritual gift. When you understand how to use this gift in the Body, all glory will go to the One who granted you the gift. As Paul encourages young Timothy in 1 Tim 4:14-Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Who has this Gift of Faith?

Faith in God makes great optimists.

Over in Burma, in the 1800’s, Adoniram Judson was lying in a foul jail with 32 lbs. of chains on his ankles, his feet bound to a bamboo pole. A fellow prisoner said, "Dr. Judson, what about the prospect of the conversion of the heathen?" with a sneer on his face. His instant reply was, "The prospects are just as bright as the promises of God." ~ The Presbyterian Advance.

Faith's duty: Romans 1:17--live by it. God's way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: . "The person in right standing before God by trusting Him really lives."

"The righteous will live by faith."

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Next week, we will remember the Lord's promise to us who believe..."I will return!" We will conduct a Communion service during the regular worship time.

In Memory of my Mother 2.11.19~3.30.09

Faith honors God and God honors faith!

Anna Eve De La Cour

Second Testimony. Angela

　　　わたしは四さいのときイエスさまをしんじました。ママとパパがかみさまとせいしょをおしえてくれましたイエスさまがわたしのつみのためにじゅうじかにかかりました。イエスがわたしのこころにはいて、わたしのつみをゆるしてもらいたいです。かみさまがわたしをあいしていることをしっています。それでわたしがいのってイエスをうけいれました。クリスチャンになりました。わたしはわるいことをしたら、かみさまにいのってかみさまがわたしをあいしていますからわたしをゆるしてくださることをしんじています。イエスがわたしのこころにいるのでわたしとともにずっといます。さびしいときにもいっしょうにいます。あくむにうなされるときにもかみさまはまもってくださいます。五さいのとき、わたしはかみさまがつくったものをみて、すごくきれいとおっもっていました。ようちえんのときかみさまひとりひとりをとくべつにつくったことをわかりました。わたしはともだちいっぱいつくってあそびました。わたしはいま九さいです。せんれいをうけます。せんれいをうけてかみさまをもっともっとしりたいです。かみさまをしんじつづけてかみさまがつくられたものをたのしみます。せいしょもよみつづけます。みなさん、わたしのせいちょうをつづけていのってください。

　　　　　　ありがとございました！

When I was four years old, I decided to follow Jesus. This is how it happened. My mom and dad read to me about the bible and also about God. Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I need Jesus in my heart to forgive me. And, I know that God loves me very much. So, I prayed and became a Christian.



When I do something wrong, and ask Him for forgiveness. I know God will forgive me because He loves me very much.



Because Jesus is in my heart, I know he is with me always. Even though I’m alone he is with me. When I have nightmares, God protects me.



When I was five, I looked around me at what God created and it was so beautiful. I also went to a Japanese preschool and I saw that God made everyone different. I made a lot of friends, and we played together. Now I am nine years old and I am ready to get baptized. I want to be baptized because I want to know him more. I will still continue to believe and enjoy Gods creations. I will also continue reading the bible. I need you in my prayers as I continue to follow my Lord Jesus. I really love God so much!



THANK YOU!!!!!!

Last week, we spoke about real HOPE. During the Sunday morning service, three young people gave their testimonies and then were baptized.

Please read in his own words, the life changing story of one of the young men, Joseph.

When I was five I went to VBS (vacation Bible School) and we had to put out our arms like Jesus was dying on the cross. Soon it began to hurt, and people started putting their arms down because they couldn't stand the pain, but I realized Jesus couldn't put His arms down. I then understood that Jesus went through a lot of pain for my sins. That made me feel very bad. So I prayed for God to forgive me. Then I wanted to be baptized, but my pastor at that time said I had to wait until I was 9 or 10. So I waited, but I continued to pray and believe. Now I am 10 and I want to be baptized.

Joseph Benjamin Tsuchiya

Easter Sunday
April 12, 2009

How about you? Can you understand the pain He suffered for your sins? Joseph can. Maybe you can too?

Next time, another life changing story from one of the young people.

God is ready to change your life forever--if you'd let Him!

Hope That Brings Change...

The resurrection of Jesus can give you hope for a new life--hope of recovery from bad investments you may have made in life. Hope that brings change, healing, and filling.

As St. Augustine (345-430 AD from Hippo, North Africa) said in his work Faith, Hope, and Charity, "The omnipotent God, primal (original) power of the world, being Himself supremely good, could not permit anything evil in His works, were He not so all-powerful and good as to be able to bring good even out of evil." And nothing demonstrates that better than the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ after the tragedy and horror of Good Friday.

What happened just a few days before WAS really horrific. The Crucifixion of Jesus was, as many historians describe, was one of the most painful tortures ever invented by man. The deep personal grief aside, Jesus was nailed to a cross after a most complete beating. His Flesh was removed from His Body. He was beaten with rods and fist. The wipe used was made to create a most lasting imprint on the body. His head was gorged with thorns that tore into His forehead. He was made to carry His own beam over a long distance while crowds and soldiers spit on Him and hit Him.

It is called a tragedy only if there were not a better ending. In truth, THIS was exactly why He came to earth, some 33 years before. He was born in an unusual situation: Born to a virgin. Born as a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies. This Jesus was and is the Only Son of God, who was given to the World as a paid ransom to release Mankind from the penalty of sin. Mankind had chosen to reject and turned away from God. In rebellion, Man chooses to put their trust in anything other than the One who made them. In rebellion, Man forced God out of their lives. Making Self the center of their world, mankind moved from bad to worst. He rebelled against the Laws of God. He broke every one of them…willfully. Defiantly. Rejected his very own creator and put instead in God’s place, something inferior and debased.

But that did not stop Creator God from loving His creation. Time after time, God, the FATHER OF ALL THE WORLD, chose to extend His love to man. He blessed him with health…with wealth…with relationship…with dreams. God extended His loving arms toward His creation time and time again.

Then it was time. In the fullness of time, He sent His only Son to us. The Scriptures said that He would be rejected. Yet, God did it any way. Why? To show His complete love for His creation. To provide for His creation a way out of the hole called sin. To provide a way of Salvation.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

That gift was received and believed by these three young people with us today who entered the Waters of Baptism. For God so loved Joseph, Collin and Angela, that He gave His one and only Son, for that if they believe in Him, they shall not perish but that they—and you may have eternal life.

Do you believe this? Do you want to believe this? It is not out of the question! It is not too simple! It is not just a nice story! It is truth and that offer of forgiveness of ALL your sins is open for us today.

To prove that, Jesus did not stay in the grave. As beat up as He was. As dead as He became on that Cross. As cold and as bloody He was, He did not stay that way!

Up from the Grave He Arose! He is Victor today. His coming to life again has given us REAL HOPE. His being alive today is cause of real JOY.

I attended my Mother’s funeral last week. Seeing her in the casket was a real eye-opener for me. She was dead…no mistake about that! Her body was cold. There was no life in it. How I wanted to see her breathing again, but that was not going to happen! Her body was there, but Anna Eve De La Cour was not there! She is alive. While in life, Mom accepted the Savior’s invitation to put her faith and trust in Him. (My mother did not know how to drive but she got into a car all the time. She really did not know how food was digested but that did not stop her from eating.) Can’t have all the answers… She put her faith in the Lord Jesus, even though she did not understand all that it meant. God’s role in that was to call her to Himself. To fill her with His Spirit and to seal her for all eternity. She is dead now, but she will be alive again, and is alive today—with King Jesus because of that decision she made in January 1968, to ask Jesus for forgiveness and to ask Him to come into her life.

Jesus said at the funeral of His close friend Lazarus in John 11:25-26 Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

The resurrection of Jesus can give you real Hope for a new life--hope of recovery from bad investments you may have made in life. Hope that brings change, healing, and filling.

Do you believe this? Do you want to believe this? For the sake of your soul, what in God’s Name is holding you back? Starts with you saying to yourself, I need to look into this more. Let that be the first honest step to know the King of Creation. Don’t worry where that will lead you. Trust me, it will be the BEST decision you have ever made. There is HOPE to be had and Jesus is the One to give it to you!

He is Risen!!!

He is Risen, indeed!

These are the lines that have been used for many years as we look at this weekend.

On one day, Jesus entered the city. People called for Him to become King. (He already was but they did not catch that!) On another day, He taught in the Temple. More believed on Him. Some were people who saw His friend come to life after being dead for four days! An other day, He and His close friends sat down for the Passover Dinner and He expressed His love for them, teaching them it is better to serve. He did this by example. He washed their feet.

He took some bread and wine and re-discovered for them the New Meaning of these common food things. His Body. His Blood. He was going to die. He was going to be killed.

They missed the point.

In fact, one of the 12 left to betray Him for a few coins.

Then, He took them to a garden party. Not your regular party, no, this one was a deep prayer meeting but He was the only one who was in prayer. His 11 fell asleep while He fought a big battle, stepping on the head of Satan and offering Himself--as His Father wished--to be the paid ransom for our sins and gave Glory to His Father in obedience said, "Not My will but Yours!"

Then the 'friend' came up to Him and with a kiss, turned on Him. The took Him away. As one account says, He even healed the cut off ear of one of those who came to arrest Him. Always the Healer, Jesus then was taken, beaten, and was torn apart (His flesh) in a very illegal arrest before a very angry mob. They took Him to the leader (because they had no real power -in truth, no power at all) to put Him to death. The Roman leader found no fault in Him and wanted to set Him free. The mob--could have been some of the very ones who called to have Him be their king when He entered the city--cried out to have Him killed.

An offer was made to set Him free and the mob said they wanted a man who had killed to be set free instead. That man's name meant 'son of the father'. The called for the death of The Real Son of the Father.

Then they took Him and finished hurting Him, but He kept saying "Father, forgive them 'cause they don't know what they are doing..." That must have made them even more angry.

Then they took Him to that hill outside the city and nailed Him to the Cross. He was hung up there in front of all. Lifted up, His beaten Body cried out to the people of the World to find salvation in Him and only one, a thief, took Him at His Word and believed. Jesus promised that that thief would be with Him. He once stole things but now was on the receiving end of the greatest treasure he would ever have. He would find Peace at the end of his life.

When all was over, Jesus then said "Into Your Hands I give My Spirit." "It is finished!" And died.

The earth shook. The Temple was hit and the curtain that kept people away from the Holy of Holies was torn from the TOP to the BOTTOM. (A sign that God DID IT!)

They took Him down from the Cross and put Him in a grave that was not His. There death took Him but could not hold Him. For three days, He was there in that cold grave...dead.

God showed up on the third day.

Lesson learned: When things look bad and the bottom falls out, look up and see that He is there. He has always been there but we made up our minds that He most have left us. We think He is like other people we know. We do forget that He is God. It is His nature to be God. He is God.

There at the grave of Jesus, God really showed up on both sides of the stone. Working together, the stone was moved and Jesus saw the light of another day. A New Day of Resurrection.

Is that what you need today? When things look dark, and they are really dark, look up and see that He is the Lord! He is Risen!

He is Risen, indeed!

See you at the Kokukoen station on Sunday at 7:30 AM for a SonRise Service. Brother Ken and myself will be sharing a message with you and give you a chance to sing of this Risen Lord. Come later to ICCS for Grow Zone, a short Sweet/Coffee time at 9:30 before the worship service which will begin at 10:30. During the service, we will have three young people enter the Waters of Baptism as an outward sign of new life. They will be sharing their story. The message will be on Hope Today.

Join us!

How Does He Enter? (Palm Sunday)

John 12:12-19 The Triumphal Entry

12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting,
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the King of Israel!" 14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,
15 "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt."

16 At first His disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about Him and that they had done these things to Him.

17 Now the crowd that was with Him when He called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that He had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet Him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!"

This was one of the biggest feast of them all. Population in the city is swelling.

People are wondering if He is going to show up. Happened before and great things went on.
Word gets out on Sunday that Jesus is on His way—after the anointing of Mary.

There was an interesting contrast here and that of the entry of Jesus a few days later. Mary’s was deeply personal. And her's was a private expression of how she felt while the crowd’s response was a very public outpouring of enthusiasm.

They yell out HOSANNA! Meaning … hoshi ‘ ah-na means SAVE or HELP!
Please read (Psalm of Ascents) Ps 118:25-26. A song they sing and He fits in real well. Palm branches were symbolic of a victorious ruler (1 Macc 13:51; 2 Macc 10:7; 14:4).

This was all spoken of the coming Messianic salvation on the Mount of Olives. Alone, they may be not so important but the crowds pick up one more line that really pushes the event.
“Blessed is the King of Israel!”

So many were tired of Roman rule. Want the end of this foreign military all over their land. They want them out. A few years before—still fresh on everyone’s mind, a revolt lead by Maccabees, tried to ride Israel of Rome. Failed but almost did it! Still that feeling there. Seeing Jesus coming, what with His Power (raising a man from the dead)and authority (No one speaks like this Man!) they were excited! Ready to make Jesus king. Subdue the Gentiles!

Then Jesus blows that imagine by getting not on a horse but on a mule—a colt, in fact. This messed up what they were looking for! Not really a symbol of power. He is doing something new in their sight. Not doing things like the people THOUGHT He would. He calls up another picture: From the Prophets: “Don’t be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt!” (Zech 9:9). He is The King but not the King they thought He was going to be. He was the deliver but, as with Moses, not the one they were thinking of.

Turn to verse 16. They really did not understand. We can because we read the end of the story, but for these poor guys, they got swept up in the flow of the crowds and they too started to believe this idea. Caught up in the sounds and excitement. Lost true North bearings. Got pulled to the side, off the main path. Their compass was broken.

We never do that, right? We always see things as they really are. We never jump to conclusions. We always understand where we are going and why we are on this certain road.
Then the floor drops out. Even AFTER the CROSS and AFTER the raising from the dead, they were still thinking of the rebellion. See Acts 1:6.

The people cried out SAVE US! HELP US! And that is just what He was there for. They missed it. Some of these same men and women, maybe, joined in another crowd just a few days later to call for the killing of this Man on the colt. They changed their minds. Ever do that? Think one way for a long time and then, something happens and BOW, you change your mind. Not really a problem except when it deals with morality. When it comes to taking something that is not yours. When it comes to facing ridicule for believing the Truth. We change but He is the same!

He was to Save them. He was to Help them. That is why He came! But, for the most part, they did not really want saving nor did they really want help.

Much like us. Much like the Israelites in Egypt. After they heard that Moses was sent to deliver them, they got excited but then with it got hard, they changed their minds. Then they were freed, and off into the desert they went. They began to look back toward Egypt and desire the onions, or even the hard times of Egypt. Anything was better than dust and no water~ and having to walk by Faith!

The truth be known, Jesus fits perfectly! He, like none other, makes the Father known. He like none other was coming in His Name. This was His Mission. And most missed it. Don’t you.

John uses some interesting wording here. The people followed Jesus because “they heard He had done this sign.” They are following Jesus because He raised Lazarus from the dead. How can such a story die? The people were really freaked out over this. Some were so upset, they turned against Jesus and sided with the leaders of the Jews, who felt their hold on power was just one man away from folding up. This Jesus who now was leading many people, was, in fact, the Lord of Life! He can really give life! Maybe He can give us our country back, too? Way off course but they don’t see the big picture. We miss the point so often.

Things have to work out OUR way. I grew up, I get a good education, no one in the family get too sick, my Dad gets a great job, I get a better job. I met a wonderful lady who has a great deal of money. We marry, have 3.5 kids. Two cats in the yard. Life could not be so hard. I live a long and productive life. Have many friends and very few enemies. I die in my sleep after a wonderfully fulfilling life and my Grandkids cry at my funeral.

What is wrong with that story is that none of it happens that way. Life is not made up of good things happening to us. Life is hard. There is pain. We can’t always find a way out of our problems. And to make things really true to life, the Grandkids despise you.

So how does this story of Jesus coming into Jerusalem affect my life today?

Watch where this is going. He is Lord. He has a plan for you and me. His mind and eye is on that goal. No matter what that goal is, we don’t see it clearly. No matter what He does to show that goal to us, we are too blind to see. (I was lost and I was blind). He comes along side my life and touches me. I notice Him. I read about what He can and did do. I am impressed. I take it for granted that He is going to work THIS way in my life. He, for sure, has another plan. Not to bring glory to my life but to make my life Glory for Him. (It is all about Him). We sing about it. We go to talks that repeat that, but we do not believe it.

Surely He is here in my life to do things my way, we think. NOT!

But He is outside the city walls of our hearts. He is waiting for us to let Him in AS HE REALLY IS! As Lord! As THE One who is in control. His way is Best…not just better. He is Just and fair and not the nice old man who has no real power. He does not share Power with anyone! He is jealous of our love because He has done all to win our hearts.

He is THE One who comes into our lives … A Triumphal Entry into our life. He is the One who leads the dance. We are to follow. Not in a blind, robotic way, but with an open heart.

And the leaders of the people said: Look how the whole world has gone after Him! (v.19). They saw it but the people did not. Great if it were so…

In truth, our God is a missionary God. At first, it was just the Jews who sought Him. One by one, they came. We heard just before the triumphal entry that "many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in Him" (12:11).

Then the Pharisees are seeing that the WORLD is seeking Him. We only wish! There were people in that great city from all over the known world. They were being attracted to Jesus. The religious leaders saw this as a bad thing but not God! He sent His Son into the World to save the world. (John 3:16) All mankind. Jew, Gentile, Roman, barbarian, rich or poor, blind or lame. They all are going to serve Somebody.

Just as the Scriptures say in Zechariah and Isaiah, Jesus continues to bring together HIS Family, from every nation and tribe, all the time outside the way WE WOULD DO IT.

How does He enter our city? Through your heart. Today is Palm Sunday. Today, you can sing out HELP ME or SAVE ME!, but realize that He does hear you and He will act and He will call out your name! You should respond to His Call to you. Renew that call today.

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come into my heart to stay!

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Good day to you! I trust you are doing well today! Let me ask you a question: Has this site been helpful to you? Is there something else we could do to help? How can we better communicate with you? Did you know that you can leave a message or comment on this site? It will be great to get some response from you. Thank you very much for coming to ICCS' site. Please return again next week.

~Pastor Stan