Called 4 Jesus

Wanting people to get close to Jesus

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  • Courage to Change

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    by TA York

    Joshua 24:15

    15 “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
    16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods!”

    Isaiah 55:8

    “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.”

    One night I was praying and asking why it seems that no one wants to get close to me.
    I attempt to get close to my ministry brothers. I call them, I talk openly, and I listen. I might find a brother to talk to for a couple of weeks. Then it seems I use up my welcome and people distance themselves (I don’t mean in a bad way).

    The above scripture is what I heard. Isaiah 55:8 was spoken first. Then Joshua 24:15.
    The Lord said he moved them away so my focus will be trained on Him. He gave me confirmation the next day in a message. “Some people have a calling, in which the person of God needs to totally rely on God.”

    Our God has to be best friend, sustainer of life, provider and our trust in Him is complete.

    Example:

    The doctor called one afternoon. “Check into a hospital right away. The test shows you could collapse and die at any moment.”

    I heard the Holy Spirit, “I’m not done with you yet.”

    I stood on Romans 12:1, living sacrifice.

    Friends got really mad at me for not listening to the doctor. Yet, God took care of me.

    Here I am. Still alive.

    That’s when I was questioning God. Absolutely no one was available to pray with me face to face. I felt hurt over this. I poured myself into the ministry and not one person could pray with me for 1 minute.

    God said, “my ways are not your ways.”

    The Holy Spirit said, “I need you to rely on me. Only me and no one else.”

    I was reminded of a verse that we have a jealous God.

    I read the story on Corrie Tenboom. Locked up in a Nazi concentration camp. Locked in solitary confinement, all she had was Jesus.

    Joseph, in a foreign land. No other believers to confide in. Only God.

    A hundred other stories of Jesus and a lone with unshakeable faith. If one day, I’m left alone with only Jesus ( no other believers). Then where will my faith fall?

    Please don’t misunderstand. I am no better than anyone. I don’t separate myself. I have a strong desire for fellowship. I’m being strengthened today. My resolve is being sharpened today. For maybe tomorrow, I won’t have the beloved around me.

    Yet I hear God clearly, “choose this day whom you will serve.”

    Jesus I will serve you with all my love!

    God bless

  • Choose Life

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    By TA York

    Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood) rides to a Native encampment. He meets with Ten Bears. …”dying is not hard for men like you and me. It’s living that’s hard.”

    Philippians 1:21-25

    21 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, “

    Sharing with a man who believes he is a Christian. He states, “I had an experience from God. I’m ready to die for what I believe in.”

    Yet he doesn’t read the Bible. He refuses to go to a church. Does he pray? I’m not sure.

    He does cuss, drink, smoke weed and probably other ungodly things.

    Does a person’s willingness to die for their “faith” supersede the reason Jesus came to earth? To reunite God and man through His sacrifice. Jesus suffered to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness (sin).

    Romans 6:1-4

    1 “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

    If we claim to be soldiers for Christ, then you need to act like you’re in the military.

    Soldiers train their bodies for endurance and possible suffering. Soldiers study… take apart their weapon (the Bible), then reassemble it. Utilize the weapon on the firing range. Soldiers train as a unit (go to church). In times of war, they learn about the enemy.

    How can a person be a soldier ready to die for their country, if all they do is sleep, eat junk food, drink beer, don’t know their weapon and think they are a solo commando.

    Yes, the devil never bothers these kinds of people, because they are no threat.

    Yet they are also an insult to the uniform they think they wear.

    Jesus came to bring peace 2000 years ago. Tomorrow when He comes He brings a sword.

    Repent, find a Bible preaching church and get right with God. Today is the time.

    God Bless.

  • Individuals in One Body

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    by TA York

    1 Corinthians 12:12-14

    “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized in one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were given one spirit to drink. Even so the body is made up of one part but of many.”

    Many modern churches want society influencers, Making others feel insignificant. Not true in the spiritual realm.

    You ARE important to Jesus. You ARE valued by God the Father. No one can replace you.

    Look at yourself in the mirror. How many of you did God make? One! Even if you’re a twin, your character differs.

    God created you in His image. Also unique in the universe. Now look at the person next to you. God created that person unique too.

    For anybody to think that they are better than another is a sin. Due to the fact that everyone is made in God’s image.

    Yes, there are those that live in sin, but it doesn’t make them less than God’s image.

    Yes, everybody has different gifts. Does that make a person’s gift better or less than yours?

    Matthew 5:38, 39

    38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”

    Humanistic thought reasons, do evil back to those that offend you.

    Evil breeds more evil. “My right is to defend ‘my rights.’ “ Once, a man said that the government will put Christians in jail, in the end times. He continued saying, he will fight for his rights of freedom.

    Jesus teaches not to resist evil. Simply accept and give in to evil.

    Matthew 5:40

    “And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat as well”.

    The idea of evil will quiet and dissipate when a person gives in to the hatred.

    Example: drop a rock in water, the ripple starts large then gets smaller. Finally it disappears.

    This example takes practice, swallowing pride and praying revenge out of your heart.

    What is evil? It can be as simple as a prideful answer, which offends us. It can be as harsh as a spouse cheating on you.

    Response to evil:

    John 13:27 “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”

    Jesus knew Judas was going to be the source of much pain and suffering. Another words, hurry and lets get it over with. Jesus still loved Judas.

    Human response: I know you’re going to betray me, so I’m going to break your legs.

    Note to pastors and ministry leaders from the Holy Spirit. You are the shepherds, God placed sheep under you (whether you like them or not). If you push these sheep away due to pride, selfish desire or anger and you’ll be responsible for their downfall (Matt 18:6)

    Forgiveness is the first step from being offended. Responding supernaturally over naturally is the next step.

    God bless

  • Jesus Love

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    by TA York

    2 Chronicles 7:14

    “If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

    A man kneels in front of Jesus. He is crying, wailing and bemoaning his sins.

    “Jesus, I’m sorry for making you suffer. I don’t understand why you did this for me. I’m not worth your sacrifice. I’m not worthy of your love. I’m so sorry for making you suffer.”

    Jesus said nothing. Jesus just placed his hand on the man’s head.

    This one action told the man how Jesus felt.

    Jesus accepts repentance as worship.
    Jesus accepts a person as they are.
    Jesus is willing to suffer for us again. Even if only one person repents.

    The Bible writes, those who are forgiven little, love little.
    Those that are forgiven much, love much (Luke 7:47).

    Jesus’ love supasses time and space. Jesus’ love surpasses anyone’s knowledge of love (1 John 4:8).

    Jesus reaches down from heaven. He reaches down to us.

    I reach up to Jesus, I grasp His hand. Lord, forgive all my sins great and small.

    I rededicate my life to you.

    My family and friends, drop your pride! Reach up with me and join hands with Jesus. Repent and rededicate your hearts to Jesus.

    This statement is pleasing to Jesus. Take His hand.

    God bless.

  • No Resistance

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    by TA York

    James 4:6

    “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

    The definition of resistance is the refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument.

    Keep this in mind. James is talking to believers. Christians with self pride don’t mix with God.

    Story:

    A boy is dragging his dad across the store to the toy section. “Let Me just show you the toy.Its really, what I need!” Dad says, we are not here for you. We are here for other things the family needs.”

    The boy throws a fit until Dad gives in and buys it. The boy is satisfied and breaks it in 5 minutes.

    How many times have we seen this scenario in the store?

    Where does resistance come from? Mostly pride, and selfish desires.

    The child in the story is a man with pride. Very few people will admit their pride in God or themselves. It’s usually reasoned out, “thi is the way I’ve always done it. It works for me.”

    It’s similar to saying to God, “I got this. I don’t trust you enough to handle my problems, business, ministry, etc.” Or, “I’ve been doing this a lot longer than you God. Just let me handle it.”

    Yes, no Christian in their right mind would say this, but that’s what it boils down to.

    Example:

    I was sharing, asking a gentleman to join us for a ministry meeting. A brother had already shared with him, yet I was feeling pressed to share again.

    In theology school, I was taught that it takes multiple attempts of offering before a person will accept.

    A boy eats 6 donuts, then finally says, “oh that sixth one hit the spot.” It doesn’t discount the other 5. No, the other 5 were needed.

    So, this brother comes up to us (the man I’m talking to and I) and starts reprimanding me for evangelizing to someone he already talked to. In front of the man.

    I turned it into a joke and said positive things about the brother.

    Pride destroyed an opportunity.

    Selfish desire: People want a ministry or church for money, fame, self importance.

    I’ve actually heard a young pastor tell the congregation to find another church if people didn’t like his style of leadership. I’ll let the readers decide if that was a Holy Spirit response.

    Pastors are given a flock to take care of. Then God gives the increase. The Holy Spirit is actually very grieved by false, deceiving, unloving, pastors ( Matt 18:6; Prov 16:18).

    Resistance in Greek is a military term. I picture a wall of shields locked together. The enemy charges and cannot penetrate the shield wall. They probably bounce backwards. Believers will actually bounce backwards, when God is resisting them.

    I’ve experienced a true move of God thwarted by untrust, selfish desire, and pride. Truly a sad sight.

    Humility on the other hand is a sign of dependence on God. You want to hear God, become dependent, be still and listen.

    God delivers peace on a different level, to the humble. You see, a humble person isn’t as apt to be offended. If they are, t is easy for them to forgive.

    Matt 5:9

    “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.”

    I want to be like Moses. God the Father called Moses the most humble man in the world.
    Moses didn’t want to be chosen. Claiming slow of speech (Ex 4:10).

    Humility will serve God and brethren not desiring position, or pay. Even in cleaning toilets.

    Learn to obey God in every aspect of life. Asking God for His advice in all things.

    God bless.

  • Living Source

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    John 4:12

    “Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

    Background:

    Historians know the exact spot of Jacobs well. It has been used since the time of Jacob. 3 churches have been built on this spot (Monastery, Templar, Byzantine). Before that, a community of people lived near the well.
    If water is scarce, you will live near a water source.

    Survival 101: Shelter, food, water.

    A thousand years ago, before the churches, you would ask for water in Shechem, and they would point you to Jacobs well.

    The scripture writes the well is deep (v.11). It has been estimated the well is 151 feet deep.

    Now, water weighs 8 pounds a gallon. A stone water pot, on Jesus day holds 17 to 25 gallons of water. So, women would come early, help each other, and fill the water pots, one bucket at a time. A tiring task.

    The Samaritan woman came alone to fill her jar.

    Note: The sheep needed a shepherd to provide the water. I have yet to see sheep pull buckets of water for themselves. Lol.

    Try hoisting 8 pounds of anything up 151 feet. You can’t use gloves either. I bet you’ll be thirsty after that.

    Fill your water jar 17 times, minimum (stone water jar 17 gallons). Your back, arms, even your legs will ache. A person’s hands will be raw, with blisters and bleed. Eventually, you will get used to this, after doing this chore daily.

    I wonder who provided water, if the woman of the house got sick.

    Point:

    Jesus did the work for us. He did the work, he endured the pain, he suffered, He did the worrying and He died for us. How beautiful.

    The living source of water, so we do not have to thirst again.

    Now, the mature Christians serve the water, to be true examples of Jesus.

    Do we have to? No. Saved by grace work from love.

    My Pastor talks about Kenosis. “Emptying out (Phil 2:7).” Jesus emptying out his rights. Enduring cruel punishment to the end.

    People have said Jesus had no choice. In prisoned, guarded, multiple people beating Jesus. What could He have done?

    If Jesus can breathe life into Adam. If Jesus could create the universe with a word. He could have spoken a word and been released in an instant.

    We humans still don’t understand this.

    I do not deserve this great love and compassion. Yet, I accept it, with incredible thanksgiving.

    How about you?

    God bless

  • Illegal Christianity

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    TA York

    In a jungle clearing, is a family of four. They are digging trenches. Around them, soldiers. Watching intently.

    “Hurry up! You can rest after we kill you.”

    Sporadic laughter from the soldiers.

    You see, it is illegal to be Christians in this part of the country.

    “It makes my soldiers weak,” said one rebel General.
    “I want killers, not lovers.,” said another.

    So the order was put out, kill all Christians!

    As the men laughed, the son dashed off into the jungle.

    The soldiers were starting to give chase, when the Dad interjected.

    Sirs, my son is close by watching. I will get him back.

    The soldiers looked confused at first, but let the Dad talk.

    “Son, what are you doing? Run for a week, maybe 2? They will catch you and still kill you. Come die with your family, die for Christ!”

    The boy slowly made his way back to the trench.

    Yes, the soldiers killed the family in that jungle clearing.

    Here’s my question to you? How was this story able to get out of the jungle, if all the Christians were killed?

    Philippians 1:21 “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”

    The message of the martyred family was clear.

    At least one of the soldiers found Christ that day.

    Are you willing to give your life to Christ?

    God bless


  • Zeal for the Lost

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    By TA York

    Revelations 12:11

    “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death.”

    Many Christians believe quoting the Bible to unbelievers will win people over.

    Yes, if they are ready and have been tapped on the shoulder by the Holy Spirit (John 6:44).

    If not, we disciples of Christ need to be trained to deliver on another level.

    Romans 10:14 “how can people hear if there is no preacher?”
    Romans 10:17 “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.”

    Think of it like this. Jesus is not tangible to an unbeliever. Blind can’t see, deaf can’t hear.
    The Bible is just a book to those who are dying. We need to live the Word of God, that is what people can see. This is how we can preach without words. Slower? Yes, it may mean you have to spend time with them.

    Note: Jacobs Well is 151 feet deep. Can a sheep pull the water from the well? No. The Shepherd must do it. Pulling water from a 151 deep well takes work. That’s what Shepherds are training for.

    First, we ask the Father, “what does this person need?” Then we have to train ourselves to listen. Listen to those people around us, and the Holy Spirit.

    I was involved with a ministry serving the homeless. We were in a park, delivering food and clothes. We played music and people gave testimonies.

    The Holy Spirit said to me, “turn around.” I did, a homeless man was sitting in the distance, listening to the music. “He’s thirsty,” were the next words I heard.

    I went and gave him a cup of punch. “You look thirsty.” He drank it in one gulp.

    “Hi, I’m Tony. Come join us for a meal.” He replied, “I’m Robert.” He got up and stuck out his hand at me. I grabbed him and gave him a big bear hug.

    When I let him go, he was crying. “Do you know how long its been since someone has done that?”

    “What?” I had no idea what was happening.

    “No one has hugged me for a while.” I believe I hugged him again.

    He ate, he talked, and he smiled. He accepted Christ that beautiful day. We found him a place to live temporarily.

    This man’s salvation was not due to a sermon or quoting the Bible (Yes, these are good things too}.

    He was a man on the outside looking in at “Christlike” tangible people.

    Our testimony is required to soften hearts. Not necessarily words, but actions.

    If we Christians don’t study the word, pray and love God with an obedient heart. We will not have compassion and empathy.

    The church is missing this (John 5:30, Mark 9:35) point. The church has lost its zeal.

    Time to return to Pentecost!

    God bless





  • Be Alert

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    By TA York

    1 Peter 5:8-10

    “Be self-controlled and ALERT. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. RESIST him, STANDING firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

    I heard a sermon regarding, “Once saved always saved.”

    Here’s the problem with this thought.

    Men tell themselves, “why chase after God? I’m saved by grace. I no longer have to be obedient.”

    What did Paul write?

    Romans 6:1, 2

    “What shall we say then? Shall we continue to sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

    I’ve heard people say, “God will forgive me. He has to. I’ve already repented. Years ago. Doesn’t that cover future sins too?

    Christians are dead to sin! Do NOT pick up the old life!

    In the medieval era, the Catholics practiced “indulgences.” Paying for your sins in advance.
    As soon as the coin hit the bottom of the offering box, a person was absolved of sin. Be it past, present or future.

    Is this what Jesus died for? How many times does Jesus need to die for us worthless sinners?

    Galatians 3:1 “You foolish Galatians. Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.”

    1 Samuel 15:22 “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

    Point 1:

    Christians need to be alert.

    The evil in this world will make your mind numb. Once the Devil sees you relax, that’s when he attacks.

    Gideon’s chosen men, held a sword, looked around and drank, dipping their hands into the river.

    Passover feast, there is a tradition for the father to search for yeast in the house, after it has been swept clean. The family puts a little in each room. After all is found, it is burned.

    Our job is to search our hearts constantly. Be aware of our weaknesses.

    Point 2:

    Resist! I know my weaknesses. I pray against them daily.

    Obey the Word of God. Fight against our sin nature.

    Point 3:

    Continue to stand. Humans are not perfect, but don’t put yourself in a position of failure.

    A friend of mine was addicted to porn. So now, if he’s on the computer, someone is there to watch him (wife usually).

    Matthew 22:37 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

    God bless!





  • Luther’s First Communion

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    By TA York

    John 6:44

    “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

    Martin Luther’s First Communion.

    A young Martin Luther was going to present his communion. This act would confirm his ordination into priesthood.

    A celebration was planned by his wealthy dad. After the confirmation.

    Martin Luther got in front of the congregation. Said a prayer over the elements, then froze.
    He was unable to complete the ceremony. Another finished the communion.ML

    Afterwards, Luther’s dad asked, “what happened?”

    “Dad,” Luther exclaimed. “I was holding the real blood and flesh of Jesus. Don’t you understand? I was in awe!”

    Though we Christians don’t believe in transubstantiation ( the transformation of juice and a cracker into the real Jesus), I use this to illustrate a point.

    Have you had the opportunity to touch the REAL JESUS? To be touched by the REAL JESUS?

    What will you do with this encounter? Be in awe or walk away?

    Proverbs 27:1

    “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

    Today, the Holy Spirit is tapping you on the shoulder. Today is the time to accept Jesus into your heart.

    Pray this with me….
    “Dear Jesus, forgive me a sinner. Come into my life and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Jesus thank you for dying on the cross for me. Father send the comforter to me, to indwell me. Amen.”

    Welcome to the family of God.

    Next step, look for a Bible based church that will disciple you.