Called 4 Jesus

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  • God’s Word

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    by TA York

    Hebrew 4:12
    “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

    During my time in convalescent ministry, we held a Bible study every Sunday. Each week, a woman in a wheelchair would roll past our gathering. The following week, she paused briefly to listen for just a minute before moving on. This pattern continued for several weeks. Although we invited her to join the service, she politely declined each time.

    Gradually, however, something began to change. She started lingering in the hallway—first for 15 minutes, then for 30 minutes. Finally, one Sunday, she wheeled herself into the library of the convalescent home and stayed for the entire service. This transformation demonstrates that the Bible is truly powerful, active, and alive. It is far more than words printed on paper; it is the very life flow of Jesus Christ.

    On the other hand, for those who refuse God’s gentle tap on the shoulder urging them to change, judgment awaits. They will eventually judge their own hearts and attitudes and feel the weight of guilt. If they don’t experience this conviction, their consciences may have become seared and hardened.

    I recall one encounter that illustrates this point. I noticed a cross someone was wearing and commented, “Nice cross—are you a Christian?” His response was immediate: “No.” Puzzled, I asked, “Then why do you wear a cross?” He simply replied, “Just in case.”

    “Just in case” people have no place in righteousness (Matt 5:20, Eccl 3:17, Eph 4:17-19). Uncommitted Christians follow Christ in speech but their actions deny Christ (Titus 1:16, James 4:17).
    So to those people, ask yourself, do I have a place in heaven?
    Also, this sin will prevent growth. Needless to say, insulting the
    suffering of Jesus, is not spiritually healthy.

    This raises a crucial question: How does a person know when they are going to die? How will you know when it’s time to make that emergency call to God?
    The sobering reality is that some people don’t get that opportunity to cry out to Him.
    That’s why today is the day of salvation! Take the time now to pray and cry out for God’s saving grace.

    Don’t wait until your soul and spirit are divided beyond repair.

    God bless

  • 1 John 2:1-8

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    Living in the Light of Christ

    Scripture Text:

    “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

    3. We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6. Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” 7. Dear friends, I am not writing you a new commandment, but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.

    A Heart of Love and Protection

    John begins by reinforcing what he established in chapter one, using a tender phrase—”my dear children”—that reveals the deep love he has for his readers. This isn’t merely casual affection; it demonstrates a pastoral heart concerned for their spiritual well-being.

    The central message of this passage is clear: do not sin. However, John also acknowledges a sobering reality—accidents happen, and when they do, we have an advocate: Jesus. An advocate serves as our representative before the judge, who is the Father. Much like a lawyer speaks on behalf of a client, Jesus stands with us and speaks for us. Furthermore, this advocate is completely trustworthy and dependable.

    Yet here’s the critical warning: if a person deliberately refuses to obey God’s commands while on earth, they risk being without an advocate when they need one most. To put it plainly, when someone purposefully sins against God, they are gambling with their salvation and eternal judgment.

    The Urgency of Today

    Consider how quickly life can change. I remember joking around with my friends one moment—minutes later, they were gone. Do you think any of us were discussing death in those carefree moments? Of course not. We were young, living with the assumption that death was 50 or 60 years away.

    Think about the young man who was crossing railroad tracks while absorbed in his cell phone conversation. A train struck him, and he was dead in the blink of an eye. Do you imagine he was telling his mother, “I have 30 seconds to live—do you have anything important to tell me?” Death rarely announces itself.

    The Bible makes no promise of tomorrow. Today is the day of genuine repentance, and we must take it seriously. Just because you’re alone in your room doesn’t mean you’re safe from the reality of mortality. Live each day as if it might be your last, because one day, you’ll be right.

    Our Righteous Advocate

    Jesus stands in right relationship with the Father. He is the atonement—the complete reparation for our sins. This is not something we should ever take lightly or forsake.

    Importantly, Jesus doesn’t evaluate people based on intelligence or productivity. Jesus wants your heart—not merely in words, but in your soul, heart, and body. He gave us a new commandment that encompasses everything: Love God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

    Choosing Love Over Offense

    I work to live out this commandment as an example. Truthfully, there’s plenty I could be offended by, but I choose love instead. My personal struggles could easily dominate my perspective—my limitations, financial pressures, physical weakness, lack of sleep. Then there’s the overwhelming nature of the world itself: pain, bills, cruel people, and even those who claim to follow Christ but act otherwise.

    If I focused on the negative, I could become a monster. Instead, I deliberately choose to restrain my reactions to demonstrate something better to my family and friends. I give my problems to God, which significantly reduces my desire to sin against both people and God.

    Truth Revealed Through Obedience

    The passage continues: “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

    Keeping His commands demonstrates that we have truly come to know and understand Him. Conversely, the opposite is equally true: those who deliberately, persistently sin are liars, and the truth is not in them.

    This connects to Jesus’s declaration in John 14:6, where He identifies Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life”:

    The way – our spiritual journey

    Truth – shining light on the things that belong to God

    Life – zoe, meaning God-breathed life

    This means God illuminates our spiritual journey, providing a clear path to follow. Where does this path lead? Toward eternal life. The choice is yours: allow God’s presence to direct you rather than unholy desires. Follow life or follow death.

    The Old Command Made New

    John concludes this section: “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.”

    The “beginning” John references echoes what he established in chapter one. The command he’s highlighting is the most essential truth: eternal life exists only in Jesus. He is the sole access point to the Father—nothing added, nothing subtracted.

    Many religious systems that claim to be Christian add their own requirements: “It’s Jesus plus our doctrine.” However, anyone who teaches this fails to understand the ancient commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me”—before Jesus. No other idols. The new command flows from this: love God with everything you have.

    John personally saw Jesus, met Him, knew Him intimately, and understands Him as the truth itself. As we grow in knowing Jesus, the darkness passes away from us, and the true light shines progressively brighter in us and through us.

    An Obsession Worth Having

    I’ve been called obsessed with Jesus, and I gladly accept that description. The world offers countless things to obsess over, but in time, they will all pass away. Jesus and His words will never pass away.

    That’s an obsession worth having.

      God bless

    1. 1 John 1: A Study Guide

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      Verse 1 opens with the word “beginning,” translated from the Greek arche, which also means “most important.” What’s so important?

      John, the beloved disciple, heard, saw, and looked into the face of Jesus. He touched Jesus, and Jesus touched John. John refers to Him as “the Word” (see John 1:1)—the Word of life.


      Moving to verse 2, we learn that the Life appeared when Jesus came into the world. The apostles saw Jesus and now testify about Him. To testify literally means to be charged with a responsibility, carrying a strong sense of personal involvement. John assures us that Jesus is eternal life, emphasizing that Jesus was assigned by the Father and came to earth with this divine mission.


      Verse 3 raises an important question: Why do the apostles proclaim this message? The answer is so that others may come to understand and believe. Once again, the apostles assure us that they have fellowship not only with Jesus but also with God the Father.
      This leads us to consider: Is there enough evidence to convict you as a Christian? Have you ever thought about how desperately Satan wants the Rapture to occur—perhaps even more than Christians do? Why? Imagine the havoc that will unfold once obedient Christians are removed from the earth. Do we truly understand the parameters that God places on us?


      Verse 4 states, “We write this to make our joy complete.” Do you understand that God delights in us? How does this happen? First Peter 1:16 provides the answer: “Be holy, for I am holy.” We are called to be distinct, set apart, and pure. This must be our daily practice.


      Consider the passage from Deuteronomy 23:12-14, which instructs: “Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself. As part of your equipment have something to dig with, and when you relieve yourself, dig a hole and cover up your excrement. For the LORD your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that he will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you.”


      The world is full of impurity—like excrement. We must dig a hole and bury it so that God will move freely around us and our homes. Do you think God wants to see or hear what you do in secret? Keep your house and your person holy so that your family can be safe and blessed.


      Verse 5 declares: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” The apostles heard this message directly from God as recorded plainly in the Bible. Now they declare it to us: “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at ALL.” Therefore, it is essential that we also be light.

      Zephaniah 2:3 reinforces this call:
      “Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger.”


      Verse 6 warns: “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” Scripture is clear that there is no inheritance of heaven for the unrighteous (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:9).


      However, verse 7 offers hope: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” To walk in the light means to pursue the things of God with intentionality.
      As your father, I can only point you toward Jesus, strive to be an example, and pray for you—which I do daily. Yet you must choose to read Scripture, pray, and take God seriously.


      Verses 8-10 present a sobering truth: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”


      Do not claim to be sinless—especially before God. It’s time to “take the mask off,” a phrase I often use when sharing Scripture. If we claim sinlessness, we deceive ourselves, and Jesus disqualifies us because the truth is not in us.


      Therefore, it is time to confess our sins—not to me, but to God. Ask God to purify you with the blood of Jesus.


      Notice that John repeats himself in verses 8 and 10, demonstrating the critical importance of this message. The theme of this entire chapter revolves around the supreme importance of walking in truth, confessing our sins, and maintaining fellowship with God through Jesus Christ.

      So, obey Christ and forget the world!

      God bless

    2. # Evangelizing to Muslims

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      *By T.A. York*

      ## Tips for Evangelism

      – Study the Bible, know the Scripture, and pray.

      – Every person is an individual—treat them as such.

      – The best way to speak into a person’s life is to become their friend.

      – Allow them to share about their life, beliefs, and character.

      – Be honest and authentic. If you don’t know an answer, say so, but commit to finding out.

      – Affirm the person: Example: “That’s a good question.”

      – Show genuine concern: Example: “How’s your family?”

      – Most Muslims are converted through a Christian’s love or a divine dream. Show them agape love.

      – Debates rarely win a person over. A debate can feel threatening, causing people to become defensive and unmovable.

      – Listen, listen, and listen.

      ## Some Facts About Islam

      – The Quran was written around 570 to 610 AD, which postdates the biblical accounts.

      – Devout Muslims read the Quran in its original language (Arabic) due to concerns about mistranslation.

      – Muhammad wrote: “I’ve been commanded to fight the world until there’s no other god except Allah” (Sahih Muslim 22).

      – Muslims practice something called “Taqiyya”—the act of lying to any non-Muslim if that lie furthers the interests of Islam.

      – Muhammad never learned to read or write; therefore, his followers memorized his sayings and later wrote them down. This differs from Jesus’ followers, who were firsthand witnesses.

      – Muhammad claimed he received messages from the angel Gabriel. Jesus is God, so His message came directly from Himself and God the Father.

      ## Evangelistic Questions and Responses

      ### Q: Are you assured of salvation?

      **Tip:** Muslims believe their good works need to outweigh the bad.

      **A:** Jesus died for the sins of the world. Christians are saved by grace, not by works.

      *John 3:16; Romans 8:28, 38-39; Hebrews 10:22; 1 John 5:11-12; John 14:6*

      ### Q: Is there a passage in the Quran where God comes out to greet a follower?

      **A:** In the story of the prodigal son, the Father not only left His house to greet the son—He ran to him. Jesus also left heaven to rescue God’s people. God’s people are those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.

      *Luke 15:11-32; John 1:1-10; Romans 10:10-13*

      ### Q: Why do you pray five times a day? What do you pray about?

      **A:** Have you prayed for the forgiveness of your sins? Are you assured that they are forgiven?

      “Az-Zumar 39:56 states that no sinful soul will say on judgment day, ‘Woe to me for neglecting my duties towards Allah while ridiculing the truth.’”

      You pray, but how do you know that you’ve done enough duties to satisfy this command? Jesus assures the believer of salvation and forgiveness of sins.

      *Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:8, 6:23, 8:1, 10:9, 13; John 8:3-11*

      ### Q: Have you ever looked at a woman lustfully?

      **A:** The prophet Jesus (Muslims believe Jesus is a prophet) said that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:28).

      ### Q: Have you ever lied? Is a lie a sin?

      **A:** Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.”

      *John 8:34, 44*

      ### Q: Have you ever stolen anything?

      Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:38 states: “As for male and female thieves, cut off their hands for what they have done—a deterrent from Allah. And Allah is almighty, all-wise.”

      **A:** Jesus has forgiven us of all transgressions (Colossians 2:13).

      *Luke 23:32-43; John 1:29; 1 John 2:2*

      ### Q: The Quran 4:171 says: “The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah…” What is the definition of Messiah?

      **A:** The definition of Messiah is “savior of a particular group of people”—the promised deliverer of the Jewish nation prophesied in the Hebrew Bible.

      *John 1:1, 14; John 10:30; John 8:58*

      ### Q: One of the six basic beliefs in Islam is Judgment Day, when the deeds of all people will be placed on a scale. A Muslim needs to have enough personal merit and righteousness to make it to heaven.

      **A:** “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

      *Romans 3:20; Titus 3:5*

      Blessings to the family of believers!

    3. What is Pentecost?

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      By TA York

      Acts 2:1-2
      “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.”

      Sometimes we read through the Bible without asking questions, simply taking for granted what has been written to us by the hand of God. However, in my quest to understand God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, I choose to ask questions. This is how I have learned about God the Father.

      Consider the first verse in Acts chapter 2: “They were all together…” This refers to the apostles and other believers, and we all agree on that interpretation. The fact that the believers came together indicates this gathering was preplanned. They didn’t simply email each other saying, “Bible study at Peter’s place tonight.” In those days, everything had to be planned far in advance, with every believer receiving a verbal invitation—at least, that’s my assumption.

      This led me to ask myself: What exactly is this Pentecost? Where did it originate? How was it developed?

      The answer lies with the Israelites. To fully understand this celebration, we must first examine the Jewish Pentecost before exploring the Christian Pentecost.

      The Jewish Pentecost

      The Jewish Pentecost is called Shavot, also known as the Feast of Harvest (or the Feast of Weeks or First Fruits, as mentioned in Exodus 23:16). This elaborate celebration required extensive preparation.

      The preparations began immediately after Passover and extended for 49 days, with the 50th day marking Shavot itself. Each day was carefully counted, creating anticipation and spiritual readiness for the coming celebration. Interestingly, “Pentecost” means “fiftieth” in Greek, directly referencing this timing.

      The physical preparations were considerable. Homes and temples were thoroughly cleaned and decorated with roses, lilies, leafy branches, and herbal fragrances. Additionally, fruit gathering formed an essential part of the ritual. The finest produce from the early harvest was collected to be brought to the temple in Jerusalem as an offering to God, with seven specific kinds of produce being gathered.

      Beyond the physical preparations, Shavot commemorated the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, making spiritual preparation equally important. This involved intensive Torah study, including the Jewish custom of “Tikkun Leil Shavut”—the practice of staying up all night on the eve of Shavot (the 49th night) to study the Torah.

      Even the meal required special consideration. Since the first Shavuot marked when the Israelites received the Torah with its dietary laws, sufficient time was needed to prepare kosher foods. Furthermore, when the Temple in Jerusalem stood, a pilgrimage was necessary, requiring careful planning for both the journey and the required offerings.

      Here’s a fascinating detail: the celebration spans seven weeks (49 days), with seven days in each week and seven offerings from the first fruits. This gives us 777—God’s perfect number.

      For additional references regarding Jewish Pentecost, see Exodus 34:22, Leviticus 23:15-21, and Deuteronomy 16:9-12.

      Christian Pentecost

      I wanted to share the details of the Jewish Pentecost to illustrate the intricacies and extensive planning involved for believers to come together for this celebration. This context helps us understand that the gathering described in Acts was the first celebration of believers since Jesus’ ascension.

      If tradition held true, the believers would have stayed up all night reading the Torah. I can envision them praying and contemplating the words of Jesus, truly seeing the Torah come to life as Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies concerning Himself.

      Through this preparation, the believers’ hearts were ready and softened for the changes to come. In Acts 1, the believers had been instructed to wait, and that’s exactly what they were doing: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised” (Acts 1:4).

      Then came the surprise of a lifetime. According to tradition, the people were supposed to bring an offering to God. Yet through their obedience to God, these believers were instead anointed by the Holy Spirit. How gracious God is—He gave us an offering: the gift of the Holy Spirit!

      Rather than eating kosher foods, tongues of fire came from the believers’ mouths, feeding those around them with spiritual food. The old Jewish Pentecost was transformed, and the old covenant was left behind. A mighty wind blew into that room and changed the atmosphere forever! At that moment, the new covenant with the new Pentecost began.

      The impact was immediate and profound. The people were cut to the heart and asked the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).

      Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

      Jeremiah 31:33

      “This is the covenant I will make with the people Israel after that time, ” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

      So from the Jewish Pentecost, a celebration of the Torah. To the celebration of the Christian Pentecost, the Holy Spirit indwelling in us. We add it together and the Bible comes alive, with joy.

      A Personal Call

      Isn’t it time to obey the voice of God and respond to His call? Have you ever felt the fire of the Holy Spirit?

      I feel that flame even now as I write. His love is beyond imagination. Your problems won’t disappear, but the peace God gives supersedes all the issues of life.

      Please don’t miss your opportunity. Repent and be baptized.

      God bless you, my friends.

    4. Crucified with Christ

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      By TA York

      Galatians 2:20
      “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

      You’ve probably heard this as a quote, read it on a plaque, or maybe even preached it from behind the pulpit. What image do you get when you read this text? Jesus hanging on the cross? That’s what I used to see. It never occurred to me what the true meaning was.

      Today, I’d like to share what I learned as we break down this powerful verse together.

      I believe there are several messages in being crucified with Christ, but let’s start with the foundation of this truth.

      The Reality of Our Crucifixion

      “I have been crucified…” We know Jesus was crucified, and even why He was crucified. Yet as believers, we too have been crucified!

      To be crucified means to be put to death by being nailed or bound to a cross. It was a method of capital punishment used in the ancient world, resulting in a slow and painful death by asphyxiation. But for us as Christians, this crucifixion carries profound spiritual meaning.

      Simply put, the cross is meant to destroy, utterly demolish, and strip away anything that is not of God. Our old identity, our selfish desires, our negative feelings—all are wiped away on the cross. Why does God allow this painful process? So He can transform us into what He needs us to be.

      This transformation is beautifully described in Romans 12:1-2: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

      The Cost of Transformation

      In reality, this transformation is a painful process. The question we must ask ourselves is: How much of yourself can you offer to God?

      Perhaps we start small—only one arm on the cross, experiencing just a little discomfort. But God asks that we place our whole body on the cross, holding nothing back.

      “I have been crucified with Christ.” We are called to be nailed with Him—exposed and vulnerable to the world, feeling the rough wood cutting our skin, experiencing pain while still breathing this world’s air. This imagery may seem harsh, but it reveals a profound truth.

      We should die next to our Savior—not as punishment for our sins, but to bring glory to God’s kingdom. As Jesus taught in John 12:24: “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

      When we willingly place our bodies on the sacrificial altar, we must trust the process. The knife comes down, yet we should not move. Why? Because it’s a surgical blade, removing the cancer, the plagues, and the sickness of this world from our lives.

      Once this spiritual surgery is complete, our minds are renewed, and we begin to understand better what God’s will is for us.

      The Promise of New Life

      Here’s the encouragement we desperately need: Do not fear—Jesus is on the cross next to you. The verse continues with these hopeful words: “I no longer live.” And here’s the most glorious part: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

      Think about this incredible exchange: Aren’t you willing to give up your old life so that Jesus will live in you? This isn’t loss—it’s the greatest gain imaginable.

      Let me share a personal example of how this truth plays out in daily life. I have three kinds of arthritis and kidney problems. The doctors are confused that I’m not dying, and some days are very painful. Yet through it all, I feel His peace, comfort, and joy sustaining me.

      It breaks my heart when people don’t want to experience Jesus in this way. The realization of His love is so overwhelming that there are no words to express it adequately. I’m so filled spiritually, physically, and mentally that there is nothing that can replace Jesus. It doesn’t matter what tomorrow brings because Jesus will never leave or forsake me. I’m completely safe in His arms.

      Living by Faith

      The verse concludes: “The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God.”

      This raises an important question: Who am I now? This body that has died with Christ has no control over this new life. The cross has completely killed my old self. My sins and my fallen nature are dead. In this state, our humanity as Christians is not our reality—only God’s grace through surrender defines us.

      This is the freedom that Christ promises, and it’s unlike anything the world offers. I’m free in mind, spirit, and soul. The joy is continuous and unshakeable.

      As Jesus declared in John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

      Embracing Daily Freedom

      This freedom isn’t just a one-time experience—it’s meant to be lived out daily. We can be set free every day through prayer and devotion, continually surrendering ourselves to the transforming power of the cross.

      The invitation stands before each of us: Will we join Christ on the cross, allowing our old selves to die so that He might live through us? The choice is ours, but the promise remains constant—in losing our lives, we find true life in Him.

      God bless.

    5. Pray In The Spirit

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      By TA York

      **Jude 1:20-21**
      > “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”

      ## What Is Praying in the Spirit?

      **Luke 11:1**
      > “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’”

      Did the disciples know how to pray? Didn’t they grow up in the Jewish tradition of prayer? Then why did this disciple need to be taught how to pray?

      Most believers, when they pray, say, “I will pray for this or that.” Yet when was the last time we asked God, “What do You want me to pray for?”

      This represents a significant change in the way a believer can grow. It means that a believer needs to not only pray but also listen for an answer. That’s one way to pray in the Spirit.

      ## A Practical Approach

      Here’s an idea to practice (my friend taught me this): sit and quiet your mind. Say, “Here I am, Lord.” Then be quiet.

      With this practice, even just a few minutes a day, the believer will experience peace and, hopefully, hear that still small voice.

      **Note:** Everything that the Holy Spirit says should align with the Bible.

      Also, this is not the only way to train yourself to hear from the Holy Spirit.

      ## Other Methods

      I listen to instrumental worship music and praise God. I also pray in the early morning, asking God questions and listening.

      The key is to be expectant to hear from God. The more you listen, the more you’ll hear from Him. These are just helps to get a person started. There are many other methods to hear from God and pray in the Spirit. Please research this further.

      God bless!


    6. Are You Hachi?

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      *By TA York*

      There is a famous Japanese story about a man who adopts a stray dog. The man names the dog Hachi, and the two develop a strong connection. The man takes Hachi everywhere as a puppy and plays with him constantly. When the dog grows too big to take to work, the man leaves Hachi in the yard. Yet every day at the same time, the dog escapes the yard and meets the man at the train station.

      One day the man dies at work. So Hachi spends the next nine years waiting for his master at the train station. Hachi becomes famous as the loyal dog, waiting for the return of his master until Hachi himself dies. In honor of his loyalty, a bronze statue is placed outside the train station at the exact spot where Hachi sat and waited.

      **1 Peter 1:13**
      *”Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”*

      A movie was made about the story of Hachi. I could almost hear Hachi say, “Maybe today the master will return. I must be here when he returns. He expects me to wait.”

      Then the train entrance would fly open. Excitement would fill Hachi. “Nothing yet. I will keep waiting.” In rain, snow, summer heat—whatever the conditions, he waited.

      The local vendors told Hachi that the master wasn’t returning. Yet Hachi’s mind never changed.

      I am Hachi. I await the return of the Master. He hasn’t returned yet, but I haven’t lost hope. I continue to pray for His return.

      **1 Timothy 2:4**
      *”(God) who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”*

      This is one reason I am inclined to share the gospel. Everyone gets the opportunity to accept or reject Christ. Then He will return. You could say I’m helping to usher in the return of Jesus.

      The world says that Jesus isn’t real—that I’m wasting my time, that He will never return. Those words cut me. Yet I’m not willing to stop waiting and watching.

      I await the clouds to open up so I can run to His arms, safe in the Master’s arms.

      I am Hachi. I wait with passion. How about you?

      God bless.

    7. Grace Or Denial

      by

      By TA York

      Here’s a Holy Spirit joke: “There are a lot of crocodiles in denial (the Nile). So be careful in foreign waters.”

      Oswald Chambers, an early 20th century theologian, said, “The grace you had yesterday will not be sufficient for today” (My Utmost for His Highest).

      **2 Corinthians 6:1-2**
      “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

      There’s a teaching in some churches today that God’s grace is upon a person if you’re healed in spirit, soul, and body. God’s grace is upon you if you are financially unburdened. God’s grace is upon you if your friends are just as wealthy as you are.

      Well, I guess 99 percent of us believers don’t have grace—including the Apostles.

      Seriously though, that’s a lie.

      Grace comes when we believers pray, seek God’s face, and wait for His hand to mercifully care for us.

      “Let light shine out of darkness,” Paul writes (2 Corinthians 4:6).

      ## Example:

      I have stage 4 chronic kidney disease and arthritis that is crippling and painful. I can’t take pain medicine due to my kidney issue.

      Yet I serve God with all my heart. I go out and evangelize and serve the homeless. I have a prayer book in which I write down names and issues and pray over them daily. I help in churches, other ministries, and groups. If the Lord would open the door, I would go back to the foreign mission field.

      Many people are amazed by what they experience through my example. They are encouraged!

      For me it’s normal. “Today is the day of salvation.” Jesus gave me the light. I let it shine. My body is in darkness—it wants me to lay down and give up.

      Yet if Jesus could suffer, be humiliated, and die for me, then I can suffer and die too.

      Jesus gives us grace daily to carry on our portion of the burden that becomes easy and light. Even our struggles seem less with the knowledge that if Christ is before us, nothing can be against us.

      ## Onions of Denial:

      Have you seen an onion going bad? There might be one or two layers of good onion, yet under the surface there are bad sections of onion. I peel the bad portion off, wash it off, or throw it away while I save the good portions of onion.

      That’s just like a believer. There are portions in our subconscious or conscience that are untrue—maybe a concept of God that’s untrue.

      Denial is another character flaw that prevents us from moving forward in Christ, whether we know it or not.

      I’ve talked to many people who say, “I didn’t realize my stronghold until the Holy Spirit revealed it to me.” Some even tell me about childhood trauma that isn’t remembered until the Holy Spirit tells them about it.

      It is important to pray with an open heart and mind. God will reveal what you need when you need it.

      I’ve also talked to people who get mad at me for sharing or quoting scripture. They take it as a personal attack on them. This is a clear sign of denial. I suggest to that person to take some time and calm down, then pray about it.

      Whether you know your strongholds or not, denial will dull your faith.

      “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Grace can’t flow where faith doesn’t live.

      Cleanse your heart by prayer. Allow grace to flow into your life.

      **2 Corinthians 4:15-16**
      “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

      God bless

    8. The Great Pretender

      by

      By TA York
      There’s always a question in my mind about the human character.
      Why is it so important for a person to put on a mask and pretend to be godly? Do these
      kinds of people really understand what they are doing? Or do they just think that the
      Holy Spirit will turn His head and pretend not to see?
      Let’s delve into this a little more.
      Acts 5:1
      “Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of
      property.”
      Here in the first verse, we see a piece of property was sold, along with other believers
      (previous chapter). I find this an interesting statement. “A piece of property.” Not
      Anania’s property, or the couple’s home. Yes, this is clarified in verse four, we will get
      there.
      Who does the property really belong to? God!
      So here’s the idea. Believer, when you buy a house, God allows it. The jobs we have,
      given to us by God. Our families, given to us by God. So everything we have, everything
      we are, is God produced.
      So, utilize your home, life, and family to bring glory to God. Pray, read the Bible and ask
      your pastors how this is done.
      Acts 5:2
      “With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought
      the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.”
      Premeditated acts of lying, greed and a type of manipulation shows incredible
      disobedience to God. How can a person truly think they can trick God?
      I’ve been in positions of great lack. What did I do? I am candid with God. I tell Him
      exactly what I’m going through. Sometimes faith pulls me through, sometimes my mind
      makes me fail. Yet, I won’t lie to God and I open up completely to Him.
      Acts 5:3-5
      “ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have
      lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the
      land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the
      money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied
      just to human beings but to God.”
      5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard
      what had happened. “
      Verse four is part of our answer at the beginning of the article . The apostle admits, “…it
      belongs to you…” (the house and money). God gave both to Ananias. Yet he continued
      to pretend to be a good believer to the apostles and ultimately God. Reveal yourself to
      the Holy Spirit. Don’t try to hide your problems or your heart.
      When we don’t have regard for God and our brothers in Jesus. Our faith will falter and it
      will result in spiritual death.
      Ananias pretended to be an obedient Believer in front of the apostles. Yet, the Holy
      Spirit discernment uncovers the pretenders.
      The result is anxiety, fear, and mental anguish. Maybe somebody will find out that they
      are faking it. Lol.
      I’ve talked to people that say good things about me. Then when I turn around, they talk
      about my faults behind my back. They act like “godly Christians,” yet inside are dead
      man’s bones (as Ezekiel would say).
      Jesus would rather you take off the mask and be real with God, with fellow believers and
      themselves. That’s how to learn to grow in Christ.
      Here’s part of my morning prayer:
      1. Pray against the strongholds in my life.
      2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal other strongholds to me.
      3. Dedicated my mind and senses to God. Even my deepest thoughts.
      4. Pour the fruit of the spirit on me (Galatians 5:22-23).
      With these in prayer, you will see a different Christian life evolve.
      God bles