November 2020 – My Personal Journey by Henry Luke

True Worship.

H- ^[X]John 4:23-24…²³But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. ²⁴God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” NASB

E- Jesus stopped at Sychar in Samaria and talked to the Samaritan women at the well ^[Z1]. Jesus tells her and us in vv.23-24 above that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth. True worship is God-centered worship by Disciples. Worship can include praying, reading God’s Word with an open heart, singing, and serving others. It is not limited to one thing or one place but is true worship when the heart and attitude of the person are in sync.

Worship is reserved only for God. Only He is worthy and not any of His servants or anyone or anything else [Revelation 19:10] Adultery and Murder. Worshiping for the expectation of something in return, such as miraculous healing, is not true worship. Worship is done for God—because He deserves it—and for His pleasure alone. True worship is an inward action of our heart/soul and then is expressed through the outward actions of our physical body.

True worship is not confined to what we do in church. True worship is the constant acknowledgment of the presence of God and all His power and glory in all we do [1 Corinthians 10:31]. The highest form of praise and worship is continous obedience to Him and His Word [John 14:15 and cross-references]. To do this, we must know the true God and not substitutes as Paul said in Athens [Acts 17:23]. Worship is to glorify and exalt God. We show our loyalty and admiration to our Father, with our spirit and the truth revealed in the Bible. ^[B]

A- ^[X]I desire to worship God in spirit and in truth.

R- O God help my spirit be in sync with Your Spirit and to worship You with truth!

Henry Luke To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press, or other sources.

[Notes]: A- [1] For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^[Y]click here, [2] for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, and [3] for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here; B- Help from True worship; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here; Z1- Jesus’ journey about 80 miles from Jerusalem to Galilee would normally have bypassed Samaria to the east. But on this trip, Jesus went through Samaria with a stop at Sychar [John 4:1-45]

Envision God’s enveloping presence. Red Sea Rule #7

H- ^[X] Exodus 14: 19-20… ¹⁹Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. ²⁰The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night. NLT

E- In Exodus God was present in the cloud during the daytime and a pillar of fire at night. The presence of God was for guidance and protection. When the cloud moved the Israelites moved and when it stopped the people stopped and made camp. In v.19 when the Israelites arrived at the Red Sea the cloud moved behind the Israelites and protected them from the Egyptian army. During the night the cloud turned to fire and the Egyptians could not penetrate the cloud.

Since the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, when a person believes in Jesus ^[Z] as Lord and that God raised Jesus from the dead, they will be saved and become a Disciple ^[A]. At that moment the Holy Spirit enters the immaterial soul of the person. Their spirit has eternal life from that time forever. [1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19-20; Romans 8:9-10] Death or Life forever.

Therefore the Disciple is constantly enveloped by the presence of God the Father and Son through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Our problem is constantly realizing His presence and living depending on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Be filled by the Spirit daily and access His content.

A- ^[X]I am enveloped by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Realize the content He can protect and guide me with.

R- O God fill me by Your Spirit and give me the realization of 10+ things available to me from the Spirit!

X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here.

A Place of Peace.

4. THE ART OF PEACE: RESPONDING AND REACHING | by Iann Schonken | Medium

H- ^[X] Isaiah 65:24-25...²⁴I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! NLT

E- V.24… Jesus said “…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” [Matthew 6:8 NLT] This was because God was and is omniscient and omnipresent. But our awareness of His presence varies from moment to moment. I suspect v.24 will be more like a personal conversation with God. In our resurrected bodies we will not ask anything of God that is not in His will. He will answer in what seems to be and maybe an audible voice. We will be constantly aware of His presence.

Because we are constantly aware of God’s presence, we can be a true worshipper.[John 4:23-24] We will constantly worship God whether we are building a home, cultivating our crops, or doing some other productive work on the new earth. I have often wondered how we could worship on the new earth if on the other side of the earth from Jerusalem. I believe His omnipresence is the answer. That attribute is available today to Disciples ^[A] but many of us ignore His presence in our lives too much of the time.

V.25…” ²⁵The wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. But the snakes will eat dust. In those days no one will be hurt or destroyed on my holy mountain. I, the Lord, have spoken!” I believe this is a picture of the peace that will exist on the new earth and new heavens. All the animals, people, environment, nature, and anything else will be in complete harmony. There will be no anger! All will eat the appropriate plant food as described for people and animals in the Garden of Eden before the fall. [Genesis 1:27-31]

A- ^[X]I am looking forward with hope when we will live in peace and with the constant awareness of the presence of God on the new earth.

R- O God fill me with joy for this great hope!

Henry Luke To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press, or malware, or Google ads, etc.

X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here.

A Place of Safety for Building and Working Productively forever.

H- [X] Isaiah 65:21-23…21 In those days people will live in the houses they build and eat the fruit of their own vineyards. ²²Unlike the past, invaders will not take their houses and confiscate their vineyards. For my people will live as long as trees, and my chosen ones will have time to enjoy their hard-won gains. ²³They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the Lord, and their children, too, will be blessed. NLT

E- Vv .21-23 are a continuation of Vv.17-19…a prophecy of the New Heavens and New Earth described in Revelation 21-22. V.21 describes the people with resurrection bodies ^[A] like Jesus ^[B]doing productive work. In the language of Isaiah’s day that included building houses and cultivating vineyards and other crops for sustenance. There will be no crime, war, or disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, etc. to damage houses or crops.

All the people on the new earth will have resurrection bodies like Jesus and will live forever. We will enjoy many generations of our children who also have resurrection bodies. Since all the people in that day will be children of God and brothers and sisters with Jesus, v.23b may be referring to the family of God or the family of people you led to Jesus.

Isaiah was writing this in words that people with agricultural knowledge could understand. They knew nothing of cars, trucks, airplanes, manufacturing, etc. I am not sure what this means, but I know that our lives forever are going to be blessed by God. I believe there will be plenty of time to worship Truine God, understand totally His word, and enjoy the blessings of heaven.

A- ^[X]I am filled with joy and hope for my future in heaven.

R- O God please help me to run the race of life ready to receive a blessing in the new heavens and new earth!

X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here.

A Place of Joy.

Throw Away Your Bucket List! (Windows of Heaven # 3) - Dee Brestin Ministries

H- ^[X] Isaiah 65:17-20… ¹⁷“Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore. ^18a Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! NLT

E- Vv.17-19…are a prophecy of the New Heavens and New Earth described in Revelation 21-22. John described “² a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. ³I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. ⁴He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” [Revelations 21:2-4 NLT]

Look what is promised for Disciples ^[A]: God will be with us, without any tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. All these things are gone forever and we will rejoice in the presence of God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit forever! Forever means forever! We will rejoice in God’s creation. We will have a resurrection body like the resurrection body of Jesus [1 John 3:2]. I believe this means we will be able to fly through the air and explore the universe like He did at the ascension. What a time forever that will be!

You do not want to miss this by rejecting Jesus on earth. This is described in multiple books in the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Bible is the true word of God and by faith, we know that everything prophesied will take place. To have a better understanding of the new heavens and new earth I suggest you read “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn, or here.

A- ^[X]I rejoice that I will in the new heavens and new earth with Jesus forever.

R- O God help me reveal the glory of Jesus to someone today?

X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here.

The First Thanksgiving [1621]

“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”

“Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms”
(Psalm 95:2).

by Tom Stewart

Preface

ince 1863, Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving– now observed every fourth Thursday of November– as a national holiday to give thanks for blessings received during the year. As an American tradition, we remember the first Thanksgiving as the gathering of the Pilgrim Fathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts celebrating the success of their Fall Harvest in 1621. And, the familiar Thanksgiving hymn, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,” reminds True Christians of what the Pilgrims certainly knew, that it is God to whom we are to be thankful and that His safe and timely provision occasions our thankfulness. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thessalonians 5:18). The Providence of the Pilgrims’ deliverance in their newfound land of religious freedom– from their opportune meeting with the English speaking Squanto to their learning of the Indian practice of using fish to fertilize their crops– demonstrated the providential superintendence of the Almighty that made possible their survival and the bounty of their harvest celebration. “O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever” (1Chronicles 16:34). Years later, Dean Alford of the Church of England gave the Church a much remembered voice for its gratitude to the “LORD of the Harvest” (Mark 9:38) through the hymn, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.” Henry Alford (1810-1871).

For more traditions of Thanksgiving read the rest of the article The First Thanksgiving 1621.

Focus on one thing.

Berry Patch Blog: September 17, 2017 …Don't Look Back!

H- ^[X] Philippians 3:13b-14…^13b… I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,¹⁴I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. NLT

E- V.13b-14 …Paul is asking Disciples ^[A] to limit our focus to the highest priority. There are literally hundreds of issues demanding our attention from the internet, social media, email, texts, work, family, church responsibilities., etc. This must be an important request for Paul to focus on one thing.

First, he asks that Disciples not dwell on the past. We cannot do anything about our past but satan tempts Disciples to worry or feel guilty about the past. We need to learn any lessons appropriate from the past. But, God said “forget” the past. Second, God asks us to look forward to the glory we will see when we are in the physical presence of Jesus in heaven. That means this focus on the future will guide what we do today to reach the end of our race on earth and receive our heavenly prize. I have a “Life Vision” that I first adopted at age 13, Life Verses ^[B] each year beginning in 1967, a revised “Life Vision” in 1986, and a “Spiritual Declaration of Dependence on Jesus” that I adopted on 4/21/2108 that guide me in decision-making. All of these statements were future-oriented to help focus on the race on earth.

Jesus told us that “The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” [John 15:19 NLT] Romans 8:17-18 promises Disciples that if we suffer with Him that we will also be glorified together. Praise Jesus the Glory outweighs the suffering. I add these scriptures because obeying Jesus will not be easy, but with humility will require perseverance as we depend on the grace of Jesus.

But the heavenly prize promised in heaven with Jesus is awesome and beyond our comprehension.

A- ^[X]I need to forget the past and focus on finishing strong for Jesus that will result in receiving “the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us”.

R- O God fill me with Your glory so that I may be faithful to Your call!

Henry Luke To receive my daily blog posts scroll to “Follow” and add your email. Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press.

X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here.

Every knee will bow at the name of Jesus.

Marsha Horn on Twitter: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,..and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11… https://t.co/wFBl9kHJGO"

H- ^[X]Philippians 2:9-11…⁹For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. NASB

E- Vv.3-8 describe how Jesus “⁸ being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on the cross.”

V.9,11b… As a result, God exalted Jesus. On earth, Jesus is rejected and used as a curse word.

V.10 Jesus may be rejected today but there will come a day in the future that “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow“. This will be after the rapture, when every person who is in heaven with Jesus, on earth, or under the earth, every knee will bow at the name of Jesus. The person who rejected Jesus as Savior on earth will bow at the name of Jesus pleading for an opportunity to escape hell forever. But it will be too late. This is an important statement for those who reject Jesus today because they are betting life forever that it is false. ^[ZZ] But every word in the Bible is divinely inspired [2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21] and is the absolute truth. God exalted Jesus and so should everyone today exalt Jesus.

A- ^[X]This scripture reminds me to persevere in sharing the gospel of Jesus anytime an opportunity occurs.

R- O God give me the realization of Your presnece and the opportunity to share Jesus today!

X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here.

ZZ- “ILLUSTRATION – Suppose you had not heard the outcome of a sporting event. Suppose someone proposed that we place a $100 bet on the game. Would you take me up on it? No! Why? Because the outcome is not in any doubt. And yet millions of people bet their eternal destiny against an outcome that God has declared absolutely certain. Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead and is ascended to the right hand of God the Father. God’s Word assures us that every knee will bow to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. And yet people go on betting their eternal destiny against this sure word from God, living as their own lords and saviors, as if God’s Word were uncertain or not true.” ^[T]

“Thank You for recording sorrows.”

H- ^[X]Psalm 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. NLT

E- 5 Word Prayer #40. “Thank You for recording sorrows.” ^[U]

Context – David was being pursued by King Saul and his army in Gath. David’s situation was desperate but David said “³But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. ⁴I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?”

V.8 – Despite the fact of his unwarranted persecution, David was praising God for His promises. He thanked God for keeping track of his sorrows. In the end, David’s trust was vindicated and he became King and Jesus was his descendent.

Most of us have had numerous sorrows in our life. It is extremely helful for me to keep a record, like God, of my sorrows and their resolution by the hand of God.

Sorrows are a result of living in a fallen world that will take Disciples ^[A] from suffering to glory as members of the family of God. ^[B] But the God of all comfort will comfort us in our tribulation and afflictions so that we may be able to comfort others who are in afflictions and troubles. ^[C] Try looking around you for those in trouble, and by faith in God,offer them the comfort you have received from God.

None of our sorrows catch God by surprise because He has a record of all our sorrows. He knows exactly how our the current sorrow fits in His plan to bring us closer to the image of Jesus [Romans 8:28].

A- ^[X]By faith I can trust God to comfort me through all my sorrows toward His ultimate goal for me. I can thank and praise God before His comfort or answer comes.

R- O God help me to trust You by faith and comfort others in their troubles.

Q- When do you need this prayer?

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[Notes]: A- [1] For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^[Y]click here, [2] for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, and [3] for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here; B- Romans 8:12-25; C- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4;

U- #1-40 title and scripture from Lisa Whittle, the author of 5-Word Prayers, E-R and #41+ by Henry Luke; X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here.

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear on this blog post and receives no payment for it. Ads & their links come from Word Press

True Satisfaction.

H- ^[X] Isaiah 58:11-12...^11aThe LORD will guide you continually, NLT

E- In Isaiah 58:6-10 The LORD said He did not want ritualistic fasting or sacrifices. Instead, He wants changed hearts that result in genuine worship out of love in the souls of His people.

V.11a-12 – describes the results of “true worship” in the life of His people then and today; ” ^11aThe Lord will guide you continually“. I have been meditating on this phrase for 2 days. This is an amazing promise to the true worshipper of Jesus ^[Z]. The Bible has many promises about the Holy Spirit in the life of Disciples ^[ZZ].

“True Worship” is the key to experiencing the daily reality of the presence of the Holy Spirit and His power in the Disciple’s ^[A] life. The Holy Spirit came into each Disciple at the moment of salvation but our 3 enemies, self, satan, and the world system, are constantly at war to suppress the reality of His presence. We cannot go all through the day without a time of true worship to prepare for the day and then have holy moments during the day.

I desire the Holy Spirit to guide me continually. Think about what our lives would be like guided by infinite God rather than our finite selves. We would not be angry, fearful, depressed, etc. We would make the right decisions, treat others with respect, and as more important than ourselves. We would be supported and comforted by God in times of trouble and suffering. Filled with hope for the future.

Vv.11b-12…This result is described in our lives with His continues guidance. ^[ZZZ]

My problem is ignoring or suppressing the Spirit in even the minor decisions.

A- ^[X]I am convicted of the need for true worship and living in reality of the preesence of God in my life.

R- O God help me walk in the presence of the Spirit and by the Spirit’s guidance, power, strength, wisdom, and help constantly.

[Notes]: A- [1] For how to have peace with God and become a Disciple ^[Y]click here, [2] for how to have the peace of God and grow as a Disciple click here, and [3] for how to teach Disciples to be Disciple-makers click here;

B- John 14:26; C- John 16:13, D- John 16:14; E- not used; F- Galatians 5:22-23b; G- Ephesians 3:16; H- Romans 8:26; I- John 16:13b “He will guide you into all truth” I believe this includes convicting the believer of the truth of their sin. II- 1 Corinthians 2:12; J- Galatians 5:16-17,19-21; L- 2 Corinthians 1:4;

O- Jehovah – LORD – God of promise, presence, accessibility, near to those who call on Him for deliverance [Psalm 107:13], forgiveness [Psalm 25:11] and guidance [Psalm 31:3]. ;

X- 4 steps in The H.E.A.R method of Bible study and worship; Y- “Disciples” or “Christians”?; Z- For the name, I normally use for the Lord Jesus Christ, click here. ZZ- Source. The work of the Holy Spirit in the Disciples life:

teaching us the Word in an understanding way to know more and more of the love and glory of Jesus, ^B
guidance, ^C
bringing Jesus glory by telling us whatever He receives from Jesus, ^D
the fruit of the Spirit- “love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”, ^F
strength, ^G
the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings, ^H
conviction of sin, ^I
know the things that have been freely given to us by God, ^II
help in the daily battle with our sinful nature, ^J
comfort in affliction so we can comfort others. ^L

ZZZ- Isaiah 58:11-12...¹¹The Lord…satisfy you even in sun-baked places. He will strengthen your bones. You will become like a watered garden and like a spring whose water does not stop flowing. ¹²Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the foundations of past generations. You will be called the Rebuilder of Broken Walls and the Restorer of Streets Where People Live. GNT

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