Our Personal God
Pastor Sue
Pearls from Above
I received a prayer request saying, I know this is an unorthodox request, but please pray for my little dog, she is hurting and screams every time she gets up on her feet. I told this person that I would be praying for their dog.
And the next day, they sent me an update and said, I just wanted to send a praise report. My dog is feeling much better. She is running around and playing again, and I can’t even keep up with her, for the past two weeks she would scream with pain every time she got up, but today, she is fine.
I thanked God for touching their dog, and my mind went back to the word of God, where Jesus said the birds of the air don’t plant and grow their own food, yet the Father feeds them, and he knows every sparrow that falls to the ground, so how much more precious are you to him?
Jesus said, whatever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive it.
If God cares about sparrows, and lilies of the fields, and puppies in pain, and named every starin the sky, and he knew just how much salt to put in the ocean to sustain marine life, How much more will he take care of us? Don’t ever feel like something sounds too silly to ask God for.
There’s people who believe that God isn’t involved in men’s lives. They are called Deist.
He created heaven and earth, set it in motion, and then just stepped back and basically said Y’all handle it, and others say, there’s no use in praying, because God isn’t involved in what is going on down here on earth, or God does whatever his will is, so praying is vain.
But that isn’t the case, He’s a very present help in trouble. His goodness and mercy follows us daily. His mercies and compassions are new every morning.
Jesus said, we can’t even add a cubit to our height. That is 18 inches. And we know that this is impossible for man. But Jesus also says, there is NOTHING impossible with God!
God is such a personal Father, that he even knows how many hairs are on our head, they are all numbered.
David said in Psalm 139, paraphrasing this chapter:
V.1. God has searched me, and knows me,
V.2-5. He knows when I sit down, and when I get up, he knows my thoughts, he knows what I’m gonna say, he has laid his hand on me and put a hedge about me.
V. 7-10. Where can I go to hide from your presence?
If I ascend in heaven, you are there, if I go to the grave, you are there, if I go to the sea, your hand will still lead me and hold me.
V.13. You formed my inward parts, and wove me together in my mothers womb.
V.16. You seen me before I was born, and in your book is written all my days, how many birthdays I’m gonna have, how long I’m gonna live, you knew this even before I was born.
V.17. How precious are your thoughts towards me, how vast is the sum of them. (There’s too many to count).
18. And If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the sand.
V.23-24. David ends his prayer with the same words as the beginning,
Search me and know my heart and thoughts, v.1 you have searched me, but continue to do it and see if anything wicked pops up in me.
Does this sound like an impersonal Father? Someone who isn’t involved in our lives?
Psalm 33:18-20; Behold, the eye of the Lord is up on them that fear him, on them that hope in his mercy. To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord, he is our help and our shield.
John 5:17; when Jesus was being persecuted for working on the sabbath, he replied, My Father works hitherto, so I work.Romans 8:28; What is the Father working on? Paul said, We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
God is working on us and for us.
2 Peter 3:9; The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count, slackness, but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Yes, GOD is involved in the lives of men.
He’s long suffering, not wanting anyone to perish in the flames of Hell, but to come to repentance.
Yes, He is involved in the anffairs of this world. He sets up kingdoms and brings them down. He works all things according to his plan.
Yes, He answers prayers, and cares about the smallest of his creation. There is a puppy able to run around and play that is proof of it.
God bless
Can You Relate?
Pastor Sue
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
Are you facing a battle, a hard trial, circumstances you can’t control, situations that need to stop, trouble on every side? Do you feel like your drowning in the waters of life?
Are you having a Job experience, like your losing everything?
Or Daniel, like you’ve been thrown to hungry lions? Or even Joseph, betrayed, rejected, sold out, lied on. How about the Hebrew boys, like the furnace has been turned up full blast, awaiting your arrival! What about Jeremiah, the prophet no one wanted to listen to, because the Word of the Lord rubs them the wrong way,, then there’s David, a man who had to face a giant maybe 5 times bigger than him! Are you having some of these same troubles and trials? Can your life relate to theirs and many more Saints of ancient times?
If so, then take a look at their outcome, read about their experiences, and their victories.
Read how they overcame adversity, and how God fought for them. How God seen them through, protected them, helped them, brought deliverance. They weren’t perfect, they got discouraged at times, overwhelmed, ran for their life, hid in caves, lost so many things, but they stood in faith, trusting in God and his faithfulness, and their latter end proved it.
You may be going through the same thing some of them faced, just in a different way in today’s world, but read how God brought them through dark waters, through fires, battles, attacks of the enemies. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But God delivers us out of them all!
Isaiah 43:2; (paraphrasing) When you are going through the water, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they won’t carry you off, when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you….Look at God’s promise!
God’s promise isn’t just for Israel, or the Old Testament Saints, He knew there would be a New Covenant in the blood of Jesus. He knew everyone under this New Covenant would need his salvation, his healing power, his deliverance, his help and strength. The promises of God are for all his children, both Jew and Gentile.
Whatever you are experiencing, someone else has already been through it, look at their latter end, see what God did for them, and trust God to do the same for you. He is no respecter of persons.
Psalm 31:24; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the LORD.
Psalm 34:17; The Righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 46:1; God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Psalm 55:22; Cast your burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain you, He shall never allow the Righteous to be removed.
Someone has already been through what you are facing now, be encouraged, stay hopeful, remain faithful, God has you covered.
God bless.
Greater Works Than These
Sis. Shellie Drayton
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
1 Corinthians 4:20; For the kingdom of God is not word, but in power.
This lets us know that God operates in power. We will see the power of God at work in our day, greater works, as Jesus said. He will confirm his Word, if we dare to believe Him. Gods Word is true, He will never fail. There was miracles in the past, and miracles still taking place today. People don’t expect or believe God to move like He did, but we have got to expect Him to move in His power, because He does not change. Hebrews 13:8; Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever. He will not and cannot change!
St. John 14:12-14; Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believes on me, the works, that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do, because I go to my Father. And whatever you ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.
God will perform greater works through His people, He is the one doing the works, He is manifesting His power through His people, who surrender themselves to Him.
Acts 3:6; Then Peter said, silver, and gold have I none, but such as I have, give I thee, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
There’s power in the name of Jesus!
If we have the Spirit of God abiding in us, we can ask for miracles and signs, and God will do them, all we have to do is believe it!
There’s a lot of fear in Gods people, they won’t step out in faith because they are afraid God won’t do what they are asking for. But we need to stand on Gods word with boldness.
Luke 10:19; Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
When the serpent came out of the fire and latched on Apostle Paul’s hand, he just shook it back into the fire, and the barbarians were expecting to see him fall down dead, but Gods power kept him. He’s God, and He wants to manifest himself through a people, manifest His power and glory. Stand on God’s word, power to tread on serpents and over all the power of the enemy, and God will back up His word.
1Thess 1:5a; For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost.
The Word of God is powerful, dynamite power!
Nothing can stand before the Word of God, or the Name of God. He is all powerful!
Stand on God’s word, He will fulfill his word, stand in faith, don’t be afraid to do whatever God tells you to do, He will equip you to do whatever He has called you to do. Obey Him in all things, and stand in faith believing Him to do the greater works.
Elijah Part 1
Griffin Pettit
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
1 Kings Chapters 17-19
Chapter 17:1; And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.
2. And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, 3. Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. 4. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. 5. So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. 6. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.7. And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.
This happened because King Ahab and Jezebel worshipped their god Baal, and she encouraged it. So God told Elijah to go away to be safe, food was provided by birds for him and he had water to drink, but eventually the drought got to where he was.
Later, God tells him to go to Zarephath where a widow will provide for him. And when he got there, the widow was gathering sticks. Then Elijah asked her for water, and as she was going to get it, Elijah asked for bread. The widow then said to him in v. 12. That she is gathering sticks so that her and her son may eat their last meal. But Elijah said do not be afraid, and told her to go and fix the meal for him, and when she went, the meal never ran out until the famine was over.
God did a Miracle for her by providing more and more food, just like later in the New Testament, Jesus fed the 5,000! So, Elijah stays in her house for many days.
Then, later the widow’s son dies, and the widow comes to Elijah, v.18. And she said unto Elijah, What Have I do to thee, O Thou man of God? Art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?
19. And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed. 20. And he cried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son? 21. And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again him again.
God brought back the life of the boy, God does great Miracles.
1 Kings chapter 18
1. And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth. 2. And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria. 3. And Ahab called Obadiah, which was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly: 4. For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) 5. And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks: peradventure we may find grass to save the horses and mules alive, that we lose not all the beasts. 6. So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself. way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself.
While he went, he saw Elijah and fell to his face. Elijah said tell your master Elijah is here.
It eventually leads to the Popular Mount Carmel battle. The false prophets prayed to their god Baal. But, of course nothing happened, so Elijah asked for water to be put on his sacrifice, and God sends fire from heaven. Later, Elijah sends his servant out to the sea and back 7 times and on the 7th time, his servant sees a rain cloud, rain is coming after 3 years!
Chapter 19.
1. Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more so, if by about this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the life of one of them.”
After hearing this Elijah was afraid, and went into the wilderness asking to die, but God feeds him through an angel who visits him and and tells him his ministry is not over yet in Israel. God reveals that 7,000 in Israel have not bowed to Baal, and instructs Elijah to anoint Hazael, king over Syria, Jehu, king over Israel, and Elisha as his successor. Then it says, Elijah meets Elisha, a farmer, and puts his cloak upon him, signifying his call to the ministry. Part 2 soon to follow. God bless
Jesus Is With Me When Storm Clouds Gather
Pastor Sue
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
Jesus is with me when storm clouds gather, he’s standing by my side when I hear the thunder roll, he’s holds my hand when I begin to tremble, when the winds of this world is blowing strong.
One thing is for sure, the winds of this world is blowing strong, the storm clouds gather, the lightning flashes, the thunder rolls. There’s a spiritual storm blowing against the Saints of God, against the church and its true leaders. A spiritual battle, like a roaring lion, seeking to destroy and devour. But greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world. Jesus is with me, through everything, he is standing by my side. He never leaves or forsakes me. We are more than conquerors through him that loves us.
Though the winds are hot, the storms are strong, the battles long and weary, there is grace!
In Paul’s battle with the thorn in the flesh, Jesus told him, 2 Corinthians 12:9; My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
God’s grace is enough for all his children, to see us through all things, every situation, every battle, every part of this life, no matter what comes. Come boldly to the throne of grace, to obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Come with assurance, confidence, to God’s throne. Come to get help from the one sitting on the throne, for He is mighty to heal, mighty to help us take each step, mighty to deliver, mighty to turn the battle, help to overcome the wicked one and get victory, for He is the Great I AM!
He is with me through every storm, when the winds are blowing strong!
Through our weakness, He is made strong.
Isaiah 40:29-31; He gives power to the faint, and to them that have no might, he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait (Hope) upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, They shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.
Psalm 73:23-26; Nevertheless I am continually with you, You have taken hold of my right hand. You shall guide me with counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Jesus is always near, always a refuge, always a very present help in trouble.
God bless.
Weaponized Faith
Sis. Mary Pettit
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
Weapon - A thing designed or used for inflicting harm or damage. Something you use to gain an advantage or defend oneself in a conflict.
Weaponized - Adapted for use as a weapon. Just about anything can be used as a weapon.
2 Cor 10:4; For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.
Hebrews 11:1 tells us what faith is - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us we have to have it - But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Romans 10:17 tells us how to get it - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Ephesians 6:12-13; For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Weaponize your faith. Stand up in faith and say No weapon formed against me shall prosper and every tongue that rises against me in judgment I will condemn. THIS is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their righteousness is of Me saith the LORD, Isaiah 54:17.
MASTERMIND - We need to master our mind. Gird up the loins of our mind. Greater is He that is in me than he who is in the world. The demons fell at Jesus’ feet because they knew they had to obey.
Mark 16:17-18; And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;18. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
1 Corinthians 15:57; "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
God promised to never leave us or forsake us, and we stand on His Word. We are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ. We have been given authority over all power of darkness and we don’t fight alone. God fights for us and with us. Stand in faith, no weapon formed against us shall prosper, for we are not ignorant of satan’s devices.
Refuse to lose. Be not afraid, we are not alone. Through years of storms and attacks that has left scars and wounds, we didn’t give up, and it made us stronger. Our faith got stronger because HE is faithful.
NO GREATER LOVE
Sis. Leatha Augustus
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
No greater love, we love, but we have no greater love than the Lord.
Proverbs 10:12; Hate stirs up strife, but love covers all sin.
We don’t really know how great love is.
John 15:13; Greater love has no man than this, That a man lay down his life for his friends.
This is what Jesus did for us, He gave his life, while we were still in sin!
Was we worth it? No, we weren’t, but Jesus loved us so much that He laid down his life for us.
With all the sin in our life, and all that we had done, Jesus still loved us.
Jesus prayed that the cup would pass from him, but he said not my will, but thine be done.
Jesus did not have to die for us, but he chose to.
Sometimes we look at people, we look at the sin that has them bound and we think how can we possibly love them, but Jesus does, so why can’t we love as Jesus loves?
Love to our own hurt, as Jesus did.
Romans 12:9; Let love be without dissimulation, Abhor that which is evil, cling to that which is good.
Hebrews 13:1; Let brotherly love continue.
John 3:1; Behold what manner of love The Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.
We can be heirs with God, and joint heirs with Jesus, all because He loves us. So let’s receive what he has for us.
He freely gives us all things, because he loves us. There’s no greater love than that of God. He breathes life in us, and gives us life more abundantly. We need to praise God at all times, lift up his Holy name, and hold onto him.
1 Corinthians 13:13; And now abides faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.
We have to believe God, obey him, and love him. We have to learn through the love of God, to obey the voice of God.
John 13:35; By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you love one to another.
Jesus said it was his commandment that we love one another as he has loved us.
Romans 8:35; Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or perils, or sword?
Nothing can separate us from God’s love, absolutely nothing in this world, powers, principalities, angels, not even death, because there is no greater love than that of our Father.
Whatever you are going through, know that Jesus loves you,
He gave his life you, as Paul said in Ephesians 5:1-2; Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children, and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us, and offering, and a sacrifice to God for a sweet, smelling savor.
There truly is No Greater Love
From Expecting to Experiencing
Pearls From Above
Pastor Sue
When God speaks something to someone, if they truly believe God, they are expecting to see it happen, or come to pass at some time or another. But one problem Saints have, is waiting on God to fulfill His word to them. We live in a fast paced, instant gratification world, we want everything immediately, and it’s made its way into the Body of Christ. If Saints don’t see it come to pass in the allotted time THEY give God to fulfill His word to them, then they get frustrated, unhappy, discouraged and sometimes angry with God, because He hasn’t yet fulfilled His promises to them. And this can lead to doubt that God will ever do it. When a woman is expecting a baby, she has No Doubt, that the baby will come, the baby will be delivered, because she can feel life and movement in her, and so her situation goes from expecting the child to experiencing the birth of the child. From only feeling the child, to holding the child, seeing the child, having the child placed in her arms. She spent days, weeks, months, expecting the child to come, and at the appointed time, it happened.
Isaiah 55:11; So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth, it shall not return unto me void (without effect ), it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing where to I sent it.
2 Corinthians 1:20; For all the promises of God in him (Jesus) are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Psalm 27:14; Wait on the LORD, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, wait, I say, on the LORD
Throughout the Bible, God promised many things to many people, and we can read where sooner or later, His Word and promises came to pass. Their expectations led to experiencing the promises, His Word didn’t fall by the wayside, but accomplished what He promised. Many promises took years to fulfill, but it happened.
Don’t ever give up hope, if He said it, He will bring it to pass. Continue to expect God to do what He said, and you will experience the fruit of it.
What you are expecting from God, you will experience it, if you continue to trust Him, and don’t doubt. Wait on God to move and fulfill His word to you, no matter how long it takes, God has an appointed time for it. He will strengthen you and help you to hold on. God Bleas.
MASTERPIECE
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
Sis. Mary Pettit
Masterpiece -A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship.
Artisan - a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.
God is the first and ultimate Artisan, and we are His masterpiece.
Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
We also find in Genesis, Isaiah, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and Colossians that God created heaven and earth and everything in heaven and earth, and He made them all for a purpose. We are made in His image and HE even gives man the ability to make or create things.
Ephesians 2:10; For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
God didn’t make a mistake when He made you, He had a purpose, and He had a plan in mind when He created you.
I will give this one the ability to sing for my glory. And this one the gift of knowledge, and they will be able to help so many. I will put the desire of prayer in this one, and he will become a prayer warrior to fight for those who can't fight for themselves. I will give this one the gift of prophecy to edify and build up the church. I will make this one a pastor, and give them extra strength and courage.
Since we are made in His image, we are a masterpiece, and that must mean we have “A piece of the Master.”
So how do we resemble God? Do we have His eyes of love, His pure heart, serving hands, gentle voice, arms of strength, feet that brings peace wherever He goes? Do we feel what He feels?
In troubled times, are our eyes filled with tears, because it hurts to see people suffer? Is our heart broken because many are lost and unsaved, our feet tired because we continually follow Jesus, our hands blistered because they serve others? Is our voice pained at times because we are under attack? The world hates that part of us, because our voice is used to spread the gospel.
You are a masterpiece! You are the original, and that makes you very valuable and irreplaceable.
The original painting is more expensive than the prints because of the time, care, and materials that go into creating them. The original work of art is the only one of it’s kind and it’s usually signed by the artist.
In Revelation 22, John says, “His name shall be in their foreheads.”
Isaiah 43:7; Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. You are a masterpiece of God. Amen
Love Covered It All
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
Sis. Shellie Drayton
The Bible tells us all the things that will come to pass on this earth, and God wants us to walk in love. If we only realized how much God loves us, and that His love covers it all.
John 3:16; For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
There isn’t anything in this life that we go through that God’s love won’t cover.
God is Love, that’s who He is. Jesus said, in the last days, because sin shall increase, the love of many will grow cold. We see this happening more each day. God is looking for someone who will show forth His love.
John 13:34-35; A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.
This command came straight from Jesus, to love one another as He has loved us, but too many Christian’s are carnal, too many are easily provoked and offended. Many walk in the flesh, and if someone rubs them the wrong way, they are ready for a fight. This isn’t showing love one to another as Jesus commanded.
1 John 3:11; For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
1 John 4:7-8; Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not, knows not God; for God is love.
We need to change our attitude, we need to think before we speak, before we say something that will cause hurt and pain to someone else. Some people are labeled hard to love, but we still have to make the effort, Jesus is our example. Jesus loved us into the kingdom of God, he drew us, and loved us in spite of our sin. And we can do the same with others.
1 John 4:16-18; And we have known, and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as he is, so, are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. Because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love.
Romans 12:10; Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another.
Galatians 5:14; For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; you shall love your neighbor, as thy self.
1 Corinthians, chapter 13, is a perfect example of how to walk in the love of God.
1 Peter 4:8; And above all things have fervent charity, among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
God doesn’t throw us away when we mess up, but He throws our sins in the sea of forgetfulness when we truly repent, because Love covers it All
Bond with Peace
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
Sis. Mary Pettit
BOND- to be joined securely to something else, to secure, attach, fuse together.
There are things happening in the world that can instill fear inside. Wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, evil trying to overtake every area of our lives. People turning against their family, gangs uprising, people disappearing or getting taken.
Matthew 24:6 says you shall hear about wars and rumors of wars; see that you be not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
The Lord told us these things will happen. It’s no surprise to us. He commands us see that you be not troubled.
In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus warns us that, because you are My disciple, you should expect pushback and persecution. However, He gives us instructions on how to deal with this uncomfortable situation.
Jesus warns us not to fear those who would, or could, kill them for their faith, but rather fear the one who has the power to destroy both body and soul in hell.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
So even though you are IN the world, where there is tribulation, He tells us there is one way to not be bound by the grip of fear and terror, he says in ME you have peace. Who better to speak to you on this matter than the Prince of Peace himself.
Philippians 7; And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
John 14; Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Philippians 4:9; Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Isaiah 26:3; Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed (steadfast) on thee: because he trusts in thee.
All the peace you need is available to you. If you do not feel peace today, I have good news. All you have to do is reach out and take it.
Isaiah 26:12; says Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.
How do you know when you are bound with peace? YOU HAVE NO FEAR!
God told Joshua to be of good courage. Don’t be afraid. When God told Joshua to do something, he did it. Because he knew God was fighting for him.
If you have fear in this life, you are not bonded with peace.
When David had to make a decision for his army to go to war, he went before God and asked Him. Do I go up and fight or not? If God said yes, he went, if He said no, David didn’t. He remembered the times God saved him from the lion, the bear, the giant, and even King Saul, and he trusted God. If God be for us who can be against us!
If you are fearful of the future, or fearful of what people may do, or even fearful that God will forsake you, then you have not bonded with peace. Please read Proverbs 29:25; Psalm 118:6; Duet. 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Timothy 1:7.
Bond with peace and allow God to keep your heart and mind completely through Christ Jesus.. Amen
HOPE DEFERRED WILL SICKEN YOU
Pastor Sue’s Pearls From Above
Proverbs 13:12; Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a Tree of Life.
Hope—expectation, anticipate, to wait on.
Deferred—postponed, long drawn out, a delay in what is hoped for. When what you are expecting isn’t coming quickly.
There seems to be a feeling of hopelessness going through the body of Christ. So many Saints feel like their prayers are not going anywhere. Many keep praying, hoping, and waiting, but some answers don’t come, situations don’t change, some prayers seem to go unanswered.
There is a delay in God’s response, and after awhile, it makes the heart sick. Discouragement sets in, followed by downhearted, depression, doubt, worry, feeling anxious, then hopeless.
Hebrews 11 says, Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Faith is the confidence we have in God, that what we are hoping for, what we are expecting, He will bring it to pass.
But so many things being hoped for seem to be lingering, taking longer than expected, delayed. Then Saints start wondering what is the holdup, what is the reason healing don’t come. Where is the answer? Where is God?
More questions come up, Have I angered God? Is He displeased with me? Why are the Heavens silent? How much longer do I have to go through this trial! Why aren’t things getting better.
Agitation may set in, impatient, feeling more hopeless, then the enemy takes this opportunity to start messing with our mind. He brings thoughts of accusations, You really messed up this time, God has left you. You failed again, He can’t be pleased with you. God doesn’t care that you are suffering, if He really loved you, He would have answered your prayers by now. You might as well give up, things aren’t going to change. Hope deferred makes the heart sick!
One thing we can NEVER allow the enemy to do is steal our Faith and Hope!
Now abides Faith, Hope and Love, they work together. Faith and Hope work together, through the Love God has towards us. Apostle Paul said these three Abide. That means that they continue on, they remain, endures, won’t perish…
If we lose faith, it still endures, if we lose hope, it will still exist, if we lose heart, God is still the God of Love. And His love is the greatest of the three! If He tarries, continue to wait on Him, for in our waiting, He will renew our strength, and we shall mount up with wings as eagles, (Isaiah 40:31). The Hebrew word for wait in this verse is qavah, which implies hope and trust. Waiting on the Lord is an act of faith and trust in God, and an expectation that He will show up and move in our petitions.
Psalm 27:14; Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart, wait, I say, on the Lord.
Psalm 71:14; But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
Psalm 33:22; Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in you.
The rest of Proverbs 13:12 says, when the desire comes, (what is hoped for), it is a Tree of Life.
It brings help, strength, healing, more assurance in God, joy, peace, life! What a great promise!
Continue to hold on, to hope in the Lord your God, and praise Him, for truly the answers you seek will come to pass.
Gos bles
WHAT GOOD IS IT
Sis. Leatha Augustus
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
People are looking for so much in this world today. People serve God for a long time, then they get older and think they don’t need God anymore. They turn their back on God and walk away, but still believe they are going to heaven. How is anyone going to heaven that has turned from God, and stopped serving him?
Job 27:8; For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he has gained, when God takes away his soul?
They are hypocrites, and God will take away their soul. People are not realizing that what good is it if they win the lottery, they cannot buy their way into heaven. They can do everything in this world that they want to, but what good is it if they lose their soul.
Ezekiel 22:12; In thee (Jerusalem), have they taken gifts (bribes) to shed blood, thou has taken usury (interest) and increase (profits), and thou has greedily gained of they neighbors by extortion (oppression), and have forgotten me, saith the Lord God.
What good is it if people do all the ungodly things, and still don’t have anything to show for it, not even the salvation of the Lord.
V.13a; Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou has made. Though you gained it, God can take it away. It’s like putting your money in pockets with holes in them. You may have some now, but you can’t take it with you. Once you leave this world, everything you had is left behind.
So strive for what is good, strive for things that will get you to Jesus, not these things that the world is seeking after. Seek for the things that be of God. The enemy is fighting, trying to get Saints to turn against God, and if they do, they have no hope, no help. Hold on to God no matter what the enemy brings your way. Put your trust in God, let him lead you, guide you, and walk the strait and narrow.
Matt. 16:26; For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
There are people who sell their soul to the devil, some for fame, fortune, some for all the pleasures of this world. But what good is it when they die lost and go to a burning Hell, where the fire is not quenched, and the worm never dies.
Matt. 25:24; Then he which received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee, that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not strewn.
He knew his Master was a hard man, and the Master said, “Why didn’t you use the talent I gave you.” What good is it if we don’t use what God has given us.
Matt. 6:33; But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
People are looking for everything this world has to offer, but Jesus said we are to seek first the kingdom of God. He will give you what you need, what good is to keep adding things in this life, but don’t have God, or to store up everything here and lose your soul as the rich man in Luke 12:15-20. God called him a fool! What good did it do him to store up and do all that labor just to miss out on God.
We have got to get it right on this earth, before we stand before God. We’ve got to be obedient to Him and His Word. If we lose our soul, What good was all this?
HUMBLE
AUSTIN PETTIT
PEARL OF GREAT PRICE TABERNACLE
Humble: not proud, not arrogant, it can also mean not thinking of yourself.
Exodus 10:3; And Moses and Aaron came unto Pharaoh and said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, how long will thou refuse to humble thyself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me.
2 Chronicles 7:14; If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from thy wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
This means that people are supposed to be turning from their wickedness, and ask the Lord for forgiveness, and the Lord will forgive and heal, but people have to humble themselves before God first.
God created us to be humble, to respect each other, and to respect God. So remember to always stay humble before the Lord, and do what is right.
Walk By Faith
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
Sis.Shellie Drayton
Faith: confidence, belief in the truth, belief not based on logical proof or material evidence.
God has given every man a measure of faith, so you have faith. God has a people that will believe His word, no matter how crazy this world gets. We walk by faith and not by sight. The enemy will try to distract you, look what’s going on before you, but all this stuff is temporary.
Don’t worry about what you see happening in the world, walk by faith.
Hebrews 11:1; Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
We’ve got to believe, even when we can’t see anything changing. We walk by Faith, not what we can see, not what we can feel, we walk believing God and what His word says. The Lord
knows what lies ahead of each one of us, He knows all and sees all, so why are we so fretful and fearful. God is a big God, and He knows the end from the beginning, He knows where we
are going to be, what we are going to do, what we are going to go through, and what our children are facing. Put your children in Gods hand, let Him direct their path, and draw them.
He knows how to pull on their heart, and draw them, and turn them around, so just walk by faith in everything and let God have his way in your life.
James 1:3; Knowing this that the trial of your faith works patience.
There are witnesses all through the Bible, that were tried, Joseph was cast in prison, Abraham was told to sacrifice Isaac, and we are tried as well.
James 2:17; Even so Faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone. V. 20; But will thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? V. 26; For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead.
James told it like it was. Faith is an action word, we got to put some works with our faith. We are surrounded with such a cloud of witnesses who have already gone on before us. They all walked by Faith and died In Faith, still trusting God.
Romans 5:1; Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus, Christ.
Matthew 17:19-20; Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, because of your unbelief, for verily, I say unto you, if you
have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say, unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible onto you.
Romans 10:8; But what says it? The word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart, that is, the word of faith, which we preach.
Exercise your faith, believe God for anything and everything, put your faith in action! Build up your faith by praying in the Holy Ghost.
Pray for the sick, believe God to heal, and save, set free and deliver. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God, we must believe that he is God, and he rewards them who diligently seek Him! Continue to Walk by Faith
HOLD ON
Sis. Leatha Augustus
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
No matter what we face, or go through, just hold on, knowing that Jesus said I am the same, yesterday, today and forever. I do not change. I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Hold on to His words, hold on to Jesus, know that he is there with us, and he’s there for us.
Hold-- to take or keep in the hands or arms. To keep in a certain place. Not lose or let go of.
We are to quick to let go of what God has done for us. Battles come, and we wonder what are we going to do. Not looking or holding on to the one that says “I will take you through all of this.”
We don’t have to worry, we just got to hold on to the Lord. His hand is outstretched, grab ahold of his hand and hold on. No storm, no trial, no battle, or nothing can take you away if you hold on and hang on.
Isaiah 26:3; Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee.
If we walk in perfect peace, nothing will bother us, we can overcome anything that comes our direction.
Psalm 139:10; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
It seems like the battles are getting harder, and we don’t know what each one is going through, but we know that we have got to hold on! We can’t give up, and we pray one for another, and God does answer prayers, and he will take care of us. If you have to walk through the fire, hold on, don’t bow to the wiles and lies of the enemy.
Hebrews 4:14; Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession (confession).
Revelation 2:25; But that which you have already, hold fast till I come.
Hold fast to what God has already given you, he’s given you life, peace, a mind to serve him.
He’s helping us, he’s holding on to us, there’s nothing too hard for God.
God moves by faith, trust him and hold on to him!
Matthew 24:12-13; And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold, but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
James 5:11; Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
The enemy will come to your mind when things get so hard and tell you that God isn’t going to do this for you, but we know that the devil is a liar. God will do what he said, he is faithful. Just hold on,
What a mighty God we serve, hold on to his hand, don’t let go. When it seems like there is no end to the road you are on, just continue to walk this straight and narrow and hold on to God’s hand, he will lead you, and walk with you. Don’t let anything get in the way between you and God. HOLD ON!
The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
Griffin Pettit age 12 Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
John was a disciple of Jesus. He wrote five books of the New Testament. He talks a lot about love. St. John is a perspective of the life of Jesus, 1-3 John are instructions, and Revelation, which is a lot of future events. John was taken to the island of Patmos because of his testimony of Jesus. This is where he wrote the book of Revelation. But my favorite book is the gospel of St. John, it has the most popular verse, John 3:16; For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Revelation 1:4; John to the seven churches in Asia, grace to you and peace from Him who IS, and who WAS, and who IS to come. And from the seven Spirits who are before His throne. John is writing letters to seven churches in Asia and Jesus told him what to say.
St. John 1:1; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
1 John 1:1; That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word.
It’s cool how John got Revelation and how he got to see all these things that will come to pass. We have the Bible to know what will happen at the end, and since we are his people, we will rejoice!
In Matthew, Jesus called four men to follow him, and immediately they left their boats, and their father and followed him, one was John, who would become his disciple and Apostle. John portrays Jesus as deity, the Son of God. His gospel is really good to read.
We need the Old Testament and the New Testament. We need to tell everyone about Jesus, because we are just nobody trying to tell everybody about somebody that can save their soul. Let’s make heaven crowded, Amen?
Get Down from that Tree
Griffin Pettit age 12 Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
Jesus was passing through Jericho. There was a chief tax collector there named Zacchaeus, who was rich. Zacchaeus was a short man, and wanted to see Jesus, so he climbed a sycamore tree. This man was a Tax collector. Tax collectors were not popular with the people because they took their money to pay taxes to Rome. Zacchaeus was very short and didn’t have the advantage of seeing over people, so when he heard that Jesus was coming, he started trying to find a way to see Jesus when He passed by.
Luke 19:1-7; And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little
of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5. “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.”6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, that he was gone to be a guest with a man that is a sinner.
Jesus really cared for him, that he would tell a sinner that he is eating at his place. Because Jesus sees what’s in our heart.
For God so loved this world, he gave His only son. Jesus came to die on that cross and to heal and save lost souls. Jesus is the one who you worship.
V.8; And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he is also a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.
Jesus knew Zacchaeus was hated by many, but Jesus got him saved. When you see people like Zacchaeus being curious about the Lord, do what Jesus said,“Go tell the world about me.”
Keep Yourself in The Love of God
Pastor Sue’s Pearls From Above
Jude 1:20-21; But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
According to v.1; Jude was writing to those that are sanctified by God the Father, those who are kept in Jesus Christ, and called.
He was writing to those who are saved, and appealing to them to contend earnestly for the faith that was handed down once for everyone. V.3
He was writing to those who were growing in faith, praying in the Spirit, and looking for the return of Jesus. He was encouraging them to Keep yourself in God’s love.
This short letter of Jude is for everyone in this day and hour as well, who are also saved, sanctified, and called.
There are wolves in sheep clothing out to devour the sheep. There are some who came in unaware, ungodly people, changing the gospel of grace into something sensual, denying God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Because someone was saved out of Egypt, doesn’t mean they will enter into the Promised Land, unbelief will always block the entrance.
Jude goes on to describe these people as filthy dreamers, who reject authority, and speak evil of things they don’t understand, and the things they do know, they are corrupted by them.
But YOU, beloved, you stay safe in God’s love. You dwell in Him, You hold fast to what you have been taught, You keep the faith, You stand firm against the wiles of the ungodly who change the gospel of Jesus Christ, those who preach another Jesus, those who are spots among the believers. You, beloved, you separate yourself from these mockers who walk after their own desires, complainers, fault finders, who speak flattering words to gain admiration from others. You watch out for those in opposition to the truth, use discernment and let the Spirit of God lead you. YOU watch and pray, and stay connected to the vine, and the enemy won’t be able to deceive you, or cause you to fall, because as Jude writes in his closing letter; V. 24; Now unto him that is able to keep YOU from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
God bless
ANGELS PROTECT TOO
Austin Pettit..age 10
Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle
Angels are heavenly beings sent from heaven to help humans on earth. They are Gods special messengers. Angels are not equal to God, because they were created by God. He tells angels what to do. Some of their jobs are delivering messages for God, protecting God’s people, helping the thirsty, and praising God’s name.
Psalm 148:2; Praise ye him, all his angels, praise ye him, all ye hosts.
Psalm 148:5; Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.
Psalm 103:20; Bless the Lord, ye his angels that excel in his strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Now moving on to Luke 1:13; But the angel of the Lord said unto him, fear not Zechariah, for thy prayer is heard, and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Daniel 3:28; Then Nebuchadnezzar spake and said, blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
Moving on again to Genesis 21:17-19; And God heard the voice of the lad, and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven and said unto her, what ailieth thee Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad and hold him in thy hand.
For I will make him a great nation. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water, and she went and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad a drink.
Now to Revelation 12:7-9; And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels, and the dragon prevailed not, neither was their place found anymore in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the devil and satan, which deceives the whole world. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
The Bible says he fell like lightning, I’m sure he hit the ground hard. Amen