Pressed on every side

Good morning, everyone from Pastor Todd. Welcome to “Try Jesus!” If this is your first time joining us, it’s great to have you with us. I would like to thank all the new members for joining “Try Jesus.” Also welcome those in Kentucky, Oregon, Nevada, Indiana, and Missouri.

What a great last week to know that many of you are walking in the freedom and liberty of forgiveness. Being happy without grudges is like walking without crutches after a healed ankle sprain. Continue to walk in the joy of the Lord.

Many of you may have witnessed the eclipse on April 8th. I saw people with chairs out in front of their businesses as I was driving to the grocery store. They were gazing in the sky to witness the moon cross in front of the earth.

Some through eclipse parties, others took off work, and some schools had early dismissals. I wasn’t moved by the hoopla surrounding the event. However, it did make me think about an event called the Ascension.

After Jesus had risen from the dead and was with his disciples, and spoke to them about being baptized by the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke to them about receiving power to witness in Jerusalem, Samaria, and the world.

After speaking these words he was taken up in the clouds out of their sight. And just like some of you who stared at the eclipse, these disciples kept gazing up in the sky. But unlike the eclipse science gazer’s, these men were met by two men in shining white clothing.

These two men (angels) then said to them, “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11 KJV).

Now that is something to gaze and be excited about! They should have been excited about the news of the Holy Spirit instead of when Israel would be free from Rome. The Kingdom Jesus spoke about was, a spiritual Kingdom.

His Kingdom would be established in the hearts and lives of believers (Luke 17:21). Since then until 2024, God’s presence and power dwell in believers in the person of the Holy Spirit.

The eclipse reminds me of the darkness (sin) we all are born with and the darkness has blocked the Son until repentance removes it. Ok, let’s move on and praise God by welcoming his Son in our midst today! I feel a praise song!

Prayer
🎵 Heavenly Father, there is none like you, no one else can touch my heart like you do, I have searched for all, eternity long, and found, there is none like you.🎵 No eclipse can match the glorious presence of the Lord, our God, Amen?

Let’s believe in God’s presence and power today. “Heavenly Father, thank you for your majestic power. You came to live in the hearts of your people. Father God, we praise you for your love and faithfulness towards your children.

We praise you for being a perfect, holy, trustworthy God that is bigger than all the evil we experience here on earth. We ask that you give us eyes to see when evil is before us, hearts to hate evil and the desire to flee from its presence.

Lord open our understanding of today’s word. Draw hearts to “TRY JESUS” that are surrendered to your Lordship over their lives. May your living word penetrate the hard hearts in attendance today.

Give us a heart of wisdom to hear your voice, and make us strong by your huge favor and grace. Your word continues to be stronger than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Draw in your audience, In Jesus name, Amen.”

How many of you have ever wore some clothes that were double wrinkled? I mean they were so wrinkled they looked like one of those beautiful Shar Pei dogs’ faces (Smile). I guess my next question would be, how many of you can use an iron?

I remember a very long time ago, when I was learning to iron for the first time, I thought I was the best one in my family at Ironing clothing. It took me awhile to get past setting up my parents ironing board.

Once I defeated that hurdle, I was ready to go. Pressing my clothes was difficult to start. I couldn’t figure out where the crease should be. Again, I thought I was doing it all correctly until I showed up in high school.

Kids have this focused eyesight of letting you know when something is out of line in your appearance. I found out that the creases in my pants were sideways and not in the front of my pants.

The pleats in my dress pants looked double folded. My shirts were ironed the same way. I looked like the shirts that are pinned to the wall at fashion clothing stores. I thought I was the pressing professional in my home.

There were also times when my mother would notice a smell coming from my pants after I ironed them. I used to the think the hotter the setting and the harder I pressed on them would make them look better.

Boy was I mistaken. Something pressed harder doesn’t equate to looking better. I had shiny glowing marks on my pants. I thought looking in that mirror, I was sharp, cool, and ready to dress to impress. “Uh, No.”

When your clothes smell hot on the school bus kids can smell you out. After all the pressing I received at school, I decided to give up ironing and ask my mom for better assistance (Smile).

After high-school and getting my first job, I decided to take my dress clothes to the dry cleaners and have them professionally pressed, and starched. Some of you can certainly relate to my story.

When you are pressed for time some of you will move that iron so fast across your clothing, you miss all kinds of wrinkles. It’s great that today they make irons that have automatic shut-off capability.

It seems today, people’s lives are the way I used to press my clothes. Even though I thought I looked fashion ready, I was unkempt all over. Today, people’s lives seem to be pressed from all sides and look worse for the wear.

What may be causing them to look so pressed? In today’s society you can pick any topic. Is it inflation? The high cost of shopping? The gas prices. Higher utilities? Spikes in crime? Open boarders? Broken relationships?

Shall I continue? The breakdown of the educational system? Division among many groups? Broken judicial system? Suicidal increases? Did I miss some things? If I did, please call, text, or email me. It just strengthens my point.

Some might say, “My world is beautiful, everything is ok, I don’t see all these things going on.” Ok, maybe your world is gated. But even those who perceive themselves to be living in a utopia world have been pressed.

We have to remember; a fallen world is going to have these things. Please understand, I’m not the barer of 24-7 bad news. I don’t shout every day that the sky is falling, that the world is doomed.

I’m really 100% just the opposite.

 Let me ask everyone a question. Do you believe the Bible is a positive book, or a negative book? Be careful with your answer. Try looking at it this way.

Have you heard the words, “Paradise lost, paradise restored?” What about “In the eyes of the beholder?” Let’s look at our Bibles today to breeze through some words that God says are above our ways and our thoughts.

In the beginning, everything that God created, he said it was good. And on the sixth day, God emphasized his own words and said it was very good. (Genesis 1:31-2:1-4). In his creating, his greatest creation was man (human life).

This is also where we find the first press or pressure (temptation) if you will of faithfulness or disobedience. Sometimes the pressing can be a testing period.

My mother tested me to see if I could put up the ironing board and press my own clothes. Many times, she had to step in and show me what I did wrong. Sometimes she set up the board and see if I could do the rest.

Of course my mother warned me about the dangers of the iron. It got very hot and could burn my hands if I mishandled it. Following her instructions would keep me from being hurt by the board or the iron.

God placed two trees in the garden and gave instructions concerning them. So, why would God place a tree in the Garden and then forbid Adam to eat from it? God wanted Adam to obey him, but God gave Adam the freedom to choose. (Genesis 2:16-17).

Please note these instructions were given to Adam before Eve came along. After Eve was given to Adam as his bride, the press started to happen. As a person who played many sports, especially basketball, the full court press was coming to Adam and Eve.

Obviously, Adam failed at recognizing the press that Satan applied against Eve. I’m sure Adam had reiterated to Eve the instructions (spiritual game plan) God had first told to Adam (Genesis 3:2-5).

But later something went wrong. Adam was initially nowhere around when Satan pressed her on God’s commands. Was he at Home Depot buying tools for the garden? Was he himself being pressed by the Home Depot credit department to open an account? (Smile). 

[Satan tried to make Eve think that sin is good, pleasant, and desirable. Both good and evil seemed harmless to her. People usually choose wrong things because they have become convinced that those things are good.]

Satan comes with things and places them before our eyes as an enticement to disobey God. He did this with many great patriarchs in the Bible. David, Sampson, Eli’s sons, and many others. He tried it with Jesus and failed.

He will always try to attack and press against our physical senses. Our sins do not always appear ugly to us, and the most pleasant sins are the hardest to avoid. So, prepare yourself for the attractive temptations that show up.

The press of evil will always be against us until Jesus returns. He has given us the only tool we need to defeat Satan’s oppressive wicked devices, his powerful word. (1 Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 119:11).

Christians only stance against the continued onslaught press of the enemy is God’s word and God’s people to help you stand against it. God knew well in advance he would have to sacrifice his only Son to save the creation he loved.

Because humanity was stained with the seed of sin, they gave him the title “Prince of the power of the air.” The devil is his name. He is the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is called the tempter (Ephesians 2:1-3).

Satan rules an evil spiritual kingdom, directing the demons and those who are against Christ and the rule of the Kingdom of God. In 2024, he continues to put on his full press of deception and darkness (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

Everyday Satan is trying to tempt everyone away from God. But here’s the good news of the gospel. Satan will not be the final victor. In (Genesis 3:14-15) God promises that Satan will be crushed by the woman’s offspring, “The Messiah.”

When Jesus arrived on the scene Satan was still placing people in bondage. John wrote in (1 John 3:8) that he who practices sin (lives in it without repentance) is of the devil.

He then spoke and said for this reason was the Son of God manifested to destroy the works of the devil. This brought a visual divide of who belongs to Satan and who belongs to God. (1 John 3:9-10).

Jesus came to remove the weight of sin, that press and squeezing from the world’s devilish system. I would ask again, as I did earlier in this message; how many of you are weighed down by different pressures?

Many people today are looking for relief from everyday problems. They are searching for peace in any way they can grasp it. They are tired from the weight of the world being on their shoulders.

But they are looking for relief in all the wrong places. Satan offered to Jesus in the wilderness all the things he still offers to us today. (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus told everyone he is the only one you can unload your burdens on. He is the only way, truth, and life for the broken. (John 10:10; 14:6).

While many people search for what they think is a utopia world, the devil is sending them strong delusion and false hopes of a world soon to be destroyed by the wrath of God. People are trying to fix a world that is decaying from within.

It is the heart of sin that destroys everything. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 KJV). You see my friends, the world can only offer you death.

If you feel overcome and pressed by the endless failures and depression of life, here’s your only answer and relief. Jesus said these words, 28} “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29} Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30} For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV).

The word yoke (zugos) means to join. To have a coupling. I see it as the yoke and white of the egg coupled together as it is fried in the skillet. When individuals become followers of Jesus, they still must walk through the world’s press.

Our responsibilities and the effort of staying true to God still weigh us down as we work. So how does the yoke of Jesus make things easier? Well, just like my mother made the load of pressing my clothes for me easier, I took her yoke of instruction, and it made my load light.

[Jesus’ yoke remains easy compared to the crushing alternative of dead-end legalism and self-powered effort. Jesus doesn’t offer a life of luxurious ease. His yoke still implies hard work. He shares the yoke with us.]

His bigger shoulders carry the greater weight when we are pressed down. He has more pulling power to help us. He alleviates those pressures from the world and Satan. There are many people who suffer from all kinds of mental stress.

I’m sure many of you know people, family, friends, or close associates that struggle with physical illness, suicidal thoughts, financial burdens, depression, loneliness, marital and children issues, and other societal issues.

We must remember and look at Jesus as our only and fully complete burden bearer. He did not come to take us out of the world’s decaying hardships, but to come and walk us through it. Like the footprints in the sand picture.

4} “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5} Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6} Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Psalm 23:4-6 KJV).

If Jesus had to endure all of the world’s pressures, why shouldn’t we? Just as he did, we are participating in life’s responsibilities. Once you except him as Lord and Savior he becomes your great partner (Mark 3:10; Luke 5:1; Hebrews 13:5).

Then all your struggles, battles, and press, and grimaces can turn into smiles, and your tears and sorrows into songs of joy (Psalm 28:7; 30:5; 118:14; Nehemiah 8:10; Exodus15:2; 2 Samuel 22:33; Isaiah12:2).

When Paul arrived on the scene, and was changed by the power of God’s redemptive love, he well understood what pressing and persecution was all about.

When writing in his epistle to Timothy, he encouraged him to trust in the Lord. Paul further wrote these words to Timothy. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12 KJV).

Paul emphasized that because of the doctrine of Jesus he taught, he would face persecutions and afflictions. But he emphatically stated it was the Lord who delivered him out of them all (2 Timothy 10:17).

Paul was also pressed by the Holy Spirit to testify to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ (Acts 18:5-6). The word pressed (sunechō) in this context means “to hold, or compel. To take hold of the hand.

A great loving example of the Holy Spirit’s loving press would be that of a loving mother who holds her son’s hand as she walks through the department store. Her light press is not to afflict or hurt him.

Paul faced many trials and afflictions while serving his Savior. He knew his trust was not in his own religious abilities, but in God. While his life was pressed even to those who wanted to take his life, Jesus stood by Paul (2 Corinthians 1:7-11; 12:8-10).

The Greek word pressed (kata) is different than the press he felt with the Holy Spirit (sunechō). The word (kata) means to be burdened down. Someone who might distribute intense actions. To be in opposition against something.

Paul could boldly stand and say these powerful words as he was hard-pressed daily. 8} “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9} Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10} Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10 KJV).

The word troubled simply means to be hard-pressed. But notice Paul’s words after each negative connotation. It is followed by how the power of the Lord’s life lifts our spirit to endure and overcome.

Please stay uplifted and encouraged in your spirit when reading these passages. (Romans 8:35-39; Matthew 10:19-23; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Timothy 2:3; 4:5). If God be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31).

Before we close, here are a couple of individuals that put themselves in tight situations that needed God’s deliverance. They are lessons we can learn from the press we saw them go through.

Lot knew what it was like to be pressed upon by evil doers. (Genesis 19:3-9). Lot did himself no favors by lingering around after the angels told him God was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 19:16).

Sometimes the press we receive from the enemy can be the way we approach sinfulness. Do you rub shoulders with sins that can quickly pull you in and immobilize your Christian values? (Genesis 19:16).

The word lingered (mâhahh) in Lot’s case means he hesitated after hearing instructions. He was reluctant to move his feet. Like feet being in cement. He waited, tarried, delayed, before the angels took him by the hand.

Samson faced pressing evil intentions from Delilah. She pressed him so much that his soul was vexed unto death. I mean this was definitely a full court press to force Samson to speak his whole heart (Judges 16:16:20).

The word pressed (tsûq) has the Hebrew meaning of being compressed in distress and be constrained. To oppress, to put in a straiten position. Delilah had Samson in a spiritual headlock position.

The word vexed (qâtsar) means that Delilah curtailed his emotions. She cut them short and caused him much discomfort and grief. Her eyes kept seeing the “Dolla Dolla bills y’all! Ching, ching!” She was Satan’s pawn and didn’t know it.

Four times Delilah unleashes a verbal attack on Samson in order to subdue him and receive her payment. She broke him down like a house made out of cards. She played the “How can you tell me, I love you game.”

Has anyone ever pushed you to the limit of telling all your life to that person? That’s a bad position to be in. Why? Because they have now gained ultimate control over you. The Bible says a fool utters his whole mind. (Proverbs 29:11).

I’m certainly not applying this to the husband-and-wife relationship. Married couples should always have a round table discussion with Jesus being in the center of their joyful relationship. Communication is a most against evil.

Like our so-called news and media division, not all press is bad press. They certainly make it hard to believe them. Lord, please help them. There is a good press that God delivers to the body of Christ, his children. (Luke 6:38)


🗣📢 Last words: As our nation goes further into depravity, Christians must continue to put on the whole armor of God to withstand the assault of the enemies tactics.

You cannot win the battle by trying to burn the spiritual candle on one end and burn the world’s candle on the other end. You will always get burned. (Acts 19:13-16). Those who are committed soldiers for Christ are battle ready.

Jesus is our General and will lead us to our new home as the press intensifies. He will not abandon us or leave us by the side of the road. When Jesus was raised from the dead, he was victorious over the devil and his power.

He demonstrated his own power even over death. Therefore, Jesus Christ is the permanent ruler of the whole world; the devil is only the temporary ruler of the part of the world that chooses to follow him (John 10:10).

You no longer have to be a worldly wrinkled mess. You can be pressed and smoothed out by the love of God and his living presence. The iron can help us be conformed to his image (I John 3:1-3; Proverbs 27:17; Romans 8:29; Philippians 3:20-21).

You can iron things out in your life today with the right hand of God, who supplies the right kind of heat. God is the potter; you are the clay. Get your life smoothed out today!


🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to smooth out your life. “Heavenly Father, thank you for your living words of truth today. Lord, I’m the one this message has been directed towards. My life at times is beyond a wrinkled-up mess.

I cannot seem to unravel all the obstacles that have me stuck and sinking in despair. I’m calling from the depth of my heart, mind, and soul. Please deliver me from within. I want to yield my life into your hands.

My life seems to be falling apart at the seams and I am desperate. Oh Lord, only you can smooth away those treacherous potholes of life the devil has held me in. I don’t know which way to turn, nor do I know what to do.

Jesus, I’m coming to you confessing my need of you in my life, and pray that you will forgive me of my pride in trying to be the god of my own existence. I’m being pressed on all sides with depression and hopelessness.

I know it’s because I have made me the center of my life and not you, and I pray you would help me to surrender my life to your Lordship. I am coming to you in humility of heart to admit that I can do nothing in my own strength.

Lord, teach me how to submit my life to you. Show me how to abide in you day by day. Instruct me how to live-in spirit and truth. Help me Lord, to give control of my life over to you in every way. May your word be the light that guides me.

Thank you Lord, that you have not given up on me. I ask you to teach me your way from this day forward. Fill me with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Make every crooked path straight, In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”



❤ “If you would like to know Jesus as your Savior, Declare to him now. Jesus I have sinned, I repent of my sins, I believe you have paid the price of my sins by dying on the cross, being raised from the dead, and leaving the Holy Spirt to guide those who love you. I ask you to be Lord of my Life. In Jesus Name I pray Amen.


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🙏 Please remember to pray for the people in Israel. They are God’s people because of his covenant promises to them. (Genesis 12:1-3; Numbers 6:22-27; 24:8-9). ✝️

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“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

Pastor Todd Boxley

Worship Center Ministry

TRY JESUS

Gathering at the mirage

Good morning, everyone from Pastor Todd Boxley. Welcome to “Try Jesus!” If this is your first time joining us, it’s great to have you with us. I would like to thank all the new members for joining “Try Jesus.” Also welcome those in California, Illinois, Texas, Washington, and Colorado.

What a tremendous two weeks we had discovering the light of God, the bread of life, and the living water. All three we need to survive in this dead lifeless place until we are reunited with our Savior in our real home.

In the natural, while we are here (true born-again believers), we still need sun, food, water, clothing, sleep, and shelter, the bare necessities for survival. God supplies all this to us. What a mighty God we serve!

Let’s welcome the presence of God this morning. “He is our all in all!” Amen? “Heavenly Father, you are Yahweh, Abba, Shammah, Jehovah Jireh, And Jehovah Rapha. You always delight in taking care of your children.

Jesus, Messiah, you have called your redeemed children friends. You have given us today your Holy Spirit. He is your gift from above and constant companion. Lord, we are alive today because you defeated death.

You know when we are lost, Lord. You found us, heaped in our own motivations and confused by worldly principles. You rescued us, defeating death on the cross and rising to sit at the right hand of the Father in heaven.

As we celebrate your life, and focus on you today, we know you are still interceding for us to the Father daily. In your perfect way, you hold the world in balance and our souls in your heart.

You hear every voice, every prayer, every cry, and every shout of praise. Open our hearts and minds to receive your word of life. God, please lead us in Your purpose for our lives.

Let your glory, light, and living water flow from our lives. Feed us your spiritual nourishment. May all who know us feel the love you have for everyone. Lord, save the lost. In your powerful name we pray, Amen.”

Today’s message is to encourage everyone to resuscitate their lives. How so? Well, I would like to start by asking this question, “What’s the oldest thing you have in your home?” “Why do you continue to keep it?”

How many of you know what hoarding is? Well, in its simplest form, hoarding is having a desire to collect items and an inability to discard things that may seem useless, to such a point that the collections cause you stress.

Severe hoarding can impact a person’s health, employment, friendships, and family relationships. People who suffer with this will tell you they are curating and recycling. In their minds eye, these objects are still beautiful and useful.

But are they? I knew one lady who suffered so badly with hoarding, she allowed the hoarding to move her to one room in her house. The other objects had taken over. She had nowhere to put anything else.

When her family came to visit, they realized she needed rescued. But they needed her to see what they were seeing. This later was stuck in the desert, seeing all the mirages she tried to grasp, but were taking her life away.

Did you know, most people think nothing lives in the desert. But there is life. Sometimes you have to look really close to see those things that have adapted to the elements. Some of the tough plants store water in their root stems.

Some animals have salt glands, that allows the secretion of salt without the loss of water. So, this helps them to survive and thrive in the environment where they live. Notice, they rely on what is given to them.

They are not overcrowded by things afforded to them. They are not seeing things that are not there. They are not overcome by the harsh desert. Rattlesnakes, jackrabbits, and many other mammals and reptiles are most active at dawn and dusk.

These animals and reptiles sleep away the hottest hours of the day. They have kept their surroundings free from the adverse conditions of the dangerous desert. Their environment is no difference than ours.

Today, we live on a planet that is full of darkness and has all kinds of spiritual hazards that cause us to become dead looking. Looking at a desert from a distance in the hot sun might cause you to think, “there is absolutely no life here.”

This is how we come into this world. We are grasping after imaginary images that will destroy us. The only way we can survive this entry into this death desert is to do as the animals and reptiles do, cling to what gives us life.

If you are following along in your Bible, let’s begin at the origin of life. We see in the book of Genesis that God is the creator of all life. He is the Creator of all that is (Isaiah 40:28).

For all those unbelievers or skeptics who are tuned in to “TRY JESUS” today because its Easter Sunday, I’m saying that no one created him and that God alone is the creator.

Satan cannot create; he can only pervert what God creates (John 10:10). People cannot truly create because we must start with something that has already been created. 

God is also the creator of the first life (breathed into) that ever to walk on this earth. Genesis (1:26-28; 2:7-9). All three persons of the Godhead were involved in the creation of the universe and man. (Genesis 1:2; Acts 17:24; Hebrews 1:2).

Of course, after Adam and Eve’s transgression, it brought death to everything (Genesis 2:16-17). The world and humanity were now doomed to death, “What’s a Holy God going to do?”

Could you picture God pulling his hair out, wringing his hands, biting his nails, walking around confused in heaven? Of course, God is a spirit. But since his Son has a body, do you think he was acting the same way?

Absolutely not! God is full of peace. He doesn’t live in fear or worry. He is always in control. His brilliant plan of redemption was never interrupted after Adam and Eve spread sin throughout creation. God never panicked.

Jesus already had his earthly bags packed. He had his flight destination already to go. God did all that he did for one reason, “Love, genuine love!” Jesus came to take back what the enemy had taken.
 

I remember some lyrics from a song entitled, 🎵 “I’m going to go into the enemies camp, and take back what he took from me. Jesus is Lord, Jesus is Lord. 🎵 Some things never get old.

Here’s the song lyrics that fit today’s whole message. 🎵 God sent his Son, they called him Jesus, He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died, to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because he lives, I can face tomorrow, because he lives, all fear is gone; because I know he holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives. 🎵

“Can you sing this song with total trust in your heart that Jesus has your whole life in his hands?” If you believe his life on the throne gives you new life, then you are soon to be with him in glory. But first, let’s look at how we were rescued.

Currently, those who do not have a relationship with Jesus are just like those who walk in the desert without the necessities to survive. They are seeing the tempting mirages of life thinking this will help them.

In the natural, if you were in the desert, you would need these typical things to survive. You would need sufficient food rations and water. You would dress appropriately in light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.

You would probably wear layers of clothing for the cooler temperatures. You would need some kind of headgear. Of course, you would need some kind of shelter. Not to mention sunscreen, and a first aid kit.

Experts would probably give a more detailed explanation of what to take in the desert. But without these help initiatives, you would be a walking dead person. Before long, your bones would lye in the desert.

There are millions and millions of people today who are walking around dead in the desert throughout this nation and the world. This includes the religious. Why the religious? We can get the answers from Jesus himself.

But first let’s look at the book of Ezekiel.  Here in lies the visual picture that I believe God showed me how dead we are without Jesus. Ezekiel was one of God’s great prophets. In (Ezekiel 37:1-28), God showed Ezekiel a vision of dry bones.

Please read these verses aloud to yourself or to your Bible study group. 3} “And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

4} Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. 5} Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

6} And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

7} So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone.

8} And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.” (Ezekiel 37:3-8 KJV). The dry bones represented the people’s spiritually dead condition.

These bodies had all they needed to be considered alive and human. They were created by the potter. Jeremiah 18:1-6; Isaiah 64:8). But the dry bones lacked one thing. They still need the Spirit’s breath.

This also reminds me of the rich young ruler that Jesus spoke to. He had all his proverbial life’s ducks in a row, but Jesus told him this;

21} …”One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23} And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:21-23 KJV).

You see my friends, holding on to his worldly wealth over God’s commandments left him a dead-man walking. “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” (Luke 17:33 KJV).

You see my friends the human life needs more than just fleshly life; it needs the spiritual life it was originally intended for. People die in their sins when they reject Jesus. They are rejecting the only way to be saved.

When Jesus told the Pharisees and Sadducees they would die in their sins, it was because they rejected the only living source to give them life (John 8:21-24). The vision seen by Ezekiel is about the Jewish nation in captivity.

They were spread out and spiritually dead. Just as God brought life to the dead bones, he would bring life again to his spiritually dead people. Our nation is in the same dilemma in 2024. There are dead people walking around without life.

Jesus is the only source of gaining new life. When people say, “I’m turning over a new leaf in life,” the leaf is still going to die. Jesus told us, what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, but lose his soul (Mark 8:36).

When Jesus confronted the demise of death towards his close friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, he knew he had power over death. When Lazarus was sick and died, Jesus allowed this to happen purposely to raise him up.

Please read these next few verses aloud to yourself. Allow faith to rise in your spirit that nothing is impossible with God. 23} “Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

24} Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25} Jesus said unto her,I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

26} And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?27} She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” (John 11:23-27 KJV).

Jesus’ powerful words to Martha would later come to reality. Jesus delayed his coming to show the power he had over death. The love of Jesus is powerfully illustrated in that he showed the same emotions towards those he loved, just as we do.

God is not some far away distance God who does not sympathize with our own feelings (Hebrews 4:15,16). Notice how Jesus words were short and heartfelt when talking to Mary. Please read these loving words aloud.
 

33} “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34} And said,Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

35} Jesus wept. 36} Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! (John 11:33-36 KJV).38} “Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

39} Jesus said,Take ye away the stone.Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

40} Jesus saith unto her,Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:38-40 KJV). Please read (John 11:43-46) aloud to see and realize the power Jesus has over death.

Jesus also raised others to life. Jairus’s daughter (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:42-43; Luke 8:40-56). And a widow’s son (Luke 7:11-15). It’s important to know that Jesus told his enemies that if they destroyed this temple, he would raise it up. (John 2:19-21).

[Jesus was not talking about the Temple made of stones but about his body. His listeners didn’t realize it. His words would take on meaning for his disciples after his resurrection. Jesus so perfectly fulfilled this prediction became strong proof for his claim to be God.]

For the body of Christ (Authentic born-again believers), the celebration of Easter goes beyond the commercialization of Peter Cottontail, chocolate rabbits, and colored eggs. I understand the holiday.

I realize there are some things that are basic traditions like, cooking lamb or ham and certain breads for Easter. In of themselves there is nothing wrong with adding them to your celebration.

However, there are many people who celebrate Easter, (I prefer to call it Resurrection Day!) that do not associate Easter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection is vital to the whole Christian life.

How so? Well, if the resurrection is a fake and never happen, then Christians should just abandon the rest of scripture. The resurrection is the key to believers spending eternity with Jesus in heaven.

39} “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

40} And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:39-40 KJV).

Simply put, my friends, if the resurrection story of Jesus is a made-up lie, then we might as well live like the world. Paul said it best. 12} “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13} But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14} And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. (1 Corinthians 15:12-14 KJV).

And yet, Paul had more to say. 16} “For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17} And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

18} Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19} If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:16-19 KJV).

The word miserable (eleeinos) in the Greek text means to be pitiable. This has the same connotation as someone who is deplorable, woeful, pathetic, mean, vile, despicable. Have you ever pitied someone before?

[If Jesus had not been resurrected from the dead, Christians would not be forgiven for their sins or have any hope of eternal life. If what Christians believe were not true, we would be pitiful because we would be suffering for no purpose.]

I remember the actor “Mr. T” would always use the words, “I pity the fool!” And that’s how those would look at us if Jesus did not rise from the dead. But praise God! We born-again believers do know that Jesus did rise and sits on the right hand of the Father.

Did you know there are some churches and so-called believers who don’t believe Jesus rose from the dead? Some denominations still teach and see Jesus as just a good man, our Savior, but not God, and a prophet.

But Jesus was all that and more. (Colossians 1:14-20; John 1:1-5, 10-14). Even having the power over his death. 17} “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

18} No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

There are too many witnesses to deny the truth about the resurrection. His power over death was displayed just like Ezekiel prophesied over the dead dry bones (Matthew 27:50-53). Notice verse 52 more closely.

It says the bodies of the saints arose. It doesn’t say the unbelievers arose, the atheist arose, the ungodly arose, it doesn’t even say the religious arose. It says the saints (hagios) arose. That is, the sacred, the blameless, the consecrated, those made holy.

Those that deny the resurrection of Jesus in 2024 are false believers and heretics. It’s impossible to be a follower of Jesus and deny the resurrection. When true believers receive Christ, we die to our old life and we are given a new life in Christ.

Please read aloud (Ephesians 2:1-10, and Romans 6:1-11). Do you see the power difference between those who are walking dead and those who are already raised spiritually (Ephesians 2:6), born-again?

Listen “TRY JESUS” members, before you believed, you were the walking dead. Again, the Bible verse is (John 5:27-29). Read it aloud. Yes everyone shall be raised, but not everyone’s final destination shall be the same.

You can easily see this in (Revelation 20:10-15; 21:7-8). Again, so that individuals who are guest for the first time, the evidence is overwhelming that Jesus rose from the dead.

After rising from the dead, he then appeared to Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and Joanna. He appeared to Peter, two disciples on the Emmaus Road. He appeared to the disciples, minus Thomas.

Then to all of them. He appeared to the disciples at the sea of Galilee. He appeared to them on a mountain in Galilee. Appeared to over five hundred people. He appeared to his half-brother.

I purposely left out the scriptures where all this took place. Your reading assignment is to find these powerful scriptures. Then you can lock them away in your heart.

Before we close our special Easter message (I prefer to say “Happy Resurrection Day!), it’s important to know that there will be an uptick in church visitation today. Is that good? Yes! But why are they coming?

Some might say, “It doesn’t matter why they walk in, as long as they come.” I would agree. I pray that those whose motives were to attend a resurrection service because it’s just like every other holiday, would come in one way, and be changed before the service is ended.

Again, some come because it’s a time to put on your best Easter clothes and play Easter games, with Peter Cottontail and all the egg and chocolate trimmings. I get it. But God had a more serious game he was playing. It involved our lives.

You see my friends, without Christ, you are simply dead. The desert life with the worlds mirages cannot help you. You are not unconscious, unmoving, or resistant to his love, but lifeless. Flatlined. Satan is the culprit behind your spiritual blindness. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

You just are unable to respond. Some of you consider yourselves pretty vibrant before hearing the gospel about having new life in Christ. You may have appeared confident, successful, or favored, but looks can deceive.

Dead is dead. We all know what dead looks like. Especially God. Just read it. (Revelation 3:17). This is what all believers were before they repented and turned to Jesus. Before grace quickened our hearts.

We once believed that we were independent, autonomous agents of self-rule and that what turns out to be bondage was life. But it wasn’t life at all. Again, read it. (Ephesians 2:1-3).

In the time Jesus lived in, everyone thought the religious leaders had the keys of the Kingdom. They thought being children of Abraham and living under the law got them a first-class seat to heaven.

But Jesus exposed their phony religious tactics, didn’t he? Yes, they were the ones with authority, the ones who opened and shut doors, but mostly shut them from everyone else (Matthew 23:15). Their authority offered no life.


🗣📢 Last words: Sadly, today, many churches are still living like the religious leaders and teaching a false gospel to the spiritually unlearned. Easter is a time that true Christians focus on the Resurrection Day!

The Commercialization of Easter is fun for Satan. It is another mirage in the desert of life to keep hearts away from knowing Jesus through his resurrection. Satan is the master of slight of hand tricks.

Satan tried this on Jesus. (Matthew 4:1-11). Notice all his mirage tricks? He still uses them on us today. Some Easter followers are so taken up with the values of this world that they are blind to the priceless gift Jesus offers.

The Resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope. Jesus promised that he would rise from the dead, and because he did, we can be assured that every other promise God makes us will also come true.

Some of the 2024 skeptics still being used by Satan will still ask these questions or make statements about the resurrection. Here are just a few of their erroneous comments.

A) Jesus was just a mythical figure.

B) Jesus was just a man.
C) Jesus followers made it all up.
D) The witnesses were all unreliable.
E) The resurrection of Jesus was not that important to the early church.
 

F) The New Testament is not reliable.
G) The resurrection is not important.
H) The eyewitnesses hallucinated.
I) Jesus did not die on the cross.
J) Jesus’ body was stolen. Some are still holding to this lie in 2024.
K) Everyone went to the wrong tomb. Wow! They didn’t need GPS to find him.

If you want the answers to these outrageous statements, I’ll have them for you, Lord willing, next week. Or you can find them today with the Holy Spirit’s help. But the biblical evidence is overwhelming that Jesus has risen!

The power of God that brought Jesus back from the dead will also bring us back to life. Jesus’ death was not the end. His resurrection is the beginning of eternal life for all who believe in him. Do you believe?

 

🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to live alive. “Heavenly Father, thank you so much for this special day where we celebrate your life. Lord, on this Easter Sunday, we give thanks for the sacrificial love you showed.

We praise and thank you today for bringing people out of the spiritual desert of death and the redemption they find in your resurrection. As the sun rises today, may the light of your victory over death shine in our hearts.

Lord, as we celebrate the real reason for Easter, renew our faith and refresh our spirits. May your resurrection inspire us to live with conviction, share your love with others, and walk in newness of life.

Thank you for the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life. May our hearts overflow with gratitude and praise. This Easter, help us to reflect your glory in all we do. We has this in your living name, Amen.”

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY EVERYONE!

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🙏 Please remember to pray for the people in Israel. They are God’s people because of his covenant promises to them. (Genesis 12:1-3; Numbers 6:22-27; 24:8-9). ✝️📲 Prayer Line- Text line- 1-412-616-3572

Pastor Todd Boxley

Worship Center Ministry

Life’s living sustenance

Good morning, everyone from Pastor Todd. Welcome to “Try Jesus!” If this is your first time joining us, it’s great to have you with us. I would like to thank all the new members for joining “Try Jesus.” Also welcome those in Pennsylvania, Arizona, North Carolina, Alabama, and Iowa.

How do you find peace and contentment in a society that is anti-everything? How do you find common ground in places where every word is divisive? More than ever, we need to pray for common ground in the body of Christ.

Not just any ground, but standing on the word of Holy Ground! Anytime God shows up he brings unity and oneness. Jesus taught his disciples to have love one for another (John 13:34,35).

I love the song 🎵 “We’re the people of God, called by his name, called from the dark, and delivered from shame, one holy race, saints everyone, because of the blood of Christ, Jesus the son.

Hear us O spirits of darkness, so you will know where we stand, we are his children, purchased with scars, bought by the blood of the lamb, the blood of the lamb. 🎵

Jesus fully knows his church and those that are his living sheep. Let’s welcome our true shepherd’s presence this morning. “Heavenly Father, thank you for the breath of life this morning. Lord, we know tomorrow is never promised.

Thank you Jesus for gathering hearts across this nation today. We may be separated in distance, but not in your presence. Lord, may you be glorified in our community, city, state, and our nation.

Father please lift our eyes to seek you first today. We ask that you help us to remember to put on your armor daily, for you give us all that we need to stand firm on this day. 

We thank you that though you remind us in your word that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one, you are still far greater and we have overcome, because you have set us free.

No weapon that is formed against us will prosper, and that you tell us this is our heritage in you. Through you Lord, we have inherited blessing, place of possession, and gifts from your hand.

We love you, Lord. We need you. We stand together in your great powerful name. You are the author and finisher of our faith. Holy Spirit, open our hearts completely today, In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Have you ever gone throughout the day recognizing the many wonderful, beautiful smells that our wonderful nostrils take in everyday? Some of you might be thinking, “He hasn’t met my uncle Bob.”

I guess there are many smells we would like to erase from our memory. But it’s beautiful when we retain those smells that are invigorating to our senses. Growing up, one of those smells I loved, but never indulged in, was my mother’s coffee.

I have always loved the smell of fresh brewed coffee, but absolutely hated to drink it. Some of you love it so much, you start your morning with your “cup of Joe.” Again, I could sit and fellowship with a coffee drinker who loves Jesus all day long.

However, I do have other favorite smells that I could smell a long way off, even blind folded. My mother would sometimes make homemade bread. I can remember wanting to be the first one into the dining room or kitchen to get the first slice.

I can remember spreading butter on it and waiting for it to melt. I could easily eat two or three slices. It was the best bread I had ever eaten. It was so good I would think of other foods to put inside the bread.

Whatever the meal course was at my house, salad, appetizer, entree, or dessert, I tried to have some fresh baked bread with it. Is it lunchtime yet? Should we say close with prayer right here?

All the homemade bread bakers that are members of “TRY JESUS” can send me a text with airline tickets to fly over for “Bread and Fellowship Day!” LOL. Don’t you just love the body of Christ? Thats why I love church picnics.

Before we jump into our message for today, I did want to share a beautiful story with you about a woman who used to come to a church-bible study meeting we had. She loved to bake different foods.

One day she came in with something wrapped completely in aluminum foil. It looked like a football. The smell was absolutely swirling through the room. We continued with the service to its completion.

As we closed in prayer, she walked over to the long tables we used for reading materials and meals. I saw her pick up that football (smile) and walk up to me at the pulpit. She told me it was a gift for me because she was so blessed with the messages.

As we all began to sit down, all eyes were on me unwrapping this amazing gift with such a wonderful smell. When I opened it, my mouth started to water. It was a loaf of bread. But it wasn’t just any type of bread.

It was fresh homemade from scratch “Banana Bread.” I had never eaten banana bread before. It was warm and soft. I cut a slice and took a bite. It absolutely melted in my mouth. It was so delicious.

I didn’t want to seem hoggish, so I asked if anyone else wanted a slice, (hoping they would say no thank you). After everyone declined, I smiled and said, “Ok this loaf is coming with me.”

After Ms. Mary gave me that banana bread she would surprise me with it from time to time. Guess what I received from her on my birthday? If you “TRY JESUS” members can’t get this right we need to talk (Smile).

Since I’ve become a born-again believer, I’ve always wondered how the bread Jesus fed the four thousand and feeding of the five thousand tasted? I can only think of how that mouthwatering delicious bread must have tasted.

Obviously there were no customer complaints about the bread being stale or moldy. We can see in the word of God how it started and ended. Let’s begin in (Matthew 14:14). We see that multitudes of people were following Jesus.

Jesus cares about the whole of every person, not just their appetites and stomachs. He had great compassion on them and saw many had physical needs. Have you tried to enjoy a meal while being bodily sick or injured?

I remember when I tore a meniscus in my right knee while playing basketball. After the surgery I was on crutches for a couple weeks. The meals I had were not as great because my mind was focused on getting well.

Jesus took great care of his followers. He did this because he had compassion on them. Jesus was, and is, a loving, caring, and feeling person. He loves and cares about the whole you today just as much as he did for those in his day.

The disciples had already seen Jesus do miracles. They still asked him to send the people away to the local village to buy food. Can you imagine eating some old left over bread compared to some five-star bread from the hands of Jesus?

Let’s visually see this unfold in the gospels. 16} “But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. 17} And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

18} He said, Bring them hither to me. 19} And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

20} And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. 21} And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.” (Matthew 14:16-21 KJV).

Wow! Talk about the perfect catering order! There were five thousand men, not including the women and children. Even the leftovers were more than they had begun with. The number twelve could have represented the baskets for each disciple.

Instantly Jesus was the greatest Michelin star perfect chef. Joël Robuchon’s 31 Michelin Stars with Gordon Ramsay’s 16 Michelin Stars combined pale in comparison to the miracle hand of Jesus.

Even after the disciples had wanted to send the people away, not trusting in the care Jesus could provide, he still didn’t forget about their stomachs. Isn’t God the greatest provider in the world? There should be many Amen’s out there today knowing Jesus is our greatest provider.

I remember some time ago we had a gentleman who would bring bread from the food bank to our church. One day as I was teaching a Bible study downstairs, he came barging in and putting bread on the kitchen counter.

After he left, I walked over and glanced at some of the loaves. They were hard green and moldy. After the class was over, I told everyone to be careful of what they were taking home.

The next time I saw the gentleman I confronted him on his approach to checking items before bringing them in. I won’t elaborate on his demeanor, only to say I continued to pray for him from that moment on.

Just as Jesus prayed over the loaves and fishes, we should bless the food that is given to us with wisdom, prayer, and thanksgiving. Needless to say, everyone started to inspect the food more closely after that incident.

I’m obviously at a different ministry now, but my point is that God always offers us his best. Jesus in relation to today’s message told the people he is the bread of life.

The word of God tells us that we know this about the Lord. “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” (Psalm 34:8 KJV). Have you ever tasted the goodness of something?

That is, something is so good it reaches and satisfies all your senses? This is the goodness of Jesus. Let’s see this goodness in the word. In John chapter six, (after Jesus had fed the five thousand) the people reacted differently.

They tried to force Jesus to be their worldly king (Verse 15). They didn’t want him, only what they could get from him. But here was Jesus’ response to their blind physical desires (their bellies).

26} “Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

27} Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” (John 6:26-27 KJV).

Jesus was appealing to their physical and more importantly,

their spiritual appetites. Many people today still use religion for the wrong reasons. They may focus on the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.

True believers follow Jesus simply because they know he has the truth and the key to life’s ultimate purpose and meaning. The people then needed Jesus to do some sightful miraculous miracle. (Verse 30,31).

They had just witnessed a miracle of thousands being fed. How quickly we forget and continue to allow doubt, biases, and unbelief to cloud the truth and block our heart (Satan’s deceptions) to believe the truth.

They immediately told Jesus about the manna God visibly gave the people (John 6:31). They just couldn’t except him to be more than just a prophet or good man. Again, here is Jesus’ beautiful response to them.

32} “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33} For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” (John 6:32-33 KJV).

After this they respond with excitement, (possibly thinking Jesus would give them always this physical bread from the sky). They still did not understand that Jesus wanted to feed their spirits. He was the only source in life to do this.

35} And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 36} But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

41} The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 44} No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

48} I am that bread of life. 49} Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50} This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

51} I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (John 6:35-36,41,44,48-51 KJV).

You can only satisfy spiritual hunger by having a living relationship with Jesus. I know plenty of people who have a mental relationship with Jesus but not a spiritual one. They tell me things like, “they need to read the Bible, or attend church or fellowship of any kind.”

They don’t need to pray or believe in spiritual gifts. Just as people who don’t know God eat physical bread, people who do know God through Jesus Christ eat spiritual bread. Jesus is that living bread.

Bread must be eaten to sustain life, and Jesus must be invited into our daily lives to satisfy our hungry souls. Here’s a key point to look at what Jesus told the people about the Manna from heaven. The people ate manna, yet still died.

They all also disrespected God and did not follow his instructions on how to properly handle the manna (bread) among the people. (Exodus 16:15-20; 26-28,35). Have you ever had to tell your children repeatedly to close up the bread?

Jesus made the point that if you eat his flesh (spiritual food, his word, as nourishment), you will live forever. Sadly, they still didn’t get it. “The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (John 6:52 KJV).

Jesus once again explained things in a spiritual sense. They kept believing things in a literal sense (fleshly). Which is why the mind if flesh cannot comprehend the things of God. (Romans 8:4-9).

[The religious leaders thought this was repugnant and  cannibalistic because the law forbade it (Leviticus 17:10-11). Jesus was not talking about literal blood. He was saying that his life had to become their own, but they could not accept this concept.]

When his own disciples murmured at this, Jesus asked them if it offended them (John 6:61). But as usual, he explained to them with such caring love his answer.

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63 KJV). The word of God is not like the words in a newspaper, comic book, or published magazine.

Their inked words die on the pages. The Bible’s words are living, breathing words that jump off the pages into your heart when you open it to them (John 14:7; Hebrews 4:12).

[God’s word has living, life-changing, dynamic power that works in us. God’s Word reveals who we are and what we are not. It penetrates to the core of our moral and spiritual lives. It discerns both the good and the evil within us.]

God’s powerful word can change us. We must not only listen to it; we must also let it transform our lives. It also then enables us to respond to the truth. After all the discussion Jesus had with some so-called believers, they left him.

Notice the passage when Jesus spoke these words. (John 6:66). Please don’t over exaggerate my statement. True believers know what “666” stands for (Revelation 13:11-18). True believers would take the position his 12 disciples took. (John 6:67-69; 1 John 2:18-19).

Before we close for the day, I would bring up the point that Jesus is not only that true delicious bread from heaven but just like any good meal we have, it usually comes with a refreshing drink.

Jesus also stated he is that living drink for those who thirst for him. …“and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35 KJV). One of the most powerful passages in the Bible involves a woman who wanted this eternal thirst.

We all know it as the “The woman at the well.” Please read this interaction between her and Jesus aloud to yourself or your study group in (John 4:6-15; 25-29; 39-42). Jesus is that everlasting living water true believers drink daily.

[What did Jesus mean by “living water”? In the Old Testament, many verses speak of thirsting after God as one thirsts for water (Psalm 36:9; 42:1; Isaiah 55:1; Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13; Zechariah 13:1).]

Have you ever quenched for a great tasting beverage after a delicious meal? God not only satisfies our spiritual hunger, he replenishes us with living water. God meets our every need.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6 KJV). Under Moses, the people drank water from a rock and ate manna. God provided then, and he gives us the same rock, Jesus! (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).

[The rock, from which the water came, and the manna are here viewed by Paul as symbolic of the spiritual sustenance that all born-again believers find when they hunger after Jesus. This is how you stay filled up daily.]

If you’re empty and dying of thirst today, fill up on these living words. (John 7:37; Revelation 7:16-17; 21:6; 22:17). Remember my friends, have God’s word. Many still look for answers to life’s problems everywhere except in scripture.

🗣📢 Last words: When you first wake up, do you desire anything from Jesus? Or is he an afterthought? To hunger for Jesus as living bread means to accept him into our lives and become united with him.

Today you can be united with him in two ways: A) by believing in his death (the sacrifice of his body, or flesh) and resurrection (Easter is next week). By keeping his commandments.

B) And devoting yourself to living as he requires, depending on his teaching for guidance, and trusting in the Holy Spirit for power to live daily representing him to a dark world.

When the community starts to persecute you, don’t turn tail and run away like the disciples did. If not for the love Jesus pursued them with, they’d still be running today.

Many people today still view Jesus as an ATM machine. Just using him to get what they want. It’s like having a wealthy fiend who goes broke. After the money is gone you want nothing to do with him.

Many left Jesus because he didn’t fit into their worldly, earthly, gimme attitude. They realized that Jesus wasn’t going to be the conquering Messiah-King they expected. Jesus refused to give in to their self-centered requests.

Jesus always emphasized faith, not deeds. Many thought his teachings were difficult to understand, and some of his words were offensive. In 2024, many still treat Jesus the same way.

If they choose not to repent, they will one day thirst like the rich man. But no one will quench their thirst. (Luke 16:22-24). Keep your senses, touch, taste and smell directed towards Jesus.

Remember, God can take anything you surrender to his care (loaves, water to wine) and multiply it far beyond your expectations. What seemed like a small lunch of fish and bread is more than enough when God is involved.

Last week we turned on the light. Now that the light is on, you can see who wants to serve you. You don’t have to settle for prison bread and water. Ready to pray your order?


🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to receive your spiritual nourishment. “Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s awakening message for my soul. I always need encouragement as I sometimes get into unhealthy appetites.

Jesus, I sometimes find myself dry and, in the wilderness, entangled in sinful habits. I’m ready to be the vessel in which you can supply your living bread and water to my soul.

Father forgive me for wondering in the sinful dry desert holding on to all the mirages Satan set in my mind and heart. Lord, by your power, the same power that delivered the demoniac from his bondage.

Jesus, there is only one cure for my spiritual dryness. That’s believing you came to give me life and life more abundantly. Save me Jesus! from this dry, barren, empty mess I’m living in. I’m here today at your spiritual alter.

I know you’ll heal me, clean me, and then fill me. My spirit is ready to receive your spiritual smorgasbord of living bread and drink from your never-ending spiritual reservoir.

Thank you for graciously giving me all I need for life. Thank you for fresh starts, new hope, and abundant joy, all gifts of your amazing grace! I pray all this in your glorious name. Amen.”



📣 Help spread the word by sharing this web site and messages on your platform.


🙏 Please remember to pray for the people in Israel. They are God’s people because of his covenant promises to them. (Genesis 12:1-3; Numbers 6:22-27; 24:8-9). ✝️


📲 Prayer Line- Text line- 1-412-616-3572

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

Pastor Todd Boxley

Worship Center Ministry

TRY JESUS

Copyright © 2020-24 Worship Center Ministry. All Rights Reserved.

The Inseparable relationship

Good morning, everyone from Pastor Todd Boxley.   Welcome to “Try Jesus!” If this is your first time joining us, it’s great to have you with us. I would like to thank all the new members for joining “Try Jesus.” Also welcome those in Texas, South Carolina, Kentucky, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

Many today wonder about the direction our nation is headed. Many feel we have abandoned our moral compass. Does it feel like we have replaced the spiritual guidelines of the commandments?

How do we stay centered in God when the nation is pulling in the opposite direction? This is when we focus on the God who orders our steps. This is when we say, “The cross before me, the world behind me.”

This is when we can sing, “Abiding in the vine.” This is when we stand in the armor of God. God will always tell his church, “This is the way, walk ye in it.” “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might!”

This is why we continue to pray and walk in victory. God is still in control and on his throne, Amen? Let’s glorify God in prayer. “Heavenly Father, you are an amazing God! Your mercy endures forever.

We thank you for giving us the breath of life this morning. Lord, we thank you for keeping us in your hands throughout this week. We thank you for meeting all our needs. We have come together to magnify, glorify, and worship you in spirit and in truth.

May your living word and the Holy Spirit open our understanding in today’s message. Lord, by your Holy Spirit, breakdown every assignment of the enemies’ devices. May your word break every chain of bondage, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

I would like to thank all those that responded to “Remember Me” from last week. God is still working his word in the hearts of those that seek after him. Please continue to pray for me and those who prayerfully support “TRY JESUS.”

Have you ever missed someone so badly that you had to see them or hear their voice? It’s been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. How many of you have sons or daughters serving in the Armed forces?

Maybe you have a spouse serving in the military. Have you ever seen the surprise home visits they show on TV? You can see raw real emotions spilling out from their heart when they see the person they love.

Real love has a way of expressing itself beyond the half-hearted expression people question at times from each other. Have you ever asked someone more than once if they missed you?

Have you ever hugged your children after returning home from a long trip and asked them “Did you miss me?” It’s always amusing to hear a child’s response, “uhm, yeah mom, sure, what’s for dinner?”

Or maybe they quickly say to you, “yeah, did you bring me anything?” Keep loving them anyway, right? The greater your love for someone, the more your thoughts are filled up with that individual.

Sometimes that love could be for a pet. I grew up loving my dog. His name was Chico. I thought about him constantly. I would run home from school just to play with him. We did everything together when possible.

Even though everyone in the family considered him to be the family dog, he was always with me. He would sleep in my room. We were completely inseparable. When I was older and mature, I would walk him everywhere.

I believe my parents named him Chico after some TV show called “Chico and the Man.” At the time, being very young, I didn’t care what they called him, I just knew I always wanted him around. Haven’t you felt this way about someone?

The word inseparable means to be incapable of being separated or disjoined. It seems some people are seemingly always together. They have a relationship that is rock solid. They are like two musical notes on the same page.

Stories of people who are high school sweethearts and end up in staying married forever are a great encouragement to how to stay inseparable through the ups and downs that life brings.

When you give your whole heart to someone and embrace their whole being, there is nothing that can separate that kind of love. I saw this real love come to my eyes by a man who loved his wife unceasingly.

Ironically, I saw this not to long after Jesus saved me. I was visiting someone in the hospital (judge a babe in Christ). As I walked into the elevator, there were five women in the elevator who looked at me, paused, and asked if I would pray for their friend.

I didn’t know how to respond, but I told them yes. Obviously, I was nervous and unsure what I would say to these total strangers. As I walked into the room, I saw their friend lying there. Her friends told her I was going to pray for her.

We gathered around her bed and held hands. I was still unsure of what to pray, but suddenly I felt this presence and voice in my spirit saying open your mouth. So, I began to pray words over this woman that were not my own.

The Holy Spirit knew what she needed to hear. After finishing praying and holding the patient’s hand, I thanked them all for inviting me. As I turned to leave, they told me to wait. They then proceeded to offer all this money.

I felt like God deserves this not me.

not man put asunder. (Matthew 19:5-6 KJV). Many people attack the foundation of marriage. But God takes marriage very seriously.

Many have tried to pollute the sanctity of marriage. Again, marriage is the visual relationship that God created as a symbol to how he wanted to be with us. Notice, his church is referred to as his bride.

The wedding of the Lamb and his bride, the church are one with God. The church consists of all faithful (born-again) believers from all time that will be with God for all eternity (Revelation 19:7-8; 21:2; Isaiah 61:10).

Jesus himself made the claim that he and his Father were one (John 10:30-33,38). One God in three persons. God demonstrated his love for us by severing his bonding relationship with his son. Which was restored when Jesus said, “It is finished.”

You cannot be anymore inseparable than that. God wants us to seek him for that kind of relationship with all our heart, soul, and strength. God loves you; Jesus loves you; the Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to dwell in you.

Earlier, I spoke about God breathing his life into Adam. Did you know Jesus breathed his breath on his disciples? Is the breath of God and the breath of the Jesus the same? (Genesis 2:7; John 20:22).

The breath. Greek definition. Meaning immediacy in the sense of receive right now. Hebrew word from (Genesis 2:7) is breath (neshâmâh). Which denotes a puff of wind. A divine breath. The breath of Spirit.

The old creation began with the breath of God; now the new creation begins with the breath of God the Son. You cannot live in God’s Kingdom without first receiving this breath. Without Jesus, you may be alive naturally, but you are dead spiritually.

Many today try to diminish the oneness Jesus has with the Father. They try to diminish and separate the divinity. Many religions and false teachings have tried to dilute the inseparable oneness that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have.

Many of them do not even recognize the person of the Holy Spirit in their teachings. You can find many of these religions on the “TJForLife” pull down page “Christianity vs Cults.” Satan’s plan is to muddy the waters of God’s word.

There are many passages in the Bible that speak to the inseparable oneness we have with our Savior and Lord. Here are just a few of them to meditate and plant in the soil of your heart.

(Romans 8:35-39; Ephesians 1:13; 3:17-19; 4:4-7; Psalm 16:10; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 12:11-13; Galatians 2:20; 3:27-29; John 3:16-17; 15:13; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 4:4-21; 1 Corinthians 13:13).

That last verse is the sealant that holds it all together. Did you know God’s love is different than the world’s love? Many of you have just celebrated Valentines Day this week. But the love Valentines Day offers is mixed with many loves.

How so? Well, it is mixed with financial love. Doesn’t Hallmark make a ton of money on Valentines Day? Doesn’t the chocolate industry profit off of this love? What about the Floral industry? Roses are beautiful, but many die days later.

There are other economic factors in which other businesses want in on the action. When I say it’s mixed. It can be diluted with sinful intentions attached to it. For example, should a fifty-year-old man be giving roses to a seventeen-year-old girl in a dating sense?

Of course, that type of interaction would be corrupted with bad intentions. How about a married woman receiving chocolate hearts from someone else behind her husband’s back?

That’s why the love chapter (1 Corinthians 13) is an important spiritual tutor and guide that Paul emphasized to those in Corinth. Some were morally corrupt. They were embracing the “everything goes, if it feels good do it moto.”

[Love had become a mixed-up term with little meaning in Corinth. Today, people are still confused about love. Love is the greatest of all human qualities and is the very essence of God himself. Faith, hope, and love come together.]

Many lives have been shattered because what they thought was love turned into abuse and desertion. There are many people who tread Valentines Day. It brings back memories of their life being torn apart by unfaithfulness.

Many women carry scars of betrayal and mistrust that leaves them with walls that causes them to abandon any and all thoughts of loving someone in a oneness relationship. Their minds run after inappropriate destructive relationships.

How many people do you know that keep getting into one failed relationship after the other? There are millions and millions of people searching for real love and never find it. The fake economic industry loves it.

They know people will spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on internet date sites hoping to find that love match. With all this said, am I saying it’s wrong to give gifts as an act of love to someone you care about? Not at all.

I’m just indicating the overall fallacy of the love industry. Real lasting love is found only in a personal relationship with Jesus. This is shown throughout the Bible. The woman at the well found out what true love was. (John 4:7-18).

Jesus came to restore us spiritually and physically. This means being whole and complete. Once Mary Magdalene was delivered by Jesus, she immediately wanted to cling to him forever. (John 20:17).

Jesus needed to not be detained and held at the tomb. If left to Mary, she would have hid him away for herself and protect him from his enemies. But if Jesus did not ascend to the Father, the Holy Spirit would not be sent.

Have you ever wanted to keep somebody all to yourself, and not share them with anyone? Just recently a Hollywood female star made a statement that all women in the industry better stay away from her husband.

She said she would be respectful but forceful in her tone that he is off limits. She is not sharing him with anyone. Christians have a tight oneness relationship with Jesus, but realize he is to be shared with the whole world.

Mary Magdalene later understood this. She found out later that her and Jesus would have an inseparable relationship from then on. What are you holding on to today that could dissolve tomorrow? It’s time to make that eternal decision.

[Be encouraged that no matter what happens to us or where we are, we can never be separated from the love of Jesus. Suffering should not drive us away from God but help us to identify with him and allow his love to reach us and heal us.]

There is no greater love you can find on earth greater than how Jesus loves you. He is the lover of the soul. His power causes us to love our enemies (Luke 6:35). God’s love is absolutely faithful. Grab hold of his benefits and security.

God forgives our sins and offers us salvation. This guarantees living forever with him in heaven. If God were not kind, we would get the punishment we deserve. Because of his kindness, we’ve been given forgiveness we don’t deserve

If you are serious about connecting with God, then start by approaching him openly. He already knows you. He knew of you long before you were formed in the womb. You can connect with God in the midst of everyday life.

Today, if you want to know God, do this:

A) Follow his instructions. (The Bible for life). Don’t follow religious by-laws and legalism rules. Follow Christianity. Connecting with Pharisee type religions will leave you disconnected from God.

B) Follow his heart: You can’t follow the heart of Jesus if you don’t know where it is. Constantly read the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John over and over again). Following Jesus means following his word (John 14:15).

C) Follow his example: Don’t follow along from a great distance, while being stained by the world’s influence. Stay in the “What would Jesus do moment.” Prayerfully stay in the outer court, inner court, and Holy of hollies.

Don’t just follow along mindlessly repeating the words of Jesus and scribbling some notes during the pastor’s sermon. “No, TRY JESUS members, really follow. Follow hard!”

🗣📢 Last words: Without God, life ultimately becomes empty and withered. Sometimes you wonder if anything you’ve done really matters or will really last. If you are truly seeking something inseparable, then start here.

Without God, your sinful nature is allowed to eat away at you unchecked, eventually turning your soul into a wasteland. When you invite God into your life, he begins to clean out the weeds of sin so the landscape of your soul can thrive and flourish.

Start with considering how great God is. The awesome creator of the universe. Then consider how sinful and mortal you are. Then consider how great God’s love is for you. Make a habit to review these amazing facts everyday.

Today, my friends, as you commit your whole heart (not a divided half to the world) to the Lord, meditate on this beautiful relationship that even when
facing difficult circumstances, God will stay with you (Psalm 23:1-6).

You can learn to praise God and worship him daily. The God who is powerful enough to sustain the universe, still wants to have an inseparable loving relationship with you. You are his greatest love. He came to redeem you.

Today, rejoice! You can praise God for his forgiveness, healing, and salvation. He will continue to demonstrate his care and eternal love for you now and forever.

“Just like Superglue, God is the bond that holds it all together!” “Get ready for that “Superglue love!”


🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to have oneness with God. “Heavenly Father, you are so good, faithful, fulfilling, encouraging, and worthy of following you with all my heart, mind, and soul.

Thank you Lord, for today’s meaningful message. I find myself slipping away from that outer court. There are so many vices that end up ruining my day. I want to move closer to you Lord. Seeking things apart from have failed.

Lord, make me an empty space through which you can exist in this world. Father, let your hands be my hands. Let your eyes be my eyes. Lord, help me to see things, people, and situations the way you see them.

Let your mouth be my mouth. Let your words be my words. Let your ears be my ears. Let your voice be my voice. Let your feet be my feet. Let your being be in my being. Let my heartbeat as one with yours.

Lord, help me to disappear in God. Help me to decrease so he can increase. Thank you, Lord, for your inseparable love in my heart. Keep me always in your grip, in your glorious name I pray, Amen.”


📣 Help spread the word by sharing this web site and messages on your platform.


🙏 Please remember to pray for the people in Israel. They are God’s people because of his covenant promises to them. (Genesis 12:1-3; Numbers 6:22-27; 24:8-9). ✝️📲 Prayer Line- Text line- 1-412-616-357

Remember Me

Good morning, everyone from Pastor Todd Boxley.  Welcome to “Try Jesus!” (TJforlife.com). If this is your first time joining us, it’s great to have you with us. I would like to thank all the new members for joining “Try Jesus.” Also welcome those in Louisiana, Indiana, Idaho, Missouri, and Ohio.

What a glorious response to last week’s message. The church should never feel as though the gospel is being smothered by the world’s darkness. God is still in power no matter how many in the church fall away.

The light of Jesus will never grow dim in Satan’s world. Jesus defeated everything sinful and wicked at the cross. Christians today can sustain and live on his word. The first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation says it all.

The body of Christ shall stand like the two men (Elijah and Moses) stood up in Revelation (Revelation 11:3-11). God’s redemptive plan cannot be defeated by the world or man’s religion. Today, please encourage yourselves in victory.

Let’s welcome God’s presence in our midst all over this nation. “Heavenly Father, we come to you today with humility and faith because we know that you are our only Source of help and that nothing is impossible with you.

Lord, you have all power to save and protect us from those that are seeking to destroy and to do evil upon us. Today, you are our God, Savior, Provider and Protector. You will not let wicked people to succeed in their evil plans against your people.

Father you confront their evil plans knowing they will not succeed. All their wickedness will return on them and destruction upon them will remind them that you are in control of everything. Our trust is wholly on you.

Holy Spirit, please open closed minds today with power of truth that will set them free. Thank you, Lord, for impacting lives today with purpose and truth. Open eyes to see the opportunities around them.

Help your church to serve and to grow in your blessings and favor. Bless the time those spend at “TRY JESUS.” Focus our minds, soften our hearts, make our time together count for you. You, Lord, are our
Champion, Defender, Provider! Amen.”

Have you ever thought about someone you haven’t seen in a long time? How did you visualize what their appearance might be? Have you thought or wondered if they might remember you? Are class reunions a scary place to visit?

I would suppose these unsettling emotions could take place at weddings, family reunions, big birthday events, and even funerals. Do you have a difficult time remembering people?

I certainly have had my share of embarrassing moments of not remembering people I should. I’ve confessed and apologized more than once to many people I just couldn’t remember their name.

For some reason (not sure why), I forget to remember certain individuals’ names. But praise God! I never forget faces. I could probably work for one of those FBI sketch artist departments to pick out faces in a line up. Smile.

I may have shared this story with some of you before about remembering certain relatives at our family reunions. I was terrible at knowing who certain distance relatives were.

Some, who take my side, would say, “Well, it’s understandable if you only see them once in a while. My brother would take full advantage of this and bring more humiliation on my already fragile emotions.

He would call me over to certain picnic tables and ask me, “Hey Todd, do you remember who these people are?” I knew right away what he was up to. He would introduce me to 3rd and 4th cousins, I hadn’t seen in ages.

Some of you might find this amusing. I have to admit that sometimes it backfired on my brother because they would see what he was up to and give me a hug or a fist pump and say they loved me anyway.

Do you suppose people in heaven have this issue? Do you think God every forgets about us or doesn’t remember us when we approach him? Who would you like to meet more than anyone else (excluding Jesus of course) in heaven?

What would you remember about them prior to meeting them? What do you know about the people you admire in the Bible? Do you think you could be friends with the patriarchs of Bible times? What could you tell me about Gideon?

I mean without looking in your Bible. What can you remember about Samson (other than he was stronger than Arnold Schwarzenegger) LOL. What important details can you share about his life?

Remembering people says a lot about what we think about them. Have you thought like you could know and remember someone just by spending a little a little time with them?

I actually knew some people (without remembering their name). Why? Because they left an indelible mark on my life. Some of you have had grade schoolteachers, medical professionals, sport coaches, and yes, relatives who have left an unforgettable mark on you.

Did you know some of the most unforgettable people in the Bible didn’t have a name? The Bible does not provide us with the names of many characters mentioned in it. But how many have left you always remembering things about them.

I will give you my favorite one in a moment. Here is just a short list of Bible characters that are still remembered to this day. (Cain’s wife Genesis 4:17). People have asked me about the children of Cain.

Up to this point there were only four people in the world: Adam, Eve, Abel (killed by his brother), and Cain. This woman was Cain’s sister. Obviously, Adam and Eve had more children. There are people who remember Cain’s wife.

Noah’s wife. She is someone people should want to remember. Why? We’ve heard the phrase, “Behind every successful man, there is a woman.” I’m sure Noah’s wife helped keep the inside of that ark “Febreze scented” as best she could (Smile).

Noah’s wife just didn’t sit around doing her hair and nails all day. She was equal in all ways with her husband in managing an ark full of smelly animals. That’s not even counting dealing with their sons and daughters (Genesis 7:13-16).

Moses’ stepmother. Everyone remembers Moses, right? If I asked you to name me one miracle God worked through Moses, I’m sure most of you could do it. But how often do we think about his stepmother?

Moses was floating helplessly in a basket on the Nile. He was rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter while she was bathing (Exodus 2:5-10). Some might want to easily forget because Moses chose the living God over the Egyptian education he learned while growing up.

The wise men. And no, it was not just 3 wise men. The number or the names of these individuals will always be etched in our memories. Jesus knows the exact number who are with him today.

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh doesn’t necessarily equate to the number of individuals who handled it. It’s like telling someone I had family members help me carry 3 bags of groceries in the house. God certainly remembered them. (Matthew 2:1-12).

How many of you know there are nameless children in the Bible? Has any left you always thinking about them? Have you ever been inquisitive about someone so bad that you had to know their name?

Children are so easy to know. Some of you might be thinking, “Here Pastor, you can have mine for the weekend!” Children are absolutely loved by God. He encourages all parents to bring them to him (Mark 10:13-16).

Guess who Jesus used to respond to the question his disciples asked him? Was it a little child? How would you like to see that little child (or maybe grown into adulthood) in heaven today?

Jesus told us to enter his Kingdom, we must have childlike faith. (Matthew 18:3-6). He also gave a stern warning about mishandling them. Even though it may not be biblical, I believe God has a special place in heaven for all aborted and mishandled adolescents.

Two women in the Bible with children. Who couldn’t remember two agonizing stories about women wanting their children to be healed from evil demonic possession? (Matthew 15:22-28; Mark 7:25-30).

Our nation can recount heart-wrenching stories in national news about women doing all they can do to help in the health and welfare of their children. A woman will cry out to God with all her heart when her little child needs a miracle.

God has certainly given us medical miracles at the hands of physicians at places like Shriner’s Hospital and St. Jude’s. However, Jesus is still the greatest physician to ever walk this earth. (Matthew 15:22-28; Mark 7:25-30).

Some of you may have lost a child or witnessed your child go through a serious illness. May the Lord continue to cover your heart and memories with his adoring love. If you need continued prayer, please contact “TRY JESUS.”

The mother of a deceased man. No matter the age of any individual, the mother’s pain does not go unnoticed. It is also emotionally heart-wrenching when a child loses a parent.

This woman had only one son and was a widow as well (Luke 7:11-17). I’m sure most people at that time remember her without knowing her name.

[Honoring the dead was important in Jewish tradition. A funeral procession, with relatives of the dead person following the body that was wrapped and carried on a kind of stretcher, would make its way through town.]

[Bystanders would be expected to join the procession and hired mourners would cry aloud and draw attention to what was happening. The family’s mourning would continue for 30 days.]

Remembering our widows is something God wants us to do and

act accordingly with love, kindness, and care to help when they struggle. (I Timothy 3:5; Psalm 68:5). Paul wanted families to not forget about their own.

Before we close, I wanted to focus on one nameless person I would definitely love to meet, hug, and shake hands with. So, again, as I put forth the question, “Who in heaven would you love to meet after Jesus?

I have more than one, but I’m thinking about the thief on the cross. There were many people close to Jesus. Crowds pressed on him, so much that Jesus at times would get away to spend time with his father and pray.

The thief on the cross could not get closer to Jesus. He could not touch Jesus. He could not sit down with Jesus and enjoy a meal. Everything you read about Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John involved so many people.

Initially we see that the two thieves on either side of Jesus spoke against him like the religious leaders and others did. (Matthew 27:38-44). But as time went on, something happened.

Could it be that when the criminals heard Jesus speak these words, that one of them had a change of heart. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34 KJV).

In our society today, and even in the past, we are quick to judge those who have committed horrible crimes. Many men and women are spending life in prison for their crimes. But God loves those locked behind bars.

Some of you may know people who are in prison today. Some may be related to you. Jesus is still reaching behind bars to redeem those who many feel are unredeemable. Jesus knew the heart of repentance from the thief next to him.

39} “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40} But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

41} And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42} And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” (Luke 23:39-42 KJV).

[The dying criminal had more faith than many of Jesus’ followers. Although the disciples continued to love Jesus, their hopes for the Kingdom were shattered. Most of them had gone into hiding.]

This nameless man spoke the most powerful words of witness, repentance, and acknowledgement of who Jesus truly was. “Remember me” and Your Kingdom.” Jesus is the King of his Kingdom. He rules and reigns!
 

Just think, this man’s whole body was racked with pain beyond anything you or I have endured. He could have easily taken the attitude of the other criminal. There were even some who gave up on Jesus and being his followers after his death (Luke 24:21).

“TRY JESUS” members and those who are visiting for the first time, always continue to pray for the incarcerated. Never give up on them. Don’t be like the proud who gauge sin on a moral scale, thinking their goodness qualifies them for heaven.

Many treat those incarcerated like they treat their take out garbage after the sanitation truck has taken the trash away to the landfill, never to be seen again. But praise God, Jesus doesn’t throw us away like that when we blow it.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23 KJV). There is no scale of 1-10 that God looks like. Yes, there are abomination sins, but sin is still defined as “missing the mark.”

We all missed the mark because we came from the womb with the seed of sin attached to us. We are born sinners. But Jesus, Praise God! Hallelujah! Came to remove that stain (Romans 3:24-25; 5:1,8-12, 17-21; 6:5-11).

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior than you are now a new creature (born-again) in him (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 10:8-10,13). God loves those who the world calls despicable.

This is why Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 KJV). Jesus could see this man’s heart. He knew this man believed.

Today, many people do not want Jesus until they actually need him. Sometimes they are like those who hate police officers until someone breaks in their home, and then they want them. This the same attitude the other thief had.

He only cared about getting off that cross so he could continue his life of crime. How many stories have you heard of someone standing before a judge for the crimes he committed, pleading with the judge to be lenient.

But right after he is released, he goes right back to committing those same crimes. God help our lawless system; they are completely lost. Many try to befriend Jesus as just being a prophet, good teacher, or just a good man.

But as a born-again believing Christian, I know Jesus is more than a good man. He is my Lord! He’s not only Lord by faith, but he’s Lord by logic! The logical and reasonable conclusion when considering the claims of Christ is to acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

The thief on the realized this while hanging on that cross. You ever wonder why people start to think about God more at funerals or if their life is in danger? Because God has placed that realization in our hearts.

Satan is the culprit that steals it and keeps it (the word-Bible) from taking root in our hearts. (Matthew 13:19-23). If a person takes the time to examine the life and statements of Jesus, only the following five possible rational choices can be made.

Jesus is only a legend.

Jesus was only a great human leader. 

Jesus was mentally unstable. 

Jesus was a liar. 

Or Jesus Christ is Lord!

Of course, Jesus was more than just a prophet. He is God in the flesh. He made that claim plain and simple. 32} “Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

33} The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.” (John 10:32-33 KJV). There you have it!

As I look back on my list of the unforgettable, it’s not hard for me to forget the thief on the cross. I know the Bible tells me the wages of sin is death. That means accumulating the worlds stuff adds up to being separated from God for all eternity.

But remember this my beloved friends. There is a vital important fact to keep in your heart. God never forgets his people (Genesis 8:1). He remembers all living things. God remembers those who loves him and those who reject him.

7} “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8} If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.” (Psalm 139:7-8 KJV).

God’s mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him. God’s mercy toward those who love him will last for all eternity. God’s mercy toward those who reject him will last only until Judgment Day. (Psalm 89:2; Lamentations 3:22).


🗣📢 Last words: God gives names to the nameless in heaven. He writes their names in the perfect location. (Revelation 7:1-3; 14:1; 22:4; Isaiah 43:26; Genesis 19:29). God sets his seal on the foreheads of his servants.

This seal is the exact opposite of the mark of the Beast explained in (Revelation 13:16; 20:4). These two marks place the people in two distinct categories, those owned by God and those owned by Satan.

Who do you want to be remembered as belonging to?


🛐 Here’s a prayer you can pray to ask God to remember you. “Heavenly Father, thank you for this message of hope and redemption in spite of my messed-up life. Lord, sometimes I feel like no one remembers me.

Whether it’s been school, work, family, or friends, I feel left alone to myself. Lord, help me to recognize you are with me today. Forgive me for so easily forgetting your presence when I get busy or feel stressed.

Jesus, help me to take hold of your peace so the worries will fade. Lord, remind me I am walking on holy ground, because you see me as righteous. You are right in the middle of my challenges.

I choose to believe that you see me, you hear me, and you care for me. Give me grace to draw near to you. I want to know you better. Lord, reveal yourself to me. I long to see you fully and know your great love, power, and faithfulness.

Open my eyes to the evidence of your presence around me. Help me to see with fresh eyes the blessings you have already given me. Thank you for your faithful provision and your promise to never leave me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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🙏 Please remember to pray for the people in Israel. They are God’s people because of his covenant promises to them. (Genesis 12:1-3; Numbers 6:22-27; 24:8-9). ✝️

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