THE "WORD" FOR AUGUST 1, 2026, LX658-31 -THE GREAT TAKING AWAY

CHRIST ETERNAL SENIOR MINISTRIES

THE "WORD"

AUGUST 1, 2026

Sabbath Meditations LX658-31

Welcome to this week's Parasha "EIKEV" (Because)

Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25, Isaiah 49:14-51:3, John 14:1-31

“Then it will happen, as a result of your listening to these ordinances, when you keep and do them, that Adonai your God will keep with you the covenant kindness that He swore to your fathers. He will love you, bless you and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the produce of your soil, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that He swore to your fathers to give you."

(Deu 7:12-13 tlv)

SUNDAY

THE LORD'S DAY LX658-31

RAPTURE..."The Great Taking Away"

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (1Th 4:16 nasb)

 

GREETINGS: Welcome Beloved. By the very Grace of GOD, we gather this day, around the globe, to WORSHIP The CREATOR; to FELLOWSHIP around The Holy Scripture reading and absorbing His "WORD". Grant us all that we need, O' Lord, and equip us with unveiled eyes and open souls and lead us to a full understanding and Your mighty Will, through Jesus, The Christ, AMEN

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Rom 1:16-17 kjv)

CALL TO WORSHIP: 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." (Rev 3:20 nasb)

 

PROLOGUE : Jesus is truly standing at the door. The Shofar has been brought forward. The call could come at any hour. Are YOU ready?

OPENING PRAYER: Majestic and powerful Creator, thank You for gathering us together in fellowship to worship on this Holy day. Lead us through past "Rapture-like" events and fill us with confidence, faith, and understanding today. We feel your very presence knowing that You are at the door. Our Faith and Love fills us with joy and anticipation of the ETERNAL seeing You as You truly are, forever in the Kingdom to come, O' COME QUICKLY LORD JESUS, AMEN

THE "WORD":

The word "RAPTURE" does not appear in our Bibles. The biblical event(s) dealing with a rapture do exist. It is in this context and at this time that we examine the "Taking" or "Catching Away", as it is known, or as in the Latin "rapio" meaning to snatch away or capture. To be taken quickly!

Several thousand years earlier, we discover an event that could well be the very first Rapture type of "catching up" or "taking away" and recorded in Holy Scripture. (Gen 5:22-24) Then Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he became the father of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

This is the first recorded incident of what we may identify as a "RAPTURE" ; "The snatching away" "the being caught up" of a living human from the surface of the earth; transporting them into the Heavenly Kingdom.

It was Elijah { Chapter 17 of First Kings} who confronted King Ahab and his sinful ways, along with his wife Jezebel, and relayed the word of God that their land would not see rain nor dew for years as punishment for their deeds. This warning came to be!

In an interesting side-bar, Elijah and another fellow would would follow 800- years later had very similar tastes in clothing: Both being large "HAIRY" men who wore "HAIRY" clothing with a big leather belt around the waist. That other fellow was...named John -- JOHN the BAPTIST! John's diet was Locusts and Honey. Elijah's diet was often "raw meat of unknown origin" often brought to him by Ravens.

The Prophet ELIJAH was a most interesting and effective servant and God had a close relationship with him.

Now, about 2,000 years later during or about 868 BC., we find another beloved servant of God named ELIJAH. Elijah was of the TISHBITE family line; serving as a Prophet of the Living God during King Ahab's Reign. We find this in 1 Kings Chapter 17.

Elijah and prophet partner Elisha traveled together, engaged in the Lord's business perhaps through what I believe that Elijah had forethought that he was near death! On the last day that Elijah was on the earth, the Jordan River was parted like the RED SEA was, and both Elijah and Elisha crossed over to the other side. This was witnessed by many. Once on the other side, the river flow returned to normal.

From here we travel forward nearly 1,000 years and the life, death and Resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus the Christ. The ascension of the LIVING Jesus in full view of the Apostles as He rose into the heavens disappearing in a cloud was, to me, Jesus demonstrating the method and manner of Rapture that the church would experience on that day when He calls us to Him and the dead in Christ will rise first and WE then will together join the Lord in the Air, in an instant.

(Joh 5:28-29 nasb) John writes: "Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.

Later on The Apostle Paul further expands the rapture event;

(1Th 4:13-17) But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep-- [having died as believers]. We will immediately follow along in the RAPTURE and meet the Lord in the air!

 

It is there, in the Kingdom, where we will be witness to the events that lead to the earth's destruction and renewal. Our minds and eyes will finally be unveiled whereby we will clearly know and understand the eternal significance of these events, and the wisdom in the promise of eternal Joy in the presence of he who created all things, including you and I.

 

When the NEW Jerusalem comes to the earth. [1500 miles wide, 1500 miles long, 1500 miles high; A PERFECT CUBE.] The term, "Heaven on Earth" will take on a whole new significance!

After Elijah arranged to get rid of all Queen Jezebels BAAL Priests, the Lord advised him that he needed to prepare to depart the earth and to hand over the Reigns of Prophesy to a man curiously named ELISHA! The Lord did not say that Elijah was about to die. Only that he would be departing alive from the Earth...in chariots of fire, a most dramatic and wondrous departure from Earth!

SUMMARY: Perhaps one day, in the Kingdom of God in the New Jerusalem we might have the opportunity to ask the Lord if He would comment on many mysteries that have perplexed humans for a very long time. WE should be equipped now to understand on a celestial level. For certain, "Boredom" will never be found in the New Kingdom of God. The more we know...the more we know that we do not know...and the cycle will repeat for ever!

CLOSING PRAYER: Almighty God, thank-You for this global assembly. All of these precious eyes reading and then sharing the "WORD" of our Master, our CREATOR, our GOD with hungry souls no matter the tongue, country, or land. Your blessings endure for ever and ever, and we are forever grateful, O' Lord Jesus, AMEN

DOXOLOGY

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, Ye heav'n-ly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen

BENEDICTION: (Num 6:24-26)   The LORD bless you, and keep you;  (25)  The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;  (26)  The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.'AMEN

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE Rom 1:16-17, 1Th 4:16, 13-17, Rev 3:20, Gen 5:22-24, 1 Kings 17, Joh 5:28-29, Num 6:24-26

The Details are in The "WORD"

www.ChristEternalSeniorMinistries.org

May the Peace of Jesus Christ be with you always! Amen

Chaplain Gary

afndelago@gmail.com

 

 

THE "WORD" FOR JULY 25/26, 2026 LX657-30 "IT IS FINISHED"

   

CHRIST ETERNAL SENIOR MINISTRIES 

 THE "WORD"

JULY 25/26, 2026

Sabbath Meditations

Welcome to this week's Parasha "Va'etchanan" (And I Pleaded)

Deuteromony 3:23-7:11, Isaiah 40:1-26, John 10:1-42

And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? (Deu 3:23-24 tlv)

SUNDAY, THE LORD'S DAY

IT IS FINISHED (John 19:30 nkjv)

GREETINGS: Welcome Beloved. By the very Grace of GOD, we gather this day, around the globe, to WORSHIP The CREATOR. Imagine, the very author of the ENTIRE UNIVERSE has purposely built this glorious plan, allowing us to be CITIZENS ETERNAL in HIS KINGDOM to come. PRAISE HIS HALLOWED NAME!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.(Rom 1:16-17 kjv)

CALL TO WORSHIP: History records testimony from man of visions of his life passing in review just before the last breath on earth is taken. Holy Scripture may well guide us during such a short review envisioned by Jesus, our LORD and SAVIOR, in His last moments on that horrid cross.

PROLOGUE : (Joh 19:30 nkjv) So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. Since Jesus was fully SPIRIT and fully FLESH, a curious and reverent mind might wonder if our Lord saw, in his mind, certain visions of His earthly life past as many fully fleshly beings have for hundreds of years claimed their loved ones might have experienced. If He did or did not, the event can never be validated nor confirmed. Just a curiosity.

OPENING PRAYER: O' Mighty Father of all Creation, thank You for gathering us together from around the globe to receive Your "WORD". Open our minds, souls, and hearts as we read together reflections from the Cross, a reverential review of the Lord's brief time amongst us on this planet. Permit this Holy inquiry to edify His supreme deity as our Lord and Savior, our KING of KINGS Eternal, THE ALL MIGHTY, AMEN

THE "WORD": With Great reverence let us consider the following; One believer's impression of what Jesus might have envisioned in the precious moments having drawn His last earthly breath and before the resurrection;

Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves. After His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. (Mat 27:51-53 nkjv)

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." (1Co 11:23-24 nkjv)

So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. (Joh 13:12-14 kjv)

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. (Joh 11:39 kjv) And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. (Joh 11:43 kjv)

Now there was a large herd of swine feeding nearby on the mountain. The demons implored Him, saying, "Send us into the swine so that we may enter them." Jesus gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits entered the swine; and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea. (Mar 5:11-13 nasb)

As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him. And He did not let him, but He *said to him, "Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you." (Mar 5:18-19 nasb)

When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?" But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

(Luk 2:48-52 nasb)

SUMMARY: Perhaps one day, in the Kingdom of God in the New Jerusalem we might have the opportunity to ask the Lord to comment on the most tender and wondrous moments in His 33 years, teaching us directly, flesh to flesh on a celestial level.

CLOSING PRAYER: Almighty God, thank-You for this global assembly. These precious eyes reading and then sharing the "WORD" of our Master, our CREATOR, our GOD with hungry souls no matter the tongue, country, or land. Your blessings endure for ever and ever, and we are forever grateful, O' Lord Jesus, AMEN

DOXOLOGY

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, Ye heav'n-ly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen

BENEDICTION: (Num 6:24-26)   The LORD bless you, and keep you;  (25)  The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;  (26)  The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.'AMEN

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE Rom 1:16-17, Matt 27:51-53, 1Cor 11:23-24, Joh 11:39, Mar 5:11-13, 5:18-19, Luk 2:48-52, Num 6:24-26

Details are in The "WORD"

www.ChristEternalSeniorMinistries.org

May the Peace of Jesus Christ be with you always! Amen

Chaplain Gary

afndelago@gmail.com

 

THE "WORD" FOR JULY 18/19, 20206 LX656-29 Teach us how to pray

 

CHRIST ETERNAL SENIOR MINISTRIES

THE "WORD"

JULY 18/19, 2026

Sabbath Meditations

Welcome to this week's Parasha "Sabbath Chazon" (Sabbath of Vision)

Deu 1: 1-3:22, Isa 1:1-27, Mark 14:12-26

These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel across the Jordan—in the wilderness, in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth and Di-Zahab.

(Deu 1:1)

SUNDAY, THE LORD'S DAY

TEACH US HOW TO PRAY --Mat Chap 6

GREETINGS: Welcome Beloved. By the very Grace of GOD, we gather this day, around the globe, to WORSHIP HE who CREATED us. Imagine, the very author of the ENTIRE UNIVERSE has purposely built into HIS glorious plan, a method by which we, who are created in HIS express Image, may DIRECTLY speak and pray to HIM. No cell phone, no batteries needed.

CALL TO WORSHIP: (Mat 6:6)   "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

PROLOGUE : ( Luk 11:1)  It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples." Today we will learn how Jesus taught His disciples the manner and elements of incredible power through Prayer.

OPENING PRAYER: O' Mighty Father of all Creation, we approach Your throne with great reverence and thanksgiving for the divine privilege of having our pleadings, our prayers received in the ears of our CREATOR. You grant us privilege to speak candidly and directly and receive wondrous joy and blessing in return as testimony of Your treasured love for those of Your creation. Guide us in Your Holy Word this day to refine and cherish this miracle in the power of Prayer, O' God, in the name of Your Son, Jesus, AMEN.

THE "WORD": (Mat 6:5-15) [JESUS SAID]: "When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.  (6)  "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.  (7)  "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.  (8)  "So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.  

(9)  "Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  (10)  'Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.  (11)  'Give us this day our daily bread.  (12)  'And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  (13)  'And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]' [Then JESUS added the following]:  (14)  "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  (15)  "But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

The Example of prayer taught from the mouth of Jesus to his disciples was intended to be an example; A format of elements important in all prayer before the throne. Since its source was and is the Savior, This example became the most uttered prayer in all of history. These words are voiced countless times each and every day all around the world. Young voices, old voices and all voices in between have repeated these precious words.

Prayer is the currency of our relationship with our Maker. It is the dialog, the monologue, it is the verbal equivalent of a child crawling up and onto the lap of the Father and telling Him about our day, the good parts and the not so good parts.

It is deeply personal; a secret exchange between Creature and Creator, between Father and Son, or Father and Daughter. Prayer is a moment of repentance, admitting to error. Expressing sorrow and shame perhaps when the error was through purposeful intent, and deep regret when a Sin occurs out of no intent to do so. It is through prayer that we share the content of our hearts with our GOD and are confident that he hears every word.

Prayers have POWER. Throughout biblical history Prayer has resulted in the change of course of impossible events, great healing has occurred, countless lives saved, countless lives lost. The parting of the RED SEA as thousands of voices all prayed to Almighty God to SAVE THEM. The loss of Egypt's military when God returned the waters to whence they came.

All sincere prayer is capable of convincing the Lord to modify an outcome of the LORD'S WILL that brings resolution and glory to God, because of HIS eternal Love for HIS creation. Our Bible is a treasure trove of powerful and result driven Prayers.

Did you know that many Psalms are ready made prayers that we can use as examples or guides for our prayers. Prayers can be quite complex and lengthy, others short and to the point. All SINCERE prayer IS ANSWERED for those who believe. However, this reminder, NO is also an answer to our prayers. Favorable prayers always are those that align with God's will for us. The more you read your Bible, the more familiar you become in knowing just what God's will is as it relates to HIS children.

A NO Answer to prayer usually is a result of DISOBEDIENCE, HIDDEN SIN, SELF-INDULGENCE, or simply the request does not align with the WILL of GOD. Knowing the LORD through HIS Written Word is how we learn this WILL of GOD, thereby improving the likelihood that our prayer will be answered with a YES!

When you pray, be reverent, fully acknowledge the unlimited power of Almighty GOD! Be sincere of heart, honest, contrite, repentant, and humble. Be specific in your pleadings. Keep it simple. Don't use useless words to fill the time. Always be ready to pray and don't shy away from praying no matter where you are. Be consistent in praying. BE PATIENT. Wait on the LORD!

Years ago the Lord blessed us when He opened a door to Prison Ministry. One day our group was inside the prison walls and had been working with a number of lost sheep. Some were just like you and me. Human. Repentant. With feelings, fears, likes, wishes and hopes. A few were exceptionally loud, vulgar, and pretty darned scary to be in arms length of. God protected all of us and kept each safe.

One of the fellows that fit into the LOUD and THREATENING category was a so called "YARD BOSS". The other prisoners always wanted to be on the GOOD SIDE of the YARD BOSS. To be otherwise was not conducive for your health and welfare. He was asked who God was. His vulgar response cannot be repeated.

Toward the end of our day we had one last shot. [The HOLY SPIRIT CAME UPON US]: I asked the Yard Boss if he remembered when he was a little child if he recalled saying the following prayer at bed time? "NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP. I PRAY THE LORD MY SOUL TO KEEP." [The Yard Boss then bowed his head, gave a big sigh and began speaking along with me] "IF I SHOULD DIE BEFORE I WAKE" ...[I stopped speaking, the prisoner then finished] "I PRAY THE LORD MY SOUL TO TAKE, AMEN. BLESS MOMMY AND DADDY, BLESS BETTY, AND TIM, AMEN AMEN. " We were overwhelmed by what just took place! We witnessed the movement of the Lord's Hand and HIS Will.

This hardened man who had spent many, many years behind the walls of prison came to JESUS in our presence that day. As time went by, that same prisoner ended up getting a degree in Bible Theology and began to preach, eventually leaving prison and began a ministry to teach former prisoners HOW TO PRAY.

Over the years of this man's incarceration JESUS had received volumes of prayers. Long, WORD FILLED, Power-driven prayers from Prayer Warriors. NO SUCCESS. It took a simple Child's Prayer to crack the hard shell that imprisoned his soft, child-like heart. That vision and memory of that moment in that prison with that scary giant of a man is etched in my mind forever. GOD IS SO AWESOME! Praise HIM!

SUMMARY: (1Pe 4:7)  The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. The quality and effectiveness of your prayers is directly tied to the personal relationship you have with Jesus and the Father. Our God has provisioned that each of us who belong to and were purchased by Jesus through the shedding of His blood on Calvary, have unlimited access to the Mighty Throne of the Creator through sincere prayer. There is only ONE HIGH PRIEST, His name is JESUS. By and through HIS Salvation, you are granted this important favor of having the ear of GOD. When you pray, KEEP it SIMPLE, Keep it sincere. HOW DO I KNOW THESE THINGS? IT'S IN THE BOOK, THE BIBLE, THE "WORD".

 

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, Thank-You for gathering us together today. Thank-you for loving us and granting us audience in the most awesome and powerful privilege of Holy Prayer. From the mouths of the created to the very ear of the LORD, OH HOW BLESSED we are to be the Children of THE CREATOR. Praise you Father, Praise You Jesus, Praise You Holy Spirit, ONE GOD FOREVER, AMEN.

DOXOLOGY

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, Ye heav'n-ly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen

BENEDICTION: (Num 6:24-26)   The LORD bless you, and keep you;  (25)  The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;  (26)  The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.'AMEN

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE Matthew Chapter 6, Luk 11:1, 1 Pe 4:7, Nu 6:24-26

Details are in The "WORD"

www.ChristEternalSeniorMinistries.org

May the Peace of Jesus Christ be with you always! Amen

Chaplain Gary

afndelago@gmail.com

 

THE "WORD" FOR JULY 11/12, 2026 LX655-28 F.B. MEYER

  

CHRIST ETERNAL SENIOR MINISTRIES

THE "WORD"

JULY 11/12, 2026

LX655-28

For [we are not] ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. ( Rom 1:16-17 KJV)

Sabbath Meditations

Following are Sabbath reading citations from TORAH, Tanach, and Brit Hadashah for meditation and study in Synagogues around the world: This week a double portion;

Parasha "Matot-Masei" (Tribes-Journeys) DOUBLE PORTION

Numbers 30:2-36:13, Jeremiah 2:4-28, 3:4, Matthew 23:1-25:46

Moses spoke to the princes of the tribes of Bnei-Yisrael saying, “This is what Adonai has commanded: Whenever a man makes a vow to Adonai or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he is not to violate his word but do everything coming out of his mouth. (Num 30:1-2 tlv)

     Hello beloved, may the peace of Jesus be with you now and forever, AMEN

 

According to the internet archives of Bible Christian Ministry, F. B. Meyer was a Baptist pastor in Victorian London who walked closely with God and wrote like he talked — clear, warm, full of the Scriptures. A daily entry for every day of the year, each opening with a Psalm or Gospel and closing with a quiet practical word. I have this wonderful attraction to those preachers who, by the gift of God, who can tell the story of the Gospel and in doing so, paints a vivid picture in the minds of those listening.

Let us read together Pastor Meyer's devotional proclaiming God's wondrous protective and up lifting powers for those who believe!

This is probably one of the earliest genuine daily devotionals ever published. Lets take our daily walk with Pastor Meyer:

Almighty Father, Lord Jesus, open our eyes and souls as we absorb and receive this WORD penned so very long ago, In Jesus we pray, AMEN

Our Daily Walk

A Devotional from the Pastor's Pen

F. B. Meyer · 1898 (over 128 years ago)

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. (PS 3:3 kjv)

OH, my soul, hast thou made God thy glory? Others boast in their wealth, beauty, position, achievements: dost thou find in God what they find in these? Thou needest safety from the shocks of time and change: is He thy shield? Thou must have something outside of thee, to complete thy blessedness: is He thine ideal? Thy head is drooping like a flower-cup — it sadly needs the dexterous hand of the Gardener: “Nothing resting in its own completeness Can have worth or beauty: but alone — Because it leads and lends to further sweetness, Fuller, higher, deeper than its own — Life is only bright when it proceedeth Towards a truer, deeper life above; Human love is sweetest when it leadeth To a more divine and perfect love.”

God around us as a shield, God above and within us as an ideal, God lifting up the tired and sorrowful face — this was David’s threefold conception of his relation with God. All around men were filled with wrath at him. He heard their harsh voices, and what they said. Nevertheless he comforted, and stayed his heart with the words, But Thou, O Lord. Ah, what an instant change they make!

“We kneel, and all round us seems to lower; We rise and all, the distant and the near, Stands forth in sunny outline, brave and clear; We kneel, how weak — we rise, how full of power!”

Ah, these Buts! What a difference they make in our lives. There is always the hedge of God’s care, always an illimitable reserve of power and help within our reach, of which we may avail ourselves; and we are so sure of it, that we lay ourselves down in peace to sleep, though the foe in thousands encamps around.

Oh Lord, thank You for the gift of the Holy Word and the ability to share the WORD with all who may sojourn with us. Even lessons from 1898 are productive and fruitful 124 years later in 2026. Praise You Jesus, AMEN

May the Peace of Jesus Christ be with you always! Amen

Chaplain Gary

afndelago@gmail.com

www.ChristEternalSeniorMinistries.org

 

THE "WORD" FOR JULY 4/5, 2026 LX654-27 "ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH-GUEST BILLY GRAHAM

  

CHRIST ETERNAL SENIOR MINISTRIES

THE "WORD" MESSAGE CENTER

JULY 4/5, 2026

{LX654-27}

DECLARATION

For [we are not] ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Rom 1:16-17 KJV)

SABBATH AND TORAH MESSAGES

"PINCHAS" (Phinehas / Dark Skinned)

Numbers 25:10-29:40(30:1), Jeremiah 1:1-2:3, 1 Peter 3:8-4:19

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned away My wrath from the sons of Israel in that he was jealous with My jealousy among them, so that I did not destroy the sons of Israel in My jealousy. Therefore say, 'Behold, I give him My covenant of peace; and it shall be for him and his descendants after him, a covenant of a perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the sons of Israel.'" (Num 25:10-13 TLV)

THE "WORD" MESSAGE FOLLOWS

SUBJECT: GUEST: BILLY GRAHAM; Origin of the Church

MESSAGE SOURCE: From one of Pastor Graham's Daily Devotions, dated June 30, Titled "Origin of the Church", scriptural citation: 1 Cor 3:11, and from https://www.samaritanspurse.org/media/bio-billy-graham/

THE "WORD" is transmitted to the four corners of the earth as authorized in HOLY SCRIPTURE by the COMMANDER IN CHIEF, LORD JESUS THE CHRIST, AMEN. {IAW-Jos 5:14-15, Matt 28:18-20} KJV

MSG/DTG: 2026070405-lx654-27

Hello Beloved, The Peace of Jesus be with you now and forever, Amen

Billy Graham's Devotional, "Peace for each day" has been in my morning devotion rotation for years. In his message for June 30th, his devotional was entitled, "Origin of The Church". For at least 10 years, I have read this writing at least once a year! Today, the Lord touched me and my eyes saw these words in a completely new light and context.

Think back about what you personally know about the Church and it's origin. From the Lord's birth, His ministry, His crucifixion, His raising, His Pentecost! Read with me now, Pastor Billy Graham's SIMPLE, BEAUTIFUL, POWERFUL and most effective synopsis....

OPENING PRAYER: O' Lord, grant us open eyes, hearts and souls as we read this portion of the Daily Light. Allow us to absorb the purity of devotion rendered in God's Ordained Holy Scripture compiled in a manner that provides great celestial nourishment through the Holy Spirit The "WORD", in Jesus the Christ we pray, AMEN

AND NOW,

THE "WORD"

THE ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH

For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1Co 3:11)

Pastor Graham begins:

The word church is an English translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which means "the called-out ones," or an assembly of people. The word as applied to the Christian society was first used by Jesus Himself when He told Peter, "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18 KJV).

Thus Jesus Christ Himself founded the church. He is the great cornerstone upon which the church is built. He is the foundation of all Christian experience, and the church is founded upon Him. Jesus proclaimed himself to be the founder of the church. The church belongs to Him alone. He has promised to live with, and in, all those who are members of His church. Here is not only an organization but an organism that is completely unlike anything else that the world has ever known: God Himself living with, and in, ordinary men and women who are members of His church.

-30-

CLOSING COMMENT AND PRAYER I have relied on this devotional daily for a number of years. In Hospice ministry, it provides counsel, assures, reassures, comforts, and guides as we all are approaching the day when we will receive the call of the Lord to come home. It is a timeless beacon, a set of celestial guardrails guiding us in a troubled world, while validating the power and immutability of God's eternal will. There is ONE GOD. ONE CHURCH. ONE HEAVEN. ONE HELL. The Lord gives us the authority to choose. Me and my family choose JESUS!

Let us Pray: What a remarkable privilege it is to be a creation of the hands of the Great Shepherd of the Sheep. To call His name and be blessed, benefiting through His eternal being, character, unending love and almighty power through salvation. All of this through His grace, His gift, His promise possible only through the "WORD", His BLOOD, and His NAME; JESUS the CHRIST OUR LORD, AMEN

DOXOLOGY

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, Ye heaven-ly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Amen

BENEDICTION: MAY The LORD bless you, and keep you;

MAY The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;

MAY The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.' AMEN (Num 6:24-26)

Christ go with you now...until we meet again

Christ go with you now...keep praying on till then

It really doesn't matter what the weather...

Just as long as we all are TOGETHER...

Christ go with you now...Till we meet again!

THE CALL

If you have never invited Jesus to be your Lord and savior, or, if you have in the past yet remain unsure of your salvation, conversion, and forgiveness of sin, Please pray with me now: Lord Jesus I need to fill a hole in my life that follows me where ever I go. I am a long-time Sinner and I now CONFESS and REPENT of all my sins in Your Holy Name. I believe that You JESUS are the Lord, that you were hung on a cross and died. I believe that you were raised back to life then ascended into heaven and are presently seated at the right hand of The Father. Please come into me, Lord Jesus, clean me, take me and make me, reach me, teach me how to be Yours and let me serve from this day forward and forever, I receive You right now! Thank-You Jesus, AMEN

If you sincerely prayed with me, your salvation has been assured. {Rom 10:9 KJV} -That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Waste no time in finding like minded folks, to fellowship with, who have also received the lord Jesus. Be introduced to a church that PREACHES THE BIBLE. Email me. Let us help you begin a journey that you will never tire of; the discovery of the Majesty, Beauty and loving Power of Jesus the Christ. Welcome to the family! Until we meet again, next week, PEACE be with you and yours in the Shepherd's Love!

Chaplain Gary and Linda Thompson, CESM

C.E.S.M. THE "WORD" MESSAGE CENTER

(Published Friday evenings and when priority messages arrive and are shared)

CHRIST ETERNAL SENIOR MINISTRIES

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

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