Book of John & Hillsong

I have been studying the book of John for months doing Bible studies and preparing to give a sermon-more to share later. But I wanted to share this music with you. The Lord has spoken to me through this song. Hillsong has so many great worship songs. I can't tell you how many times God has used music to help me through some personal trial. I hope this song will inspire you the way it has me.

 

 

Time Out

This past Sunday my Pastor gave a sermon about Lent . He encouraged us to spend more time with the Lord through prayer, fasting and Bible study. He also encouraged us to take the money we save on food, from fasting and giving up some things that we enjoy, and use it to bless someone else. So I started thinking about how I am spending my time. Because obviously, if I am going to do more of something, that means I have to do less of something else. If I fast, I don't have to prepare food and I don't have to clean up. That saves me both time and money. My Pastor got me thinking about my priorities and the choices I am making. Since I consider myself a Christian, my choices and priorities are focused on two things: Jesus and people (Mat.22:37-40). So I can't see how my life would be focused on Jesus and people, if I am not spending time with them. Jesus made a choice he didn't have to make but did. He said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work," (John 4:34) and that is exactly what He did. 

What is Brother Joe Radosti all about?

Joseph-He shall add; Radosti-Happiness & joy.

It's about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. It's about living out my passion. It's about participating in his love, compassion and mercy for humanity. Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:1,14; Mat. 1:23; 1 Tim. 3:16). He is a witness of what is in heaven (John 3:31-34). He is love and life eternal.

(1 John 4:16; John 5:26). Once we understand who Jesus is and believe, it changes us-transforms us. When we participate in his love, compassion, and mercy; all things are possible! Sharing the gospel means sharing the love of Christ with others. So in addition to visiting and praying for sick and afflicted people at nursing homes and hospitals, we also have Bible studies and distribute clothes and blankets. We hold support group meetings to encourage those who are suffering from various hardships. We also stir one another to share God's love, compassion, and mercy with others by using our gifts, talents and resources for His glory. This blog was created to communicate Jesus' love with others and to discover additional ways to improve the way we serve Christ and those in need. My passion is to know the Lord Jesus more deeply each and every day and to express his love more effectively.

Please share your comments and suggestions. You may post them here at this blog.

Death Just A Shadow

Psalm 23:4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (parched land)  I will fear no evil. I have been through that valley-not alone thankfully; the Lord was with me and carried me through it. In 2002, after an emergency visit to Greenwich Hospital (Connecticut) and having surgery to remove a blockage in my intestine, a suture began to leak and I ended up on life support. Most of my organs failed. I had written in my journal months before during intense prayer, many scriptures including Psalm 91:2-4(NLT). This I declare of the Lord, He alone is my refuge, my place of safety, He is my God and I am trusting in Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings, He will shelter you with His feathers, His faithful promises are your armor and protection. The Lord was speaking to me clearly, "I will shield you with my wings, I will shelter you with my feathers." At the time I didn't understand what He meant. I discussed it with a good friend and we prayed together often. Later when I was fighting for every breath, my friend gave encouragement to my loved ones. It was when I regained consciousness that I understood the Lord's message to me. He kept His word and "shielded me with His wings and sheltered me with His feathers." We can't get from the parched land to green pastures without the Godman Jesus, because only he has the Living Water to give. We need the Living Water to get from parched land to green pastures. Death was only a shadow and it still is for all who belong to Christ.

Can The Government Protect You?

How can the government protect you when there are people with ideologies of hatred, who are willing to put explosives in their underwear, climb aboard a commercial jet and then blow themselves up?  Unlike those who wage war against flesh and blood, followers of Christ know that we fight a spiritual battle-For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:12 NLT). Jesus taught us to love our enemies: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Mat. 5:44). You can't change the world unless the heart is changed and you can't change the heart until Jesus gets a hold of it. It's only Jesus who can transform the heart of man from that of hate, to a heart of love. Let us follow Jesus command and resist the forces of evil.

 
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Wearing the scars of Christ

Richard Wurmbrand, Founder of "The Voice Of  The Martyrs", in his book, "Tortured For Christ" said: "Communists can kill Christians but they cannot kill their love toward even those who killed them. I have not the slightest bitterness or resentment against the Communists or my torturers." This after he had many of his bones broken, his body carved, and eighteen holes burned and cut in his body. Most of us will never experience being tortured or have to die for Christ, but as believers we are "crucified with Christ and dead." It is the resurrected Christ who lives his live within us (Gal. 2:20). Richard Wurmbrand knew and experienced the great power of Christ's love. By his example he was able to win many of his torturers to Christ.  Love is the only weapon that can and will defeat all evil. It's not easy to love those who don't love you back-I know, I too am a disciple of Christ. But through Christ all things are possible (Phil. 4:13).

Prayer: Jesus live your life of selfless love within me!

Tiger Woods-When Idols Fail Us

Tiger Woods has certainly garnered a lot of attention over the years. Most recently for the wrong reasons. Should those of us who call ourselves Christian join in the parade and kick him while he is down or should we reach out and help him up? Jesus set an example for us while we were still sinners he died for us (Romans 5:8). We can all be thankful for God's great love and mercy and in doing so extend his mercy and love to others. As we draw closer to Christmas day, let us remember Jesus command to love one another (John 15:17). Ask God to help Tiger Woods and his family through their trials and remember those who are suffering from various hardships during this holiday season.

I just ordered my copy of the movie, "Most" on DVD. The movie is symbolic of God's great love for humanity. Click the link for further information http://www.mostthemovie.com/