Drum the Message Home

'That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prop hets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.' Ephesians 2:19-22 (MSG) The first page of my 'Pray First, Prayer changes Everything' Family Life Fellowship journal starts like this: 12/31/17 Prayer Journal -Go Forth. So I wrote it. So I did it. Then I listed my prayer requests for the day, each family member by name. I prayed for more than a few things; my own doct

' It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’ s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?' Galatians 5:13-15 (MSG) It is perfectly clear to me that we are living in the period of grace. How shocking to see how the story goes from the days of old. Moses giving us the Ten Commandments and the Law and the Prophets taking it to six hundred and thirteen, as if ten were not the perfect number. Then David came and reduced the number to eleven. Then Isaiah came and reduced it by five. Then Micah came and reduced it to

'For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.' Psalm 145:13 (NLT) God, You reign for ever and ever. You will never die. You will live forever. You are my everlasting King. Even though rulers die and kingdoms fall, Your saints will reign for ever and ever and You with them. Yours is a Kingdom of all worlds, of all ages, of all times and for all peoples.  You are faithful to your promises for ever and ever. Your works will thank you. Your followers will praise you. You satisfy the desires of all, except those unreasonable children of men who are satisfied with nothing. You are always near and answer the prayers of your people. You are everywhere. For those You call Your own children, You chose to live in their hearts, kept there by faith, and they are alive in You. You are most gracious in all things for ever and ever. It is through Your mercy

'Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.' Colossians 4:2-4 (NLT) To be devoted is to give a large part of your time and resources to a thing of importance to you. And why not be devoted to prayer? Isn't it what we are called to do? Why not give yourself to prayer? I see the benefits of it. I know that continued conversations with God will keep me connected to Him. Prayer keeps my Spirit alive. Prayer keeps me from temptation. Prayer helps to cast off my fears. My prayers are precious and powerful when they are mixed with faith. It is God's will that we are to pray without ceasing. If it is His will, then I should be about that and be prepared. To be alert to something is to watch it closely. When I am watchful, I am p

' He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.' Romans 4:20-25 (KJV) When considering, practically a year ago, ways to increase my faith, I believe I was lead by the Spirit in a direction that I would never have considered on my own. A direction that seemed purely selfish on my part and purely a call from God. Why else would I be prompted to do such a thing? Why else would I see a need to work on my relationship with Him? Though there are many ways to increase ones faith, mine was simple. Early morning feeding

' Now [ And look/ behold] Elizabeth, your relative, ·is also pregnant with [has also conceived] a son ·though she is very old [in her old age]. ·Everyone thought she could not have a baby, but she has been pregnant for six months. [ And this is the sixth month for the woman they called barren!] ·God can do anything […because nothing is impossible with God; or …because no w ord/message from God will ever fail; Gen. 18:14; Jer. 32:17]!” Mary said, “[Look; Behold] I am the ·servant [bondservant; handmaid] of the Lord. Let this happen to me ·as you say [according to your word]!” Then the angel ·went away [left her].' Luke 1:36-38 (EXB) 'Elizabeth, your relative, is also pregnant.' 'God can do anything'. And Mary, even though she was free to choose, gave up her own dreams and her earthly desires in order to be obedient and to serve God and to do His will. She agree to provide a home for God for those nine months of her pregnancy. She agreed to do

' We know what true love looks like because of Jesus. He gave His life for us, and He calls us to give our lives for our brothers and sisters. If a person owns the kinds of things we need to make it in the world but refuses to share with those in need, is it even possible that God’s love lives in him? My little children, don’t just talk about love as an idea or a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love. There is a sure way for us to know that we belong to the truth. Even though our inner thoughts may condemn us with storms of guilt and constant reminders of our failures, we can know in our hearts that in His presence God Himself is greater than any accusation. He knows all things.' 1 John 3:16-20 (VOICE)   True love through Jesus is the example on how to live a good life for us all. The miracles and the mysteries of how His Divine love came down to us as the Greatest Gift of all and how He redeemed the Church with Hi

' But Mary treasured all these things in her heart and often pondered what they meant. The shepherds returned to their flock, ecstatic over what had happened. They praised God and glorified him for all they had heard and seen for themselves, just like the angel had said.' Luke 2:19-20 (TPT) The day that I have longed for is almost here! And I couldn't be more excited. After all the shopping and the decorating and preparations, how nice it is just to be able to sit back and relax with feet up, over a cup of coffee. What precious times are these that I give myself, if only for a few quiet moments and to think about the Christmas story of the baby's birth and meditate on it in my heart. This story was told by Matthew and Luke, but Mary is the one that went through it. She lived it. Just like treasure were her memories of the events that lead up to her own contemplation. She had cause to wonder, and because it all happened so quickly she hadn't rea

'For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' Isaiah 9:7 (NLT) 'And Joseph named him Jesus.' Matthew 1:25 (NLT) As you ponder the Reason for the Season consider this: the One and Only reason for Christmas is the Gift. Here it is, so plain and so true. that God loved the world so much He was willing to give us His Son. The Prince of Peace. What will you be giving to the ones you love this busy joy-filled season? Every minute spent in the kitchen preparing the food for the holiday meals is a gift of your time and an act of love giving. Every holiday cookie that you bake and decorate is a gift of your talent with someone special in mind. Every minute you spend addressing the Christmas cards and mailing them out is an act of love giving to that someone special that you have named on your list. Al

'A short time later Mary hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea. She went into Zechariah’s home, where she greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby moved within her. The Holy Spirit came upon Elizabeth. Then in a loud voice she said to Mary:       God has blessed you more than any other woman! He        has also blessed the child you will have. Why should the        mother of my Lord come to me? As soon as I heard your        greeting, my baby became happy and moved within me.        The Lord has blessed you because you believed that he       will keep his promise.' Luke 1:39-45 (CEV) Where grace abounds it is good to greet one another and perhaps to share a holy kiss with our very dear friends, and to spend time with like minded believers. And oh the joy that floods my soul when I do. For it is then, when under the Holy Spirit's anointing and given certain prompting we may declare many joyful things to one another.

'Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this wi ll be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 (NKJV) Here is our sign... Where was Jesus born? You will find Him In the City of King David. Interestingly, his parents where ordered to be there during a census, by the most powerful man in the world. Who got the birth announcement first? Ironically, the ones that were busy watching over the sacrificial lambs. What happened immediately after the birth was announced? Instantaneously, the heavens e

'For as God is true to his word, my promise to you was not a fickle “yes” when I meant “no.” Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and he is the one whom Timothy, Silas, and I have preached to you—and he has never been both a “yes” and a “no.” He has always been and always will be for us a resounding “YES!” For all of God’s promises find their “yes” of fulfillment in him. And as his “yes” and our “amen” ascend to God, we bring him glory! Now, it is God himself who has anointed us. And he is constantly strengthening both you and us in union with Christ. He knows we are his since he has also stamped his seal of love over our hearts and has given us the Holy Spirit like an engagement ring is given to a bride—a down payment of the blessings to come!' 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 (TPT) The message this season is one of wishing, and for some it is plainly and softly spoken, 'All I want for Christmas is Jesus!' My Christmas list is short. He is all that I need. His W

'Since we have been acquitted and made right through faith, we are able to experience true and lasting peace with God through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King. Jesus leads us into a place of radical grace where we are able to celebrate the hope of experiencing God’s glory. And that’s not all. We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance, which shapes our characters. When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness. And hope will never fail to satisfy our deepest need because the Holy Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God’s love. When the time was right, the Anointed One died for all of us who were far from God, powerless, and weak. Now it is rare to find someone willing to die for an upright person, although it’s possible that someone may give up his life for one who is truly good. But think about this: while we were wasting

'Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. ' 1 Peter 4:10 (NRSV) He is miserable that clings to self and forgets God. But consider the one that proclaims the Good News and gives of himself and his all, he can be confident in the Lord and will find the peace and joy he seeks for all eternity.  

' And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that h e went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days? And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone? And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. But he knew their thoughts,

'But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].' James 1:22 (AMP) Hearing is not enough, we must also do. Listeners only are also deluded. Deluding themselves as to the truth. Self-deception is the worst for it reaches down deep to the soul. We are not led, but take oursel ves into darkness. We go willingly. We go proudly. We miss the meaning every time we internalize it and fail to act on it. We trip and take the fall and there is no getting back up. There is nothing of good in the hearing only. Do not just be obedience in your attendance as to the assembling of yourself together and the attention as to the hearing of the message only. Humble yourself. Obedience to the listening only, is not enough. Knowing the truth is not enough. Ignorance of the law is not enough. You m

'He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.' Isaiah 53:7 (KJV) This prophecy was fulfilled 740 years later when Matthew documented that Jesus the Messiah would give no answer when accused by the chief priest and the elders. 'And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.' Matthew 27:12-14 (KJV)  

' Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. And there came a scribe, and said unto him, Teacher, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of the disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus saith unto him, Follow me; and leave the dead to bury their own dead. And when he was entered into a boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Save, Lord; we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even th

'Jesus said, “I’ll come and heal him.”' Matthew 8:7 (MSG) Believe and you shall receive. With Roman Soldier style faith you will see what the miraculous power of Christ and the power of faith can do.  When we seek The Healer Jesus in faith and belief as the Roman Soldier in Matthew's Gospel did, that is where the power of the Holy Spirit is. When we trust Him to hear us and tell Him of our loved one's disease, He is ready to come and to heal him just as He was then. Just pray to Him the Word of faith and believe it to be true and the healing is already there. Never doubt it. For He is no respecter of persons, what He does for the one who believes He will do for you. Then you will hear Him say to you 'What you believe could happen has happened.' Your faith has made you whole. Go in peace.   drummingthemessagehome.blogspot.com  

'The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob defend thee! May He send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion. May He remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice. Selah May He grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfill all thy counsel. We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners; the Lord fulfill all thy petitions! Now I know that the Lord saveth His anointed; He will hear him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen; but we are risen and stand upright. Save us, Lord! Let the King hear us when we call.' Psalm 20 (KJ21) With praise and with singing I keep Psalm 20 in my heart and on my lips today! In times of trouble I know who to call. I call upon the Lord. I pray to the God of Abraham, Isa

'And when the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures saw the Lamb had taken the scroll, they fell facedown at the feet of the Lamb and worshiped him. Each of them had a harp and golden bowls brimming full of sweet fragrant incense—which are the prayers of God’s holy lovers.' Revelation 5:8 (TPT) This is such a powerful symbolic visual of heaven that every intercessor should know. Consider the scene around the Throne of the elders, creatures and the Lamb . This image is awe inspiring enough, but then you read the rest of John's vision and are encouraged by it. Everyone is holding a harp and is worshiping the Lamb. Facedown worship. Facedown worship in heaven to the Lamb that was found worthy. The worship that includes the harp and the golden bowls. The golden bowls of intercessory prayers are being offered up by God's holy lovers. The worship and the prayers go together. Just imagine that we are the worshiping intercessors, ascending to

'God looked long and hard, but there wasn’t a single person who tried to put a stop to the injustice and lies. So God took action. His own strong arm reached out and brought salvation. His own righteousness—good and pure—sustained Him. But God’s equipment was that of no ordinary warrior: He strapped on righteousness as His breastplate, and put on the helmet of salvation. Wrapped in vengeance for clothing and passion as a cloak, God prepared f or war. Finally, God determined they must get what they’ve earned: fury to those who oppose Him, vengeance against those who are against Him. To the ends of the known world, God will go to render justice. This is how people from east to west will come to respect the name and honor the glory of the Eternal. For He will come on like a torrential flood driven by the Eternal’s winds. Eternal One: The Redeemer will come to make Zion right again, to rescue those of Jacob’s holy line who turn their backs on wrongdoing.

'The earlier revelation was intended simply to get us ready for the Messiah, who then puts everything right for those who trust him to do it. Moses wrote that anyone who insists on using the law code to live right before God soon discovers it’s not so easy—every detail of life regulated by fine print! But trusting God to shape the right living in us is a different story—no precarious climb up to heaven to recruit the Messiah, no dangerous descent into hell to rescue the Messiah. So what exactly was Moses saying? The word that saves is right here, as near as the tongue in your mouth, as close as the heart in your chest. It’s the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us. This is the core of our preaching. Say the welcoming word to God—“Jesus is my Master”—embracing, body and soul, God’s work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That’s it. You’re not “doing” anything; you’re simply calling out to God, t

'But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.' Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) This prophecy was fulfilled 740 years later when Matthew documented that Jesus the Messiah was flogged and Isaiah even tells us the reason why Christ would suffer. He suffered to save us all from the judgment of sin and death. 'Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.' Matthew 27:26 (KJV)  

'Many of Jesus' disciples heard him and said, “This is too hard for anyone to understand.” Jesus knew that his disciples were grumbling. So he asked, “Does this bother you? What if you should see the Son of Man go up to heaven where he came from? The Spirit is the one who gives life! Human strength can do nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are from that life-giving Spirit. But some of you refuse to have faith in me.” Jesu s said this, because from the beginning he knew who would have faith in him. He also knew which one would betray him. Then Jesus said, “You cannot come to me, unless the Father makes you want to come. That is why I have told these things to all of you.” John 6:60-65 (CEV) There is nothing of a surprise here. It is not shocking to me to read that students will grumble. So Jesus asks us this, 'Do my words offend you?' Honestly, how can I watch all of the miracles I see you do daily Lord and then take offense by your words?