RUN WITH YOUR FAITH!

Prayer Agreement

Mandarin Duck Beauty

Aurora Light Over Finland.....

Choose Wisely and Count the Cost

Discernment.....

Perfect Peace

FAITH RESTS

Fellowship With Another

Be A Blessing To Others

The Wonder of Love and Caring

Radiant Glory of the Creator!

Are You Born Again?

 New Life from GOD!

MONARCH MIRACLE!

Wondrous LORD of GLORY!

"

ALMOST... But Not Really

Word received: Gerri Merrick ~ December 26, 2015

"My Creation has always brought questions, delight, amazement...and even frustration to mankind.

How can there be such varieties in all the earth? 

Where did the ideas of the designs spring from...?

What is man in this endless procession of Beauty and Terror?

I AM...that  I AM!

You think that you understand and even know Me!

You spend time thinking, meditating, hoping, debating...

And telling others the simple unraveling of these mysteries...

They stand in awe of your knowledge and what you seem to know...

ALMOST...But Not Really...

My Ways are truly higher than your ways.

My Thoughts are far above your reasonings...

My Plan is far beyond the sighs of your dreams... 

My Unfoldings and Revelations must be given in "snips, sips and glimpses"

ALMOST...But Not Really...

Is this revealed to bring frustration and defeat?

Do I say this to bring you low and deflated?

Does the security in your heart tremble?

Does the Faith and Knowledge of Me take unsteady flight?

ALMOST...But Not Really...

My desire as Your Creator and Your Everything...

Is to give glimpses of the Majesty and Wonder...

But never allow you to become complacent...

This causes one to become "lukewarm" and also

live as a tired bored old friend or a spoiled rowdy child.

ALMOST...But Not Really...

The surprises, wonder, respect, and commitment...

Then drains away into a dull, average life of faith...

Never take your GOD for granted!

Never think you have everything figured out!

ALMOST...But Not Really...

Joy, Peace, Faith, Trust and Wonder...

Can be joined to Your heart with ME!

And can you keep growing and going and drawing near?

Yes...Come with Your radiant Faith knowing ME!

My Child...My Child...

ALMOST...But Not Really........."

_______

Rev Gerri Merrick

Rejoice International

Rejoice Rally

************

Psalm 40:1-5King James Version (KJV)

40 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

² He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
³ And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
⁴ Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
⁵ Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

King James Version (KJV) by Public Domain

 

***************

 

Many are Called but Few are Chosen

Do you understand what the Bible verse, "many are called but few are chosen" means? There are a number of Bible verses where Jesus tells us that only few will be saved and enter the Kingdom of God. The problem is, the majority of the Christian world chooses to ignore these verses, and just carry on in their worldly lives thinking they are saved because they said a prayer to Jesus at one time, or because they belong to a church that "know" the truth, and "knowing" the truth they think will save them, rather than a daily loving relationship with the Lord Jesus. Friend, this message that Jesus is getting across is vital! We MUST heed the warning and change our lives and give our ALL for the Lord Jesus. So let's look at these verses about many being called but few are chosen.

Matthew 20:16 ...'So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.'

Matthew 22:14 ...'For many are called, but few are chosen.'

So Jesus confirms this twice, that many are called but only few are chosen. Now some Christians will say that this is in comparison to the whole of the world population, but this isn't so. Jesus is talking to the church, and the professing Christian world. He is talking to those who believe in Him, the called ones, and out of those called ones, only few are chosen. In other words, only few are saved and will enter into Heaven. Why? Because only few in comparison to the whole of the professing Christian world actually gave their all for Jesus. The rest believe in Him, but they wanted to hold on to their lives on this earth, and are not worthy to enter into God's Kingdom, as Jesus said ... John 12:25 ...'He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.' ... You see, only those who are ready and willing to give up this life for the Lord will gain eternal life.
Matthew 22:11-14 ...'And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called but few are chosen.' ... Have a real good think about these verses. Jesus is telling the parable of the marriage between Him and His church. Now above we see a man is found that is not welcome, why? Because he has not been clothed in the white garment he needs, he is still in his sinful state, he did not give his all for Jesus and cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, and being stood in front of Jesus the man realizes he is still in his sin, and is therefore cast into hell fire. Now this is the important bit - What is that man doing there in the first place? HE THOUGHT HE WAS INVITED! This man was one of the called ones, he was a professing Christian and thought he was saved and went to the wedding thinking that way. But he was rejected because he did not live according to the true faith. He kept living a worldly life and did not separate himself from the world and give his all for Jesus. Which meant he was not "clothed" with the righteousness of Christ.
Matthew 7:13-14 ...'Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.' ... Again Jesus is saying here that only few will find the narrow way. The majority of the Christian world are going down the broad EASY way, but they don't realize it leads to destruction. Take a look at the church in the Bible, and you will find a sacrificial church that gives it's all for Jesus. Then take a look at the professing church in the world today, and you will see a church in COMFORT, saying the right words, but not living the true faith, and what did Jesus say? ... Matthew 15:8 ...'This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.'
Luke 13:24 ...'Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.' ... Notice that Jesus says many will SEEK to enter in, but will not be able to. These are the called ones, those who profess to follow Jesus, but their lives show that actually they don't. So many think they can just believe in Jesus and then sit back and do nothing. But look what it says in Luke above, 'STRIVE' to enter in at the strait gate.
So many professing Christians believe they are going to Heaven, when actually they are going into hell fire. Why? Because they don't study the Word of God daily and find the truth about being a true follower of Christ. Stop holding on to the things of this world. Why do we hold on to something that will be destroyed when Jesus returns? Let it go and give your all to Jesus now!
I plead with you to give your all to Christ Jesus today. Remember, many are called, but few are chosen. So give your all to CHRIST JESUS as LORD and KING!

 What is Apologetics? An Outline

by Ryan Turner

1. What is Christian apologetics?
   1. What Apologetics is Not
      1. The art of getting really good at saying, “I’m sorry"! over and over.
      2. The art of intellectually forcing unbelievers into submission holds MMA style.
      3. Arguing about how many angels can stand on a pin.
      4. Shaving your head and looking cool.
   2. A Definition of Apologetics
      1. “Apologetics is the branch of Christian theology which attempts to give a rational defense of the Christian faith.”
      2. Apologetics is giving a reason for why you believe what you believe.
      3. The English word, “apologetics,” comes from the Greek word, apologia, which means “to give a reason or defense” (1 Pet. 3:15).
      4. Apologetics is also called “pre-evangelism.”
      5. An “apologist” is someone who defends the Christian faith.
2. Why should we do apologetics?
   1. The Bible Commands us to
      1. 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence," (NASB).
         1. The importance of humility: 1 Cor. 8:1, “ . . . Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.”
         2. The importance of love: 1 Cor. 13.
      2. Jude 3, “I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.”
         1. Jude 22, “And have mercy on some, who are doubting.”
         2. Apologetics is to be coupled with mercy and love.
   2. Jesus Did Apologetics
      1. Jesus gave evidence for His claims:
         1. His fulfillment of prophecy (Mk. 14:61-62, Lk. 24:44-45).
         2. His Miracles
            1. Resurrection: Prediction (Jn. 2:19-21, cf. Mt. 12:39-40) and Accomplishment (1 Cor. 15, Lk. 24:26-27).
            2. Healings (Mt. 11:2-5).
         3. Corrected false interpretations of Scripture (Mt. 4:1-11).
   3. Paul Did Apologetics
      1. Greeks at Mars Hill (Acts 17:22-34)
         1. Quotes pagan poets Aratus and Epimenides.
      2. Jews in the Synagogues (Acts 17:1-3)
      3. False teachers within the Church (Galatians, 1 Corinthians, etc.)
      4. Paul’s mission
         1. Phil. 1:7--“the defense and confirmation of the gospel.”
         2. Phil. 1:16--“I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.”
      5. Paul’s criteria for ordaining elders
         1. Titus 1:9, “Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict," (cf. 2 Tim. 2:24).
   4. The Church Did Apologetics
      1. The Early Church with the Apostles
         1. The Apostle Paul: Galatians and 1 Corinthians
         2. The Apostle John: 1, 2, and 3rd John
      2. The Early Church after the Apostles
         1. Apologists: Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, etc.
         2. Heresies: Gnosticism, Arianism, etc.
   5. Apologetics Helps Christians
      1. To better know their faith and share it more effectively.
      2. To answer peoples' real questions which hinder them from accepting the Gospel.
      3. To have influence in the public square (education, media, etc.).
      4. To prevent doctrinal apostasy in the Church.
      5. To answer the false claims of cults and religions . . .
3. What are the different methods of Christian apologetics?
   
   1. Presuppositional Apologetics
      1. General Characteristics:
         1. Emphasizes the importance of presuppositions or the foundations of one’s thinking.
         2. Assumes the existence of God and the truth of the Bible.
      2. Adherents: John Frame, Greg Bahnsen, Cornelius Van Till, etc.
   2. Classical Apologetics
      1. General Characteristics:
         1. Stresses rational argumentation for the existence of God.
         2. It is necessary to demonstrate the existence of God first in order to argue for the resurrection of Jesus. (God must exist for miracles to occur).
      2. Adherents: Norman Geisler, William Lane Craig, R. C. Sproul, etc.
   3. Evidential Apologetics
      1. General Characteristics:
         1. They emphasize giving evidence for the Christian faith whether historical, logical, etc.
         2. They think miracles do not presuppose God’s existence but can serve as evidence for His existence.
            1. Resurrection example
      2. Adherents: B. B. Warfield, John Warwick Montgomery, Gary Habermas, etc.
   4. Which View is Correct?
      1. All of the views have practical advantages and are useful in certain circumstances.
         1. Presuppositional (2 Pet. 3:5)
         2. Classical (Rom. 1:20)
         3. Evidential (1 Cor. 15:3-7)
      2. It seems that Scripture makes use of all of them in a very generic sense.
      3. Make up your own mind.
4. What are the various areas of Christian apologetics?
   
   1. 6 Areas of Apologetics
      
      1. Philosophical Apologetics
      2. Theological Apologetics
      3. Biblical Apologetics
      4. Scientific Apologetics
      5. Religion and Cult Apologetics
      6. Other Areas (History, Sociology, Business, etc.)
5. Conclusion
   
   1. Since Christianity is a worldview, apologetics in some sense affects every aspect of life.
   2. The Bible commands it. Jesus did it. Paul did it. The early Church did it, and the world needs it.
   3. What are you going to do about it?
6. Bibliography
   
   1. CARM.org Website.
   2. Cowan, Steven B. 5 Views on Apologetics.
   3. Geisler, Norman L.  Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics.

DEFENDING YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST

Are you an apologist?

by Matt Slick
Sometimes, when I do seminars and after I introduce myself, I give a very brief history of what got me started in apologetics and what keeps me going. Usually, those who are there are there to learn about Christian doctrine, evangelism, witnessing to Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, or other cult groups, or are simply there to ask questions on different subjects. Invariably, I introduce the term 'apologetics' to the group and define it as "that field of Christian study that defends Biblical truth against anything that opposes it." Also, I state that apologetics is as varied as people and subjects and that no one can master all areas. As God calls people into study, they will become proficient in what interests them according to the gifts and interests that have been entrusted to them by Him.
But one of my concerns when doing seminars is what I call "The Speaker Effect." Basically, when a group gathers to hear a speaker, it is assumed that the speaker knows his material and is very experienced in the subject. Given the fact that public speaking is America's number one phobia, the mere fact that a person can get up there and speak for an hour on a subject (and enjoy doing it) has a psychological effect of distancing the learner from the teacher. The speaker is often elevated to the status of "A Special Teacher Called of God." Actually, in my case, the speaker is just someone who likes to blab about what he knows. I'm no different from anyone else and that is important. People need to realize that they are called by God to study and show themselves approved (2 Tim. 2:15). Furthermore, this "effect" tends to make people think that they can't be good apologists since they aren't up there speaking. This is not true, and I always try to motivate people to study and master those areas that the Lord calls them to study.
Apologetics is the attempt to make a defense for the Christian faith. If you do that in any way, then you are an apologist. In fact, you are commanded to be an apologist by Peter: "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence," (1 Pet. 3:15).
If God commands you to make a defense, then He is commanding you to be an apologist. So you are, whether you like it or not, called to be an apologist. But don't worry. God is not in the habit of sending people to accomplish His will without equipping them.
Now, what I am going to tell you is true. I've experienced this many times. But please understand that this is the work of the Holy Spirit--not me. There would be times in varying situations when I would be discussing something with an unbeliever. He would ask a difficult question that would give me pause. I'd nod, trust God, and inhale to begin to answer. The answer would come as I began to speak. In other words, I didn't know what to say until I started to say it. I am reminded of Jesus' words in Mark 13:11: "And when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit."
I say this because I want you to learn to trust the Lord. He said that He will be with us always to the end (Matt. 28:20). I believe it. He is there when we need Him. So, you need to study, be ready, and trust the Lord to provide what you need when you need it. Trust God and Go!

************

PROPHECY for the BELIEVERS IN CHRIST:
"VOICES, WHISPERS, SHOUTS!"

Received by: Gerri Merrick ~ November 19, 2015

"My Word has warned of these times...the world is waxing old and festering with evil men hurrying to serve the world, the flesh and the Devil.
The infecting sounds from their mouths and hearts are making multitudes reel in fear, distress and hopelessness!

The Stealing, Killing and Destroying continues... (John 10:10)
Voices, Whispers, Shouts!... Ignore the trouble they bring!
Your eyes and ears were made for Me alone!
Your LORD and GOD!

Evil has always been the same...EVIL.
Now that time is growing shorter,..
the sounds are more clever, twisted and relentless!
Voices, Whispers, Shouts!...Ignore anything Not of ME!

Consider the Source! Consider the well of filthy water...
Consider the evil hearts forming the sounds!
All of history has heard these same sounds!

All of Creation remembers the echoes of evil!
All of Creation groans for My Sons to be revealed!

Those Martyred keep asking...
"When, Lord, shall You Rise Up and avenge us...!"

Keep the sound of My Voice and My Word...
secure in your hearts, minds and ears!

Look to Me with eyes of Faith and Courage!
Fear Not! Your GOD is on the Scene!
Your GOD on the March!
Stand still and know Your GOD!

Your real home is Not here...You are Not of this world!
You are to serve as Witnesses, Ambassadors for Christ.
You have an Eternal Mandate...

Go Ye and preach the Gospel of the Risen Christ!
How can they believe and learn to speak My Word?
If they do not hear...they cannot turn and believe!

The Gospel must be preached to the nations...
and then the End shall come...

Now the Nations are banging at the Door....

Pray, Seek My Face and I shall guide and cover you!
Choose to turn from All Sin in your lives...
Then you will be secure in Me...
No matter what arrives each day....

Voices, Whispers, Shouts!
OH, HEAR THE MIGHTY THUNDER OF MY VOICE!"
***************
Rev Geraldine Gerri Merrick
Gerri Merrick
Rejoice International
Rejoice Rally
www.gerrimerrick.com
www.gerrimerrick.blogspot.com

TREES of RIGHTEOUSNESS

TREES of RIGHTEOUSNESS...Not Sensitive Plants! Isaiah 61:3
3 "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."
WE, as Believers, disciples and ambassadors for CHRIST, the Body of Christ...are called as New Creatures in Christ, to " decrease as HE increases," to crucify the flesh, to die to self, to give up the "right to self"...rejecting our "will" over the WILL of GOD...to live as the royal priesthood and holy nation for God....to present ourselves spotless before the Lord as His Bride, to live rejecting "rebellion-witchcraft and stubbornness-idolatry (I Samuel 15:23)...living and loving as "salt and light" before others...not grieving, quenching or frustrating the Holy Spirit but bearing His 9 Fruit of the Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control/Temperance (Galatians 5)....
Just a short "check list" to examine ourselves and allow repentance and change back to true holy living and turning to the Righteousness of GOD in CHRIST to be done through us! EYES and FOCUS on HIM!
LIVE IN CHRIST! BE A RIGHTEOUS TREE of RIGHTEOUSNESS...not a sinful "Sensitive Plant"...touchy selfish,fleshy and worldly! Grow Up in CHRIST!
...
King James Bible I Corinthians 5:21
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness (perfect moral perfection) of God in him."
Allow Faith in Christ and who He has made you to be Now... take root and grow each day...as the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN CHRIST!.
***************

Rev Geraldine "Gerri" Merrick

Rejoice International

Rejoice Rally 

www.gerrimerrick.com 

 

LION OF FIERCE LOVE

TRIUMPHANT LORD of GLORY!

Manifested to Destroy the Works of the Devil!

1 John 3:8 (KJV) He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus did not come to break the stronghold that the devil had on the human race, but to destroy the works of the devil. Something broken can be put back together, however, when something is destroyed it can never be put back together. Jesus came to set us free from the power of the enemy, the devil. John 8:32 (KJV) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:36 (KJV) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

I. What did Jesus come to destroy? First, the power of sin.
A. He laid down His Life, shedding His blood to destroy the power of sin in our lives. Hebrews 9:22 (KJV) And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
B. John 8:36 (KJV) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

II. Destroy sickness with His ministry and life. He paid the price.
A. 1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
B. Sickness comes from the devil, cancer etc.
1. I believe that every evil thing comes from the devil and the curse.
2. Every good thing comes from God. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
3. Divine healing comes from God and is good with the price paid in full by the stripes of Jesus.
4. However, many times we open the door to sickness by not taking care of the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is every born again believer.
(1 Cor 6:19 KJV) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

III. Destroy poverty. (2 Cor 8:9 KJV) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
A. God does expect you and I all to be millionaires, but He does want to meet all our needs. Philippians 4:19 (KJV) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
B. God's plan though is for us to put Him first. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
C. His Will seems to be the same for us. 3 John 1:2 (KJV) Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

IV. From all fear. Jesus came to destroy fear and through His Word give us faith
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and

 of love, and of a sound mind.
A. We need not fear anything from the devil.
1. We are not to fear demon power.
2. Witchcraft. Black magic and all the black arts.
a. We also should avoid these things and live and walk in the Spirit and Word.
3. Nor any of the evil crafts. Why not! 1 John 4:4 (KJV) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

V. Destroy the devil.
When Robinson Crusoe's good man Friday asked him, "Why doesn't God destroy the devil?" Robinson Crusoe gave him the right answer, the only answer, the great answer. He said, "God will destroy him."
(Rev 20:10 KJV) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
(Rev 20:14 KJV) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
(Rev 20:15 KJV) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
A. Let us open our hearts to all God has for us. Do not give any place to the enemy and be filled with he Holy Spirit.

We can rejoice and praise the Lord for all He has done through His Son,
the Lord Jesus Christ!

LION of FIRE

FRIEND DEVOTION

HORSES of the LORD!

JOY!

REGALO WITH FALL LEAVES

WHITE EVERYWHERE!

AUTUMN SILLY

COME AS A LITTLE CHILD

AUTUMN LEAVES ~ FALL FLOWERS

FALL MOUNTAIN WONDERS