Mighty God (Part 1)

Good morning Colleagues and Prayer Warriors, 

For same time now, people have been asking, "What is Gods perspective on ministry?" It is my prayer that through this series we can all say Amen. Over the last few day we have seen a great improvement with Kevina. Her home nurse care and physical therapy care at home has stopped.  She has three more appointments of which we know. Our prayer today is, "However long this trial is, or what ever Gods will is. At this point, all we can say is, "God is GOOD! Hallelujah!!!!!!!

As for myself. I am looking for great results on Monday January 4th as work will continue on my mouth. Karon has been resting that is good. Jonathan our son has come up to help in what ever way he can. He has become the babysitter of Karis and what ever he puts his hands to. Thank God!

Update on ministry:

On Wednesday December 23th, seven  people from the group we have been ministering to in our neighborhood, gave their hearts to the Lord. Let us keep these people from Cap Verde in our prayers. At the church I have been asked to lead out in while I'm here in Cambridge Ma. Six people gave their hearts to the Lord over the weekend through a message of hope. The congregation is small but through the power of the Holy Spirit. God shall do big things through this Gideon's Band. 

Early yesterday morning at 6:30 am when many where still sleeping. My ride came by to take me to Framingham Ma. We got there about 7:15 am, which was early. When the chaplain came in, we talked about ministry until we want in to minister to the woman. When we got the green light to move on, everything was like clockwork.

As the woman came in, they all sat in their place and the chaplain spoke and then started singing. As the praise of Gods daughter where a ascending to heaven, the building seem like it was rising off its foundation. When the woman's choir, started to sing, they can sang!!!!!! About 100 people was in attendance and about 40 lady's stood to give their lives afresh to the Lord. The Lord is blessing the woman of MCI Framingham under the leadership of His minister Chaplain Marshall. Let us keep the heads of the this state prison, the Chaplain, and the staff in our daily prayers because they are all doing a wonderful work in changing lives. 

This evening Monday Dec. 28th at 6:30 pm, I was at the Old Colony state prison preaching to the men that came out with three other leaders of the church. We seek your prayers for the 50 men that gave their lives afresh to Jesus. May we pray that Gods will continue to be done by those who are called to minister behind bars. Today a new revelation of Mathew 9:36-38 is open to us. "36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."

Many of us talk about ministry. Others long to get involved in a ministry. Still others are held back from ministry due to sometimes themselves, but most of the times by others. Then their is that few, who dispit the set backs, they puch ahead anyhow by the power of the Holy Spirit and do the work before them. Every minute of their lives is unto God in service. These are the few Jesus was talking about in these text. But they can't do the work by themselves. They need help, and only God can send the help needed. But note, the majority of their help will not come from the institutions of higher learning of the day. God will do a new thing and bring most of His labourers to finish the work from the common walks of life. 

Don't get me wrong, "Educated workers who are consecrated to God can do service in a greater variety of ways and can accomplish more extensive work than can those who are uneducated. Their discipline of mind places them on vantage ground. But those who have neither great talents nor extensive education may minister acceptably to others. God will use men who are willing to be used. It is not the most brilliant or the most talented persons whose work produces the greatest and most lasting results. Men and women are needed who have heard a message from heaven. The most effective workers are those who respond to the invitation, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me." Matthew 11:29.

It is heart missionaries that are needed. He whose heart God touches is filled with a great longing for those who have never known His love. Their condition impresses him with a sense of personal woe. Taking his life in his hand, he goes forth, a heaven-sent, heaven-inspired messenger, to do a work in which angels can co-operate.

If those to whom God has entrusted great talents of intellect put these gifts to a selfish use, they will be left, after a period of trial, to follow their own way. God will take men who do not appear to be so richly endowed, who have not large self-confidence, and He will make the weak strong, because they trust in Him to do for them that which they cannot do for themselves. God will accept the wholehearted service, and will Himself make up the deficiencies.

The Lord has often chosen for His colaborers men who have had opportunity to obtain but a limited school education. These men have applied their powers most diligently, and the Lord has rewarded their fidelity to His work, their industry, their thirst for knowledge. He has witnessed their tears and heard their prayers. As His blessing came to the captives in the courts of Babylon, so does He give wisdom and knowledge to His workers today.

Men deficient in school education, lowly in social position, have, through the grace of Christ, sometimes been wonderfully successful in winning souls for Him. The secret of their success was their confidence in God. They learned daily of Him who is wonderful in counsel and mighty in power.

Such workers are to be encouraged. The Lord brings them into connection with those of more marked ability, to fill up the gaps that others leave. Their quickness to see what is to be done, their readiness to help those in need, their kind words and deeds, open doors of usefulness that otherwise would remain closed. They come close to those in trouble, and the persuasive influence of their words has power to draw many trembling souls to God. Their work shows what thousands of others might do, if they only would." MH p. 151 

God is doing a great work today through humble men who have synchrony in Him. May we see ourselves helping them and the work they are called to do, and not hold them back. 

I am asking for your personal prayer today.

Chaplain Kevin Santucci

Song of the Day: 

Soweto Gospel Choir ft.Joe Praize - Mighty God

A DAY TO GIVE THANKS

Good evening Prayer Warriors,

 

There is a saying, “Sometimes in life we focus so much on what we don't have that we fail to see, appreciate, and use what we do have!” Jeff Dixon

 

History reminds us that back in 1534, England broke ties with the Roman Catholic Church. This new group of worshipers of God was known as Separatist. “Despite the fact that the separation was tied to Henry VIII’s political and marital issues, Protestant Reformers saw this as an opportunity to bring true reform to the church in England.  In time, these reformers came to be called Puritans (mainly because they wanted to “purify” the Church of England of Catholic traditions that they did not believe to be biblical).

 

However, after many years of struggling for change, some Puritans felt that little progress had been made toward true reform; they decided it was time to separate from the Church of England and start anew. Thus, began the distinction between the Puritans and the Separatists. Though the groups shared theological beliefs and values, the former chose to remain part of the Church of England, while the latter chose to separate.

 

The belief that the Pilgrims came to America in search of religious freedom is inspiring, but it’s just not so.  Religious persecution had prompted the Pilgrims to move from England to Holland in 1608, but none of the Pilgrim writers so much as hinted that a desire for greater religious freedom led them to leave Holland for America in 1620.  By their own account, Holland was a place where God had blessed them with “much peace and liberty.”  They cited factors other than religious persecution in explaining their decision to seek a new home across the ocean.” By Professor Tracy McKenzie

 

Today is Thanksgiving Day in America. The day celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in 1621.This feast lasted three days, and it was attended by 90 Native Americans, and 53 Pilgrims. These days of feasting took place in the New England colonists. On this day, these pilgrims put self aside and thanked God for His blessings to them. On the other hand, in giving thanks in the life of a true hearted person will bring about no war, bloodshed, and plans to terrorize humanity with the most dangerous methods devised by mankind.

 

On this day that has been set aside to give thanks by the most powerful nation on earth. Is it amazing that they are at war instead of sitting down around a table finding ways to bring about peace and live peaceably with all men. Is it because mankind has forgotten that there will be no true peace, without the God of peace in their lives? Or is it that, “The real story of religion in America’s past is an often awkward, frequently embarrassing and occasionally bloody tale that most civics books and high-school texts either paper over or shunt to the side. And much of the recent conversation about America’s ideal of religious freedom has paid lip service to this comforting tableau. Read more: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/americas-true-history-of-religious-tolerance-61312684/#ZTZK7RM6FiCDzyw9.99

 

As you look around America today and every other country, you see sadness, and unhappiness, everywhere. This was not Gods plan. When He made mankind, He gave them minds to think, and thank Him every moment and every day. Instead, mankind has used their minds to think of evil continually and create the world into what they would like it to be, and at the same time rationalize their ingratitude. Douglas Wilson was right when he said, "We are a murmuring, discontented, unhappy, ungrateful people. And because we think we want salvation from our discontents...” 

 

Today is a day of thanksgiving and my theme all day is, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." Psalm 34:1-3

 

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” “In the day of trouble, He shall keep me secretly in His pavilion: In the covert of His tabernacle shall He hide me; ... And I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.” Psalm 27:1; 27:5, 6

 

“I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God.” “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: Therefore, my heart greatly rejoiceth; And with my song will I praise Him.” Psalm 40:1-3; 28:7

 

“The history of nations speaks to us today. To every nation and to every individual God has assigned a place in His great plan. Today men and nations are being tested by the plummet in the hand of Him who makes no mistake. All are by their own choice deciding their destiny, and God is overruling all for the accomplishment of His purposes.” Prophets and Kings, cp. 43, pg. 536

 

Update

If I did not call you before I left Bermuda, I am sorry, but I made it safely back to Boston much earlier than expected on Tuesday. Kevina has been under great pain in her head which has caused her not being able to eat too much for over ten days. She is keeping herself hydrated. This has had its effect on Karon as she has been doing all she can to bring as much comfort to her as possible. Yesterday was a long day for me, after a not so good sleep with Kevina getting up so often through the night. I had to go to the hospital and pharmacy by bus and train for Kevina. Praise God, Karon is able to get some much-needed rest and that's all what matters for the next few days.

 

Beyond it all, we are all still praising God. As a family we have not asked God for much, but just the opportunity through all of our trails to be found faithful, and glorify Him in our lives. Our prayer today is always help us Lord, “In everything to give thanks” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This command is an assurance that even the things which appear to be against us will work for our good. Remember, God would not bid us be thankful for that which would do us harm, but our good. May your day be filled with thankful moments and peace all day long with the Prince of Peace.

Happy Thanksgiving 

Chaplain Kevin Santucci 
Bermuda 

Have a bless day and thank you for your prayers

The First Thanksgiving Story

Song of the Day: 

Give Thanks

Thank You for Praying for me.

Hello Friends, Colleagues, Prayer Warriors and Leaders, 

Today we have seen the mighty hand of the Lord. Over the last few days Kevina has been make an impressive recovery. Since yesterday she been moved from the intensive-care unit to the Lunder 7 of the Mass. General Hospital, a neurology step down unit. She is progressing medically. They are continuing to help her through her pain management. 

This morning I had the privilege be here with Kevina as she worked with physical therapy. She continues to build her strength each day until she is safe to progress Home.

Without much more from me on today's update, Kevina would like to have a word with all of you from herself. 

As you can see, God is answering the prays of His saints. Kevina is still in pain at this time, so we are asking for God to take away all the pain from her according to His word and will. I believe that this too shall pass and we shall see the greatest miracle yet of God working through people like Kevina and others. 

Are you going through a dark place today? Have you ever considered that this could be the very test God has allowed to show off His glory? Hold fast to what little faith you have and see the power of the Lord. Take a moment each morning, noon, and night to praise God for the small blessings and smile often.

We don't know the reason for all things, but what we do know is that if God is with us, we have nothing to fare. In the name of Jesus, we can say, this soon too shall pass! Today is say an encouraging word to comfort someone in a small way day. Take out a moment right now to brighten the corner where you are.

Note my comment link is not working. If you care to send a word of encouragement to Kevina. You can send it to: TucciGardenMinistry@gmail.com  

Have a bless day and thank you for your prayers

Song of the Day: 

GOD's WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

Good morning Prayer Warriors and Leaders,

The surgery went well with Kevina yesterday. The doctors said that they took test around the outer areas and can see that the tumor was contained. Over the next few days in hospital they will be monitoring her closely. At this point as far as they can see, there is no other tumors to worry about. Just the road of recovery now. PRAISE GOD!   

Kevina is in the intensive care and did speak to us. What a person God has given the world. The doctors and nurses are monitoring her.

On top of all these things that we as a family have encountered, God is still worthy to be praised. Today I have been asked to speak a word for my loving Jesus at one of the churches in the area. Then next week, I have been asked to be the keynote speaker for a prison convention week-end at a church just outside of Boston. With both invitations I have accepted in my infirmities. 

This morning the Lord came to me and said, "There is a great work to be done in Bermuda and other parts of the world. God's servants are to go from house to house, even church to church in these closing hours of earths history, watching for opportunities to sow the seeds of truth. But many of God's people act as if He desired them to hide their light under a bushel. Today the Lord is saying to all, "Bring froth your light. Set it on a candlestick, that it may gave light to all that are in the house. Note this is not our house but God's house. 

Wake-up, my brethren and sisters, wake-up, and work for the conversion of souls.Do not find fault and criticize. if we do, we spend our energies in Satan's cause. Do not gave way to anger, because you think that you are misunderstood. Was not the Master misunderstood? Speak no word of doubt or unbelief. The more you talk of the difficulties in the way, the larger will they appear. do not accuse your brethren, Rather accuse yourselves in the light of the cross. We all need Jesus.

An untold amount of mischief is done by words of faultfinding and slander. Never tear down the reputation of a fellow being, yet alone a fellow colleague. Today the Lord is grieved when His people stand aloof from one another. Thus they show their weakness, and range themselves on the enemy's side. Let no one weaken the hand of another. Let every man do what he can to build up, not tear down the work of the Lord in the earth."

Your Brother and Friend

Chaplain Kevin Bermuda 

Song of the day:

No Stiff Necked fools Will Be There

"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." Hebrews 12:1, 2

In the epistle to the Hebrews is pointed out the single-hearted purpose that should characterize the Christian's race for eternal life: Envy, malice, evil thinking, evilspeaking, covetousness--these are weights that the Christian must lay aside if he would run successfully the race for immortality. Every habit or practice that leads into sin and brings dishonor upon Christ and His church must be put away, whatever the sacrifice.

The blessing of heaven cannot attend anyone who is violating the eternal principles of right. One sin cherished is sufficient to work degradation of character and to mislead others. Understand this most important point. One sin in our life not fully confessed would cause us not to be saved, or stop someone from seeing Jesus in us fully and can cause their fall.

The song writer was right when he wrote that those who choose to live apart from God are like, “Stiff necked fools, who think they are cool.” These persons deny the simplicity of the word of God, because they have gone for so long, loving vanity. These have the wrong interpretation of the Bible.

They are mixed up with vain imagination in worshiping the gods of gold, silver, stone, and wood. In the name of Jesus, it is time to erase the fantasy of this world, and cling to the righteousness of Christ and teach the truth. Soon those who do not listen to these words will be called fools who die for want of wisdom. 

Jesus said, "If thy hand cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather then having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. And if thy foot cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life halt, rather than having thy two feet to be cast into hell. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:" Mark 9:43-47

If we fully analyze these things today, how much more earnest we would be to put away sin, which brings death to the soul! The competitors in the ancient games, after they had submitted to self-denial and rigid discipline, were not even sure of the victory. "Know ye not," Paul asked, "that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?" However eagerly and earnestly the runners might strive, the prize could be awarded to but one. One hand only could grasp the coveted garland. Some might put forth the utmost effort to obtain the prize, but as they reached forth the hand to secure it, another, an instant before them, might grasp the coveted treasure. May you do all through the Holy Spirit to win the prize.

May the Blessings of God rest on you

Chaplain Kevin Santucci

Song of the Day: Ain't That Good News – By Breath Of Life Quartet

God is Still Working

Good Morning Prayer Warriors and Leaders,

Pray this email finds you and your families doing well. Tuesday and Wednesday where long days with the doctors. The two specialist   where all amazed with the quick healing to my face and eye. To the glory of God! Infect one of them had to take some pictures of what they saw. On the downside, the pain I am having in the afternoon from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm they said, is from my nerves trying to awake in my face and around my eye.

They will monitor it but will not do anything as yet by way of another operation. They said these are still early days after what happen to me just a few months ago. Pain killers are the only answer at this point, but only after the work on my mouth is over in the next few days with the dentist.

Keep your heads up today because the time of loss is the testing time for courage. Remember that even in times of seemingly total loss. Faith and a clear conscience are courageous. Take out time today to meditate on these words. 

Finally beloved, now are we the sons and daughters of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 

To those of you who are having a hard time with someone, look on the bright side and see the big picture. One day the Bible says, "the wicked shall flee when no man pursueth them: but the righteous, (I'm talking about you) shall be bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

If you would like to reach me, write to TucciGardenMinistry@gmail.com 

I'm always open for a word.

Have a Bless Day all of you

Chaplain Kevin Santucci

Song of the Day: 

GOD IS WORKING-Brooklyn Tabernacle 하나님 일하시네! w/lyrics English, Korean

A WORD OF EXHORTATION

Good day Prayer Warriors and Leaders,

It has been a number of weeks since I wrote to you with an update report on the hand of God in the life of Kevina and our family. Thank you so very much for your faithful prayers, because your prayers are making a difference in the healing. Over the last few weeks in Bermuda away from Kevina, Karis, and Karon has been a blessing and a testing time, but I want to thank God for the many people who had come beside us with an encouraging word and acts of kindness. 

At the top of the list were the workers of the Correction Department overseen by our Commissioner Lt. Colonel Edward Lamb Ed. Tasco and chiefs. Next we have but not in order, the Pastors and members of the churches in Bermuda. During the last six weeks of working at home, members from the Seventh-day Adventist Church had also taken the lead in seeing that I had a hot meal daily with some faithful neighbors and officers from the Correction Department.

I can't overlook the understanding of my colleagues in ministry, Dr. Manders, Pastor Tull, and Elder  Aaron Spencer and the many other staff members for working with me and my family. To Big Brother Russ, Africa, and Donald, thanks for your words of encouragement always. These are just a few of the many people who have taken our names to the Lord in prayer. 

We have had many test during this last year, but we as a family have determine to take the high road and remain faithful to God. We have had people falsify my name and my work as a Bible Instructor and Chaplaincy appointments. But the Lord has shown me that it is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity.

May we all understand that it is Satan's constant effort to misrepresent the character of God and His people, the nature of sin, and the real issues at stake in the Great Controversy. His sophistry has lessens the obligation of the divine law and gives men license to sin. At the same time he has cause men to cherish false conceptions of God and His people so that they regard them with fear and hate rather than with love. With these attacks by Satan and his followers, it has driven us as a family to our knees to ask God to always give us a biblical and practical approach with loving all men. Our goal in life is not to harm, but to LOVE GOD, AND ALL HIS PEOPLE.

We don't have much in finances these days. Jesus Knows!!!! But we have loving people like you, who in our deepest moments have shared a smile, made a call, said a kind word, or sent a few dollars to help. With many people suffering with sickness, we as a family would love to encourage all to continue to look out for others also. Thank you.

As the work of the Lord continues in heaven and earth, let us pray for a revival & reformation among Gods people. But first may that revival and reformation begin among all pastors, leaders of governments, and municipalities. Let us continue to pray for this same infilling of the Holy Spirit among all commissioners of Prisons, Commissions of Police with their staff, and heads of Armies and their troops.

Let us take out time to pray for a revival & reformation among all Governors, Presidents, Queens, Kings and citizens of every country etc. In the words of the Apostle Paul, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

Today is Monday October 19th and I am back in Boston for a follow up tomorrow since my operation. On Wednesday Oct. 21 and Thursday 22, I will be having more work done on my mouth. This week October 23^th will make one year since Kevina has been in Boston diagnosed with Cancer in her head. Keep her in your prayers because on Friday October 30th, she will undergo another major operation to remove the remaining cancer from her. The song writer was right, NOBODY KNOWS THE TROUBLE I’VE SEEN BUT JESUS.

To you our faithful friend, thank you for your love.

Chaplain Kevin Santucci

Our Song of the Day: Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen, by The East Carolina University Chamber Singers

 

Overstepping Negativity

Good day Leaders and Prayer Warriors,

Today I am thankful for the trials that have come to our family. I am back in Bermuda for a few weeks, and Kevina is still in Boston receiving treatment for her cancer in her head. What a person she has been through it all. But greater still, what a wonderful mother in Karon, God has given her. Karon my wife has given up everything to help and be with Kevina through so many trails, and still have a smile on her face. If you have a minute why not share a line of encouragement with both of them as Kevina looks at the days ahead.

In the meantime, Kevina is not sitting still but spending her time encouraging others.

Today's message is her latest words of encouragement to the world.   

Overstepping Negativity

| By Kevina Santucci | 

Everyday we are faced with the challenges of life. There are many causes for these challenges, ranging from work related issues to social problems. Whatever it may be, we have the power to overstep the negatives of the situation! Now, I know nobody wants to be stuck in a ‘bad’ place, so why not change that negative into something positive?

I think of negativity as the devil lurking, trying to make life miserable. Being that we all have the power of choice, it’s up to us if we let him come in and make our lives a ‘living hell’ or keep him shut out. Well, obviously one is going to keep him shut out because we want to try and have as much positivity in our lives as possible. Unfortunately, there will be times when we can’t help but get caught in a negative situation though. This can be through a not so good diagnosis of our health and so on. However, like I’ve stated before, we can still find positives in that situation! See friends, we aren’t meant to be sad people. God intended for us to be happy! When you see that negativity heading your way block it! Call out for help if you need it! Don’t let negativity take over your life!

Stay positive friends!

  

Kevina Santucci is the daughter of Chaplain Kevin and Karon Santucci, and a native of Bermuda who currently resides in Boston, MA undergoing treatment for cancer. She is a young single mum of Karis Santucci who is striving to make a positive impact on the world.

Why not go to http://pinksandbermuda.com/overstepping-negativity/  and write a comment directly to her or you can send it to TucciGardenMinistry@gmail.com for her. 

Song of the Day: 

IT PAYS TO SERVE JESUS - AEOLIANS AT OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY CHURCH 04-09-2011

What Will It Take

Welcome to (Day 4) of the second Week of “The International Prayer Teleconference” to all 50 States in the USA and beyond.

Our theme this week is, "In Full Commitment"

To recapitulate the message of yesterday, we learned three remedies of a successful Christian life in the Lord.

Necessity of doing our Best

Because He has called His children to be a sanctified agent for Him, He has employ you to work out his noble purposes as His witnesses.” [Isaiah 43:10.] 

Christian Temperance 

Men have polluted the soul-temple, and God calls upon them to awake, and to strive with all their might to win back their God-given manhood. It is impossible for a man to present his body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, while continuing to indulge habits that are depriving him of physical, mental, and moral vigor.

Let us Pray:

(Today's Message: What Will It Take)

Luke 14:26-27

"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple."

The question was asked one day to a group of Bible students. Are you fully committed to your Bible studies and your walk with the Lord? These questions cause all the boys to stop and think. This question should cause all of us to stop and think today. Commitment is a popular word in religious circles. But don't forget that commitment is a two-edged sword. When you commit yourself to God, 1. You commit yourself to obey Him and Him alone. 2. With commitment comes responsibility.

In the world today there are many people who say that they are followers of God. But are they? They are willing to commit themselves to Him, but that's as far as it goes. They would tell you to your face that they did not church to church to be responsible. 

If that's the case, what is Commitment to God?

Is it doing what you want, whenever you want to do it? In simplest terms, a commitment is a pledged.

Our Commitment to Jesus

Although the word commitment does not appear in the Bible, Jesus reveals our commitment to His disciples and us by put a test out to all. "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple" (who would dear read these plain, close words of our Saviour, and pass them by unheeded?

Who would look at these words from Jesus doubtfully, and turn away, saying, These are hard sayings; who can obey them? "Did not our Saviour know that many would not obey his requirements? Did he who so loved us as to give his life for us, leave us any requirements or conditions of salvation which we could not obey? Oh, no, all his requirements are reasonable and just, and we can obey them."

"Hate referred to in Luke 14:26, means a less degree of love. We are to have supreme love to God, and our friends are to be loved secondarily. Our love for husband, wife, brother, sisters, father, or mother, must be inferior to our love to God. Our love for these dear relatives must not be blind and selfish, and cause us to forget God. When these ties of relationship lead us to prefer their favor by disregarding the truth, we love them more than we love Jesus, and are not worthy of him.

In that fearful time when we need an arm to protect and shield us, stronger than any human arm, stronger than the arm of father, brother, or husband, and shall call upon him that is mighty to save, he will not hear us. He will bid us to lean upon those whom we preferred before him, whom we loved above him, whom we would not forsake for him. He will say, Let them deliver you, let them save you. I gave you proof of my love. 

I left the glory of my Father, and all my majesty and splendor, and came into a world cursed with sin and pollution. For your sakes I became poor that you through my poverty might be made rich. I bore insult and mockery, and died a shameful death upon the cross, to save you from hopeless misery and death. Yet this did not excite your love enough to obey me, and lead you to prefer my favor above the favor of earthly friends, who have given you but feeble proofs of their love. I know you not; depart from me."

"God will test and prove his people. One sacred truth after another will be brought to bear upon their hearts, close and cutting, until their faith will be purified and tried like gold, until all their dross will be purged away, and Jesus will present them unto his Father without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. We must overcome through trials and sufferings, as Jesus overcame. We must not shun the cross or the suffering part of religion. 

The language of the heart should be, Let me know the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ. Let me suffer with him that I may reign with him." God was committed to the angelic host when there was disruption in heaven. When this disruption and corruption continued on earth God was still committed to the plan of redemption.

When the question was asked, "How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?" In Daniel 8:14 the answer comes, "And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."

Today Jesus is standing at the door of your heart. Why not let him come in. May this be your prayer today. "Into my heart, into my heart, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus; Come in today, come in to stay; Come into my heart, Lord Jesus."

If you are an early riser, why not call in to the international prayer teleconference from Anywhere in the world and share your prayer request. 

You can pray along with us from your home from 5:30 am to 6:15 am Eastern Standard Time. 

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If you like to read today's devotional. Go my blog, Garden Ministry at: 

gardenministry.blogspot.com

Why not call in and make your request know and pray with us in the morning.

Chaplain Kevin Santucci

Song of the Day: He's Waiting - Andrae Crouch and Linda McCrary

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (KJV)