When Jesus walked on this earth, He taught His disciples about being in the kingdom of God. One lesson was abiding in Him. The disciples did not quite understand what was going on, but followed along. Abiding is a concept that can only be understand or practiced once a person has received Jesus in their heart. It is a spiritual practice. Jesus was telling the disciples in advance so they could practice this every day. Once Jesus had risen from the dead, everyone could receive Jesus in their heart. And the Holy Spirit will reside in us. Teaching and guiding us into all truth. The disciples came to understand that abiding was living in the presence of God. In reading the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles, you can see why Jesus said for us to abide in Him. The apostles were hunted down and killed. God wanted to strengthen the church to be able to bear up against the persecution. In Hebrews 12:2, it says the Jesus endure the cross because of the joy in His heart that God gave to Him. When you abide in Jesus, it does not make any difference what the world can do to you. This is because the Joy of the Lord is my strength. For this reason I abide in Jesus all the way home.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

God chose a city to place His name in. Even before Abraham moved to Israel, God had chosen a City for Himself. God called this city the center of the earth. When Abraham arrived in the promise land, there was already a king in the city of Salem, the city of peace (righteousness). Abraham went to rescue his nephew Lot with his army. On the way back from the rescue, Abraham came to the city of Salem. There he found a king Melchizedek. Melchizedek came out to met Abraham and blessed him. Melchizedek said be blessed Abraham of the most high God (Genesis 14:18-20). Abraham tithed ten percent to Melchizedek of all that he had. In Hebrews 7, it says the Melchizedek had no beginning and no end. It also says that we are priest after the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek was and is the king of righteousness. His Name is Jesus and Jerusalem is the city of our great king.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

            A small phrase that has such great meaning. Every person looks for that freedom in our lives. Some find it and some do not. Some people think the money will give you freedom. Some think that knowledge will give you freedom. There are so many ways that people think that they will acquire freedom. Have no doubt freedom is not free. We must earn our freedom and maintain it if we want to keep our freedom viable. Throughout the ages, people have acquired freedom and lost it because they did not keep it alive. America has come closest to attaining true freedom. But because its citizen are refusing to stand up and take on the responsibility for freedom, we may lose it. People from every part of this world see the opportunity for freedom in this country. That is why they come to America. Freedom is a choice only if you are willing to pay the price. That price is your commitment to freedom with your life. That means that you are more concerned with the welfare of others over yourself. With this commitment, you will obtain freedom. Without your commitment, all you have is nothing and slavery. Jesus said if you commit sin, you become the servant or slave of sin. And a servant does not abide in the house forever, but the Son does. And if the son sets the servant free, he is free indeed. Freedom is a choice and everyone has to make that choice. If you do not make any choice you have chosen. Freedom is a commitment that costs you your life. This is true freedom.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

Yesterday, my family gathered at my home. My second son bar-b-qued so I could go to church. As expected, there were many people who were not there. But Jesus came anyway. The weather forecast was rain. It was forecasted to had thunderstorms and 60% chance of rain. But it did not rain at all. Thank God. The bar-b-que was done when I returned from church and all the food was ready. My third son and his family arrived as I was driving up. His family is growing. He has an 8 year old, a 2 year old and a 7 month old. We put up a small swimming pool in the backyard for the kids. The 8 year and 2 year old took full advantage of the swimming pool. It was almost 90 degrees yesterday. And with 50% humidity, it was hot. We have a large back covered deck and set up chairs inside and out. The family ate as they were hunger. We cut back on the food and had more than enough. All my four sons came and their families and 2 dogs. People floated in and out of the house. Mostly we were watching the grandkids play in the pool. Yesterday was a blessed day, orchestrated by God. I am thankful that God blessed us with a wonderful day. And the peace of God that passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

Today in America we celebrate our Independence, the Forth of July. This has been a characteristic of our way life. We came to these shores for religious freedom and found freedom in general. We had to face every situation to hold on to freedom. But with persistence and faith we persevere. For over 400 years we have pursued our independence. All this time we understood that our freedom was based on our work ethic and faith in God and in our system of government.  Now all 3 aspects of our life in America are being threatened from within. Many people have lost faith in God and our government. As for the work ethic, it seems that only older people still have it. So, now we must go through this exercise in freedom again. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, there is nothing new under the sun. What was before shall be again. Man learns by repetitive actions. Unfortunately, sometimes it is war. But for now our freedom is still intact. We are going to bar-b-que today. The family is coming over and it should be a great day. I pray for a blessed day for you and your family. And remember, it is God who brought us here and has kept us here. So, have faith that God is working in our lives and in the country.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com