Finders Keepers

Luke 8:43-48 (NIV) (v43) And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. (v44) She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. (v45) “Who touched me?,” Jesus asked. When all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” (v46) But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.’ (v47) Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. (v48) Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. God in peace.” (Also, Matt. 9:20-22 & Mark 5:25-34)

What Jesus did in this woman’s trying trial will help you understand that he loves and cares for you!

He healed first and asked questions later. Too many of us are shooting first, and people are dying later. After healing the woman, He asked, “Who touched me?” Then, he kept looking around to see who had touched him. Jesus doesn’t discriminate when it comes to faith. No matter how poor you are, you’re rich in Him! You have an inheritance in Jesus Christ. He won’t ask your race or age. He won’t check to see if your Gucci bag is matching your Gucci shoes. He won't check to see if you belong in the 'gated' community. He didn’t know if she was male or female. Scripture says power went out from him when she touched him from behind. He healed first and asked questions later.

Secondly, He provided what she needed. Okay, here it is! Have you ever gone out to the restaurant to get some food, and you decided to use the drive-thru because you realized you didn’t have time to go inside the restaurant? When you looked around for the window, you discovered the drive-thru window was in the back. Well, girlfriend received a drive-thru blessing that day, back-door style. And Jesus biggie-sized her drink! In your insulting storms, your degrading, denigrating devastations, the blood of Jesus shed on Calvary’s cross is all the “Red Cross” you will ever need! What can wash away my sins? What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! He provided power, wonder-working power! Another translation says virtue went out from him. He provided what she needed. He healed first and asked questions later.

Finally, Jesus affirmed her faith. Jesus said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you….” He didn’t call her “looter.” He didn’t call her out of her name. He called her “daughter.” In other words, he told her, I’m your daddy!

I am here to tell you when you act on faith in Jesus Christ, what you find, you keep! Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. The bible says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you….” “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life!” Find Jesus while He is near, and keep Him for all eternity! He will never leave you, nor forsake you! He affirmed her faith. He provided powerful virtue.  It was what she needed. He healed first, and asked questions later.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the Life! Remember, It is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves! He will pick you up, turn you around, and place your feet on solid ground! In the storms, and in the rain, His shelves are never empty. There is hope on his shelves! There is deliverance on His shelves! There is forgiveness on His shelves! There is salvation on His shelves! He is the Bread of Life! Those who come to Him shall never go hungry; Those who believe in Him shall never be thirsty. With Jesus Christ, what you find, you keep. Finders keepers!

The Touch is from Melvina Garcia's website, Inspirational Expressions. Also, visit Melvina's page on the Jesus Saves Social Network to view more.

Don't Give Up On Your Mums In Tulip Season

By: Min. Angela Lee Price He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).

I am convinced that we give up too easily. We want everything quick, fast, and in a hurry. No one wants to wait anymore. We want what we want when we want it, and how we want it. However, haste has no blessing. It is tulip season! Look around. Tulips are everywhere, little ones, and big ones. Tulips really beautify the landscape this time of year with an array of vibrant red, lavender, purple, orange, pink, and yellow colors.

I encourage you to just be still. Stop and smell the roses! Thank God for your roses, your lilies, and your tulips. Take some time this spring to observe the beauty of the tulip, while you wait on your autumn mums! Tulips can beautify your garden, just like mums.  God didn't have to give them to you, but He did! We serve a good God who knows what to give and just when to give it. Even Jesus tiptoed through the tulips, or shall I say the lilies. In Matthew 6:28-31, Jesus observing the lilies stated, “See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, o you of little faith?”

Pray persistently in April, in May, in June, in July, in August...keep talking with God about mums, the pretty colors, and different textures, and how you plan to water and take care of them, and where you will plant them, and how mums come back year after year.

Meditate on the Word of God. Let it strengthen you. Psalms 62:1 states, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him..” i Kings 19:11-12 states, "The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.' Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but he Lord was not in the wind. After the wind ther was an earthquake, but the Lord was nbot in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." Psalms 46:10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Pray persistently this spring and summer about your autumn "mums," your hopes, dreams, goals, and aspirations for the future. I'm a living witness of what God will do when you just be still, discover the beauty in each season, and trust God’s perfect timing. Don't give up on your mums in tulip season!

A modified version on this devotional can be found in the Jesus Saves Newsletter - March 2012 and Whispers of God's Love Journal.

Born Again in the Hoodie

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

This is where we are in this country on Trayvon Martin, in a predicament. I talked about this case on the radio with two female ministers on Saturday.    No, we are not young, black males, but on any given day while walking down any street in a hoodie, we might as well be. Race is still an issue in 2012, and that's a shame. But ultimately, we don't have a skin problem. We have a sin problem.

As female ministers, all three of us have raised God fearing young men who respect authority and value human life. Yet, all of our children have worn hoodies and we have worn them. All of our children have made professions of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I have hoodies of my own, also. I have given away "Jesus Saves" hoodies for two years now. So, this is not a band wagon statement by no means.

I am born again in the hoodie. I was born in the 'hood, and born again in the 'hood. But, just because I was born twice while in the 'hood, doesn't mean I have a hood mentality. Geraldo Rivera is wrong. My hoodie doesn't define me. My relationship with Jesus Christ defines me. Moreover, I identify with the "Trayvon Martin's" of the world, and so do other female ministers like myself.

We have to stop judging people by what they are wearing. Just because a young black male is walking down the street in a hoodie at night in a gated community, doesn't mean he is "up to no good" and he does not belong there! When he is killed, certainly he deserves the same justice as the person who killed him. If Trayvon Martin had killed George Zimmerman, Trayvon would be in jail right now and no one would be protesting.

Also, church folk have to stop being so overly critical about what people are wearing while at the same time saying "Come as you are." We are just too hung up on the outward appearance while the inward man wastes away.

Rev. Pat stated she preached her initial sermon in a mini-skirt suit. However, God has done a tremendous work in her over the years, and she would never think to do that now. It is God who finishes the work He starts in all of us. We have to demonstrate to our young people that God loves the and we love them if we expect them to love themselves.

The predicament is God is speaking to EVERYBODY in the Trayvon Martin case. I hear him saying, "Can you hear me now? Let your relationship with Me define define you. I love you. Wear your hoodies, drink your tea, and eat your Skittles, but you must be born again!
Left, my son, Brandon in my step-son Jonathan's UK hoodie after the UofL loss to UK this year. Brandon is a U of L fan and graduate.

It is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves.  Jesus saves!  Join our discussions on the Jesus Saves Social Network.

Ministers Call for Justice in Trayvon Martin Case; Congregants Wear Hoodies to Show Support - BCNN1

Pictured: Rev. Raphael Warnock wears a hoodie during his morning sermon at the Ebenezer Baptist Church on Sunday, March 25, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Vino Wong) 

(Associated Press) Wearing hooded sweatshirts similar to the one that Trayvon Martin wore on the night he was killed, many preachers and worshippers echoed calls for justice Sunday in the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager in Florida last month.

The one-month anniversary of Martin's death is Monday. He was shot while wearing a "hoodie" as he walked home on a rainy night in a gated community. The neighborhood watch volunteer who shot him, 28-year-old George Zimmerman, is the son of a white father and Hispanic mother, and the demands to charge him in Martin's slaying have grown ever louder. He had called police to report the hooded figure as suspicious; the 17-year-old Martin was carrying a bag of Skittles and a can of iced tea, talking to his girlfriend on his cellphone.
In African-American and other religious centers from Florida to Atlanta, New York and Chicago, messages from pulpits couldn't help but touch on a seemingly avoidable tragedy that continues to be rife with more questions than answers. But while the call continued for the arrest of Zimmerman, there were also pleas to use the incident to spark a larger movement.
Click link to read more.
Ministers Call for Justice in Trayvon Martin Case; Congregants Wear Hoodies to Show Support - BCNN1

SOURCE: KYLE HIGHTOWER
Associated Press

Jesus Saves Live Radio Show, "Born Again In the Hoodie"

Born Again In the Hoodie:

Women In MInistry

on the Trayvon Martin Case

&

Raising Black Males to Be Men"

Saturday, March 24th,

4:30 – 5:00 PM,

on Praize Power 1350 and the New Praize 104.7 FM,

Louisville, KY

With host Min. Angela Lee Price and Guests

Rev. Pat Wright, and

Min. Rhonda Joseph

In Memory of Trayvon Martin

Facing Utilitarian Giants In the Church

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

New members often come to church from various backgrounds and with different theological beliefs. As a former Assimilations Director, I have encountered new members who were heavily influenced by the world and its various forms of relativism or utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is the belief that there are some general moral rules but no absolute ones. It is not the rule, but the results that determine whether an act is good or bad. What is true of new believers is that most do not know very much about the Bible. However, they do know a lot about Pop culture. They may not have heard the names Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mills, and G. E. Moore, but it is likely they were introduced to a variation of their ethics of pleasure in songs like Janet Jackson’s 1986 hit, “The Pleasure Principle,” or in Earth, Wind, and Fire’s hit song, “Joy and Pain,” or in popular sayings like “If it feels good, do it,” or “By any means necessary.”

The influence of relativism is likely to surface in the well-informed utilitarian in the discussion of religion. It is easy to hear such new members say that most religious television programming is good since people come to Christ because of it. It doesn’t matter if the perspective is orthodox or not, aberrant or heretical, the result is good and so the ends justify the means. The well-informed utilitarian would say that New Age gurus Deepak Chopra and Iyanla Vanzant, for example are great spiritual advisors because Oprah Winfrey has endorsed them and they are popular. Their brand of spirituality is good to the well-informed utilitarian because a vast number of Americans have accepted it.

I would begin countering utilitarian beliefs in the church through prayer by asking God what is needed individually and systematically in doing so. New members are encouraged to attend new member’s classes to obtain a better understanding of essential Christian doctrine and beliefs of the church. It is there that our church introduces new members to what we believe. We tell them why an on-going systematic study of the Word of God is so vitally important to their spiritual growth. A great place to begin countering utilitarianism is by focusing on God, His nature and character. He is the source of absolute truth. God does not change, for He is the “same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Secondly, I would focus on Jesus Christ as being God and the only way of salvation. Relativists insist that Jesus is a God and not the God. Relativists insist Jesus is a way and not the way to get to heaven. However, Jesus has said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can get to heaven but by me” (John 14:6).

Third, I would show the well-informed utilitarian examples from the Bible of how God honored the minority report. G. E. Moore states that murder is neither good nor bad. What makes murder bad is that the majority of humans still value life. Joshua and Celeb were two of 12 Israelite spies who did not go along with the majority. They gave a minority report. Though there were giants in Canaan, they believed God that they could possess the land (Numbers 14). God blessed them. They were the only two adults over the age of 20 who actually made it into Canaan. God killed everyone else for their unbelief. A Christian ethic is deontological. It is rooted in a duty to love God, obey, serve, and trust Him. These are a few of the ways I would counter the utilitarian "giant" in the church.

Happenings on the Jesus Saves Social Network - March 21, 2012

The Crucifixion Story: Why Jesus Decided to Die

By: Min. Angela Lee Price
About three years ago, a worship leader organized a Palm Sunday musicial celebration to set the record straight about the difference between Palm Sunday and Good Friday, two key biblical events that preceded Jesus' ascension on Resurrection Sunday. "Palm Sunday is often misunderstood," stated CJ Akins. "God gave me the vision to do this Palm Sunday concert because a lot of people don't really understand what Palm Sunday was about. A lot of people confuse Palm Sunday with Good Friday, therefore you have church choirs singing songs like "He Decided to Die" on Palm Sunday, and Jesus did not die until Good Friday. Palm Sunday was truly a praise celebration! So, God gave me this vision to have a praise celebration just like the people did in the Bible."
People are so very fickle. One minute they can love you. The next minute they can hate you. This explains Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the cheers of admiring fans and adoring crowds on Palm Sunday and the "Crucify him, crucify him" chants of those same crowds on Good Friday. In the midst of that one eighty pendulum swing, Jesus saw the ugliness of all humanity and how sin had left its crimson stain, and so He decided to die.
As we continue looking at the biblical account of the events leading up to the Resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ we will look at reasons why Jesus decided to die, from the series "Life. Death. Victory.: The Jesus Story, and the last four words of Calvary, the Seven Last Words of Jesus, and get your feedback on whether or not you believe the death penalty is a morally just form of punishment.
Please feel free to add any posts, sermon excerpts, devotionals, prayers, poems, pictures and comments to these discussions.
Don't Sleep On Your J.O.B.!
Jesus Has Paid the Price
The picture is entitled, "I Was There" by Eugene Thomas, Artist, engenethomas.com

 Whispers of God's Love

Whispers of God's Love Revised Tribute is Women's Month tribute to the women who have helped make this ministry possible over the past three years. It is based on Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God...." While we could not feature every woman on the network, we hope that all women will receive this presentation as an expression of our appreciation for your participation in this ministry. Also, be sure to download the Jesus Saves Newsletter - March 2012 . Thank you for your love and support of Jesus Saves Ministries and the Jesus Saves Social Network. May God continue to bless each of you as you glorify Him in your personal lives and in ministry.
Also, Therese Warrick has started a new group just for you on the Jesus Saves Social Network entitled Celebrating Women!

www.jesussavesministries.ning.com/

www.jesussavesministries.blogspot.com/

www.facebook.com/JesusSavesMinistries

www.twitter.com/JesusSaves838

www.youtube.com/JesusSavesLive

www.blogtalkradio.com/jesussavesministrieslive

Don't Sleep On Your J.O.B!

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

"nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt."  Matthew 26:39

"Then Jesus brought them to an olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go on ahead to pray. He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he began to be filled with anguish and deep distress. He told them, 'My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me.' He went on a little further and fell down on the ground praying, 'My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet, I want your will not mine.' Then, he returned to the disciples and found them asleep" Matthew 26:36-40 (NIV).

Christians, you've been given your J.O.B., your Jesus Official Business.  It is Spring, the days are longer, and the Easter holiday is upon us, so don't sleep on it! In Matthew 28:19-20, we are told to "go ye therefore" and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, as the gospel is watered down, Jesus is reinvented to appeal to a materialistic society, and Christianity is marginalized even further on the world stage, too many of us are asleep on the job.

A big part of your Jesus official business in sharing the Good News is to watch as well as pray. In Matt. 26:38, Jesus told the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Stay here and keep watch with me.” But, after rebuking them in verses 40-43, He prayed alone, and returned to them a third time and said, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed in the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer." My Bible tells me the garden was the place of Jesus' agonizing prayer, Judas' brutal betrayal, and Christ's wrongful arrest. These were the events that preceded His crucifixion on the Cross. However, when Jesus needed His disciples most, they didn't have His back. They were asleep on their J.O.B. Jesus needs His church to "have His back," be alert and on the job. Too many religions are "out-witnessing the witnesses!" And, as a result the church is in decline and losing ground.

What makes matters worse is this wasn't the only time Jesus told the disciples to be on guard. In Luke 12:1 (NIV) He said, "Be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." In Mark 13:35, “…keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back….do not let him find you sleeping.” He told the brothers in Luke 21:36, "be always on watch, and pray...." Another translations says, "Keep on the alert at all times...." But like too many Christians today, the brothers were asleep on the job. Yes, their bodies where there with Jesus, but their minds where way on the other side of the town. They were absent-minded, missing in action, asleep on the job.

Scripture says to be faithful over a few things, and He will make you ruler over many. Are you faithful in Sunday school, ministry, and church attendance? Are you in the Word of God, equipping yourself daily and watching for opportunities to "go ye therefore," and witness the Good News that Jesus saves? Or, are you, like the disciples were in the Garden of Gethsemane, asleep on the J.O.B.?

Celebrating my birthday tomorrow. Post 3:16 verses to share in celebration to Jesus Christ. I have 2 birthdays due to the Resurrection. Jesus saves!

You're Invited to Min. Angela's "3:16" Fundraising Birthday Party

Hey Everybody, I am celebrating my birthday on Friday, March 16th with an online birthday party that's also a fundraiser for the ministry. Post your favorite 3:16 Scripture on my page, and/or donate $3.16 through the PayPal link on the Jesus Saves Social Network, and you will be included in random drawings beginning Thursday at 3:16 PM.

I will be giving away Christian t-shirts, both female and male, size S to 3X with messages including "One God, One Savior, One Love," "Worship Is a Lifestyle," "Every Knee Shall Bow, Jesus Is Lord, (2XL)" "God Doesn't Like You. He Loves You (3XL),"Go Green, Love the Earth, Love the Creator."

Also, we have several great gospel CDs including Shirley Murdock Live, "The Journey," Judith Christie McAllister, "Sound the Trumpet," Jessica Reedy, "From the Heart," and The Nevels Sisters, "It's My Time."  While supplies last.  US residents only.

Please join me in celebrating my birthday and help spread some "3:16" love, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will have everlasting life. (John 3:16)"

Log onto the Jesus Saves Social Network now join the celebration! Jesus Saves Ministries, Celebrating 6 Years of Lifting Up Jesus Christ!

Is "Mr. Deeds" Really Doing Good Deeds?

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

Ladies, particularly but men also, one of my female preacher friends is raising objection on facebook to Tyler Perry's movie, "Good Deeds." Minister Dawn Clickscale says this movie sends all the wrong messages to single black mothers, that your financially well-off, married, yet "good-deed doing, sugar daddy is on the way." Please weigh in with your opinions, especially if you have seen the movie. I admit I have not seen the movie yet, however, I am giving away tickets based on the body of Tyler Perry's work, his interview and trailer (link below) on the movie. Here is what Min. Dawn posted on my facebook page...

"TO ALL MY PREACHER FRIENDS: please tell the ladies in your congregations thay Mr. Deeds is an INSIDIOUSLY BAAAAD MOVIE! If you are poor black single mother: do not expect a rich man to come along and rescue you and your child! He is not going to give a corporate apartment with NO STRINGS attached! Just like in the movie, he WILL be stopping by one night to collect (this is defined by human resource law as sexual coersion!) He is not going to walk away from his family and job just to run away and be you! This is a fallacious lie cause he ain't comin!

— with Jeremy Franklin and 33 others in Louisville."

Good Deeds Trailer

Win Dixie Dozen Theatre passes on the Jesus Saves Social Network this week to see Tyler Perry's Good Deeds: A successful, wealthy businessman, Wesley Deeds has always done what's expected of him, whether it's assuming the helm of his father's company, tolerating his brother's misbehavior at the office or planning to marry his beautiful but restless fiancee, Natalie. But Wesley is jolted out of his predictable routine when he meets Lindsey, a down-on-her-luck single mother who works as a cleaning person in his office building. Outspoken, impulsive and proud- and also recently evicted- Lindsey struggles to make ends meet for herself and her young daughter. But when Wesley offers to help her get back on her feet, his innocent good deed ignites and unexpected attraction- and suddenly Wesley finds himself caught between the life he thought he wanted and the powerful desires of his heart?

Kentucky & Southern Indiana Residents Only.

Tune In to Jesus Saves Live, The Radio Show on March 10th

Hi, This is Min. Angela Lee Price inviting you to join me PraizePower 1350 WLOU and the new Praize 104.7 on Saturday, March 10th, 4:30-5:00 p.m. for Jesus Saves Ministries Live, The Radio Show.

The topic will be "WWW.Worship, Word, Witness.com: Spreading the Gospel on the Worldwide Web."

My guest will be three members from the Jesus Saves Social Network,

Worship: Maurice Jackson, Praise and Worship Director at Bread of Life Church, Kansas City, MO (We are featuring two of Maurice's songs on the Main Page  of the social network, "Audible," and "Purge Me.");

Word:

Rev. Herman Maxwell, Sr. Pastor, Lees Chapel Baptist Church, Fairfield, Alabama; Check out video sermon, "Don't Trip, Trust What You Know," and several Lee's Chapel services under the Video tab.

Witness:

Therese Warrick, Founder, Women's Road to Freedom, Lexington, KY. She is the former Youth Ministry Director at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Lexington, Rev. Felix Williams, III, Sr. Pastor.

Listen and call in to 502-776-1350.

Find out more about my guest on the Jesus Saves Social Network!

The Jesus Story and Service

We are in a series entitled, "Life. Death. Victory: The Jesus Story." We have posted about Forgiveness. Humility. Thankfulness. And finally, service. Toward the end of our Lord’s earthly ministry, two disciples from his “inner circle,” James and John, asked that they be given special seats of honor in the kingdom of heaven. In response, Jesus reminded them—and us, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 ESV).

I wonder if as they heard those words, James and John remembered the story Jesus told in answer to a man who wanted to justify himself and the way he was living his life. You may remember it: A man gets beaten and robbed by thieves on the roadside.

Two clergy pass by, indifferent to the victim’s plight. A hated Samaritan stops, binds up the victim’s wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays whatever expenses the man had already incurred—and leaves an IOU for those he might incur! (Luke 10:30–35). This is service at its humblest and finest. To show kindness to a presumed enemy is not only admirable; it is Christlike.

We could focus, of course, on dozens or even hundreds more characteristics of our Savior’s ministry. All of that, together with everything we have remembered today, from Jesus’ birth to his resurrection, his ascension, and all that is yet to come in eternity—all of it is the Jesus Story.
Jesus means his story to be our story, too. When Jesus calls individuals to follow him as disciples, he asks nothing of them that he himself has not already done or said. In Philippians 2:5–8, the apostle Paul describes Jesus’ humility and comments on our response to it:

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!"

Have You Raised Your Hands to Serve God?

In what ways are you serving in God's Kingdom? In a one-line statement, shout out your ministry or what you'd like to do if you're not currently serving.

From the CTA Inc. Ressurection Series, Life. Death. Victory

We invite you to join our bible study discussions in the group Route 66 on the Jesus Saves Social Network.