Death Bed Direction from David to Solomon on the Path to Prosperity

1 Kings 2 When David’s time to die drew near, he charged his son Solomon, saying: ² “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, be courageous, ³ and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn. ⁴ Then the Lord will establish his word that he spoke concerning me: ‘If your heirs take heed to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you a successor on the throne of Israel.’ ^[1]

One of most powerful stories in the Bible is the image of a dying, 70 year old King David, with Bathsheba, his lover become wife, and their son, Solomon.  In the 2^nd chapter of 1Kings, David shares two remarkable things with Solomon.  First, he tells Solomon to be strong, courageous and faithful to God, that he might prosper, “In all that you do and wherever you turn.”  Next, in verses 5-9, David essentially gives Solomon a, “Hit list” of a handful of people who gave him grief in his lifetime, whom he warnded that if he did not get them out of the way, they would be an impediment to his leadership.

⁵ “Moreover you know also what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me, how he dealt with the two commanders of the armies of Israel, Abner son of Ner, and Amasa son of Jether, whom he murdered, retaliating in time of peace for blood that had been shed in war, and putting the blood of war on the belt around his waist, and on the sandals on his feet. ⁶ Act therefore according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. ⁷ Deal loyally, however, with the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table; for with such loyalty they met me when I fled from your brother Absalom. ⁸ There is also with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjaminite from Bahurim, who cursed me with a terrible curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim; but when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ ⁹ Therefore do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man; you will know what you ought to do to him, and you must bring his gray head down with blood to Sheol.” ^[2](1 Kings 5-9)

Even in this pandemic, there are opportunities to prosper.  Often, our thoughts of prosperity center on financial prosperity, but there are other ways to prosper.  In addition to money, another form of prosperity is through our relationships.  Still another dimension of prosperity is physical – our physical strength and capabilities.

But for today, I want to center on our spiritual discipline as a path to prosper.  David commands Solomon to discipline himself in his adherence to the Law of Moses.  Many people today act as though they do not realize that by simply following the law of God, they will receive favor and blesings without end.  I encourage you to follow the direction of David and follow the Law of God.  If you make an effort to follow the Law of God, God will bless you, keep you, and cause you to prosper in all you do!  Thank you for reading.  If it means something to you, please share with a friend or someone you believe might find it meaningful.  Blessings,

Nick

Questions for Reflection:

Prayer:  Your Word, Lord, is my direction!  Your Spirit is my illumination.  Your blessing is my inspiration.  Keep me in your peace.  Keep me in your grace.  Bless me and keep me always in your love.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                                

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

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^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (1 Ki 2:1–4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

^[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (1 Ki 2:5–9). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Pandemic Prosperity!

Half Moon Bay, California

Jesus Prosperity in a Pandemic

Proverbs 16: ³        Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. ^[1]

           One of the understandable concerns and fears of living in a pandemic is economic hardship.  This week, &&&&& persons filed for unemployment insurance.  Several businesses are shuttered, and some may never reopen.  Persons at every level on the economic ladder are threatened with loss of income and in many cases, the permanent loss of a job.

           Yet, even at a time such as this there are opportunities.  With “Stay in place” orders by the government, one of the things that many persons have currently that they did not have before the pandemic, is time.  Time to think.  Time to plan.  Time to reorganize, retool, restructure and rethink models of business.  Individuals and businesses that are nimble enough to think “Outside the box” of normal ways of operating may actually find new ways of cutting costs and the creation of new profit centers.

           Even churches, especially churches, because of the pandemic and orders prohibiting public gatherings, are forced to find new ways to minister to the flock.  For example, my ministry is changing, perhaps forever.  This will be the third consecutive Sunday where I am preaching to a cell phone.  I’m still in the sanctuary, but there is no audience other than a small complement of musicians and the media team.  Even though it is strange for me to preach to an empty sanctuary where normally between 400 and 500 persons are in attendance for two separate worship services, last Sunday, 2600 persons viewed the worship service online!  To put this in perspective, we have 952 contributing members and friends of the church, but before the pandemic, they did not all worship at the same time each week.  While this is encouraging, our membership has not begun to contribute in a similar fashion to the in-person worship services, but I can see the future, and the future looks good!  I hope you will check it out this week at http://www.puccdetroit.org

           So, back to Jesus and the possibilities for profit in a pandemic.  Some look forward to a crises like a pandemic as an opportunity for price gouging.  This is happening currently with medical supplies and basic groceries where merchants are selling things for as much as the market will allow.  What I am talking about is different.  I believe that our faith in Jesus Christ points the way to living a life that is full, free and prosperous!  Unfortunately, most schools of economic thought encourage getting as much as the market will bear and giving back as little as possible.  Our faith in Jesus Christ teaches us to “love our neighbor as we love ourselves”, help the needy and the poor, and that, “where  your treasure is, there will be your heart also.”  In speaking with some property owners, it seems they are stuck on getting their lease payments, regardless of the pandemic.  Earlier this week, I read about a successful property owner in San Mateo County in California, who is forgiving the April lease payments of 65 properties in a place called, Half Moon Bay.  Often, when I am in California to visit my son, his wife and the grandchildren, I drive to Half Moon Bay to take photos and  record ocean view spiritual videos.  In reading about the property owner, it struck a cord on the spiritual keyboard of my soul, when I thought of the compassion he was extending to his tenants.  I do not know if the man is a Christian, but what I do know is that his actions are in according with the message of the Lord!  In the end, I am sure he will prosper in an even greater way than before the pandemic!

           I encourage you to make the most of this pandemic by drawing deeply upon your faith, maintain a positive outlook on life, with patience and kindness and the willingness to think outside of the box, and the Lord will cause you to prosper!  Thank you for reading.  Blessings,

           Nick

Questions for Reflection:

1. How are you handling the pandemic?
2. Is the pandemic causing you to rethink how you conduct your business?
3. In what ways?
4. How can your understanding of faith in Jesus Christ increase the prosperity of those in business?
5. Other thoughts?

Prayer:  Lord, even in this pandemic, I reaffirm my faith, hope and love in you!  Help me to prosper, even in the face of illness and death.  Help me to prosper physically, spiritually and financially.  In Jesus  name I pray.  Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                                

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

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^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Pr 16:3). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Prayer for Physical Strength Through the Pandemic

Isaiah 41: ¹⁰      do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.^[1]

You and I are living through a pandemic!  The Coronavirus is real and it is worldwide.  As of today, a cure has not been found.  As a pastor of a church, the pandemic has affected me in different ways.  On one hand, everyone in the State of Michigan, where I live, is under a “Stay in Place” order.  Therefore, my church members understand that I am not allowed to visit nursing homes and hospitals.  On the other hand, I am spending much more time on the phone calling members and others to see how they are doing.  Third, I am posting spiritual videos almost daily, where I am expounding on the most uplifting verses I can locate in the Bible.  I am convinced that people need hope and encouragement at a time like this.  I am relegated to a third floor bedroom in our house where I have converted it into a space where I can sit, write, and think.  The second floor childhood bedroom of our eldest son, who is now a grown man, with his own family in California, was my workroom, but during the pandemic, I have given up my workspace to my wife’s cousin Joyce, who is staying with us until things get better.  Denise and I are still sleeping in the bedroom, but I prefer a separate space to think, write, and sit by myself.

Yesterday, as I sat thinking in the upstairs workspace, it dawned on me that as a pastoral minister, I am on the front line of spirituality during this pandemic.  Later this morning, I will officiate a second graveside funeral during the pandemic.  It is for Terrence Cooley, a 49 year old fellow who I used to minister to when he was in middle school and high school.  The service will take place at Elmwood Park Cemetery, and is limited to only ten persons.  Increasingly, members of my church are contracting the virus and dying.  I could easily tell people, “I am sorry, but for community health, I cannot officiate the final service for your loved one,” but in my heart, I cannot do this!  I am on the spiritual front line in the battle for community wellness.  I do not know where this will lead.  Who knows, maybe I will become ill.  However, right now, I am in great shape, practicing social distancing with the exception of preaching a virtual sermon on Sunday’s with the musicians and media team from my church.  Last Sunday, over 2,600 persons viewed the worship service.  I am praying virtual prayers from my home on Facebook Live every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night and reaching over 400 views per prayer.  I text encouraging Bible verses to my congregation and friends of the church every day.  And, yes, I write a blog post and record a podcast every day.  I am on the spiritual front line of this pandemic.  Which leads me to the central theme of this post.

Physical strength is essential, not just in a pandemic, but at every stage and age of life.  Even before the pandemic, I was exercising.  I have two gym memberships- not because I am a health nut, but because I am 68 years old, I qualify for a reduced senior rate.  Each gym has its unique benefits, but also, it allows me to mix things up, so I do not become bored with a physical rut.  One of the by-products of the pandemic is the gymnasiums are closed to the public.  This has thrown off my physical routine, but yesterday, I think I found an answer – the public parks!  My brother, Steve, told me he had discovered outdoor exercise equipment at a local, east-side park in Detroit, that sits on the Detroit River.  I met him there and was energized with a brief workout.  Later today, I am looking forward to a more complete workout.  The photo above was taken at the park exercise area.

All I am saying is that even in a pandemic, we have to keep strong – physically, mentally and spiritually.  The words of Isaiah chapter 41 are a reminder to me that the Lord is our strength, but we also have to build ourselves up for the  looming battle.  Thank you for reading.  Remember, I am praying for you during the pandemic!  Blessings,

Nick

Questions for Reflection:

1. What are you doing for physical exercise during the pandemic?

2. What keeps you back from exercising at this time?

3. How has your faith impacted your desire to exercise and strengthen yourself?

Prayer:  Lord, grant me your strength.  Lord, grant me the internal desire and drive to be so strong that nothing can turn me around or depress me.  Grant me patience.  Grant me power.  Grant me your presence, and grant me your peace.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                                

Photo by Steve Hood

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

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^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Is 41:10). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Prayer for Health Care Workers- 8pm EST Today!

During the pandemic, I am offering public prayers at 8:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday Thursday and Saturday evenings. Today my prayer will be lifted up on behalf of all of the health care workers – not just the doctors, but nurses, maintenance people, administrators, and others. Please join me in prayer today at 8:00 p.m. on my Facebook page Nicholas said the 3rd period blessings and peace!

Nick

7    

One of the unique things that distinguishes the prophets in the Old Testament is the strong, bold and figurative language that God uses to communicate with the people of Israel.  One such example of this type of language is found in Jeremiah 30: ⁷        Alas! that day is so great

there is none like it;

it is a time of distress for Jacob;

yet he shall be rescued from it.

⁸ On that day, says the Lord of hosts, I will break the yoke from off his neck, and I will burst his bonds, and strangers shall no more make a servant of him. ⁹ But they shall serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.

¹⁰   But as for you, have no fear, my servant Jacob, says the Lord,

and do not be dismayed, O Israel;

for I am going to save you from far away,

and your offspring from the land of their captivity.

Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease,

and no one shall make him afraid.

¹¹   For I am with you, says the Lord, to save you;

I will make an end of all the nations

among which I scattered you,

but of you I will not make an end.

I will chastise you in just measure,

and I will by no means leave you unpunished. ^[1]

In verse 8, God says, “I will break the yoke from off his neck…”  This is strong language, to, “Break the yoke off from his neck.”

In a real sense, the pandemic of the Coronavirus is like a “Yoke on the neck.”  Much of the United States of America has been ordered to “Shelter in place” or, stay at home.  I received a call from a nurse in Liberia that other day.  She said, everyone in the nation has been ordered to return to their area.  The virus is like a a ”Yoke on the neck.”  Many are afraid of getting sick and dying.  Some are filled with panic and buying the stores out.  In a real sense, the fear the pandemic has caused may be worse than the illness.

I return to verse 8, “I will break the yoke from off of his neck,” This is the focus of my prayer today!

Questions for Reflection:

1. Do you ever feel like the problems in your life are like a “Yoke on your Neck”?

2.When have you prayed to the Lord to remove a burden?

3. Can you relate to the prophecy of Jeremiah in chapter 30?

4. Other thoughts on this topic?

Prayer:

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                                

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

Prayer:  Lord, release the yoke of fear.  Break the yoke of panic that has many of us locked in like oxen on a path.  Take away the foot of fear that stands on the neck of our independence.  Lord, strip away the yoke of a second class life and replace that yoke with the yoke of commitment to you!  Lord, your burden is easy and the load is light.  Help me to move beyond this moment in time and grant me renewed faith in you.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

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^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Je 30:7–11). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

God and Nature in a Pandemic!

God and Nature in a Pandemic!

Job 12: ⁷ “But ask the animals, and they will teach you;

the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

⁸  ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you;

and the fish of the sea will declare to you.

⁹  Who among all these does not know

that the hand of the Lord has done this?

¹⁰ In his hand is the life of every living thing

and the breath of every human being. ^[1]

As we make our way through the coronavirus pandemic, one of the routines I try to keep is a daily walk outdoors.  My favorite walks are along the Detroit River, through a series of City Parks – Mariners Park, Lakewood East Park, Alfred Brush Ford Park, Meheras- Gentry Park, and Belle Isle, are at the top of my list.

Saturday, I walked through Lakewood East Park alone.  I have tried to coordinate my walking routes and times with my wife, her mother, Mrs. Page and cousin, Joyce, who are staying with us through the “Shelter in Place” order that is in effect in the State of Michigan.  Walking with my wife in particular, has caused me to leave the noise-canceling headphones and the iPod full of music, at home.  This one thing is causing me to rediscover the mystery and majesty of the sounds of nature.  The spring of the year is at hand.  Birds are talking with one another.  Squirrels are moving fast.  Other critters are doing what they do, and collectively, they orchestrate a symphony of sounds that is melodious to the ear.  Walking along the Detroit River with the sounds of nature on the other side, the thought occurred that the wild animals and birds seem oblivious to the pandemic that brings fear, illness and death – and somehow, life goes on!

In an amazing way, as I looked at the birds and little ground animals doing what they do best, it gave me assurance that life goes on, with or without you and me.  Life goes on!  Life will go on!  Life will transcend you and me, in spite of a pandemic, in spite of our fears, in spite of sickness and death. Life will go on!  The birds and animals are a reminder to me that God is in control and that God has a plan that transcends you and me.

Listen to what God told Job in chapter 12:

⁷  “But ask the animals, and they will teach you;

the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

⁸  ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you;

and the fish of the sea will declare to you.

⁹  Who among all these does not know

that the hand of the Lord has done this?

¹⁰ In his hand is the life of every living thing

and the breath of every human being. ^[2]

I encourage you to hold on in faith, draw upon your hope, transcend your fears and love nature and human beings with a sense that God is in control and eventually we will transcend the pandemic. Thank you for reading. Blessings,

Nick

Questions for Reflection:

1. Where do you find hope as you live through the pandemic?
2. What is most depressing to you about living in a pandemic?
3. What have you learned about life through the sounds of nature?
4. What have you learned about God through the pandemic?
5. Other thoughts?

Prayer:  Lord, I thank you for life, even at a time such as this!  Bless me today with a greater sensitivity to life!  Help me to see you in everything – from the tiny ant to the giant elephant, from the birds in the air to the fish in the rivers and seas, help me to see you in everything!  Even as we live through global illness, suffering and death, bless us as we strive to glorify you in everything.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                     

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

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^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Job 12:7–10). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

^[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Job 12:7–10). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

The River of Life – Revelation 22

Today, we conclude the Revelation of God to John, with chapter 22. The more I consider the Revelation of God, the more I am convinced that the Revelation was a call to action for the 1st century church that was fearful, unclear and unfocused to the clairion call to stand up and challenge evil, to witness for Jesus and to love their neighbor as they loved themselves. As we read this concluding chapter, I encourage you to search your own soul and ask yourself, “Am I the witness I should and could be for Jesus Christ”? Thank you for reading and remember, I am praying for you! Blessings and peace!

Nick

The River of Life

Revelation 22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb ² through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. ³ Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; ⁴ they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. ⁵ And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

⁶ And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true, for the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”

⁷ “See, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

Epilogue and Benediction

⁸ I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me; ⁹ but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”

¹⁰ And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. ¹¹ Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

¹² “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

¹⁴ Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. ¹⁵ Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

¹⁶ “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

¹⁷   The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.”

And let everyone who hears say, “Come.”

And let everyone who is thirsty come.

Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

¹⁸ I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book; ¹⁹ if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

²⁰ The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

²¹ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.^[1]

Questions for Reflection:

Prayer:  Lord, Jesus!  I thank you for your Revelation!  Grant that I might increase my faith, increase my commitment, increase my love. Grant me the courage to stand up to evil, speak out against wrong, and to live my life as a witness for you – in season and out of season, in sickness and health, in poverty and wealth!  Lord, I make my commitment today as a witness for you!  I will go where you want me to go, do what you want me to do, be what you want me to be!  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                                

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

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^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Re 22:1–21). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Blossom In the Pandemic!

Even in the midst of a pandemic there is something to give us hope and smile about. The other day I stopped by the church to get some things out of my office, to my surprise I noticed that for the 1st time in almost a year, 2 of my 5 peace Lily plants had multiple lilies that were in Bloom! It seems strange to me that for the last 12 months none of my plants would produce the beautiful peace Lily. But now that we are in the midst of a pandemic, multiple lilies are bursting forth. Looking at the lilies reminds me of the words of God-given to the prophet Hosea”will be like the dew to Israel, he shall blossom like the Lily” Hosea 14: 5

I have a question for you – How are you handling this pandemic? Are you shriveling up in fear, desperation, panic and boredom, or are you like my peace lilies, blossoming and coming into your own at a time like this?

Personally, I am trying to make the most of this moment. I am reading, writing, reflecting on the Word of God, the reality of God, the providence of God and the purpose of God- even in a difficult time like this!

I encourage you to hold on in faith, draw upon your faith, look up and see God and the inspiration of God, even in the small things of life. I am praying for you! Blessings,

Nick

Questions for Reflection:

1. How are you handling this pandemic?

2. What do you see, like the peace lilies that gives you hope?

3. Are you growing emotionally and spiritually through the pandemic, or are you creeping into a shell?

4. Where is your faith?

Prayer: Lord, help me to continue to blossom! Like the lily of the field, help me to thrive, even in the worst of times. Show me the path to continual renewal, continual growth, continual spiritual stimulation. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                                                

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

"The New Jerusalem"- Revelation 21

We are almost at the end of the Revelation of God that was given to John. As we prepare to read this chapter, I encourage you to consider the precedinug chapters with a mind to the desire of John to write this Revelation as a Letter of Hope to the early, 1st century Christian Community. The world that John knew was a world where Christians were persecuted and not allowed to live free and unfetered lives. the Revelation given to John is a promise of a new Jerusalem, a new world order for the Christian community. I find it interesting that in the list of those John was told who could not enter the New Jerusalem, are the “Cowardly and faithless…” (Verse 8) I believe it is instructive that these two groups of people were to be not worthy of entering the New Jerusalem. Why? Because John is writing to encourage people to stand strong in their faith and to be courageous in the struggle for justice and peace! Thank you for joining me in this process! Blessings and peace,

Nick

The New Heaven and the New Earth

Revelation 21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. ² And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

“See, the home of God is among mortals.

He will dwell with them as their God;

they will be his peoples,

and God himself will be with them;

⁴  he will wipe every tear from their eyes.

Death will be no more;

mourning and crying and pain will be no more,

for the first things have passed away.”

⁵ And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ⁶ Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. ⁷ Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children. ⁸ But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, the murderers, the fornicators, the sorcerers, the idolaters, and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Vision of the New Jerusalem

(Cp Ezek 48:30–35)

⁹ Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” ¹⁰ And in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. ¹¹ It has the glory of God and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. ¹² It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates are inscribed the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites; ¹³ on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. ¹⁴ And the wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

¹⁵ The angel who talked to me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. ¹⁶ The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width; and he measured the city with his rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal. ¹⁷ He also measured its wall, one hundred forty-four cubits by human measurement, which the angel was using. ¹⁸ The wall is built of jasper, while the city is pure gold, clear as glass. ¹⁹ The foundations of the wall of the city are adorned with every jewel; the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. ²¹ And the twelve gates are twelve pearls, each of the gates is a single pearl, and the street of the city is pure gold, transparent as glass.

²² I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. ²³ And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. ²⁴ The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. ²⁵ Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. ²⁶ People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. ²⁷ But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.  ^[1]

Questions for Reflection:

Prayer:  Lord, I look to you to for the salvation of the world.  Lord, I seek your deliverance, right now!  Lord, I seek your safety, right now!  Lord, I seek your justice, now!  Lord, I seek your help, right now!  Lord, grant me your peace.  Lord, grant me your mercy.  Lord, grant me your health and joy.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Written by Pastor Nick Hood3                                                     

Photo by Pastor Nick Hood3

Additional Prayers Photos and Meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at https://nicholashoodiiiministries.wordpress.com/

More about the ministry, mission, and meditations from Pastor Nick Hood3 at www.nicholashoodiiiministries.org and www.puccdetroit.org

New – You Tube Spiritual Videos at Rev Nicholas Hood and on Facebook

New – Listen to readings from the Book of Psalms, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, 1^st Samuel, 2 Samuel, Proverbs, the Gospel of John, Acts of the Apostles, Philippians, 1^st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1^st and 2^nd Timothy, Colossians, Titus, Revelation and more as well as Inspirational Prayers written by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Hood III at Nicholas Hood3, is now available on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nicholas-hood3/id1370371705.

Or, at anchor.fm/nicholas-hood3.

Also, on Google Podcasts at Nicholas Hood3

Now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/1fQTqugJtGj6FCgHaGuG

Thank you,

Nick

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^[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Re 21:1–27). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.