THE GOOD SHEPHERD'S SHEEP KNOW HIS VOICE AND FOLLOW HIM!

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Therefore Jesus said again, "Very truly I tell you, I am the Gate for the Sheep.  All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the Sheep have not listened to them".

(John 10:7-8) 

I must preface what I am about to talk about by giving credit to a precious Sister-In-Christ named Brenda Strohbehn Henderson (petalfromthebasket.com).   As I began writing my blog page today, I realized that I have been running around in circles; trying to get everything on my "To Do List" done today.   My personality type is one who sets goals and objectives daily and if I am not successful in fulfilling EVERYTHING on the "To Do List", I feel like I have not had a productive day.     This frustration rolls into the time I attempt to spend time in The SECRET PLACE with Father God.   As much as I would like to say that I discard any of the personal frustration from earlier in the day, I tend to bring a pocketful of disappointment in myself into my fellowship and communion time with Father God.  I am a former semi-professional actor of stage, and as "talented" as I may have thought I was when I was younger (and far better looking LOL), Father God could see right through any attempts to mask my inner frustrations.   There are so many VOICES that continually vying for our attention-- these "Voices", though some have very legitimate things to share, there are other "voices" (what I refer to those inner voices that tend to cause inner turmoil on the battlefield of the mind.   Can anyone out there relate to this?    

Again, may I draw your attention to Blogger and Writer, Sister Brenda, and her beautiful Blog page.  

It was while I was researching to find particular scriptures in the Bible that referred to voices that continue vying for our attention throughout our entire day (and night), that Sister Brenda's Blog Page showed up on my IPAD screen.   As I read her incredible blog addressing the very same issue I was planning to address today in my blog, I felt comforted to know that I was not the only one who has the challenge of following the right voices.  From this point in my blog page, I would like to refer you to this precious sister's website because she so eloquently shares about this same challenge of hearing all of the voices (good and bad) that continue in attempt to pull us away from hearing The Good Shepherd's Voice.   Her website address is as follows:     petalsfromthebasket.com    

THE SHEEP HEAR THEIR SHEPHERD'S VOICE AND FOLLOW:
The Bible describes our relationship with God as in the relationship between JESUS (The Good Shepherd) and WE (The Sheep).    We must understand that the responsibility of a Shepherd (at least in the Middle Eastern Culture) is to protect the sheep from danger and enemies.  The shepherd makes sure  that the sheep have nourishing food to eat and sufficient clean water to drink. But the Middle Eastern agricultural practices are very different than ours are in North America.  There a shepherd does not keep the sheep penned up for 24 hours a day and bring fresh food and clean water to the sheep like we do here.   A Middle Eastern shepherd does not use a dog to herd the sheep like we sometimes do here.  And the Middle Eastern shepherd also does not use a dog to to herd the sheep from pasture to pasture as is done in Australia and New Zealand.  In the Middle East, sheep may be penned up for safety at night. But during the day, the shepherd directs his or her sheep, not with barriers, and not with force, but with his or her voice.  The shepherd talks to the sheep and sheep follow the shepherd because they know the voice of the shepherd.   

JOHN 10:2-4 says, "The ONE WHO ENTERS by the GATE is THE SHEPHERD OF THE SHEEP.   The GATEKEEPER opens the gate for HIM, and the SHEEP LISTEN TO HIS VOICE..  HE CALLS HIS OWN SHEEP BY NAME AND LEADS THEM OUT.  When he has BROUGHT OUT ALL HIS OWN,  HE goes on ahead of them, and HIS SHEEP FOLLOW HIM BECAUSE THEY KNOW HIS VOICE".  (My Emphasis)    

DULY NOTE:   The terms used in this aforementioned passage of scripture:   

1)   The ONE WHO ENTERS by The GATE (Shepherd of the Sheep)

2)  The GATEKEEPER (This is not referring to The Shepherd who is there to bring His Own Sheep out of         the gate of protection during the night hours.   The "Gatekeeper" was an individual who made his or her    
     wages on providing a "Lodging for the Sheep during the night hours)" until The Shepherd Came to          
     Bring His Own Sheep Out.

3)  The SHEEP LISTEN TO HIS (The Shepherd's) VOICE

4)  The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep BY NAME and LEADS THEM OUT.

5)  When He has brought out ALL HIS OWN, He goes on AHEAD OF THEM; and

6)  HIS SHEEP FOLLOW HIM Because They KNOW HIS VOICE 

In conclusion, my friends, I want to encourage and challenge all of us to pray for great clarity in our ability to hear (and discern) the Voice of The Good Shepherd (JESUS CHRIST).   We all experience MANY other voices that constantly bombard us -- demanding our attention, and although there are some very legitimate voices we should adhere (and tend to) (ie., our spouse, our children, spouse, "paying Cesar what is due Cesar (Bills Y'All) etc.,) we must also be certain that these "voices" (legitimate and those that the enemy will use to distract us from taking the time to get before GOD in THE SECRET PLACE and spend time in quiet fellowship), we DESPERATELY NEED to spend time in(Your "War Room of Prayer), or driving on the way to work....wherever Your Secret Place with God may be)-- More than ever, especially with Heaven's Clock that reads "11:59 and counting down" we need divine Wisdom, Discernment, Encouragement, Holy Insights and Instructions from The Holy Spirit of God in This Final Moment.   

I love you all and pray that I am able to serve as a resource of encouragement, inspiration, blessing (and The Holy Spirit may impart a divine perspective that may challenge you in your daily with Jesus Christ and Almighty God).     I would love to hear from you.  Getting feedback is a great gift to a blogger-- we need the encouragement as much as we desire to encourage you, our readership (my friends).  Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment on this blog site or you can contact me with your comments, thoughts, suggestions, healthy critiques or concerns at:   JHudson1159@gmail. com 

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone else today in Jesus' Name! 

J.  
 

 

 

WE MUST WORK WHILE IT IS DAYLIGHT FOR THE NIGHT IS COMING WHEN WE WON'T BE ABLE TO DO SO!

WELCOME TO THE 1159AndCountingDown Blog Page

"While it is daytime, we must do the work of Him who sent me (Jesus).  Night is coming, when no one can work.  While I (Jesus) am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:4) (My emphasis)

Duly Note:    There is a sense of urgency in what Jesus is telling his disciples in the passage of scripture in The Holy Bible-- He tells them to "while it is daytime, we MUST do the WORK of Him (God) who sent me (Jesus).  (My emphasis)   Jesus also declares in this passage of scripture that "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world".   Now please allow me to show you another scripture found in Matthew 5:13-16 (See Below)

"You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?  It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and it under a basket, but on a lampstand, ad it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let Your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven". (Matthew 5:13-16)

So we see that the Bible refers to JESUS as "the light of the world" (John 9:4); and then we see how "Disciples/Christians of Christ" are referred to as "light of the world" and "salt of the earth". (Matthew 5:13-16)--however, notice that this aforementioned passage of scripture speaks of the importance of the "light" and the "salt"-- in short, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of our being "the light" by NOT hiding it under a basket - but let us BOLDLY shine brightly on the HILL (Mountain) for ALL to see (and that they will come to hear TRUTH that will set them free); and Jesus also warns about us (the salt) losing its flavor (demonstration of divine passion and the only thing that can satisfy the hunger in our souls); and if the salt (our godly passion for God's Truth) does lose its' flavor, then our testimony falls to the ground only to be discarded (ignored by men as the useless salt is trampled under their foot).    ONLY SATAN IS THE ONE WHO IS ALWAYS UNDER OUR FEET BELOVED OF GOD.  

I wanted to preface this blog with the aforementioned scriptures because I do have a strong urgency in my spirit that as long as it daylight--which I believe means that there is coming a time when Christians are NOT going to have the liberty of Free Speech and Freedom of Religion because Christianity, God, Jesus Christ and THE WORD are all defensive because the TRUTH contradicts their choice of sinful sexuality and lifestyle.    Christians will begin to be seen as "The Resistance" to an "Progressive  (Liberal) One World Government.    Our preaching The Word of God will become "Hate Speech" and our sincere approach to "Deliverance Ministry" (casting out demons, and BOLDLY sharing our testimony of what we have now because of our acceptance of the free Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and King; and as we boldly unite in declaring God's Faithfulness and His Transformation Power in our lives.   

Just as many individuals, including the religious leaders in those times when Jesus had his earthly ministry and taught TRUTH that set the captives free, AND, demonstrated the Reality and Power of God through the glorious display of miracles, signs and wonders.    There were countless individuals who appeared before the kings and rulers of that day-- sharing how a man name Jesus healed them of blindness (John 9:1-12); casting out of demons (the Gerasenes Demoniac - Mark 5:1-20); 

DULY NOTE:   Matthew 10:7-8 (The Ministry of The Twelve)

Jesus gave final instructions to His Disciples--the same instructions that He is still speaking to us today:   Jesus said, "As you go, preach this message:  The kingdom of heaven os near.  HEAL THE SICK. RAISE THE DEAD, CLEANSE THE LEPERS, DRIVE OUT DEMONS.  Freely you have received, freely give".   (My Emphasis)

Saints of God, I have shared all of these things so that you would be encouraged to no longer sit on Your God-given Gifts and Talents.   God blessed you with those gifts (Natural and Spiritual) that you will use them to "advance the kingdom of God....and that He WOULD RECEIVE ALL THE GLORY, HONOR AND PRAISE!    Some of you have been given incredible gifts from God and you have laid them on a shelf in some closet and there they sit - gathering dust and useless - wasting away!  Am I being too harsh?   I stand apologetic on this matter because if ever there was a time to picking those dusty gifts and talents up, it is now.  I am praying that you would experience a REKINDLING....a FIERY RENEWED PASSION for the God-given/assigned Gifts (Natural and Spiritual) you thought you would never use again.  Someone right now is saying "I am too old and surely God can't use me now---I have retired and I don't sing, play an instrument or really get "involved" with the local church anymore".   Well, I am telling you, in The Name of Jesus Christ, and by the divine instruction of The Holy Spirit, that you rise up out of your Lazy Boy Chair and dust off those gifts that you stashed away in the attic; or in an old barn; or in a tool shed in the backyard.  Do Not Hide "Your LIGHT under a basket beloved of God!   And Use The SALT to bring Godly savor and flavor into someone's life today!      

And by the way, with all due respect, WE NEVER RETIRE WITH THE CALL GOD HAS ON OUR LIVES WHILE WE ARE STILL HERE ON EARTH (We may slow down the pace as we get older, but we still press ONWARD and UPWARD in the things of God (AMEN?)-- Our assignment on earth may change the day JESUS, The Author and Finisher of Our Faith, says "It's Our Time To Go Home to God and His Kingdom".   Although some of us will "depart from this world and enter God's Heavenly Kingdom", I also believe there will be plenty to do up in heaven as well- so The Reality of RETIREMENT (as much as it feels good for a season) is over folks!

In conclusion, I am always trying to "Work while it is still daylight" and I am always thinking of creative ways in which I am able to SPREAD THE TRUTH to those who are lost and wandering about with The Shepherd to guide them safely home.   I am adamant about our need to utilize  EVERY media resources and venues we can to spread The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In saying this, I am beginning a new YouTube Channel entitled:   The Elephant In The Room at 1159.    I won't give away much, but I will say that I will be discussing many issues that folks nowadays choose to ignore and call "The Elephant in the Room".    I want to talk about hot topics in today's world (and The Church) in loving BOLDNESS and straight talk because it is 11:59 on heaven's Time Clock and it is counting down folks!   So join with me in doing everything you can with EVERY gift and talent God has given you to display HIS GLORY IN THIS FINAL MOMENT.    Please stop by my new YouTube Channel - The Elephant in The Room @ 1159.    I appreciate all of our prayers and if you feel lead by The Holy Spirit to financial support this ministry "1159" (and counting down) I do have a new PayPal Account that will allow you to do so.    

As always be blessed and be a blessing to someone else today in Jesus' Name!     Love you guys and gals!  Please keep your comments coming - it encourages me and lets me know I may be speaking inspiration into someone's life.    Thank you all!  

J.

WILLIE WONKA HAS NOTHING ON GOD'S GLORIOUS AND MAJESTIC WORLD OF PURE DELIGHTS THAT AWAIT HIS CHILDREN IN HEAVEN

 WELCOME TO 1159AndCountingDown.Blog Spot

WILLIE WONKA'S "WORLD OF PURE IMAGINATION" IS NOTHING IN COMPARISON TO GOD'S GLORIOUS AND MAJESTIC "WORLD OF HOLY AND REAL CREATION OF UNFATHOMABLE DELIGHTS" THAT AWAIT HIS CHILDREN IN HEAVEN 

NOW HOW IS THAT FOR A TITLE FOR A BLOG PAGE?    Stay with me folks, and it will all pan out and make more sense as you read on. 

Hey Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray you have been having a blessed and productive day in The Lord on this beautiful Thursday, August 24, 2017.    My day has been a bit hectic, but only because I wake up with an active mind and a long list of "THINGS THAT I NEEDED TO GET DONE".    It seems the older I get the longer that "TO DO LIST" gets.   Perhaps it is because, when we are in our early fifties and grow older, we finally arrive at a place in our lives where those things that we once thought were so crucial (successful careers, financial gains, fame, and the best of everything we thought life had to offer) aren't what is important at all.  When a man finds himself facing the reality that he is now in his mid-fifties, early sixties, his paradigm shifts -- he slows down and begins to stop and smell the roses-- the very same blooms that he has planted in a garden that he never took the time to establish and nurture.  Okay, enough with the "middle age blues" song and  dance stuff folks.    Who am I kidding?  Yes, I may find myself not caring as much with what other people may think of me.   And yes, I live in the real world where I am no longer young, fresh and as agile as I was in my early twenties.  But phooey on deciding to grow old, crotchety and inactive.  Who cares that when I go out to a restaurant the waitress just assumes I am a Senior Citizen and I get 10% off of my bill when I go to cash out my ticket...Thank you God!    

I jokingly tell folks I meet that it is a good day when I wake up and my name and picture isn't in the Obituary section of the local newspaper.      If I am still breathing then God still has work for me to do.  I am determined to keep pressing on in this life and when you surrender your life to God and His plans and purposes He has for you, I tell people to get ready, hold on tight, and prepare for the ride of your life.  My body may be 54 years old, but in my spirit, I am in my early twenties and by His grace and mercy, I believe I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me - Amen?   You know folks, there are even times when I find myself standing in utter AWE and AMAZEMENT at God's Faithfulness to His Promises.   It is as I stand in this amazement that I oftentimes feel like a young boy who is experiencing things in life for the first time again.    

When God reveals Himself to me in various ways, I find myself becoming giddy like a child in a candy store (much like the scene when Willie Wonka finally reveals his secret "World of Pure Imagination" to the chosen few children, who have found the Golden Ticket.   As they enter the mysterious majestic building and welcome the children into The Grand Room of Sugary Delights, the children scramble about discovering that everything they see is edible; oversized flowers that have cream-filled centers; a river made of hot chocolate with billowy marshmallow fluff; and taffy vines that cling to on an edible white chocolate picket fence and so much more..    If it is not obvious to you yet, the 1971 movie entitled "Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory" was one of my favorite childhood movies.  The big reveal of The Grand Room and everything being edible and made of candy always had me drooling and salivating.   As kids the only time that I and my three brothers saw candy was at Halloween.  Now I realize that in certain Christian camps today, parents forbid their kids from celebrating this holiday because it is affiliated with Satan.    I personally would offer kids today to celebrate a Harvest Festival at a local church where they still can dress in appropriate costumes and play games and receive plenty of candy.   However, back in the early 1970's my parents only saw the holiday as something that allowed kids to dress up in fun costumes and go door to door in the neighborhood and get candy dropped in a brown shopping bag.      I must interject with a confession here:    I didn't use a chintzy old brown shopping bag-- I used one of those large plastic Yard Leave Bags; and yes, I would circulate the entire neighborhood (up to twelve blocks minimum), come home and put on a different costume and try to change my voice and go to the same houses for a second portion of goodies.     I know folks, I desperately needed Jesus back then!   My attempts to "double-dip" in the second time around disguise wasn't always a success because some elderly lady would yell at me, "Say, you've already been here earlier...that's you isn't Jerry Hudson?"   Of course, this would abruptly end my quest for seconds.   I wouldn't be as bummed about failing to bring in more sweet loot a second time around, but I would be frustrated that I wasn't able to disguise my voice when I hollered "Trick or Treat" at those same doors again. (Perhaps that is why I became an actor when I grew up-- I learned how to disguise my voice as I studied the various accents from other countries.   I do a mean "British Accent" and I'm not too bad with a "French Accent" but I sometimes slip and slide into a "Spanish Accent".)  

Wow, talk about jumping onto a Rabbit Trail?   Sorry about that folks.   Let me get back to my story about Willie Wonka!      I found the idea of those children tearing open the wrappers in the chocolate bars in hopes of finding the Golden Ticket very intriguing.   In fact, for weeks after watching :"Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory" I would rush out to the local drug store down the street and buy as many Hershey's chocolate bars I could with the money I would make from my paper route.  Of course, I know this sort of thing only happens in Hollywood movies, and I never found a "golden ticket" when I tore open those wrappers, but I never stopped looking for one either (and I had more than my share of stomach aches from all of that chocolate)..   Oh, but to be one of the chosen few who would retrieve the Golden Ticket-- and now I can say that when I met Jesus Christ and made Him my Lord and Savior, I received THE GOLDEN TICKET (The Gift of Salvation and Redemption through Jesus Christ).   A peculiar analogy?  Perhaps!.   But I do think it is a very approprie homology indeed!    Like the Dove Award Winning Song by Christian Artists Mercy Me - I CAN ONLY IMAGINE - It is true!   I can only imagine, or perhaps I really can't begin to fathom at all, what Heaven is going to be like.    A Golden Ticket (The Gift of Salvation because of Jesus Christ Our Lord, Savior and Redeemer) and Streets of Pure Gold?   I have heard from those whom have experienced The Blessed Privilege of Visiting Heaven that the flowers sing, the River of Life is like a shiny sheet of glass and the colors are breathtaking and almost indescribable!   (And for those of you who know me well, I have already been asking God for a couple of Zebras grazing in the backyard of the home Jesus has built for me-- who knows, maybe these zebras (and all animals in heaven) will also be able to talk!   This is why I say it is almost Unfathomable to begin to imagine what Heaven is going to be like.   

.      

1 Corinthians 2:9New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.

Thank you for visiting my blog page and please stop by again.    Also, please tell your family and friends about this new blog page.   Stay tuned, because I never know when The Holy Spirit may give me a Prophetic Word or a Word of Knowledge, or have me share a divine Vision or Dream for You (and/or The Body of Christ).   Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today in Jesus' Name!   

Much Love, Prayers and blessings Ya'all!   :}

 J.

CARRYING HEAVY LOADS THAT GOD NEVER INTENDED FOR US TO CARRY IN LIFE!

Welcome to 1159AndCountingDown Blog Page

Hello My Brothers and Sisters-In-Christ,

I pray your Wednesday is blessed so far.    I have had the most tremendous week so far and I love to testify of God's faithfulness, love, mercy and gentle Hand of kindness.   In giving GOD ALL THE GLORY, I share the following.   I moved here to Arkansas on May 10, 2017 with a few pieces of furniture, some clothing, my side-kick Toby (my Bichon Freise) and a broken heart.    I was leaving a relationship where my former wife and I were not on the same sheet of God's Plan for our lives.    We were basically heading in two very different directions.    God changed things in a fast amount of time and within a six day period I was arriving in Arkansas-- a place I had never been to before, but I came here out of obedience and the leading of The Holy Spirit of God.   Now let us fast forward to today, August 23, 2017 and so much has changed for the good - praise God!      My once bare little home is now full of furnishings with beautiful furniture, framed art work on the walls, three fully furnished bedrooms, a washer and dryer, an awesome vehicle that was given to me with keys, the PAID IN FULL receipt, the Title and a full tank of gas as well-- and the list of blessings goes on and on.  Please know that if I am boasting I truly boast in the Lord for it is He who I give ALL GLORY!   This is a very big change for me since I have always considered myself to be a minimalist.

I served in the United States Army where you had a ruck sack (duffle bag) and when we were out in the deep dark woods on a "mission" or military exercise, the Army cook would toss us an MRE (Meals Ready to Eat)-- and when you managed to tear those freeze-dried pouches open, you never knew whether you would get a small can of beef stew, green eggs (no lie), or spam (the Army called it ham in a can, but I knew it was really spam (processed with "who knows what").   After the military, I really learned that it was a good thing to always travel light-- too much baggage can hold you back from moving forward sometimes.   Well, I believe it is the same thing that happens to us as Christians.  God has a plan for our lives and sometimes the journey is a long one until we finally reach wherever the Holy Spirit is leading us.   God has never intended for you and I too carry unnecessary baggage on our backs. 

We, as human beings, find ourselves picking up things along the way:   bad habits, wrong relationships, addictions and vices, and STUFF just to try to fill the void that only JESUS can fill in us.   Come on my friends, you all know what I am talking about- Right? 

One example of having too much stuff for the sake of having stuff around to make me feel like I was accomplishing something with the finances God was giving me was when I noticed, one day, while my wife was out shopping (again) for more stuff, that our little space was becoming even smaller-- to some, it may even seem like we were becoming hoarders.   Allow me to continue to share.

My former wife and I lived in a small modular or manufactured home (some use to call these kind of homes "Mobile Homes").   When I was growing up, there was a stigma that came with folks who lived in trailer parks or in a mobile home on the back of some rich family's property.   These folks were also referred to as those who "lived on the wrong side of the tracks".  I remember when I was a boy growing up in an middle class family-- I had a friend whose family was very wealthy.     One day, as I was standing outside of the front door of his parents "House and Gardens Model Home", waiting for him to join me for a day of rough housing in the woods that were about a mile away in an old suburb (The "Forbidden Zone" according to his parents)..  I remember his mother whispering, "Are you still friends with that Hudson Boy?   You know his parents don't have much money sweetheart and these are not the kind of folks your father and I want you to associate with"!   REALLY?    I was so young and didn't really concern myself with any of that Hosh Posh Arrogance.  In fact, it didn't matter to me how much money and fancy things anyone had-- I was a kid,  and I just wanted to go out in the woods and roll around in the mud, climb trees and trudge through the smelly old crick looking for bullfrogs and tadpoles.   These are things kids should be concerning themselves with-- not whether the friends you are playing with are Elitists or Simpletons.    Like my dad always would say, "They all put their pants on the same way-- one leg at a time".   Some would call him a simple man for saying that, but I call him an incredible man of wisdom (and common sense).   I have always said, "I would rather have a certificate in Common Sense than a wall full of degrees of higher education any day".  

Folks can be so prideful and arrogant!    It is no wonder Jesus, in His earthly ministry, hung around with those "who lived on the wrong side of the tracks".  He may have also associated with some of the wealthy at times, but we must remember that the "respectable and highly esteemed" of Jesus' day were the Religious Leaders:  The Pharisees and Sadducee.   Remember this as well-- Jesus called these folks "snakes and vipers" (Matthew 23:33).  He also warned them by saying "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean" (Matthew 23:27).   WOW!   You go Jesus!   Now that is keeping things real isn't it!   Jesus saw right straight through their hypocrisy and this is why the religious leaders despised Him.   And then when they began to hear the reports that Jesus was telling folks He was the Promised Messiah, this had to enrage them even more.  I can only imagine what some of them may have been thinking as they would lay on their beds pondering these things about Jesus.  "If He really is The Promised Messiah, I was rebuked and called a viper, a hypocrite, and a whitewashed tomb full of bones that are dead and everything unclean.   My facade is now revealed, but not by any man, but by JESUS Himself.  Oh, I am in serious trouble if I don't get things right between God and I".   But I can only speculate if any of these religious leaders pondered such thoughts on their beds.   In fact, I believe their anger and resentment towards Jesus festered and drove them onward in their goal to kill this man...this Jesus who calls Himself The Son of God....The Messiah and Savior of The World.   Anger and pride together is like an spiritual Atomic Bomb.   As both anger and pride fester and grow it pushes a man to do horrible things-- even crucify the very man who willingly came from heaven when He said to The Father, "Send me.  I will go and save mankind".   This same man (The Son of God) willingly gave His life by being crucified-- hung on a cross at Calvary (Skull Mountain) as the very people whom He came to redeem back unto Our Heavenly Father drove nails in His feet and hands.    THANK YOU JESUS FOR DYING THAT I MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE AND I CAN NOW COME UNTO THE FATHER THROUGH YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS BLOOD YOU SHED ON THE CROSS.   

It is amazing how giving our lives to Jesus Christ changes the way we see things in life.   Growing up I wanted to be a professional Singer (and stage performer).    According to my mom, and some awards and trophies I received in winning talent shows, others thought I had great potential as well.    But life has a way of taking us down roads we never imagined we would find ourselves traveling..   I graduated from high school and while everyone else was readying themselves for going off to college, I was looking for a job that would pay me a couple of pennies above minimum wage.  I was also having to share a house with four or five other guys so we could all afford to live on our own-- staying far from the other option of  having to live in our parents basements until we were in our forties.   Now that is a scary thought-- for the Child and for the Parent!   Then in December 1981, a hard harsh winter storm hit the small suburb where I was raised in Michigan, and I remember trudging through snow drifts in search of something-- not even sure what that something really was at the time-- but I knew there had to be more for me.   I still had dreams and aspirations to do something big and important in my life, but how was I going to get out where I could see more of the world?    So I signed the dotted line and joined The United States Army.  Not exactly the dotted line I was hoping I would one day sign--I wanted to sign with a record label and make music- but joining the military - REALLY?    Even Uncle Sam raised an awkward eye brow when he saw me entering the Basic Training Post.    Don't fret folks, I am not going to share my whole testimony.   You can always read my story in its entirety by getting it on Amazon.com (The Devil's Misfits:  My Testimony by Jay L. Hudson)  (I know, it's a shameless plug but advertising costs are crazy folks so I have to use this venue to save me some money!   NOTE:  And just in case you are wondering why my author name is different from my name listed on this blogger page - it's a Pseudonym - a Ghost Writer name -- but it's all still ME!.  

In closing this particular blog, I conclude by once again saying that life can be strange and many times we don't see our dreams and aspirations being fulfilled.    However, as we continue to surrender ourselves to God's Plans and Purpose that He has for our lives, we discover that no matter where we are on this journey, He is right there by our side every step of the WAY (Jesus Christ said, "I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE; no one comes to the Father but by me" (John 14:6)   

I am incredibly and eternally grateful to JESUS CHRIST for being my Lord, Savior, Redeemer and The Lover of My Soul.    I am the Man I am today and the man I hope I become one day because of God's Transformation Power-- His amazing and mighty Hand that continues to mold me into the Image of His Son Jesus Christ.

I pray that you have been blessed, inspired, encouraged and maybe even challenged in your Faith Walk today.   I thank you so much for visiting my Blogger Page -- and I would love to hear from you.   You can contact me at my email account:    Jhudson1159@gmail.com 

Be blessed and be a blessing to someone today in Jesus' Name!   Love you all!

J.

PS:   Before I forget, I realize that my past "Blogger Articles" are listed sequentially from The Past (2015) to (some of 2017).   As I was pasting these past "articles" I wasn't giving much thought to the date sequences.   So you will begin to see my Blogger Articles are starting to reflect today's recent date (August 2017).   Sorry if there is any confusion on this matter.    I would like to encourage you to view some of my past 'Articles" because I have included the Prophetic Words from God and Visions and Dreams as well (from 2015 thru to 2017).    Thank you for your patience and understanding.    I am indeed a "Work in Progress" and I am "Under Construction". Ya'll! LOL

GLORY TO GOD - MY REDEEMER LIVES -(SONG POSTED)

WELCOME TO 1159AndCountingDown Blog Page 

I JUST HAVE TO TELL EVERYBODY THAT MY REDEEMER (JESUS CHRIST) IS ALIVE AND WELL! AND BELOVED SAINTS OF GOD, HE IS COMING BACK VERY SOON! WILL YOU BE READY MY FRIEND?

My redeemer lives on Sing! Karaoke | Smule

Nicole C. Mullen - My redeemer lives recorded by jaypaulie35 on Sing! Karaoke. Sing your favorite songs with lyrics and duet with celebrities.

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WELCOME TO MY NEW BLOGGER PAGE

WELCOME TO 1159 AND COUNTING DOWN Blog Page

DISCLOSURE:   Some of you may know me as Jay Hudson.  Due to a recent divorce, I am currently enduring some animosity from other parties involved.  In order to eliminate any false accusations (and drama) I am using a Pseudonym (J. Jacob Lewis) to avoid any unwarranted harassment or other efforts in an attempt to disrupt what God is desiring to do with The CALL He has placed on my life.   I regret having to take such measures to protect my integrity.   For those of you who know me personally, you know "The Truth" (and God continues to be My Judge and Jury).   I apologize that I even have to include this in my introduction.   Thank you for understanding my situation in this matter.    

Welcome to my new Blogger Page (1159 And Counting Down)

I am so honored to be able to have a page where I am able to prayerfully encourage, inspire, bless (and even challenge) you with what I share in my "Articles".   

Much of what I write is inspired during my times in The Secret Place with The Holy Spirit of God.  You will discover there may be times when He will inspire me to speak a Prophetic Word.   Often times, such a divine "Word of The Lord" will come as I am writing one of my "Articles".  Thus, the "article" begins as my heart-felt thoughts and The Holy Spirit will shift my thoughts and give me "A Word" to share within the body of the article.   When a "Word of the Lord" does come, as always, I challenge you, the reader, to test the spirits, and seek Father God for confirmation.   I am a strong believer "that no man's flesh be glorified" when these things happen.   In fact, you will always see me immediately give ALL GLORY TO GOD!   I can truly do NOTHING  without Jesus Christ (The Vine).   

John 15:5 "I am the Vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing". 

It is (and always will be) my most sincere desire to encourage you, my Family and Friends who are authentic believers and followers of Jesus Christ.  I love and need ALL of you Beloved Saints of God.  May I be a blessing to you; and may you in turn go forth and be a blessing to someone else today in the mighty Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

J.

Hello Everyone and welcome to my new Blogger Page 1159 And Counting Down.    For many of my precious family and friends in Christ, you know me as Jay Hudson, but I have decided to use what many author's use -- a Pseudonym (alias
 

INTRODUCING PENTATONIX'S NEW SPIN ON "MARY DID YOU KNOW"

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In the latter part of 1998 had the privilege of going into the studio and recording this song for a Christmas CD I was producing. It is an awesome song that speaks of the Birth of Jesus Christ. I encourage anyone who may be confused about the real reason for the season to listen to the lyrics in this powerful and anointed rendition. Merry Christmas everyone! 12-14-14 J.

Pentatonix’s new spin on "Mary Did You Know" is giving everyone goosebumps!

Pentatonix is sending chills down everyone’s spine with their beautiful rendition of "Mary Did You Know." Their arrangement on this already beautiful song is putting…

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ABIDE UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY (PSALM 91)

January 5, 2015 · 

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ABIDE UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY (PSALM 91)

 

I stand amazed at the faithfulness of God to meet me right where I am at. These past few weeks have been incredible because I have made the choice to enter into the presence of God by spending quality time in prayer, reading God's Word and being prepared as a sanctuary...a sanctuary where not only I experience the peace, wisdom and joy from the Spirit of God, but that I am also being available, obedient and prepared in the arena of servitude. I am learning that one must protect one's "sanctuary"-- the "Secret Place" that God promises according to Psalm 91...to abide under the shadow of the Almighty. A Christian must go to the "River" and soak up the Word of God so that divine revelation may run through one's body, mind and spirit...and in turn is able to go forth, ready to provide wisdom and encouragement to others who are in desperate need themselves of refreshing that can only come from the truth that sets them free . In God's Word King David tells God that he would "go back to the transgressors and lead them out of darkness and into the light of truth (paraphrased)..." and this is what we all must do...be willing to take our testimony of God's faithfulness in taking our "mess" and making it our "message" to a world that is looking for proof and evidence of the true and living God. I know that lately I have been harping on the fact that I know we are living in the last days and I even present a tone of urgency in my spirit, but I believe that many Christians in today's Christendom are also sensing that something BIG is about to happen in America and in the world in general. We need to GET READY folks. This is not a time to be playing "church" or messing around with the entanglement in the sins of the world. It's time to rise up and be a beacon of truth and hope...I continue to challenge my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ to be BOLD, STRONG AND COURAGEOUS and to go forth in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit...for one will water and another will plant the seed of truth. Only God knows the readiness of a man's heart...who will receive and who will reject truth (God). Much love, prayers and blessings! Godspeed and Selah

J.

GOD IS THE GOD OF RECONCILIATION

January 10, 2015 · 

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God Is The God of Reconciliation 

 

2 Corinthians 5:18New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁸ Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,

I believe in a God of Reconciliation -- it is God's desire to reunite those who are meant to be a part of your life. Some of you have sons and daughters who have seemingly disowned you and refuse to talk to you for one reason or another. Others have brothers and sisters who have drifted off in their own little world of family, worries, fulfilled dreams, and you stand in prayer, asking the Father for reconciliation. Time goes by and it seems that nothing is happening, but we don't see what God is doing behind the scenes. God IS a God of Reconciliation and I want to encourage all of you who are experiencing someone special missing in your life to stand firm and continue praying...God's timing is always best because when that person returns to your life they are ready for an authentic reuniting. May God grant you the peace and perseverance to continue to believe. Much love, prayers and blessings my beloved. Selah

J.

January 10, 2015 · 

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OUR OBEDIENCE AND GOD'S SUDDENLIES 

It's amazing how ones life can change in an instant...many times as a result of obedience to something that God is asking you to do. It's as if God is waiting for our response and our steps into obedience in order to get the ball rolling on our behalf. Life comes with so many twists and turns and sometimes the "suddenlys" in our lives shakes us out of complacency and directs our steps so we are in alignment with God's perfect will for our lives. We, as human beings, tend to be routine....rhetoric in our day to day lives. There is a comfort in the familiarity of life...but then God will allow something to drop into our laps and we are left to decide how we will handle the new challenge. In my case, I am being asked to step into a foreign land and I have an incredible peace, courage and strength to do so ...in other words, I am equipped to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading. In the Book of Joshua, the First Chapter, God is encouraging Joshua to be strong, bold and courageous and God tells Joshua that He will be with him everywhere he goes. This is what I know God is speaking to me. For now, in the season I am in, I must maintain focus and be available, obedient and continue to have a heart of servitude, but also begin to prepare for the journey that is up ahead. In making extreme life-changing decisions one must ensure that he/she has the leading of the Holy Spirit with scriptures backing up your decision; the support and encouragement of family and friends, and the tightest and closest relationship you have ever had with Jesus Christ. I don't care if one is in their mid-twenties, thirties, forties, fifties or a hundred years old, it is never too late to be obedient to the Holy Spirit. God can use anyone who is willing to be obedient and available. I want to encourage you, at any age, to be available for God's service. Jesus Is Coming Back Very Soon and my desire is to be found doing His Will for my life and I would pray that this would be your desire too. Much love, encouragement, courage, strength, and boldness as you move forth in obedience! Selah

Psalm 89:24New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁴ “But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him,
And in My name his horn shall be exalted.

J.

January 12, 2015 · 

I want to talk about how in an instant, if we are watching and listening to the Holy Spirit, directions in our lives can change in an instant. Ever since I have made the decision to move to AZ I have received so many confirmations from Christian friends. Even my parents and brothers are thumbs up with the idea. In my spirit I feel a supernatural jumping and rhythm rising up in me and I feel like dancing before the Lord. When a person taps into the passion (the center of what God has created you to do in this life) something deep inside of you rises up and you can't help but glow and go with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. I am happier than I have ever been because I have a vision for my future. God tells us that "my people perish for a lack of vision". When a person has vision they have a keen eye of focus....making a strategic plan to get from point A to point B all of course in the timing of the Lord and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Living out what God calls you to do is truly experiencing love and divine purpose that some of us have been missing in our lives. I challenge you, no, rather the Holy Spirit challenges you to dare to believe....dare to reach further than you think is possible....dare to dream BIG. May God richly bless richly bless you as you reach further than ever and discover you are capable of doing far greater than you ever thought imaginable. Selah

J.

DREAMS THAT HAVE BEEN SHELVED ARE ABOUT TO BE DUSTED OFF AND PUT TO USE FOR GOD'S GLORY!

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DREAMS THAT HAVE BEEN SHELVED ARE ABOUT TO BE DUSTED OFF AND PUT TO USE FOR GOD'S GLORY! 

I just want to encourage everyone who has a dream or desire that has been seemingly placed on the back burner to know that God sees and knows about what has been shelved in your life. I am 51 years old and I have had a dream for a long time and that is to become a producer, director and writer for musical revues that will be presented on large stages in Las Vegas. One day God asked me to place my gifts and talents on a shelf so I could focus on other aspects of my life and I was obedient (as hard as it was to lay it all down). The Bible speaks of the need for a seed to fall to the ground and die in order for it to come forth with a great manifestation of a tree...what that seed was meant to be. You too have a seed of a dream that needs to be dropped to the ground in order for the process to take place...in order for time and seasons to do what must be done in order to produce a great harvest. Some of you have been feeling like that little seed you dropped years ago will never produce what it was meant to produce, but just know that our Heavenly Father knows all about that seed and the sacrifice you have made perhaps years ago. Don't be discouraged for your season will come in a "suddenly"....in a moment when you least expect it to happen. It is my prayer that you keep the faith and continue to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading and yes, my beloved, you will see the seed's produce God's Divine Purpose - Keep The Faith in God's Faithfulness for it will come into fruition. Selah!

01-28-15 J.