From the Pastor's Message...

John 21:25, "There are also many things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen"

In today's message we are going to explore the forty days after resurrection to Jesus ascension. Bible scholars reveal 13 appearances of Jesus' during this time. They have gained this information by studying the New Testament for there is more information than just the Gospels. Jesus first appeared into Mary Magdalene, a blessed soul that He had forgiven. Was this a statement that He came to a woman first? I see a couple of things in the fact that He appeared unto Mary First: a) Those who rise early to seek the Lord with Love in their hearts for their salvation meets Him. b) His forgiving power sends them forth to tell others and after resurrection Jesus ascended to the Father before He appeared to anyone else. Second: Jesus then appeared to the two Marys, after He had been to the Father and now they fall before Him, touch Him, and worship Him. He gives them a message-- Matthew 28:10 "Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there they shall see Me." Third: Jesus appeared unto the "runners" on the way to Emmaus: He came along side of them in their sadness: "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. It's in the the revelation of the breaking of bread that they see Jesus! Fourth: 1 Cor 15:5-- "And that He was seen of Cephas,[Peter] then the twelve." Fifth: The disciples are gathered in fear and Jesus appears, speaks peace, and tells them, "as My Father hath sent me, so send I you, and He breathed on them the Holy Ghost." --John 20:19-22. Sixth: In John 20:26 Jesus appears for Thomas' sake and reveals His scars. Seventh: Jesus appears to the seven who have returned to fishing. He asked the question, "Children have ye any meat?" John 21:1-22. Eighth: Matthew 28:16-- "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them" and there He commissioned them to go into all the world with the message of His salvation. Ninth: Acts 1:26 & 1 Cor 15:5-- Jesus appears to the "12", this would be after Mattias was appointed to fill Judas' place. Tenth: Jesus appears to 500 of the followers: 1Cor 15:6. Eleventh: James, His half brother, the writer of the book of James: 1 Cor 15:7 -- "After that, He was seen of James, then of all the Apostles." Twelfth: Jesus' final appearance was to all the Apostles: Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:3-12-- He blessed them and commissioned them to take the Gospel to all people, and thus the season "after" the resurrection brings great blessing to those who have not seen, yet believe! O Saints, let us Go Forth in the power of our Salvation!

Loving you, Pastor 

Thank-You Shalom Ministers!

What an AWESOME time of refreshing at the Shalom Ministers Gathering! I believe this Gathering ushered in a "New Beginning" for those ordained, who are on the mission field, and those who heard the Word given this year! "Stand upon the Mountain, Hear the Still, Small Voice of the Lord" was the theme of our 22nd Annual Gathering. We came desiring HIS PRESENCE in a new, deep way, challenging our inner man to a greater dedication! We came, wanting God to renew, transform, position, and experience HIM in a new, fresh way! We were drawn even more to Jesus with "cords of Love" to the Father's heart. We were touched during the "silent time" with coals of Fresh Fire as we cried out for His guidance and revelation! The Call now is to drown out the noise of the world and LISTEN intently for His Voice. We must Grow in Him, be examples to those who follow after us. His soft Voice whispers to us, "Be Strong, Have Courage! I will never leave you or forsake you!"

Thanking the Lord Jesus for each one of you who came! Loving you & Praying for you,

Dr. B L Rice, Founder and President, SMI



From the Pastor's Message...

"Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have you any meat?" John 21:5

                     Fire on the Shore!

The "Fire of God" is something to behold. There are several times in Scripture where God comes upon the scene, and fire is a part of His visitation. It is interesting to note that God does not have to hunt for us. He knows exactly where we are: on land, in the sea, the wilderness, hidden under a juniper tree, or by the banks of the river. He seeks us out and calls us to His side. Such was the case after the Resurrection. Jesus had appeared to the Disciples on a couple of occassions; He had breathed on them the Holy Ghost. But, what now?  It appears that they were not hanging around with Jesus as before the Resurrection. Now, Jesus just made appearances. So, what do we do? The Disciples did what they always did, they went back to work. Scripture tells us that six of them heard that Peter was going fishing. That was all it took! "We will go with you!"  Now, these seven men were at sea all night, fishing, fishing, and fishing: and they caught nothing!  In the early morning hours and in the far distance someone called to them from the shore. "Children, have you any meat?"  was the question! Perhaps it was someone desiring to purchase some fish. Meat was a term for "fish." They had toiled all night once more and had caught nothing. Once again, Jesus had sought them out and found them. He spoke the same things to them He had a few years ago: "Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find." [John 21:6] They cast their nets as the voice suggested and now they were not able to draw the net in for the multitude of fishes. It is so important to recognize the voice of the Lord! John knew the Lord's voice and, interestingly, he alerts Peter to the fact that it is the Lord! O that humanity would respond to the voice of the Lord in our day! He would touch our lives with His Holy Ghost fire and fill our lives with the Meat of His Word! When we are out on Life's sea and our life seems filled with nothing, He waits by the fire, ready to give us the Bread of Life! We can never venture far from His loving care, for His greatest desire is to draw us to Himself and give unto us the Meat[Word] that will give us Everlasting Life! Let us listen for the Still,Small Voice of the Lord as He beckons to us!

Loving you, Pastor