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You have every right to be terrified right now unless….

Dec14

The world is unfolding into a very hot mess. Governments are growing more tyrannical by the day. Natural disasters are fierce and happening worldwide, in some cases in the most unusual places. People are losing jobs due to forced mandates that they disagree with following. Hyperinflation is headlining the news. The value of the dollar continues to sink while prices of necessary goods continue to rise. Lockdowns are on a perpetual cycle. Politicians and corruption go hand and hand in many countries with little thought or regard for the people. Violence and crime are on the increase. We are hearing rumors of possible upcoming wars between Russian and the Ukraine and China and Taiwan. In other words, things are not going well.

A few of these things can be terrifying to a person directly affected let alone all of them combined! There is good reason to be worried, concerned, afraid and even terrified unless…

Unless you know the Bible and the author! Unless you understand that all these things were foretold in one book running from Genesis to Revelation. Unless you know the author is still on the throne and not one thing is surprising to Him. Unless you have accepted His precious Son as your LORD and Savior and thereby having your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Unless by becoming a child of GOD, you have been warned and promised that His wrath is not for you. Unless you know that Jesus Christ is soon to appear to His followers to take them to Heaven before God’s wrath is to be unleashed on this earth.

For you, there is no reason to be afraid, terrified or worried. Jesus, our beautiful Redeemer and King has already prepared a place for you and is coming again to take you to that place! How can you be sure? Well because He said so. He promised. The same God who warned us of all the calamities we are currently seeing told us when we see these things coming to pass to keep looking up because our redemption is near!

1 Thessalonians 4

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.  For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.  Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—  not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.  Never harm or cheat a fellow believer in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before.  God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.  Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

 But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another.  Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more.

 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.  Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.  Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.  So encourage each other with these words.

So if you have made a decision to confess your sins to Jesus Christ and to follow Him, you can encourage yourselves and others with these words! If you have not, you have plenty of reasons to be terrified but the good news is you don’t have to stay that way! The Bible tells us just what to do!

Romans 10:9,10

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

Acts 2:38-42

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”  Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

So why wait another day? Jesus Christ could even appear today to take His church back with Him. We are not given a day or an hour but we are given a promise it WILL happen. Don’t let another day pass without making a decision to follow Christ! Tomorrow may be too late.

Be blessed!

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Are you feeling confused?

Nov17
Photo by Nathan Cowley on Pexels.com

Have you noticed how so many people seem confused by what is currently going on around the globe? Are you one of them? Do you wonder what is really happening behind the scenes? Are the governments really telling us the truth about all the current mandates and agendas?

Well I think it’s pretty safe to say that world leader’s are often influenced by much bigger agendas that don’t include you and I or our opinions. We are often kept in the dark and left to wonder why things are rapidly changing in directions we cannot understand. That’s why it is so critical that those of us who follow Jesus continue to read the Bible. It is a love letter to us from our Father. It is also our guide book. In it’s pages we find the answer to so many things, including current events. If you are experiencing stress and confusion right now turn off your tv and phone and get back into the Word of God.

Inside the Word you can find reasons to be hopeful and even excited for the coming days. You can find wisdom on how to navigate your daily life. You can find the prophecies we see unfolding before our very eyes and know that at the end Jesus wins and those of us who are His followers win too!

We all need to make time each day to spend in prayer, seeking the LORD’s will for our lives. Seeking His wisdom through reading His Word and resting in knowing that in a world of lies and confusion, HE is truth. HE is peace. HE is our soon and coming King!

We don’t have to be confused. If we ask Him He will open our eyes to see what is really going on. Not only that but He will give us the peace we need to walk through it, despite the encroaching darkness. Please read the following verses with me and ask the LORD to give you the counsel you need to get through each day in victory.

I will bless the Lord who guides me;
 even at night my heart instructs me.
 I know the Lord is always with me.
   I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
  My body rests in safety.
 For you will not leave my soul among the dead
  or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
 You will show me the way of life,
  granting me the joy of your presence
  and the pleasures of living with you forever.~Psalm 16:7-11

Be blessed brothers & sisters!

Are you looking for help in all the wrong places?

Nov11

How are you all doing? Are you navigating well through the multiple world calamities we are currently are experiencing? The goods and food shortages, fear of illness, imposed mandates, fear of losing your job, fear of proposed power outages this coming winter, disappearing freedoms and/or liberties and I could go on and on. Are you counting on your government and those in power to come through and somehow fix all these issues and give you back life as you used to know it?

Well my friend, I think it’s time to realize that many of these issues are a direct result of the behaviors and decisions of said governments and powers. We are living in unprecedented times where globally, governments and leaders are all projecting a similar if not same agenda. This agenda is not about to be tossed aside. They are using it to usher in future plans and schemes that the Bible warns us about. What we are experiencing currently is clearly a precursor preparing the world for what is to come. The similarities are blatantly obvious.

He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead.  And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.  Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.~Revelation 13:16-18

Does some of that sound familiar to what we are currently witnessing? It should. I don’t tell you this to discourage you or cause you to fear. You were truly born for a time such as this and though at times it can seem overwhelming, we must NEVER forget God is not surprised nor alarmed at the evil plans of men and neither should we be!

I believe God is showing us that He alone is our source of help in times of trouble! We can’t rely on government plans and programs to get us through the coming difficult days. We will be required to rely on the One that created us. The One that created this world of ours. We will rely on Him. He is faithful to His own! He will never leave us or abandon us. Psalm 146 so beautifully reminds us where are help comes from.

Praise the Lord!

Let all that I am praise the Lord.
     I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
    I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.

 Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
    there is no help for you there.
 When they breathe their last, they return to the earth,
    and all their plans die with them.
 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
    whose hope is in the Lord their God.
 He made heaven and earth,
    the sea, and everything in them.
    He keeps every promise forever.
He gives justice to the oppressed
    and food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.
     The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
    The Lord loves the godly.
 The Lord protects the foreigners among us.
    He cares for the orphans and widows,
    but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

 The Lord will reign forever.
    He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.

Praise the Lord!~Psalm 146

I hope you let the truth of every word from this Psalm settle deep within your heart. This is the God we serve. This is the God who redeemed us through His precious son, Jesus Christ. He is still on the throne and will forever be! In HIM we can trust. In HIM we can rely. He truly is our help!

Did you notice this Psalm starts with Praise the Lord! and also ends with Praise the Lord? My prayer is that we will start our day and end our day with the same! Regardless of what transpires between the time we rise to the time we bed down let’s remember to praise He who is worthy of our praise and trust He who is trustworthy as a source of help in every time of trouble.

Be Blessed!

Turn Discouragement into Prayer

Oct30
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

Every once in a while I find myself getting so discouraged with the way the world is spiraling downward. Crimes against babies, crimes against children, tyrannical leaders, brothers and sisters in Christ being persecuted, and sin being blasted from every facet of society. If we let it, it can get quite overwhelming. This week when I was feeling particularly sad and discouraged about things when the Holy Spirit reminded me that all this is a call to prayer. I can’t fix any of it by myself. I can’t hold back the tide of wickedness in the natural. Complaining and getting upset will not change one thing. However, what I can do is talk to my Father about it. I can lay it all at His feet. He IS able to do something about it.

In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He heard me.”~Psalm 120:1

Difficult times are often used to draw us closer and the unbelievers to find Christ. We can be quite content to go on with life as usual when things are good, with little time spent with the Lover of our soul. When things get difficult and we know things are beyond our “fixing” is often the time we look beyond ourselves for help and answers. This can be true for the believer in Christ and the unbeliever.

You have done many good things for me, Lord,
    just as you promised. I believe in your commands;
    now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
    but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good;
    teach me your decrees. Arrogant people smear me with lies,
    but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid,
    but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me,
    for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me
    than millions in gold and silver.~ Psalm 119:65-72

So rather than allow discouragement to bring us down we should allow it to nudge us toward the One who has all the answers. Spend time with Him. Talk to Him about what has you grieved. Ask Him for ways you can make a difference. Ask Him to use the dark times to draw your unsaved loved ones to Christ and to draw you into deeper prayer and intimacy with Him.

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again my Savior and my God!~Psalm 43:5

Blessings!

LYING HERE, DECEPTION THERE-HEED THE RIGHT VOICE

Oct27

Every day we draw closer to the day of our LORD’s appearance! When we turn on our electronic devices or listen to the news we can see the forces of darkness encroaching in on our world. Men and women are being used to perpetuate fear, dread and separation among families, friends and communities. The media is collaborating with the oligarchs in trying to push out a constant stream of division and so many are falling for the lies being pushed. BE AFRAID OF YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. BE AFRAID OF ANYONE THAT DIFFERS IN OPINION TO YOU.

It is tragic that even some followers of Christ have accepted this mantra and are allowing fear, an enemy of faith, to govern their actions. Fear is keeping them from reaching out to others and sharing the gospel. It is keeping them from gathering with fellow believers as we have been told to continue to do, even more so as the day of the LORD draws closer.

I pray that we all will take our eyes off of the current agenda and focus on the Creator of the universe. The ONE that is able to keep us through storms, trials and anything else that may come at us. The ONE that is still in control. He has already told us how things end and HE and we win! Though we see leaders of every level of government seemingly pushing the same agenda, worldwide, we do not need to fixate on their plans.

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”~Matthew 10:16 The Holy Spirit will give us the discernment and wisdom to see what is going on if/when we ask Him. He will also equip us to navigate through the mire while retaining our love for others. It is so easy to get caught up in bitterness and anger towards those bringing about the current tyranny worldwide. One only needs to look at Australia to see how the people are being oppressed on every level. Our natural inclination is to say, “LORD where are you? Why aren’t you doing anything to help the people?” However, none of this is catching God off guard. In fact He warned us about what would be coming to this world. He also told us to not be afraid! It is not up to us to deal with those oppressing the people. It is beyond our capabilities. That being said, we need not worry about the instigators getting away with all these things. Jesus told us as much.

Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but WOE TO HIM through whom they do come!~Luke 17:1

When the Son of God says, “Woe to him,” we know they will be dealt with in God’s time. Our job is to continue to speak the truth, love on others, encourage the body of Christ and share the gospel with those we meet. Unapologetically.

So if you are feeling overwhelmed with all you see and hear, turn your eyes back onto the Savior. Ask Him for discernment which you will need to see what is really going on and for the wisdom to walk through it in victory! Let His voice drown out all the fear and division. Titus 2:1-13 tells us how to live while we wait on the appearance of our beautiful King!

As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.  Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.  These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,  to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely.  And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.  Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back  or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.

 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.  And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,  while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

Be blessed!

LYING HERE, DECEPTION THERE-HEED THE RIGHT VOICE

Stand and Stand UP

Oct22

It is so important today that we stand for righteousness in a world greatly lacking truth. Too often the people of God just go along to get along. They think being “nice” is the most important way to behave. Well there are times being “nice” is not the solution but rather being bold and standing up for truth. It is so important that we stand against evil that would like to control our children, grandchildren and fellow men and women.

Are you taking a stand for truth or just quietly going along so as not to draw attention to yourself? Please know that tyrants rule when people refuse to take a stand and speak up for truth. We have seen too many pulpits stay quiet and refuse to engage in conversation about government overreach. Instead they are trying to fly under the radar and by doing so refuse to encourage their bodies to speak out for truth. If you know something is dangerous should you not warn others to avoid the danger? If you know lies are being perpetuated in most of the media and social platforms, should you not warn others to stay close to the Master and spend less time being indoctrinated by lies and propaganda?

Please get involved in your children’s school plans. Know what is being taught. Speak up when you see lies and demonic agendas being pushed. Contact your local member of Parliament when you are aware of bills being voted on that will negatively affect not only you but generations to come, should the LORD tarry. If you are still on social media and have been quietly hiding your faith stop! Share the gospel. Dare to speak up when someone challenges your faith. Be ready in season and out to say why you believe what you believe.

The days of being afraid to speak up or stand up for truth are over. Jesus Christ Himself told us that things would get difficult. He also told us that we would receive the Comforter that would help us, guide us and tell us things to come.

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.  All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.~John 16:13-15

With the Holy Spirit guiding, us we will be equipped to do the work the Father has planned for us. We do not need to be afraid! In fact, there is no place for cowards in the Kingdom of God.

But the COWARDLY, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”~Revelation 21:8

Being cowardly only demonstrates that we do not have the faith to believe Christ will see us through that which He has called us to do. That being said, this doesn’t mean we won’t feel fear when we are lead to do something that requires courage. However, we are not to allow that fear to keep us from obedience!

So seek the LORD for what it is He wants you to do at this time. Ask Him ways that He can use you to spread the gospel and stand for truth and righteousness. He has a plan for you and is faithful. He will speak to your heart and lead you through whatever it is that He is calling you to do. There are too many of God’s own people hiding in the shadows and that is one thing He has never called us to do.

Blessings!

Just WHO can we trust?

Oct14
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD. And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.”~Jeremiah 17:7-8

If there was ever a time for us to trust in the LORD it is surely now. Our world, globally has become an unstable mess of deception and tyranny. Through schemes and some very dark agendas, we are seeing much of what we once counted on disappear. Governments have become so corrupt in many cases, that they don’t even try to hide their lies and agendas anymore. They have become emboldened, while using a health crisis as a reason to strip citizens of their rights and freedoms.

We are seeing our economy collapse due to overspending and corruption. We are being warned of current and upcoming shortages in food, gas, electricity etc. all done by orchestrated design. To sum it up, people no longer trust or rely on their governments to help them out of the world’s current mess.

We are currently living in the beginning of the perilous times the Bible warned us of. So that said, while we wait on the appearance of our beautiful King Jesus, should we wring our hands in fear and stress?

NO!

Our trust and hope is not in man, our hope is in the LORD! The same LORD that took care of Daniel during the days of his captivity by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The same LORD that took care of Joseph after being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. The same LORD that provided a way out for Esther and the Jewish people by preventing them from being annihilated.

These are but three real people that lived in perilous times and GOD made a way for each of them. He will make a way for us too. It is time for us to stay close to His side, pray without ceasing and go about doing His business until our precious Savior comes to take us home. There is little this world has to offer us in comparison to the beautiful mansion Jesus has prepared for us in Heaven!

Stay close to Him. Seek Him daily. Pray continually. Remember our time here is very short in comparison to eternity with Jesus Christ! Be the “blessed” man or woman that hopes and trusts in the LORD. Don’t be anxious or fearful. He never takes His eyes off of you! As you lean into Christ, ask Him to help you be fruitful and yield a harvest of souls for His Kingdom while we wait on his glorious appearance!

Blessings!

Anyone feeling a little weary?

Apr18

Anyone else out there get a little weary from time to time with all the life restrictions and tyranny put on us by our worldly governments? We can see worldwide globalists pushing their agenda through country after country. Religious freedoms are being attacked, people’s personal freedoms are being attacked and with all this there is a heaviness in the air.

I was personally encouraged so much this morning by the Word of God. Let me share Hebrews 12:1-4.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.  Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.  After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

Despite getting weary, we must not give up. The race is still on. Nothing has changed in God’s plan. You were born for a time such as this. So join me in stripping off every weight that slows us down (especially the sin that so easily trips us up) and run with endurance the race God has set before us! As we stay close to Christ and are lead by the Spirit, we can press on and fulfill the things He has called us to do.

For many of us, our opportunities for ministry are very different and appear more limited due to lockdowns, etc. However, lets choose to allow ourselves to be sensitive to the Spirit of God and do all He leads us to do. Be available. Be obedient. Share the gospel in the opportunities that present themselves. Perhaps reach out to a family in need to help with a meal or some groceries. Do that which the LORD leads you to do. There are so many hurting people right now that need encouragement. Christ is the answer to all of the woes of this world. Remember that as you walk through your day and as you meet other people in grocery lines etc.. Wherever God has placed you, run the race and don’t allow yourself to stay weary. Remember ALL that Christ endured and did for you! His love is enough to push us over the finish line as we await His beautiful appearance to call us home.

Be blessed!

Words of Assurance

Dec18

Our world has become quite hostile to the things of God. The very words Jesus spoke can cause rage in many today. To those of us who love Him, His words are words of life and encouragement. To a world that despises Him and His followers, they are words of offence.

Though this seems to be increasing everywhere and in every level of government or society, we the followers of Christ do not need to feel alone or abandoned. We have NOT been. God did not leave us as orphans without help or direction. Jesus, Himself, told us in

John 14:25-27 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you.  But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

What tremendous words of comfort and encouragement. We are not alone. Whatever comes our way, the Holy Spirit will teach us everything we need to know and remind us of everything Jesus told us through His Word and through His disciples. Also Jesus Himself told us, and He does NOT lie, that He has left us, His followers, with a gift of peace of mind and heart. A peace that the world will never be able to offer us. He also told us to not be troubled or afraid! If there were ever words needed today it is these very words!

We can count on the Holy Spirit teaching and reminding us daily of what we need to know as we read the Word of God and remain in prayer. He will speak to us and through us if we allow Him to. We can trust that whatever is coming, we can still have peace. What a treasure that is!

So today, lean into the Word of God (Bible). Pray and ask God for direction and guidance through the Holy Spirit. He will not disappoint us. He will keep us on the right path. Fight the good fight. Stand up to injustices and share the gospel to everyone and anyone the Lord puts in your path. Time is short and we need to use our time wisely going about our Father’s business.

Be blessed!

Stay Ready

Dec8

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’

Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you: but go rather to those who sell and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly I say to you, I do not know you.’

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. ” Matthew 25:1-13

Have you retained oil in your lamp? (Are you walking and living with the Holy Spirit guiding you?)

Are you watching for our Bridegroom? (Are you watching with anticipation for Jesus Christ to appear and take us, His church, back with Him to Heaven?)

Will you be ready when He soon appears? (Are you living a life dedicated to Christ and keeping your heart free from the encumbrances of the world?)

The door was SHUT to those who weren’t ready. There were no exceptions or excuses accepted by the Bridegroom.

It is so important that we stay close to the Lover of our soul. Just remember that this world is not our home and if we get too invested here we will not be looking for our coming Savior. Stay awake and stay alert. Stay ready to meet Him in the clouds!

Blessings!

Time is too short to be wasting it!

Nov30

Anyone with an inch of spiritual discernment can see we are living in the last days, as the Bible described them. We are so close to the time we will see Jesus Christ appear in the clouds to gather His bride. This is both exciting and also a little scary. Exciting because we know those of us ready and waiting for His appearance will be caught up with Him and will forever be with our beautiful Savior and King. Scary because we don’t want to be ashamed when we see His beautiful face!

Why would we possibly be ashamed? Well if we have spent our life living solely for ourselves and not served Him well that would be one reason. Jesus told us we are to take up our cross daily and follow Him. That means live a life of intimacy with Him and service. If you are spending more hours a day online watching mindless information pass before you or spending more hours a day watching your tv than you are spending time in prayer and service you will likely have good reason to be ashamed at His appearance. The bride is to be awake and waiting with oil in her lamp and ready to go at that time the Lord calls us to be with Him. She is not to be busy doing things that do not further the gospel or help others by being the hands and feet of Christ.

I fear many who consider themselves to be part of the “church” will be sleeping and not even aware that the Bridegroom has arrived when He comes. Those that are not aware will be left to endure a horrible time here on earth before they will see the Bridegroom again. Christ, through Apostle John, was speaking to believers when he said the following, “Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.” Revelation 3:3 And again he was speaking to believers when he said, “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.” Revelation 3:10 Notice there was a requirement to repent, turn to Christ, obey His commands and persevere. Many in the church, worldwide are currently sleeping and repentance is not even close to their thoughts. They are keeping busy with things in this world. Things that will soon vanish and no longer matter. It is so important we continually live a life of repentance and obedience, while we excitedly await His appearance. Don’t allow anything to keep you from keeping your life right before Him. Luke also warns us, “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,  like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth.  Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36

We should not take these warnings lightly. There would be no need to warn the Christians if all were guaranteed the rapture, despite how they were living at the time of His appearance. So let me wrap up with this verse from Ephesians 5:15-17 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Let each of us do just that. Let us not live our lives as if we can do whatever we want and expect to still be ready for our Bridegroom when He arrives.

Heavenly Father: Please forgive us for our sins and transgressions. Help us to live a life that is pleasing in your sight. Help us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, be ready at all times for the appearance of Your Son. Please count us worth to escape the wrath to come and keep our hearts tender before You always. Guide us and lead us to the service You want us to do and give us a love for the lost so that we may continually pray for and share the gospel to those who desperately need to hear it.

We love You and thank You for loving us first. In Jesus name,

Amen

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Nov26

Over the last few weeks I have had to battle not getting sucked into the discouragement of the world with all that is happening. I have had days of joy but also days where I have allowed the heaviness of the coming storm to get me down and have not handled it as well as I should have. The Lord reminded me today that HE is coming back soon for His bride! Our blessed hope, our beautiful Savior and King is coming back soon for us! This is to be our focus as we navigate our way through the coming days. There is nothing this world can do that can detract from the amazing truth that our Redeemer, the One who bought us our salvation on the cross, the One who has given us the Comforter to help and guide us, the One who promised to return for His bride, is coming back soon!

We MUST live every day with this in mind. Our focus must not be on the rising tide of evil. We can speak against it and pray for those involved but we can’t park on thoughts of evil and destruction. It is a tool of the devil to try and keep us so earthly focused we forget to be excitedly awaiting the beautiful appearance of our glorious bridegroom! When we focus on the coming storm, it may cause us to fill our time doing things that will tear us down. Discouragement, fear and anxiety can lead to overeating, self medicating or watching useless tv programs as a distraction. Most of us have fallen prey to these things from time to time. Our time is short here. Jesus Christ is coming back soon. We must use our time wisely.

Ephesians 5:15-17 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

We have all lived like fools from time to time but it’s time to put away foolishness and repent. We must keep our heart in a constant state of repentance and tender towards God and His word for us. 1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

This world is not our home. Heaven is our home. As we see the world unravel more and more each day, that should be a reminder to us not to become to attached to anything here. Hebrews 13:14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.

I want to finish up today with the words of Apostle Paul to Titus. They are so relevant for a time such as this. Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,  teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,  looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,  who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you cannot look forward to the blessed hope God promises us. If you want to be assured of your eternity destination being Heaven please pray with me here..

Father God: Please forgive me. I am a sinner that is not worthy of Your love yet You sent Your only Son, Jesus Christ to die for me, despite that fact. I repent of my sins. I am truly sorry for the things I have done that have separated myself from You. Please wash me clean right now through the blood of Your Son Jesus Christ. I want to follow Him for the rest of my life and know that I will one day spend eternity with Him in Heaven. I ask for Your Holy Spirit to fill me and guide me from this time onward and I ask that He will help me to understand Your words in the Bible so that I may grow in my new found faith in You.

Thank you Father for providing Your Son as a way for me to find myself in right relationship with You.

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Blessings!

Can you feel the storm brewing?

Sep24

Are you sensing the coming economic and spiritual storm? Is God strongly prompting you to get things right with Him? So many of our friends and fellow believers are being nudged to prepare for some dark days ahead. The pandemic has caused incredible financial difficulties in most countries. The fact that lockdowns and restrictions to businesses are continuing indefinitely do not bode well for any future economic turnaround. Churches have been closed and many remain closed. The ones that are open have multiple restrictions enforced. Rioters and looters, worldwide, show no sign of surrendering their rebellion. Many, myself included, believe we are heading into a new situation in North America. One that includes chaos, spiritual darkness and financial difficulties. One that many followers of Christ in other countries around the world are all too familiar with.

Though the future doesn’t look rosy and bright in all facets, it is no cause to fear or stress. Our GOD is still on the throne! He has and will always take care of His own! Psalm 91 is a powerful word He has given us to stand on, despite whatever is going on around us!

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
 For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
 He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
 Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
    these evils will not touch you.
 Just open your eyes,
    and see how the wicked are punished.

 If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
 no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
 For he will order his angels
    to protect you wherever you go.

 They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
 When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
 I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”

We can’t count on a lot of certainties when it comes to this world we live in but we can ALWAYS count on the one who holds it in His hand! If we stay close to Him, He will guide us through whatever is to come. His Spirit will prompt us to do that which He wants us to do to prepare. Myself and many others have felt nudged to simplify our lives. To try and get out of debts that have the ability to strangle us financially. To purchase those things we may need should the economy take a bad turn, things that will help sustain our families and others God may put in our path. To gather and pray with other believers to intercede for the lost. To support our brothers and sisters in Christ that have been displaced by church closures and most of all to stay close to Christ as the day of His appearance draws close!

Though things can look dismal, we are truly living in exciting times! We may well be the generation that sees the appearance of Jesus when He calls His church home to be with Him forever! Stay close to Him, study the Word of God, share the gospel and let your light shine in this world of darkness!

We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.  Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.  SO ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER WITH THESE WORDS. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18)

Blessings!

The Answer Isn’t Blowing in the Wind

Sep16

If you are observing what is currently going on in the news and the world around us, you can’t help but see society and it’s foundations are beginning to crumble. Lawlessness rules many cities. Abuses of babies, children and the elderly are at an all time high. Governments are continually extending limitations of people’s freedoms in the name of the “pandemic.” Suicide rates are up. Alcoholism is increasing. The world has become a much different place than it was even eight months ago.

The one thing that has not changed is God’s love for people. Just over 2000 years ago He sent His Son to earth as a baby. That baby would grow to become a sinless man willing to lay down His life in order to offer salvation to any that would make a decision to be born again, take up their cross and follow Him.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ( John 3:16)

It is a wonderful thing to know that we can not only have eternal life after this one, but a life of peace and true joy despite the world that currently surrounds us by believing in and following Jesus Christ.

If you haven’t done so, today is the day of salvation for you! Don’t wait until it is too late. Jesus Christ is going to appear soon for His Church. He will be removing His church before God’s wrath is poured out on this world of ours. He could appear any day!

Don’t wait and miss His appearing! Today pray this prayer with me and ask Jesus Christ into your life.

Dear Lord: I am a sinner in need of forgiveness and cleansing. I have lived a life without You and today I ask for forgiveness. My desire is to know you as my Savior and my Lord. Please accept me as Your child. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and enable me to live life with the assurance that one day I will live forever in eternity with You. Equip me here with the Comforter that I may learn of You and give me a hunger for Your Word (the Bible) that I may grow in my faith and learn of You. Prepare me for your appearance so that I may escape the wrath that is to come. I ask it all in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Praise God! You have been made clean and whole by the power and blood of Jesus Christ. You have become a new creation. Old sins are now passed away! Welcome into the family of God!

Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!  This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.  For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.  So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”  For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:14-21)

It is vitally important you begin to read the Bible. Perhaps begin with the book of Matthew in the New Testament. It is also important that you begin to associate yourself with other Christians and a church that will be able to help disciple you in your new walk with Christ. Pray and ask God to lead you to find both.

Blessings!

Discernment- The gift that keeps on giving!

Aug5

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find accurate, honest news today. The various stations have their own political agendas to promote and sadly news has become their tool to do so. That’s why it is so important to ask God for discernment in the times we are living. We need His supernatural discernment and wisdom to know what is true and what isn’t!

Oxford’s online dictionary describes it as follows:

dis·cern·ment

Noun

  1. 1.the ability to judge well.
  2. 2.(in Christian contexts) perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding.”without providing for a time of healing and discernment, there will be no hope of living through this present moment without a shattering of our common life.

We are being fed consistent propaganda through the media causing many to fear sickness, fear man and yet the One we are to truly fear is the Creator of the Universe, God. You won’t find that on the news or tv programming.

Therefore it is so important that you pray for discernment. We need to hear and act on the wisdom of God during these perilous times. God is faithful and will never leave us as orphans. He will speak to us through the Holy Spirit and lead us in the way He wants us to go.

If you love me, obey my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,  who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. (John 14:15-18)

So as you start your day in prayer, ask God for discernment for the day. Every day counts as we draw closer and closer to the appearance of Jesus Christ to take us up to be with Him! Discernment will help you to make decisions that will please Him as you walk through your day!

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,  that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,  being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)

God bless!

FEAR: The Cat that Likes to Roar

May19

We are living in the strangest of times right now. The news is inundated with stories filled with reasons why we should be worried, afraid and distrusting world leaders and heads. There are so many conflicting stories about how best to tackle this virus and most of them are generated by immense fear.

As followers of Christ we NEED NOT BE AFRAID! If we have diligently studied the Word of God we know how this ole world ends and we win! If we allow fear to rule our lives we will be spiritually and emotionally crippled! 1 Timothy 1:7 says For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. If are decisions are being driven by fear than we are NOT following the voice of God but of the deceiver.

So how do we live without being driven by fear? We get back into the Word of God. All through the Old Testament and the New Testament there are so many examples of God leading His people through dark and very dark times. Today, we have the Helper (the Holy Spirit) to guide us and direct us as we seek His Word daily through prayer and reading the Bible. Ask God for boldness. Ask Him to drive out fear and replace it with trust in His power, His love and self discipline. He already knows if you are being driven by fear so He won’t be shocked and yet He will hear your plea and answer. That’s who He is!

I’m always a little taken back when I read Revelation 21:8 “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Cowards are listed right there with the adulterers, murderers etc. That’s eye opening to say the least. Therefore, it is very important that we not be lead by fear or driven by fear. It will lead us into the wrong decision and response every time.

When fear appears in your life like a mighty lion and roars it’s lies at you you must respond with the Word of God. Take the Word and wield it like the mighty sword it is. Counter each lie and fearful thought with the truth of God’s Word. If you don’t know where to start do a search of how many times we, as people of God, are told, “fear not or do not be afraid.” It is imperative we receive that in our hearts! With the 365 times we are told not to fear we should begin to realize how serious it is to obey.

So today, when the cat (deceiver) comes up and begins to ROAR fear in your ear, respond in a way the LION of the tribe of Judah would have you respond. Wield the truth from the Word of God back at him. His roar is nothing but a small meow compared to the ROAR of the Word of God! It is the only way to counter his roar. Ignoring it or giving in to it will only bring defeat. Use the mighty weapon of the Word God has given us as many times as needed. Resist him and he will flee.

Have a blessed day!

Our Reason to Celebrate Easter!

Apr12
He Is Risen: Historical Evidence That Jesus Rose From The Dead ...

Luke 24:1-48

 But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.  They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.  So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus.  As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive?  He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”

 Then they remembered that he had said this.  So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened.  It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened.  But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it.  However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.

That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem.  As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened.  As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them.  But God kept them from recognizing him.

 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”

They stopped short, sadness written across their faces.  Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”

 “What things?” Jesus asked.

“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people.  But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him.  We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report.  They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive!  Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”

 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures.  Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?”  Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them.  As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them.  Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”  And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them,  who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.”

Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said.  But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.”  As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.

 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”  They gave him a piece of broiled fish,  and he ate it as they watched.

 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.”  Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.  And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day.  It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’  You are witnesses of all these things.

Heavenly Father: Thank you for Jesus Christ! Thank you that He was willing to suffer a horrible death for us in order to make a way for our salvation. Thank you for His heart of compassion! Thank you that He did not stay in that grave but He rose again, just as those of us who follow Him will one day!

Hallelujah!

A Death to Celebrate

Apr10
The Cross of Jesus Christ

Every day we get fed an updated count of those who have died with the COVID 19 virus. The worldwide numbers are mounting. Each one of those deaths represents someone’s father, mother, sister, brother, aunt, child etc. Each one of those deaths brings heartbreak and sorrow to the surviving family and friends.

Today, Good Friday, let’s reflect on one death that though it brought sorrow at the time to those who loved Him, has also brought immeasurable joy. The death of our precious LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. For without His death we would remain lost. His willingness to be obedient to the Father and die a horribly painful and violent death at the hands of those who mocked Him is what has given us our salvation!

Jesus Christ offered Himself up as the sacrificial Lamb of God for you and I. Let us never forget the high price He paid for our salvation! Without His death there would be no resurrection! Without His death we would not receive the Comforter! Without His death we, as His followers, would not be able to look forward to His appearing again! Praise His holy name forever!

Mark 15:21-41 A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.)  And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”).  They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it.

 Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross. They divided his clothes and threw dice to decide who would get each piece.  It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him.  A sign announced the charge against him. It read, “The King of the Jews.”  Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days.  Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!”

 The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself!  Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him.

The Death of Jesus

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock.  Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

 Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah.  One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. “Wait!” he said. “Let’s see whether Elijah comes to take him down!”

 Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last.  And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.

 When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!”

 Some women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph), and Salome.  They had been followers of Jesus and had cared for him while he was in Galilee. Many other women who had come with him to Jerusalem were also there.

Lord Jesus-Help us never to forget the price you paid on Calvary to save us from our sins. Keep our hearts tender towards you always. We love you and are so thankful for the love you demonstrated and continue to demonstrate daily in our lives. In Your precious name, Amen.

Watch out for PRIDE

Apr7
What is the Biblical definition of pride? - Quora

One of the greatest stumbling blocks for the child of God is pride.

The Merriam Webster defines pride as follows:

PRIDE noun Definition of pride 1: the quality or state of being proud: such as a: inordinate self-esteem : CONCEIT b: a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c: delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship parental pride

2:  proud or disdainful behavior or treatment : DISDAIN 3a: ostentatious display b: highest pitch : PRIME 4:  a source of pride : the best in a group or class 5: a company of lions 6: a showy or impressive group a pride of dancers

With the words, “inordinate self esteem”, “conceit,” and “ostentatious display” in mind, we can see a perfect example of all of this in Lucifer’s fall.

Isaiah 14:12-15 “How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’
 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol,
To the lowest depths of the Pit.

We currently live in a culture that encourages us to be prideful. To stand up and be heard, to toot our own horn, to make sure people are paying attention to us! The danger comes when we insist on doing any of these things solely to have our egos stroked. This attitude has deeply penetrated the church. You don’t have to look too hard to see online, televised ministries promising more for you if you give and support them! Some share a gospel that is more about being blessed than about blessing others or taking up your cross and following Jesus wherever He may lead. Pride in “their” ministries and accomplishments overrides the tender, humble heart of a true follower of Christ. I doubt many of them started out with that attitude but over time old slew foot began to creep into their hearts.

All of us are susceptible to becoming prideful. No one is immune. We must diligently guard our hearts from becoming that way. One of the best ways to do this is to daily remember that you did not nor can you ever earn your salvation. It was blood bought by a Savior that willingly suffered immeasurable pain on a wooden cross for YOU. That’s what should center us every day. He paid the price for us! Though we didn’t and don’t deserve it, He did it out of love for every one of us!

Our lives and ministry will never be on track when we forget that for one minute. How we live and what we do to minister to others must always be from a place of humility and love. Knowing He has given us this life. He has redeemed us from the pit of Hell, He has provided us with a Comforter to help guide us and lead us.

If you find yourself getting a little puffed up and proud about “your” ministry or accomplishments bring your heart back to the cross. Keep it real. Just remember the words of Solomon taken from

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.

Stay safe and be blessed!

Get Things Right

Apr5

This current time of self isolating can really be a blessing in disguise. It is giving many people, around the world, an opportunity to have time to get their life in order spiritually. Many of us fill our lives with jobs, chores, friends, family and leave very little time to spend with our God in prayer.

God longs to have us spend time with Him. He has created us for fellowship. If you have found yourself out of fellowship with Him lately than why not take this opportunity to turn things around? Why waste another day spinning your own wheels? Cry out to Jesus Christ while He can still be found. No one knows how long they have on this earth and today is the day you have been given!

Joel 2:12, 13 That is why the Lord says,
    “Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
    Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
    but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the Lord your God,
    for He is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
    He is eager to relent and not punish.

Instead of filling your day with menial tasks, take some time today in your prayer closet and ask the Lord to forgive you for neglecting Him. Thank Him for every good gift He has given you, including your salvation! Spend time talking to the lover of your soul. Get things right between you. Don’t waste another day or opportunity to be in the presence of Christ!

Our Daily Walk

Apr3
DAY BY DAY

Our walk with Christ must be something we rededicate ourselves to DAILY. It isn’t a Sunday only or Tuesday night Bible study only kinda walk. It is a walk of daily commitment to speak to, heed the voice of and follow in obedience to Jesus Christ.

Why not begin each morning, before your feet hit the floor, by thanking God for another day? Invite Christ into your day and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you! Putting our LORD as our number one priority before we begin our day is the best way to start. It keeps the long term goal in the forefront. To take up our cross DAILY and follow Him!

Luke 9:23-25 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY and follow Me.”

Lord let our day start with you! Help us keep our eye on you from the start to the end and glorify you in all that we do today. In Jesus name, Amen

Our All Encompassing Savior

Apr2

I love that we serve a Savior that didn’t just come to save us. Though that in itself is WONDERFUL! Our Jesus came to pull our souls out of the pit of Hell but also to do so much more. He came to make living on this earth less traumatic and painful in so many ways.

Our transformation begins at the time of our rebirth. The time we repent of our sins and ask Jesus Christ to be LORD of our life. It is a starting point for the rest of our life! Jesus doesn’t leave us in the state He finds us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we begin our transformation from glory to glory. We are to continually become more like our Master! That too is WONDERFUL! What Jesus does is offer the gift of salvation to even the poorest of the poor. He doesn’t leave us in the broken state He finds us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit he will heal those areas of our life that are broken and messed up. Where we are bound by demonic influences and lies, He will set us free! Where we are spiritually blind He will open up the truth to us through His Word! Where we are tormented or oppressed, He will deliver us!

Luke 4:14-21,

Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. 15 He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
    that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
19     and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

That is the Jesus we serve! Our Savior takes care of all our needs if we let Him. If we yield our will to His, speak to Him daily and read the Word of God regularly, He will reveal truth and shine His light into all the dark areas of our life that need healing! This can take time, but He is faithful to His Word.

Humble yourself before Him and ask Him to go into all those dark areas of your life that you need cleaned up! Allow Him to complete the work in you that needs to be done. As you yield, He will not disappoint!

Have a blessed day!

Can Anything Good Come out of _______________?

Apr1

Have you ever noticed yourself or others judging people by their background or station in life? Too often, we the body of Christ, fall prey to the same tendency the world does. We too can judge people by their ethnicity, political standing, financial status or where they’re from. In the book of James we are warned to guard ourselves from doing this very thing.

James 2:1-5 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?

2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?

God knows our tendency to favor like minded people that appear to be thriving. He knows our weakness towards favoritism . It’s nothing new. In fact one of my favorite stories from the Bible demonstrates that very issue.

John 1:40-51 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. 41 Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”).

42 Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”).

43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” 44 Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown.

45 Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.”

46 “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied.

47 As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”

48 “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.”

49 Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!”

50 Jesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.”

Nathanael sincerely questioned, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” The assumption being Nazareth was not a place of importance or significance enough to be the birth place of the long awaited Messiah! The Jews were waiting for their Messiah to come but were not expecting Him to be born into poor circumstances! I love the fact God had his Son born into lowly surroundings with no pomp or circumstance. It shows the heart of God to be tender and compassionate towards all those who would otherwise not feel worthy of being accepted into the body of Christ. Jesus Christ is not a Savior for the privileged alone. He is for everyone, regardless of their status in life! He is available to anyone that will cry out to Him, repent of their sins and follow Him!

So to answer Nathanael’s question YES. YES something good and wonderful did come out of Nazareth. Our beautiful King, Jesus Christ! And you must know that something good can come out of your city or town, regardless of its size or significance in the world! That something is you! A child of God, bought with the blood of Jesus Christ, filled with the Spirit of God and set apart for good works, wherever you live! Never allow any person or any voice to tell you that your status in life is a limitation to God using you right where you are. We are not to judge others and that includes ourselves. If we yield to Christ, He will use us regardless of our family background, financial status, ethnicity or political leanings. Yield yourself to Him today! Make a difference right where you are!

Blessings!

Purpose in Your Heart

Mar30
3 Reasons Why David Was a Man After God's Own Heart - Guarding the ...

The direction of our day is going to be determined by the “purposing of our heart.” As followers of Christ, we are not to be lead by feelings alone. We our to be lead by the Holy Spirit who will not impose Himself on us. If we want to have a day where we will walk in victory and glorify God we must begin our day by purposing in our heart to do the will of God.

Our flesh does not desire to yield to the ways and things of God. It is always happy to reach out and grab those things that make us feel good for the moment. However, those same things are often the things that draw us away from abiding in Christ and our peace. If we want to walk in peace and true joy it is only achieved through walking in obedience to the will of God, regardless of our circumstances.

So if you want to have a day of true peace start your day by “purposing in your heart,” to walk in holiness being lead by the Spirit of God. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead you throughout the day. Seek the Father’s will in all you do. Talk with Jesus, thank Him for all He has done and ask Him to use you as His hands and feet while you live your day for Him!

Be like Daniel, a man with an excellent spirit! Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

For the Child of God, There is NO Need to Fear

Mar28

The Bible is full of the promises of God. When we find ourselves feeling out of sorts, alone or most of all afraid, we should dive into the Word of God. It is there the LORD speaks to us. Spend a few minutes today meditating on Psalm 91. It is a Psalm of wonderful promise and security for those of us who love Christ and follow Him!

Psalm 91

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
    these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
    and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
    to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”

Let His Word transform your thoughts from those of fear to trust and reliance on Him. Do what is wise within your power and trust the Creator of the Universe to take care of the rest. He is for you, Child of God, not against you!

Be blessed!

Whose Voice Are You Listening To?

Mar26

Have you noticed that when you make a decision to allow God into every area of your life that you find yourself battling negative thoughts and feelings? Suddenly things you thought were long past conquered rear their ugly head again. The more you press into the Word of God and prayer the hotter the battle becomes in your mind.

You are not alone. This is why we are told to fight the good fight. The battle must be won in the mind. Every thought must be taken captive! To start we must realize that many of these thoughts are not even our own. They are provided by the accuser of the brethren, Satan himself. He has a vested interest in you not abiding in Christ. He wants to keep your mind preoccupied with thoughts that draw you away from your intimacy with the King of Kings. Many Christians begin to discontinue their push for intimacy with God when they think the thoughts are their own. How can I love God when I think such negative, bad thoughts? Well my dear friend, many of these thoughts are NOT your own. They are used to make you feel shame and fear and that is to keep you from pressing in with God!

When you find yourself battling negative thoughts you must begin to refuse to give them any credibility. You must replace the thought with scriptural truth. For example when you are trying to pray and the thought, “God doesn’t really care about my needs. This is a waste of time..” you must counter that thought/feeling with TRUTH. This is where it is vital that you compose a list of Scripture verses that speak truth over the lies you have been believing and listening to. So in this case you would speak out, Ephesians 1:4-8 “ Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.  God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.  So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son  He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.  He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Does that sound like God doesn’t care about you? NO it is a declaration of just how much He does care about you. Before he made the world He already knew YOU would be part of His family! That is amazing and truth!

I believe much of the church is walking in defeat because we are spending too much time allowing the enemy of our souls to whisper, speak and shout lies and we accept many of them as truth instead of replacing the lies with the truth of God’s word. ANY area of your life that you are believing lies in will cause you to walk defeated. This is not God’s plan for you. To begin to walk in victory is is absolutely vital that you take the time to write out the thoughts that plague you the most. Those negative thoughts of defeat and discouragement. Then search your Bible for the verses that counter those lies. Write down the negative thought/belief and beside it write down the TRUTH of God’s Word that addresses that very lie. Next time the thought comes counter it with the Word of God. Use the mightiest weapon we have, the Word of God.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.  We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ

Any thought, belief or idea you have that causes you to distance yourself or feel unworthy of God’s love is never from God. The exception to this is if you are walking in rebellious sin and haven’t repented of it and are still giving it place in your life. In this case you MUST confess your sin, renounce your sin and turn from your sin. God will not ignore your sin but He will forgive it once confessed! Praise God for His mercy!

So during these days of self isolating why not sit down and ask God to help you compose a list of the lies you have been believing over yourself and to show you the TRUTH in His Word that will counter those lies. Use this time to lean in to Christ and to begin to walk in victory in the areas you have up till now, walked in defeat!

Image result for person with satan speaking in his ear

Don’t Get Spooked!

Sep19

As the prophetic birth pangs increase, how are you going to spend your time?  I asked myself that very question this afternoon. Another hurricane moving across the Caribbean. A 7.1 earthquake in Mexico City. This following Hurricane Harvey, Irma and an earthquake in Mexico last week. The earth itself is telling us to prepare.  So how are we going to do that?

We cannot protect ourselves and our living environment by shielding ourselves in a fortress. We can’t live in fear of the dangers that appear to be increasing around us.  So what can we do?

We can meditate on the words Jesus spoke to us in the book of Luke chapter 12 verses 22 to 34.

Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

We can focus our hearts and attention on the giver of life, our Redeemer and Friend! By spending time with Him in prayer and by learning of Him more through reading the Word we can increase our faith and trust in Him. As we do this it will allow us to   continue to do the work he has called us to. Feed the poor, tend to the widows and orphans, encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ and minster daily in the ways He has prepared for us.

The world has plenty of reason to fear and worry. They don’t have a relationship with the Prince of Peace. This fact alone makes the importance of us trusting Christ during these days even more important. They are watching to see our reaction. They want peace and we know the answer to that need. It is in having a relationship with Christ! We need to love them enough to tell them!

Instead of getting caught up in the cares of this world, Jesus wants us to stay focused on Him.  He will direct us and give us the wisdom and knowledge we need to live in the days we find ourselves in! With our wonderful Helper, the Holy Spirit, we can maneuver our way through each day in perfect peace regardless of the circumstances, natural disasters or trials we may face.

So  again, 29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

Rest in knowing that we can lean into Him, regardless of what we may face.

How NOT to win the lost

Jul14

aattp-bible-thumpers

Lately I find myself getting more disturbed by a trend I see. Christians treating and reacting to non believers as if they were Christians.  Expecting them to live and act like they have been filled with the Holy Spirit.

We will never win others to Christ by tsk tsking them and shaming them. We will win them to Christ by sharing the love of Christ with them. By demonstrating the love of Christ to them.  When you look at your unsaved loved ones, friends, coworkers etc. don’t expect them to behave as if they are transformed. They are not. They are living in the flesh being lead by the flesh. Is it any wonder many are living lives of a hot mess? We did too before we made the decision to ask Christ in!  Thanks be to God that He heard us and gave us the Comforter to guide us in the way we should go.

We will NEVER win others to Christ by merely pointing out all their flaws and criticizing them. It wouldn’t have worked on us and it won’t work on them. Nor is it what Christ has called us to do.

Does this mean we should not speak out about atrocities and abuses in our society? NO. We need to speak out against those who do both but we will not win one single soul to Christ by beating non believers over the head with the Bible.

We need to love on people the way Christ did. We need to help others when we can. We need to pray for those who need Christ! These things are scriptural. Does that mean we don’t share the TRUTH of the gospel with them? Does it mean we should water down the gospel for them?  NO! We must share the truth that will set them free but not before demonstrating the love of Christ to them! No one wants to hear the truth by being smacked over the head with it. Let the Spirit guide you when and how when it comes to sharing Jesus! He is the master of drawing those who need Christ!

When I see a secular parade, protest etc. and I see Christians carrying signs saying you are going to Hell it does not bode well. How about handing out some bottled water and a tract telling them of the love of Christ instead. Live the love of Christ, demonstrate the love of Christ and share the message of Christ! That is what we are called to do.

Ask God what you can do today to demonstrate His love!

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”~John 13:35

 

Listen Closely

Jun7

“However when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me for he will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.”~ John 16:13

eartohear

Ever feel like you are just running in circles and never really achieving anything for the Kingdom of God. We all get caught up in the busyness of life and even church life at times without really knowing if what we are doing is making a difference. There is one thing we can be certain of. If we are listening, I mean really listening for God to speak to us through the Holy Spirit, we will hear Him guide us. It may come through the Word as we read, it may come through His gentle, wonderful still small voice or it may come from another brother or sister in Christ. Jesus promised us that the Holy Spirit would guide us and He has never taken a promise back yet.

If you are finding yourself spinning your spiritual wheels and not really sure you are moving in the direction God wants you to be, take the time you need to spend in the presence of God. Allow the Word to speak life and direction to you. When you pray don’t just ask but receive from God. Allow Him to speak to you.  Listen closely as you spend time with Him.

We can save ourselves so much time and heartache if we know what we are doing is the will of Him who called us. It may not always be easy to do but we know that if we are moving in obedience to what He is asking us to do, He will make a way to see it through!

 

CULTURE is not our course!

Jun29

JESUS CHRIST the same, yesterday, and today, and forever.~Hebrews 13:8

JESUS CHRIST the same, yesterday, and today, and forever.~Hebrews 13:8

If there is one thing a true follower of Christ can count on, it is that culture as a whole, will change and become increasingly bold and accepting towards sin as we draw closer to the return of Christ. it shouldn’t surprise us.  It shouldn’t scare us. It shouldn’t cause us to over react. It shouldn’t cause us to hate the sinner. Jesus told us that as the days draw closer to a close, sin will abound. Accept is as fact. It will happen and it will continue to happen until we see Him face to face!

2 Timothy 3:1-5 Tells us…3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Though once ourselves bound by sin, we now as followers of Christ, have been given the Holy Spirit! Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to live a life of freedom! In order to walk in this freedom we must remain people of prayer and continue to study God’s Word, which will increase our faith!

We read in 1 Timothy chapter 4 verses 4-16,  that as the Lord’s return draws closer, some people will abandon their faith in Christ and be seduced by the increase in sin.

4 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

We must be knowledgeable of the Word of God and diligent in obeying it so that when our culture continues to grow more and more accepting of things that are clearly marked sin in God’s word we will not get entangled in that sin but will instead  intercede all the more for those who are trapped in it and by it! Our motivation must be love. Love for the lost, love for those trapped in the bondage of sin and love for those who have been freed from it through Christ! WE don’t change when culture changes. We are to remain steadfast to the Word of God. If you find yourself more accepting of sin than you need to get yourself into the Word of God (your Bible) and realize how God sees it. Just because everyone else is doing it  or approving of it does not mean it will ever be okay in God’s eyes.  This does not mean we should battle the increase of sin in our culture with fighting words against those whom we want to see freed! Words spewed out in anger and bitterness will never draw anyone away from their sin and to Christ.  Instead we are to share Christ as Lord and Savior. Without salvation and the Holy Spirit, all of us are bound by our sin! It is only through Christ that we are able to be free and keep that freedom. Quarreling words over sin will never accomplish what Jesus Christ alone can accomplish once He has inhabited the heart of a new believer!

It is after we confess Jesus Christ as Savior that we are enabled by the Holy Spirit to turn away from sin. While we are still dead in our sin it will remain a lifelong struggle. So fighting with a sinner trapped in sin is futile. What they need to hear is the gospel message of salvation. Too often we want people to clean up their lives before they come to Christ when what they really need is the power of the Holy Spirit to enable them to bring about real heart change!

We don’t serve culture, we serve Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Our King of Kings and the true Holy One! He does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His opinions on sin don’t change. He will always detest sin. He willingly endured the horrific death on the cross to free us of it! He doesn’t take it lightly! It is Jesus Christ that the sinner needs! Whether they are busy hiding their sin or boldly flaunting their sin, Jesus Christ alone can free them of it. Just as He alone has freed us of our past sin and continues to intercede on our behalf before the Father. He alone can bring salvation and true freedom.

So as things grow darker in this world we live in, we are to remain true to the Word of God, which requires us to read it and know it. We are NOT to be influenced or transformed by what culture says is okay. We are to stay true to the course Christ has put us on. The course to take up our cross daily, and follow Him and as we do this we are to share the gospel with the messed up, broken and lost. Once they have given their heart to Christ, we are to encourage them in their faith through the Word of God and in prayer. That is our calling as followers of Jesus Christ.

So each of us needs to be prepared to willingly share the gospel with the lost where they are. Trying to get them to clean up first is futile and renders the cross unnecessary. God has provided a beautiful way of saving and growing up His church. Salvation through Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower us over sin. We don’t need to improve on it. We just need to share it!

Every day is our FATHER’S day

Jun21

I love the fact that regardless of whether we have a living father, a father engaged in our life, a father that cares or a father that doesn’t care for us now and perhaps never will, the one thing that every follower of Christ can be assured of is the love of a Heavenly Father.  His love knows no bounds. His love has been demonstrated to each of us who call Jesus Christ Savior and Lord in the most wonderful and powerful way possible.

He loved us when we were most unlovable. While we were up to our eye balls in sin, He saved us through the sacrificial death of His most precious Son!  That’s powerful love! That’s limitless love! That’s love that we should never take for granted! His love exceeds any possible love that an earthly Father could demonstrate because He was willing to send His perfect, blameless Son to a painful and agonizing death on the cross for you and I in order to restore a relationship with Him.

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

The incredible love and mercy God demonstrated to us and continues to demonstrate to us through Christ is too much for us to really fathom. Just as Peter points out, we have been given a new birth (salvation) and a living hope of Eternal life all because of God’s great love towards us!

We have no excuse to live a defeated life as a follower of Christ due to the less than perfect actions of our earthly fathers. We have been given restored relationship with the Creator of the Universe, the Father to the fatherless, the lover of our souls through Christ and we need to move forward in the freedom that comes with that.

We serve a living, loving and merciful Father who has provided us with salvation and the Holy Spirit to enable us to walk out  the calling He has for our lives in victory! So let us lay aside our self pity and excuses and let us move forward as we abide in Christ and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit. Let us be thankful every day that we have a Heavenly Father that loved us and continues to love us more than any earthly father ever could. Let us praise Him and show our devotion to Him by obeying His Word and living  a life of service to Him, through Christ.

Blessings!

It’s the SAME Spirit!

Apr21

We follow the same Jesus that the disciples followed. We are filled with the same Spirit that filled them. The words that Jesus gave to His disciples are words for us today. He didn’t say, “I am with you always, until the last of the 12 disciples dies.” NO. Matthew 28:18-20 says 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  He is with us always! To the very end of the age! The same Jesus, the same Spirit abides with us today! 

I believe we need to remind ourselves from time to time that the Holy Spirit that moved in the book of Acts is still moving today. It is up to us to make a daily decision to read the Word of God and listen to the voice of the Spirit to lead us. When we do we are able to do wonderful things for the Kingdom of God. When we don’t we are merely living out a fleshly existence with little to no fruit.

Once the disciples repented of their sins, made a decision to follow Christ as their Lord and were filled with the Holy Spirit they became power kegs for the Kingdom of God. They literally turned the world upside down with the gospel. First to the Jews and then to the Gentiles. We too have the ability to turn our world upside down with the gospel, if we yield ourselves to the purposes that God has called us to. First and foremost we must grow in our knowledge of the Word of God, and secondly we must obey the Word. Being fired up to serve God without knowing who He is or what He wants us to do is a waste of time. We must learn of Him and that comes through studying the Word prayerfully. We must also spend time with Him in prayer daily. The saying, “Seven days without prayer makes one weak,” is more than just a cute phrase. We can’t live out a life of faith on old studying habits. We must continually be in the Word and allow God to transform our thoughts and life by the washing of the Word over our hearts and minds.

Too often we are walking around weak and defeated because of our lack of studying the Word and inconsistent prayer life. There is no excuse for this. We have the same Spirit that led Jesus, Paul, Peter and multiple others that have accomplished great things for the Kingdom. It is time we got serious about allowing that same Spirit to lead us into the works God has called us to do. NOTHING good will be accomplished by trying to please God with our own thought directed efforts. He has called us to abide in Christ. Abiding requires spending time with Him.

The book of Acts is so full of wonderful examples of how the men and women of God allowed the Holy Spirit to lead them in what to speak, who to speak to, where to go etc. We to need to be led by the Spirit. We need to keep our hearts tender before God so we can hear the still small voice of the Spirit when He leads and then OBEY!  When we do we will have the boldness to share the gospel and therefore see souls won for Christ, we will see signs and wonders and we will be growing in our walk with Christ as we should. The Word of God doesn’t change. The Spirit of God doesn’t change. The purposes of God don’t change. As you read the following scripture remember, it is as relevant for us today as it was for the Apostles..

Acts 2:14-21 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.18 Even on my servants, both men and women,  I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Father God: Remind us that we your sons and daughters are to be led by the Holy Spirit. Give us a heart that longs to share the good news of Christ with those who desperately need to hear it. Keep our hearts tender before You so that we may yield to Your will and accomplish much for Your Kingdom.  We ask it in the beautiful name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

He has equipped us for every situation!

Mar31

As I have mentioned in previous posts in the past, I like to read my Bible front to back. Other than when I am studying a particular topic, I like to read from Genesis to Revelation in order it has been placed.  I am once again back in one of my favorite books of the Bible, the book of Acts. When I go through this book I like to take it slow and savor every word and chapter. If you haven’t done so recently, I highly recommend that you reread the complete book of Acts!

Yesterday I was reading Acts 4 and was so encouraged. The Apostles and all those present in the Upper Room had been filled with the Holy Spirit. No more would Peter be afraid to admit to being a follower of Christ as he had previous to receiving the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit provided all they needed to be able to complete the work that Christ had called them to do. With the experience at Pentecost, God had  equipped His children to continue to share the good news with the rest of the world, Jews and Gentiles! He also equipped them to cast out demons and heal the sick in the name of Christ.

Just prior to chapter 4, the Apostles, now filled with the Spirit,  had just healed a man in the name of Jesus, who was about fourty years of age. This man had been lame right from birth. Because of the miracle, many became followers of Christ! Because of the miracle there was also a new threat of persecution. The Jewish rulers, elders and teachers were not happy to have Peter and John healing the sick and teaching about Jesus, whom they had crucified. They wanted them jailed and silenced.  I couldn’t help but think of all my brothers and sisters in Christ, worldwide, who are now going through the same thing. They are being threatened with prison or death if they continue to follow Christ and share the gospel with others.

When I read the following verses I was so encouraged and blessed! When faced with the threat of persecution or death, the Holy Spirit will provide the boldness and faith any true follower of Christ will need!

Acts 4:8-31 NIV 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected,which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old. 23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord  and against his anointed one.’

27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

I have often wondered, Lord, how exactly should we be praying when faced with opposition for our faith or for those who are enduring persecution. At times I have prayed for deliverance  from the situation, I have prayed for the Lord to provide courage to endure,  I have prayed for safety  and I have prayed for God to intervene and stop the persecutors. However, after reading this chapter this time around I feel encouraged to now  pray as Peter and John prayed.  “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness! Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus!”  Every follower of Christ is blessed with the gifting of the Holy Spirit! We too can call on the Lord for great boldness and signs and wonders through Christ!

God does not want us to walk in fear and trepidation when faced with opposition or persecution but wants us to call on Him in every situation and to use every situation to further His Kingdom!  I am believing, just as Peter and John did, that God will hear me and give me great boldness when I cry out to Him when i am faced with opposition for my faith.  I am also believing that when I intercede on behalf of my brothers and sisters suffering for the faith  that God will give them great boldness! It is the same Spirit in us that raised Christ from the dead! He will provide the power His church needs to stand and be bold. The Holy Spirit is as important in the life of the church today as He was on the day of Pentecost!

Lord, You have not left us without providing all we need. You have given us the Holy Spirit to equip us for every good work that You want us to fulfill! You have given us the Holy Spirit for signs and wonders! You have given us the Holy Spirit to comfort us! Thank You for His presence in our lives! Remind us to allow Holy Spirit to move through us and teach us all things! Give us a hunger for Your Word and keep us close to You as we fulfill all that You have called each of us to do.

In the beautiful name of Jesus, Amen.