Something to think about.
From Every Tribe
9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"Revelation 7:9-10
The day is coming when all the world past and present, from every village and city, people will come forth to recognize the salvation of the Lord. The world in its vast diversity will proclaim the glory God.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
From Every Tribe
Friday, December 30, 2016
Mortal Bodies
Something to think about.
Mortal Bodies
11 If
the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who
raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal
bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11 (ESV)
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Stability
Something to think about.
Stability
6" For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. Malachi 3:6
What would happen if God were to change His mind and decide He had, had enough and removed Himself from the affairs of man? We find our security and hope in life in the consistency and permanence of God. Because He doesn't change we have a solid foundation on which to base our lives. Without an unchanging God, our lives would be left to hope in the fallibility of Man. If God were to change His mind, He might destroy us all or leave us to our own devices I don't know which would be worse.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Rescued
Something to think about.
Rescued
18 The
Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his
heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Paul writing to Timothy almost off handily makes this statement "The
Lord will rescue me." Here is one of the premier leaders of the
Christian church. Paul who has influence and literally lead millions of
people to Christ says "The
Lord will rescue me" he has not forgotten who he is or feels he has
earned the right or ability to say I will rescue myself. We have the audacity
to say I will do this, I will do that, together we can conquer any
opposition. Yet a man who has literally helped change the course of
humanity is recognizing and glorifying God. Paul is acknowledging that
it is only through God providence and will that we overcome any
obstacle. If Paul is recognizing and glorifying God for all He does
should we not do the same?
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Seeing the Same Perceiving It Differently
Something to think about.
Seeing the Same Perceiving It Differently
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18
We
can all look at the same picture and perceive it differently. If you
believe in Christ, you can look at the cross and see salvation,
forgiveness, redemption, restoration, payment, regret, pain, conviction
and horror. If you don't believe in Christ, all you see a crucified
man.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Partakers
Something to think about.
Partakers
3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
These two verses are about what God has done for you, enabling you and I to be free from reaping the rewards of sin. He grants us life, allowed us to know Him, then calls us to His glory and excellence. If you look at it, it is stated in the past tense, this has already been done for you. "Called," past tense, "granted," past tense, "having escaped from" past tense, what he is stating in these two verses has already been done for you. Then it is left to us to "partake," we must take action to receive what has already been given us. We must take action to receive "His precious and very great promises," "divine nature" and be free from the sinful corruption of this world.
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Spirit of Wisdom
Something to think about
Spirit of wisdom
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:16-17
Paul is praying that we would receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation so we can understand what our hope in Christ is and what we have to look forward to. He wants us to know intimately what God has prepared for us. Not figuratively but through unmovable belief, we should expect the fulfillment of the inheritance we have already received and will forever continue to receive. He is praying that through the spirit of wisdom and knowledge we become aware of the immovability of the hope and the promise of life in Christ. This life and promise is undeniable and is secure in God Himself.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Inheritance
Something to think about.
Inheritance
12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:12-14
The dominion of darkness has no place in our lives as we have been transplanted into the kingdom of His son. We have access to His kingdom because we have been redeemed through the shedding of His blood, for the forgiveness of our sin. We are grateful, thankful that God the Father has made us inheritors of His amazing riches.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Choose This Day
Something to think about.
Choose This Day
"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
This is a famous quote and declaration by Joshua. It, in essence, says I have decided my family, and I will stand for God. However, let's take this in context.
14 “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! 15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15
He is talking to all of Israel, and he is drawing a line, a litmus test. He is defining a clear distinction between the God of Israel and the gods of the world. Joshua is saying you can't have it both ways, you must choose. Then He says, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” He is saying you are free to choose the Gods of this world but even if you do, even if all of you do, me and my house will serve the Lord. He is saying I have determined that if I am the only one that will stand with God so be it, I will. Before you make the same declaration as Joshua are you really ready to stand alone in your school in your university, job, community, city, state, and country? Are you willing to stand alone against all others and say I will serve the Lord?
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Haunted
Something to think about.
Haunted
John 14:12-14 (ESV)
This verse has haunted me my entire Christian life. It is one of those verses that can be thrown in my face and I have no answer to. If someone were to ask me what greater things have you done? I would have nothing to say. Yet, there it is in black and white, John quoting Jesus. It is not ambiguous, it is not in need of theological explanation. I can no longer hide from this verse, I need to know what I need to do to bring this verse alive in my life. I think the key may be in who is being glorified by the asking, is it me or is it, Jesus?
Leia Mais…
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Positive Thinking
Something to think about.
Positive Thinking
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11
All of the positive thinking all, of the self-affirming declarations, all of the self-edification that we adhere to, will be empty platitudes without the basis of Gods strength. If the basis of our positive attitudes and self-affirming declarations are ourselves, they will fail. They will leave you empty. To win in this life, we need the strength of God. We need to recognize it is His strength that will lead us to victory. That victory can only be achieved on His terms, not ours. If you stand defenseless before the enemy of God, your platitudes will not save you only the armor of God will prevail. It His His armor, His strength, His might that will bring you to that victory you seek.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Authority
Something to think about.
Authority
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Matthew 28:18 (ESV)
All authority means Jesus is the final appeal. He has the final say. Jesus is the one that dispenses justice and reward. He established standard and judgments. God gave His son the sovereignty to rule the world as He sees fit. He gave Him, us to honor and glorify or to condemn and judge. Jesus is our savior and judge, and there is none other.
Leia Mais…
Friday, December 16, 2016
Testimonies of Faith
Testimonies of Faith
Five years ago I had a major heart attack. I was in the hospital for six weeks and had serious complications. My kidneys failed, I had emergency surgery due to internal bleeding caused by a section of my bowls had become necrotic. My blood pressure all but disappeared. About a week after I was released from the hospital I had another heart attack due to an artery completely clogging. When they performed the bypass surgery, they were not able to bypass one artery because of where it was. The arteries in my heart are not normal, so a stent or angioplasty was not and option.
I wanted to share my experience with my family, however, do to the some of the side effects of the bypass I could not put two words together in a sentence in writing. It took two years before I could write coherently again. So I decided to start a blog for the sole purpose of sharing my experience with my family. I wanted them to know what happened as well as how God had brought me through. To my surprise, other people started to following my blog. It occurred to me that there probably were other people in the church that had a similar experience. I started a writing group in the church to put these stories together, but it was not the right time. I could not get enough interest in the project. Our group did some other things, and members of our group did go on to publish books. But the testimony book was not done.
In May of this year, a new pastor took over the ministry which oversees our small group, and he suggested we write a book of testimonies.
Five years after my heart attack, the book is a reality. The book is titled 'Testimonies of Faith." For those of you who attend Faith Assembly of God in Orlando Florida, the book will be available for sale this Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. For everyone else, the book will be available on Amazon in the next few days. Since I am one of the authors and contributors of this book, I am very excited to see it in print. The testimonies in this book are stories that show how God is involved in the lives of your neighbors and friends. They are great moving stories that will encourage and inspire you in your faith or bring you to faith. All of the proceeds from the book will be donated to the youth ministry at Faith Assembly Of God in Orlando Florida.
Leia Mais…
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Unchangeable
Something to think about.
Unchangeable
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)
Speaking through Isaiah God affirms His word. All of collected humanity can not ignore or nullify the word of the Lord. Everything that He has proclaimed will come to pass in His time and In His will. Whether it be for salvation and glory or for damnation and judgment. If you feel you have a special exemption or a justify rational for sin, it will not stand before the word of the Lord. His word stands and will stand and bring forth His will as He has stated and proclaimed.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Confession
Something to think about.
Confession
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:9-10
While
we seek and preach, success, prosperity, health, joy, happiness,
sacrifice, and work where does confession come in? Have we forgotten or
regulated our most important of beliefs to a hidden corner of our
theology? If we confess our sins, His forgiveness opens the door to all
the things we seek and preach about? If we are cleansed from all
unrighteousness what is left but blessing?
Monday, December 12, 2016
Finish the Race
Something to think about.
Finish the Race
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of Godʼs grace. Acts 20:24 NIV
As I read this verse, I ask myself, really? Have I repented to the point where I can honestly say that I am completing the task set before me to this degree? Have I turned away from my sin, so entirely that I can say, I only live to testify "to the good news of Godʼs grace"? No, ashamedly I must confess there are still areas in my life that need to change. The more I know of God, the more I want to be what He created me to be but the battle in me still rages. I know that In Christ I have won the war, but the battles are still being fought. I hope that someday I can say, I solely live "testifying to the good news of Godʼs grace."
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Overcoming
Something to think about.
Overcoming
“For
whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory
that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the
world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
I John 5:4-5 NKJV
Overcoming
the world is more than being victorious in or being successful in your
endeavors. It is more than reaching the heights of your profession or
garnering accolades, recognition, awards, and trophies. Overcoming may
include all of that but it can't be achieved if that hole in your soul
is not filled with the spirit of God in you. The way to fill that hole,
is faith, faith that "Jesus is the Son of God."
Friday, December 9, 2016
Who Do You Call?
Something to think about.
Who Do You Call?
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”
Psalms 50:15 (NKJV)
When trials come who do you call? A long time ago when I was a young man, I was playing basketball a player crumbled to the ground in pain. He had an apparent painful injury. The Pastor's who was playing with us immediately prayed for the man. Do you immediately turn to God or do you call your pastor, your doctor, the police, your children, your spouse, emergency services or anyone else. After the immediate crisis has passed is that when you remember to call on God. Is He your last desperate resort. We need to look at this verse and apply it to our lives, we need to turn to Him first. God Help me, in most cases would be enough, acknowledge Him.
If you call on Him first, He will deliver you so that you might glorify Him.
When trials come who do you call? A long time ago when I was a young man, I was playing basketball a player crumbled to the ground in pain. He had an apparent painful injury. The Pastor's who was playing with us immediately prayed for the man. Do you immediately turn to God or do you call your pastor, your doctor, the police, your children, your spouse, emergency services or anyone else. After the immediate crisis has passed is that when you remember to call on God. Is He your last desperate resort. We need to look at this verse and apply it to our lives, we need to turn to Him first. God Help me, in most cases would be enough, acknowledge Him.
If you call on Him first, He will deliver you so that you might glorify Him.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Expectation
Something to think about.
Expectation
11 If
you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how
much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those
who ask Him! Matthew 7:11 (NKJV)
This verse says, that God your Father has prepared some excellent gifts for
you. My question is, if God has great gifts for you what are you
expecting? I know for me, I need to start expecting great things from
God. Why would or should He give
me something great if I am not expecting Him to? Every gift I have
given to anyone is with the expectation that they will use it and enjoy
it to their benefit. Wouldn't be reasonable to think that every gift He
gives us is to be used and enjoy for our benefit? Look at this he is
expecting us to ask Him
"give good things to those who ask Him!" I expect that He, God is
expecting us to call for the great thing. So that He can be glorified in
the use of the great thing you have requested. I want
to start living with an attitude and posture of expectation of
receiving the gifts of God. I am ready and expecting to receive the
great gifts God has prepared for me. Are you?
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
A Royal Priesthood
Something to think about.
A Royal Priesthood
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1peter 2:9-10
We are chosen, The thought that God chose me humbles me. He chose me.The creator of the universe has chosen me, He has chosen you and not only has he chosen you he has declared that you are a royal priesthood. He says that we are a holy nation, a people of His own, we belong to Him. That we were called from darkness into His marvelous light. We are his people to proclaim Him. We have received His mercy.
The world has not received mercy, the world has not been called His people the world is still in darkness. The world does not proclaim Him.
Imagine, you are not a mistake, you're not a freak of nature, you were not in the right place at the right time. You have been sought after through the eons of time. God specifically and intentionally chose you because He loves you. Not only did He choose you He has elevated you to the position of a royal priest. He not only call you but He has a purpose for you a special calling only you can fulfill. The all knowing, all seeing, all powerful God, had you in mind when he created the universe. All of it, all of the universe was created to support you. All that we see in this life, in this world, and in the universe was made to provide you with sustenance to live. All of it was done so He could call us His people. God values you so much He created the entire heavens just so you could live. Then He chose you.
Leia Mais…
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
The Messenger of God
Something to think about.
The Messenger of God
12 Then he said to me, "Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, Daniel 10:12-13
Know that you will be opposed! If you do the will of God it will not be easy, it will not be without strife, it will not be without obstacles. Consider this, you are not Daniel you are the messenger of God. You have been left with the kings of Persia. You can not do it alone! You need the Spirit of God, The Holy Spirit to help you accomplish your task.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Were My Help Comes From
Something to think about.
Were My Help Comes From
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.”
Psalms 121:1-8 NKJV
Sometimes we need to be reminded, that the Lord God is a wonderful, glorious, marvelous all-sufficient Father, provider, protector and King. Leia Mais…
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Anxious Toil
Something to think about.
Anxious Toil
1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Psalms 127 1:2
"Anxious toil" a phrase that sums up some of the expended efforts of my life. If God is not in your efforts what does it matter if you accomplish the task or goal? Whatever your endeavor, if God is not central in its inception and completion it will be for naught. The only accomplishments that will matter and be of present and eternal significance will be those that were fostered, aided and guided by God.
Friday, December 2, 2016
I Will Lead the Blind
Something to think about.
I will lead the blind.
16 And I will lead the blind
in a way that they do not know,
in paths that they have not known
I will guide them.
I will turn the darkness before them into light,
the rough places into level ground.
These are the things I do,
and I do not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16
Do you think God is speaking about the physically blind? No, He is speaking to us that are or were spiritually blind. It means that while we are spiritually blind we can not see the path of salvation that He has prepared for us. It means we need to be guided by him on a path that will lead to physical salvation and spiritual life. He will turn the darkness, hopelessness of our lives into the light of His life and he will never leave us. He will not tell us where to go and leave us to flounder on our own' He will go with us and guide us to His truth and Life.
Monday, November 28, 2016
He Can Do All Things
Something to think about.
He Can Do All Things
““Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?”
Jeremiah 32:27 NKJV
There is nothing that God can't do. He is the one with the answer to your problem. He is the hope of your soul. Turn to Him because He can help you.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Born of God
Something to think about.
Born of God
“For whatever is
born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has
overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he
who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
I John 5:4-5 NKJV
Regardless
of your victories and accomplishments, the ultimate winner and victor
will be those that accept Jesus as the Christ the son Of God.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Something to Be Grateful For
Something to think about
Something to Be Grateful For
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.”
Psalms 121:1-8 NKJV
I will be forever grateful for the Lord my God.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Your Legacy
Something to think about.
Your legacy
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” Exodus 34:6-7
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, Deuteronomy 7:9
Two potential legacies, you are the one that will break a curse or start a blessing. Leia Mais…
Monday, November 21, 2016
To and Fro
Something to think about.
To and Fro
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.2 Chronicles 16:9
God is looking, He is actively searching throughout the world, to bless those who are totally committed to His righteousness. He is looking for the heart that is comepletly devoted to His heart. He doesn't just want to bless that person, but He will strongly support that person. This does not apply to the occasional Christian; it applies to those that are one hundred percent invested in Christ one hundred percent of the time.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Disciples, Freedom
Something to think about.
Disciples, Freedom
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
We all have recited or memorized verse 32. It's almost as if we will know the truth and the truth will set us free by osmosis. In order to know the truth, we must first look at verse 31 "If you abide in my word" then you can be called a disciple, then you will know the truth. To know the truth, we must become intimately aware of Gods word. We cannot arrive at any truth if we don't know the giver of the truth. We must become engulf in and in obedience to all of the teachings of Christ to know the truth and then be set free by it.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Called Apart
Something to think about.
Called Apart
1The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your fatherʼs household to the land I will show you.
2“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:1-4
God required Abram to leave everything he was comfortable with to go on a journey, to a destiny which Abram had no foreknowledge of. The only thing God gave him was a promise. If God were to ask you to do the same thing what would you do? Yet, He has. He is asking us to leave everything the world has to offered behind. He is asking us to trust Him for everything in every area of our lives. And He has extended to us a better promise than He gave Abram. He has promised us if we give it all up for Him He will give us eternal life with Him.
Monday, November 14, 2016
The Path We Have Chosen
Something to think about.
The Path we Have Chosen
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
Psalms 119:105 NKJV
Voices, they are everywhere, do this don't do that, the experts say this, they say that. Democrats have the best plan, no Republicans do, liberals, conservatives, independents, all of these voices scream out at you I know the path you should take. And they all lead to disappointment. The word of God does not exclude you from disappointments it carries you through the disappointment. If we choose to ignore the word of God and the path it leads us down, we will be walking into darkness, and our lives will reflect the path we have chosen.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Talking About Jesus
Something to think about.
Talking About Jesus
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but
in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed
the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his
nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After
making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the
Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:1-3
Friday, November 11, 2016
Kept The Faith
Something to think about.
Kept The Faith
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7(ESV)
Will I be able to say the same? The world is striving to remove Christianity from the face of the earth. There is increasing persecution in all areas of the world. Our beliefs are under attack both in the courts of public opinion and in the courts of law. As the pressure intensifies will I be able to say "I have kept the faith"? I now realize, in order for me to be able to say "I have kept the faith" I must allow the life of Christ that is in me to infuse me with the power needed to "fight the good fight" and "finished the race". It is only the power of Christ in me that will empower me to overcome the power of the world that is against me.
Leia Mais…
Thursday, November 10, 2016
A Stumbling Block
Something to think about.
A Stumbling Block
25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV)
What do we do with these verses? They directly contradict everything our culture and education espouse. In essence, it is saying deny yourself, do not seek power, control, authority, do not seek those things that your culture esteems as being of great value. It says sacrifice yourself as Christ sacrificed himself for humanity. Remember the sacrifice; Christ gave up omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, immortality, and so much more, to come and be a servant to man. He is telling us to follow Him, and become as He became a servant to your fellow man. This call, this command is a daily stumbling block we must continually overcome.
Leia Mais…
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Bondservant
Something to think about.
Bondservant
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7
It is one thing to be born a servant. It is quite a different thing to be the King Of Kings, and willingly become a servant to the very same people He rules. That is what Jesus did, He gave up his power, prestige, authority, sovereignty, majesty, glory, and all the other kingly attributes, to become a servant to man. To be Christ-like is to be a bondservant of Christ. It is to willingly lay down all of our titles and take up our positions behind our King and becomes as He was a servant. Leia Mais…
Monday, November 7, 2016
Aspirations
Something to think about.
Aspirations
For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. Luke 22:27
We aspire to great things, both in the church and out. We dream great dreams; we ingest inspiration as if it were food in our quest for accomplishment. With the mad rush of our lives and culture, we miss the essence of greatness. Our highest calling, our highest aspiration will never be higher, greater, more impactful, than emulating Christ. He exemplified the highest calling of man, not for His benefit but for ours. Our highest calling regardless of our gifts is to serve each other. In doing so, we exemplify Christ and are recognized as great.
Friday, November 4, 2016
All These Things
Something to think about.
All These Things
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:30-33 (ESV)
Thursday, November 3, 2016
We Are Dust
Something to think about.
We Are Dust
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:10-14 ESV
I am thankful for Gods compassion towards me. I am thankful he does not repay in kind. I am thankful for His love. I am thankful He forgets my sins. I am thankful he considered my frailty. I am thankful for His mercy. Leia Mais…
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Recognition, Acknowledgment
Something to think about.
Recognition, Acknowledgment
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3 (ESV)
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. Isaiah 40:28 ESV
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8 ESV
Revelation 1:8 ESV
But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation. Jeremiah 10:10 ESV
“It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. Jeremiah 51:15 ESV
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.
Isaiah 44:6 ESV
Isaiah 44:6 ESV
It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. Jeremiah 10:12 ESV
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11 ESV
This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
Psalm 18:30 ESV
Psalm 18:30 ESV
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Romans 1:20 ESV
Romans 1:20 ESV
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. Psalm 147:5 ESV
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57:15 ESV
But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:24 ESV
For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.
Psalm 33:4 ESV
Psalm 33:4 ESV
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, Acts 17:24-26 ESV
The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 52:10 ESV
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:4 ESV
Monday, October 31, 2016
The Chosen
The Chosen
As a Christian and in the interest of civility I have restrained myself from commenting publicly about the upcoming election, but I cannot any longer. I am writing to Christians, because the secular world will not comprehend what I am writing about. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)
“Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.”( Genesis 2:7) I don't know how many of you appreciate the significance of this verse. God formed man from the dust of the earth. Man is not alive after he is formed. He is laying, I suppose on the ground in a lifeless body. Do you realize every other creature on the earth was spoken into existence, but not man! God breathed the breath of life into man. The essence of man's existence is not his wonderfully made body. The spark that began life was the very spirit of God that He “God” breathed into man. God did not speak man into existence. He formed him with His own hands and breathed His life into man.
There was, and I suppose there still is, within some circles an argument about when life begins. God answered that question in Genesis 2:7. Life began when God breathed life into Adam. The practical means by which life is propagated on this earth is the blessing God has allowed us to experience through the birth of a child. But make no mistake; life began when God breathed into the lifeless, perfectly designed body of Adam. The amazing reality of this breath of life is, it never dies. The breath of God that he breathed into Adam is part of the essence of God and therefore will never cease to exist. Humanity does not continue to exist because of sexual copulation. Humanity continues to exist because the spirit that was breathed into Adam is the eternal spirit of God. All of humanity exists because of the living breath of God, the Spirit of God sustains humanity.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:1-3 John says all things were created through Him and without Him nothing can exist. That unborn child is not something that can be created without Christ.
What does God say about the beginning of life?
5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT)
The only way God could have selected Jeremiah before he was born was if He already knew everyone else. You cannot make a selection without having others to select from. And, if He knows everyone before they are born, it must be He knew us before we were born.
David says:
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
David is talking about How God made Him. He is not just talking about himself because we are all made the same way we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Look at what Job says:
The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33:4
Job understands that the breath of life that was breathed into Adam now gives him life. Job was not brought into existence directly from God as Adam was.
Jeremiah, speaking on God's behalf said: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;“I Appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV)
God is no respecter of persons. If He formed Jeremiah in the womb and He knew him before he was born, God knows every unborn child, and God has chosen each one of them to receive the same breath and spirit He gave Adam.
The standard, the call of defiance is women have a right to chose. That is a lie! God chooses that woman to have that child. Regardless of the condition, socioeconomic, poor, or rich and everything in between God has chosen to give that child His breath of life. No one, no woman or man, has the right, authority or moral superiority to tell God He made the wrong choice.
The choice of life was made by God long before the creation of the world. He knew, and He knows the condition of all humanity, and he has predetermined, pre-chosen to give life to every unborn child in the world.
Who are you Hillary Clinton to decide that the creator of the world was wrong and to condemn His chosen ones to death? Who will we be if we chose to side with her? Will we stand with her in defiance of the choice of God? If we do so, we are openly sacrificing our children on the altar of self. We are no better than those who in the past sacrificed their children to wood and metal gods. The one and only God has been replaced by the god of self. We have determined that we have the right to exterminate life on the basis of our own selfish desire.
If you are a Christian and believe in the biblical narrative, how do you justify the unrelenting genocide we are committing against the unborn. Consider this for a moment. What happens to the spirit of the unborn child? That same eternal spirit that is in you exists in that unborn child. The breath, yea, the Spirit of God that gives life has been discarded as a piece of trash by an ideology of selfishness.
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, (Hebrews 9:27 ESV) Christians, we will all stand before God on the day of judgment. What will you say when God asks you what did you do when America was killing my children? I voted for Hillary!!! Will that be your answer? This election is not about economics. It is not about an ignorant buffoon. It is not about foreign policy. It is not about free education. All of these issues will continue to be debated and addressed throughout the existence of the United States. This election is about the continued sanctioned murder of the unborn.
You might try to say I never supported abortion but I can not stomach Trump and all he stands for. All he stands for can be fixed. The dead unborn child can't be fixed. Don't be a fool! Do not be misguided! God will not allow us to prosper if we as a nation continue to defy Him. The continued unjustified assault on His life will not go unpunished. We will reap the rewards of spiritual adultery. God will judge us not only on judgment day, but also today. We are powerless to prevent His judgment against this nation and on us as individuals.
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)
God is talking to you, not to the rest of the world. He is talking to all who believe they are His people. This is our responsibility.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Something to think about.
The Power of God
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Romans 1:16 ESV
The gospel is the only thing that offers salvation to man. It is all inclusive; it is available to everyone. It is straightforward and complete. Jesus was crucified so that you might live. Focus on this, learn what this means; so that you may receive the life that has been purchased for you.
Friday, October 28, 2016
What We Would Like to Forget
Something to think about.
What we would like to forget
2 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;
the Lord is avenging and wrathful;
the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries
and keeps wrath for his enemies.
3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power,
and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. Nahum 1;2-3
We hear very little of the wrath of God anymore, it is almost forgotten. However, it is real it is all consuming, and it is coming. Those that reject Christ will not be forgiven; their future is horrible and unavoidable.
The wrath of God is part of the truth of God we should not forget it, or push it to the furthest reaches of our minds. The wrath of God is going to be dispensed on people we love if we love them should we not warn them?
Thursday, October 27, 2016
The Prize
Something to think about.
The Prize
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
We like to quote this scripture, for reasons of inspiration, motivation, and self-assuredness in the righteousness of our work. But I ask you do you even know what the prize is? It is not salvation, salvation can not be earned, It is not righteousness as "our righteous acts are like filthy rags" it not justification as we are "justified by faith."
What is it then, what is the prize? The prize is fulfilling the purpose that God created you for. The prize is fulfilling the call of a servant. The prize is hearing God say to you in person well done "good and faithful servant." To be a servant of God, you must forget all of your past, your hurts, victories disappointments, and successes. You must change the paradigm of your life and press forward in the work the Lord has prepared you for. So you can look forward to the prize of "well done good and faithful servant."
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Self Destruction
Something to think about.
Self Destruction
“Thus says the Lord: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.”
Jeremiah 17:5 ESV
We as a nation have become this man, we have replaced "in God we trust" with our own rights of self-determination. We have said in our hearts I am the master of my domain. We have turned our hearts away from God and substituted Him with an image of ourselves. We glory in out strength and intellect; we have gloried in our accomplishments. We have placed ourselves before God, and we are cursed.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Effervescence
Something to think about.
Effervescence
“If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.”
Jeremiah 20:9 ESV
Jeremiah is describing the Holy Spirit in you. The spirit of God in you, you can not nor do you desire to contain. The Holy Spirit in you rises with a voice that will not be silenced. This voice in you changes everything; this is the spirit that is born in you when Jesus said you must be born again. Allow the Spirit of God to rise in you and direct you and empower you to accomplish the purpose He has created you for.
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