Wednesday, August 27, 2014

God's Plan


1 Corinthians 15

Our God is a God of order. He has a plan and it all goes according to His word. Jesus is the same today as yesterday and tomorrow. God's word is binding forever.


Jesus stood trial for us. He died for the world! There were three sentenced to death the day that Jesus was crucified. Two unnamed men and a man named Barrabas. (meaning son of a Rabbi). In essence, Jesus took the place of a wayward Preacher's son in an execution. 

Jesus was a sacrificial lamb given for all of us. The people were given a chance to show mercy on one prisoner, and they set Barrabas free instead of Jesus. 

Jesus didn't die peacefully for us. He died painfully - an agonizing death. He was beaten severely, nailed to the cross, and crowned with thorns that were driven into his skull. That was OUR beating that he took. He died a sinless man, for our salvation!


Aside from physical pain and death. Jesus endured mockery from the people. Satan attacks us all constantly. He doesn't give up and you can't either. Jesus died for me and he died for you - so quitting isn't an option!

Isaiah 53:10-12 ~ Jesus' death was prophesied long before it happened. 

Just like Barrabas, we are all guilty as charged. Jesus took His place just as he took our place on that cross. He took our punishment... those were our nails that drew his blood. 


We all had a ticket to a Devil's Hell - and Jesus died to save us from that. Jesus declared "It is finished" when he died on the cross. He meant his Father's plan was finished.

Our sins are forgiven and that is thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Chris. We must only come apologetic for our sins and we are forgiven. We are saved from Hell and the second death, thanks to the great sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. 


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

The Purpose of the Cross

Galatians 3:10-14


Crucifixion was a Persian punishment for major crimes. The Romans used it to punish Jesus. Barrabas was the son of a Rabbi and Jesus took his place on the cross, though he was the blameless one. 

Jesus was crucified with two other men - one who had faith and one who did not. All three of them died on that cross, but two of them went to Heaven.

In crucifixion they hung criminals by three nails on a cross. They drove the nails; one in each wrist (not in the hand as it wouldn't hold the body weight) and then the third was through both feet. Jesus was given a crown of thorns as well. That crown of thorns was not only placed on his head, but driven down so hard that the thorns actually penetrated his skull.

Crucifixion was a very cruel ritual, one that was full of pain and mockery. No current day execution method compares to that of what Jesus went through.

We were all curse by sin and death and Hell. Jesus saved us by His sacrifice, when He gave himself on the cross for us. Jesus was our sacrifice. 

Titus 2:11-14 ~ We are to be zealous of good works. Jesus purchased us from iniquity - but we are still sinners. We must be excited about the give that Jesus gave us - show your excitement!

Live for Jesus - Be Dedicated to God!

We don't come to God as criminals, but as cleansed people. The cross is a bridge - we cross it to get away from Hell and to get to God.

Colossians 2:13-14

Think of how painful it was for God to watch as His son was crucified. ~ Isaiah 53:7-10

Galatians 6:14-18 ~ Galatians 1:4 ~ Romans 14 ~ John 3:16 ~ John 10:11 ~ John 15:9

Be ready if Jesus comes today! The cross is there for the dead and the living - Jesus is coming to claim them all! 



Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Heaven is for Us!!!

God created Hell for the devil and his angels. God created Heaven for man.


God's voice has been compared to a trumped elsewhere in the Bible ~ so in Revelations it is likely the voice of God that is referred to by the trumpet sound. It also refers to a door opening in Heaven... not a window as in Noah's time - but a door. That infers that we can enter in, the threshold will be open.

God's throne is in Heaven. Once the Earth is purged by fire, Jesus' throne shall be in New Jerusalem. 


We were all created for God's pleasure. He loves us even when we mess up. Just like we love our children unconditionally. God may get upset - He may even punish us or correct us... but He never forsakes or disowns us. We are all someone to God and we ALL matter to Him. 


New Jerusalem is being prepared for us. It is a dwelling place for us... for the saints of God!

THINGS MISSING IN HEAVEN
      1. Hell and Lost Souls                            Revelations 21:3-4
      2. Death                                                Revelations 20:12-13
      3. Crying                                               Revelations 22:1-5
      4. Pain                                                   Genesis 4:9-10
      5. Sorrow                                              Genesis 3:16-17
      6. The Curse of the Earth                       Revelations 22:3

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Grace - How Sweet It Is!

Hebrews 4:12-16

When you don't know what to pray for... pray for grace. Let God settle the matter for you. Grace is unearned, un-merited favor with God. 
You must come to God boldly. Don't be meek in your prayers. In order to have mercy, you need grace. God has what you need, when you need it... ALWAYS!

Proverbs 1:7 ~ Acts 4:31-33

None of us deserve grace, but God offers it to all of us. We are purified through God's grace ~ it brings purpose to our lives. His grace leads our callings ~ God has a purpose for each of us. His grace gives us pardon and gives us peace. 

Ephesians 2:8 ~ Ephesians 2:4-5 ~ Titus 2:11

Repent and believe and be saved. Christ already paid our price of redemption. Jesus "bought us" back from sin and the condemnation to Hell. God's grace never runs out - it is abundant!

2 Corinthians 9:8

There are many shortages in this day and age. There are times where you wait in line just to find out that they are out of what you need once it gets to being your turn. That will never happen with God! There is NEVER a shortage of grace with Him.

2 Corinthians 4:15-16 ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

God allows us to be tested. We all have our faith tested... so just remember. When you are brought to your knees from tribulation, take advantage of being down there and pray for grace from God. 

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Remember Thy Creator


Deuteronomy 6:12

Remember the Lord, and the things that he has done for you. We are feeble and the older we grow the more feeble we become. Plant the seeds of Christ in your life so that He is never forgotten. 

We live in the present and make decisions about our future from things we have learned in the past. The world is a scary place that is only getting worse. BUT God is constant and He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow.

There are things in our past that we all wish we could forget, but we need to always remember the lessons that we learned from those things. Don't let Satan tempt you with those memories/events of your life.

Deuteronomy 6:1-11

God never forgets His promises. He always stays true to His word. Think of all the things that God has given to you - be thankful to the Lord for ALL things. Thank God continuously ~ for each and every breath that you are given. Rejoice evermore and pray without ceasing. Don't get lazy or complacent. Don't forget what He has done in your life!

Exodus 3:7-8

We should thank God for ALL things, not just the big stuff. Remember everything the Lord has done for us - none of this is from our own works. Without Him we would be nothing. People come and people go - we all have a short life span here on earth, but God is forever. Every generation must remember God above all else, He is important to the young and old, the healthy and ill - everyone needs Him! He is the reason that we are here - we were created for His pleasure and none of us would exist without him.

Give thanks daily and pray without ceasing...


Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Are You Pushing or Are You Pulling?

1 Corinthians 10:31

God has a work for each of us to do. No one is just a bench warmer. Seek our your skills and gifts that God has given you. A positive prayerful attitude can change your life. Can't isn't in God's vocabulary!

Philippians 4:13

The Downward Pull

Doom and Gloom ~ Don't be someone that is negative or critical all the time. Focus on the positive. Encourage each other. Be uplifting and not discouraging. Be Christians with God confidence. Spiritual cleansing and love is what we need! Repentance is also what we need. ~ Colossians 3:2-6 If we lead a right and just life then it is pleasing to the Lord. Life isn't about pleasing your; spouse, kids, family or employer - it is about pleasing GOD!!

Happy Christians

It is hard to see news and what's going on in the world today. His prophecy is being fulfilled and the end times are near. Focus on God, faith and Heaven, for in faith you shall find victory!

1 John 5:4

Magnify faith by encouragement of others. Look for the best in others, don't look to point out flaws. 

The Inward Pull

Some pull inward and are self centered. We don't need BIG I's and little u's. Personal agendas don't cut it. We are all important to God and we must remember that in how we treat others.

Romans 12:1-2

Let God renew your mind with His Word and His spirit. Win through the power of Jesus Christ - win through victory granted from God.

Push Outward

If you see someone with a need... help them! If someone is hungry... feed them. Show goodwill by sharing your own good fortune.


Sunday, April 6, 2014

Grace ~ How Sweet it Is!!!



Hebrews 4:12-16

When you don't know what to pray for... pray for grace! Let God settle the matter for you. Grace is unearned, un-merited, favor with God.

Come to God boldly. Don't be meek in your prayers. In order to have mercy, you need grace. God has what you need, when you need it, ALWAYS!

Proverbs 1:7 ~ Acts 4:31-33

None of us deserve grace, but God gives it to us anyway. We are purified through God's grace - it brings purpose to our lives. His grace leads us to our callings ~ God has a purpose for each of us. God's grace gives us pardon and gives us peace. 

Ephesians 2:8 ~ Ephesians 2:4-5 ~ Titus 2:11

Repent and believe and be saved. Christ already paid our price of redemption. Jesus "bought us" back from sin and the condemnation of Hell. God's grace never runs out, it is ever abundant!

2 Corinthians 9:8

There are many shortages in this day and age. Times where you wait in line and find that they are out of what you have been waiting so long for. That won't happen with God - he NEVER has a shortage so just have faith and trust in his promise. 

2 Corinthians 4:15-16 ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

God allows us to be tested. We all have our faith tested and when you are brought to your knees from tribulation, ask for grace from God.

Ephesians 2:4-7

Monday, March 31, 2014

Conquering through Jesus

Romans 8:35-37

Jesus said to love one another til His return. He also said to occupy til He comes. Be busy about the Father's business and the work of the Church.

First we conquer - then we occupy. Overcome evil with good. How can we be more than just conquerors?
  1. Prayer ~ Prayer is our subsistence and we should pray every day!
  2. Word of God ~ Read your Bible and dwell in the Word.
  3. Fellowship with others ~ Stand up for Jesus! 

Philippians 4:6 

God wants to hear from you! No prayer is too small or frivolous. If it is important to you then it is important to God!

Daniel was victorious in his life because he prayed three times daily. We often pray for help when we are in distress, as we should. But don't forget to pray in the good times as well. Be thankful in everything the big and the small. God wants to hear about it all!

Pray to conquer your own faults and failures. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ~ Never stop praying. Conquer your fears with promises from God. Claim them all! Don't neglect the inheritance that God has left for you. 

2 Corinthians 1:20 ~ God never fails us or lets us down. Read, study and meditate on His Word. God's promises will be fulfilled. Depend on Him as He will never fail you! 1 Kings 8:56

Conquer with peace. We live in a tumultuous world ~ we need to focus on peace. Through Jesus find the peace that passeth understanding. Philippians 4:7

Reason and logic doesn't apply to Jesus. He can give you peace and rest. Jesus made everything and He controls it. Let your heart and mind find peace through Jesus. Don't live with what ifs, life with faith and confidence in God!!!

John 14:27 ~ Psalms 71:14-18

Conquer with more prayers. Get excited for Christ's sake! Praise God inside and out.

More Prayer + More Praise = More Blessings


Saturday, March 22, 2014

Avoiding Satan's Snares

Ecclesiastes 3: 8-10, 14-16

Satan wants to devour us like a lion devours his prey. He is a fallen angel and he plagues this earth with tragedy and lies. He should get credit for the evil corruption and war that we see today.

Satan tried to tempt Jesus in the Bible and he was constant in his attempts. If he were to be so persistent in tempting Jesus, why would he not be twice as persistent in pursuing each one of us?! That story proves that you can say no and be victorious over the Devil, however, so be persistent in your resistance!

2 Timothy 2:20-26

When you commit willful sin you walk into the devil's snare. When you see someone fall victim to sin you should point it out, but don't condemn them. You lead them from it, not judge them for it.

Those that are saved need not worry about the devil taking away their soul. Being saved does not protect you, however, from the devil trying to hurt you, your family, or your loved ones.

Don't stray from the Word - when you do you go into the world and face Satan and you are without that protection from the Father. The devil is as dangerous as a sleeping lion, the moment you stray from God ~ Satan knows it!

Psalms 119:67 ~ 1 Peter 5:8-10 ~ 2 Peter 1:4-9 ~ 2 Peter 2:20-22 ~ 1 John 2:15-16

Be a role model and be faithful to God. Stay faithful to the good stuff; Bible, gospel songs, and wholesome living!

Don't strut. Be not proud and believe that you are above the devil's reach - for no one is! Don't challenge him as he will attack full force!! Don't be so caught up in yourself that you forget God - always make time for him, and make him #1 in your life!

Proverbs 16:18 ~ John 12:42-43

Desire God's approval and be not accountable just to man. Don't stoop and don't compromise yourself. Don't compromise your values or your beliefs!

Romans 12:21 ~ Isaiah 58:1

Always let good prevail and do not condone evil! We need what God is giving us. Don't stop doing good! 

Revelations 2:10

Don't Stray ~ Don't Stoop ~ Don't Stop!!!


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Victorious Faith

Romans 10:17


Be not faithless, but be believing. Your beliefs affect your life and approach to it. Romans 4:1-3 ~ Romans 4:20 ~ Abraham believed God was counted to him for righteousness. Be strong in your faith just as Abraham was.


Problems can cause you to stagger in your faith. Romans 1:16-17 ~ Trust in and live for Jesus~ Galatians 3:11


It is important to read your Bible and pray consistently. Don't fall away from that fellowship. there are many that don't believe gut that doesn't change or diminish the Word of God.
Be proud of the Bible. Do not be fooled by a silver tongue.


1 Timothy 6:12 ~ Hope is something you always need. Increase your faith and ask the Lord to help you. 1 Corinthians 16:13 ~ Work out your faith and stand firm and grow in it.

Practice your faith constantly. ~ 2 Corinthians 8:7 ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7
We are not walking blindly in the dark, we are instead walking by faith.

One road leads to Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ!










Saturday, February 22, 2014

Becoming Closer to God's Word

Search the scriptures and meditate on them... seek the meaning that God put in each word. There are 52 versions of the Bible, but only one version is 403 years old and unchanged through time. That version is the King James 1611 Bible.



New is not always better. The newer versions of the Bible often seem easier to understand, but in changing the words the meaning is often changed as well. In the KJV version the words are often in Old English and a bit more difficult to understand, but in the unchanged language there is an unchanged meaning. Having a relationship with the TRUE Word of God is of utmost importance.
 
2 Timothy 3:14-17 ~ Read the Bible to learn the truth - not to prove a preconceived notion that you or someone else has. The bible is an instruction manual and we all need it.
 
 
We are to be "thoroughly" saturated with the Word, meaning being saturated both inside and out. Study to show thyself approved onto God. 2 Timothy 2:15-16
 
Proverbs 6:16 - follow the teachings of the Bible and teach your children them as well. God requires of us to do good works and he equips us with the ability to do so.
 
 
Live according to the Bible and show Christian ways. Not only act, but appear Godly as well.
James 1:22


The Word of God is what keeps us spiritually healthy. Titus 3:5 ~ Conquer with God's Word. Overcome sin and the devil with it. Being a part of a TRUE local church is important. It offers fellowship and support.

Discover God's Word! Preach and teach it to your family. Spread the knowledge! Ask God for help, for Him to reveal the Word and the meaning held therein.

What drives a church is the Holy Spirit - 2 Timothy 2:14-16 ~ Romans 10:10-13 ~ Acts 2:37

Let us absorb His word and digest it. 2 Timothy 3:16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God for instruction in righteousness. Psalms 34:8 ~ Psalms 19:7-10. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.

Ephesians 4:29-31 ~ Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth. Ephesians 32 ~ Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted and forgiving. Just as God for Christ's sake forgave you.
 
O Lord - Thy Word is settled in Heaven!
 
Depend on His Word -it never fails.
1 Kings 8:56 Be involved and absorbed in it!!!
 
 
 

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Obey God

Adam and Eve lost the Garden of Eden because of disobedience!





God wants our time and our talents. Ask the question:
How can I honor God??
Is God pleased with me??
Psalms 34:1-3,7-9 ~ Praise the Lord in all you do!
Romans 6:12-14,17 ~ Let no sin therefore reign in your mortal body.

Yield to God always. We get caught up in our own selfish ways and often forget what God would want us to do. ~ Isaiah 55:6-9
Our will or his will ~ Our way or his way
God never puts demands on us that we can't meet. Believe on God's promises! Hebrews 11:8


Hatred is part of our sin nature, don't let it win - listen to that still small voice inside...
Always Be Obedient to God!


 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Our Time Here

Time is important and our time here is but a short portion of eternity. Before time was, God was. He is the God of the past, the present, and the future. He is omnipresent and omnipotent and omniscient. He knows all - what you are doing and thinking and saying.



We all wish for a chance to roll back the clock for a "re-do". But, we can't, so we must take and make each day count. Every day remember Jesus and His message.

Satan paints a very pretty picture of sin. He makes it attractive and can convince you that it is okay... but you can fight him off if you keep God's message close to your heart at all times!
 
The greatest thing that you can do as a Christian is give the love that God gave to you. Give that love to others - to your friends, your neighbors and yes, even those you despise.

Love is proven by actions and deeds, not by words. Love acts kindly and does not discriminate. Love your enemy as well as your friend.
 
Bless them that oppose you.
If you want forgiveness then you need to be quick to give it also.
 
People always remember the verse of, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, vengeance shall be mine!" and then they leave it at that. They seem to consistently forget that there is an actual end to that phrase and it is, "Vengeance shall be mine, SAITH THE LORD" You must leave all things to the Lord, it is his battle, not yours!
 
Always be ready for prayer. Pray secretly, not out for others to give you glory for being faithful. Matthew 6:6 - Find peace and solitude - a place to focus on God.
 
God knows your needs - even before you ask for them. Believe that God CAN answer your prayers. He knows genuine true faith and He answers.
 
Remember His messages on stewardship. It is our duty to witness to others. We are witnesses of His miraculous acts.
Compel people to the House of God!
 
Remember the message about Heaven. We can't earn it or buy it. God gave it to us.
 

Every day remember His message on the second coming.
 
EVERY DAY - REMEMBER GOD AND JESUS AND WHAT THEY GAVE FOR YOU!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Thursday, February 6, 2014

Wise Men Still Seek Him

 

We don't know how many wise men actually came to see Jesus when he was born. We guess three because we know that there were three gifts given. It is also often taught that the wise men came at Jesus' birth - arriving shortly after Jesus did. Many manger scenes can be observed during Christmas and it depicts Jesus in a bed of hay with the wise men and their gifts.

In all reality, the wise men traveled a great distance to see Jesus. It would have been a bit of a travel even now, but thousands of years ago, before modern transportation it would have been more than a small feat. It is figured that it could have taken them as many as two years to make the journey to meet their new born King, as it is known that it took four months to go from Babylon to Jerusalem alone.  Ezra 7:9

The wise men sought Him out to worship Him. They risked their lives; crossed deserts and obstacles. The travel would have been arduous, expensive, exhausting - but in the end - more than worth it!

We live in a time when people don't have time for Jesus, and you are ridiculed if you do. Think back to the wise men - the men that dedicated their time, energy and money to meet Jesus when He was a baby.

God's Word tells us that there is an accountability to mankind. People who ignore Him and refuse to bow down will no longer have a choice.
We all sin, but we are also ALL able to be forgiven.
 
Daniel 12:10 - Seek Jesus for the lost - for your; children, friends and neighbors. Seek Him and lead others.
 
 
Worship in all aspects of your life; in song, in deed, in all things. It is necessary to give. What will you give to Jesus? Your attention? Your spirit? Your time? Your life? You should give whatever He requires of you!
 
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Give yourself to the Lord and your life will seem to fall into place. God loves a cheerful giver and He rewards a giving heart.
 
Give of time, talents and treasure. God gives us the best and we must be willing to share that with others.
 
Romans 8:1 - God's Word warns of procrastinations.
2 Corinthians 6:2 - Now is the day and the time, find salvation in the Lord!
Acts 8:39 - Wise men still depart from Jesus as changed individuals!
 
 

Friday, January 24, 2014

Our Relationship with Jesus




If we are saved then we know the He is our redeemer. We are to strive to have a good, close relationship with Him. Jesus' attitude never changes, but ours sure has a way of changing. It is important to focus on staying close to Jesus through it all.

When you take your eyes off of Jesus, that is when you start to slip. Keep focused on Jesus so that He may walk with you.

You can't have Jesus walking with you physically, BUT you can be spiritually close with Him if you so choose. 

Jesus doesn't walk with rebellion. He is close with those that live in a way that pleases Him. The Bible clearly outlines what God wants for our lives, and if we follow His outline then he is well pleased and is close in our walk.
 

We should always be listening for Jesus and the guidance that He offers. Luke 10:37-42. Choose Jesus over the busy work of this Earth.

Have patience and wait upon the Lord. Be always waiting and always watching for Jesus. Show expectancy and excitement for His return!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Rewards for Faithfulness



God wants to bless you with good things and he isn't going to run out! God doesn't have a limited supply of blessings to bestow - his supply is limitless!

Like any Father, God wants us to earn our rewards. He wants to give them to us! If we aren't living right and earning our rewards then we are only depriving ourselves.

There are five crowns that we can earn and the Bible gives us direction on how to earn each one.

1. The incorruptible crown: 1 Corinthians 9:24,25
2. The crown of rejoicing: 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20. & Daniel 12:3
3. The crown of life: James 1:12
4. The crown of righteousness: 2 Timothy 4:8
5. The crown of glory: 1 Peter 5:1~4

God has given us the guidance through the Holy Spirit to earn them and now the choice is up to us. When your time of departure comes you must be ready. There is no chance to put it off - when you are called you must go! It is important to live like there is no tomorrow, because you never know when it is your last day here on Earth.

When Jesus was on the cross we were on his mind. he sacrificed Himself for each and every one of us. In return all He asks of us is obedience.

ALWAYS BE:
 
SAVED * SURRENDERED * STEADFAST
 
 
We are at war against the Devil. Put on the armor of God so that you can be victorious. Stand up - Speak up - Be heard!!! We have victory in Jesus ~ claim it!
We all have a crown waiting for us!
 

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

The Redeemer

 

JESUS - MY REDEEMER

 
 

If you repent you shall be forgiven!

 
 
 
When Jesus gave up the ghost and said, "It is finished," He was referring to the plan of salvation being completed. Isaiah 53
 
If it wasn't for Jesus we wouldn't have any of these things. It is through Him that we have forgiveness and salvation. Christ died for us all. He died so that we may have eternal life - we were justified through His blood.
 

Reconciliation

  1. Peace with God through a piece of God. Isaiah 9:6 prophesized of Christ's birth. Jesus is the Prince of Peace! John 14:27 / Philippians 4:7
  2. Access - He not only forgives us, but he also becomes our best friend! Hebrews 4:14-16

Pray to The Lord and He shall provide!

Find mercy and grace in His love.
 

 
 
 


Thursday, January 2, 2014

Your Heart's Desire

What is your heart's desire?

  
 
 
Caleb's Story


Caleb was a man of faith. Faith's claim is always based on God's promises. Caleb's promise was also based on God's promise.
 
Titus 1:1-2 - God can't lie. God is faithful and so we should be also. We must life and practice our faith for all to see.
 
 
Who do we trust - and are we obedient? Those are questions you must ask yourself - and hopefully your answer is that your trust and obey the Lord. If that isn't true in your life, then it is important to make changes so that you are a good and faithful servant.
 
 
When we seek God we look for an inheritance for our family as well as for ourselves. These rewards from The Lord can be passed on. If your kids accept Him and then share His Word with their kids then you have left an amazing legacy. One that is completely priceless! Our desire is not only for salvation for ourselves, but for our loved ones as well.
 
Psalms 27 provides comfort for our souls.
Philippians 4:13 - Find strength in The Lord.
 
Say no to sin - resist the devil and he will flee from you. The devil despises the Word and God - use that power to protect yourself. and your family. Refuse temptation and take the gifts that God has promised.