Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Escape?


It Is Written, Psalm 55:6-8,  so I said, oh that I had wings like a dove!  I would fly away and be at rest.  Indeed, I would wander far off, and remained in the wilderness.  I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.
In the life of all human beings, the thought in this verse, brings back a memory that all of us have had at one time or another.  Sometimes we couldn't help feeling that running away from something would solve the problem.
Running away very seldom helps anything.  The reason is the problem is in our minds.  The problem gets bigger or smaller, depending on how we think about it.  Our surroundings only play the role that our minds give it.
When we run away, we take our minds with us.  In so doing, even though surroundings seem more pleasant, we find that what we ran away from came with us.
I read something in a psychology book years ago that struck me.  "Nothing is either good or bad, the mind makes it so" in plain language, if we don't allow something to become a problem in the first place, it is not a problem.
We cannot avoid situations, but we can choose how we deal with them. Avoid knee-jerk reactions.  Think about it a minute.  Look at the situation with a cool head and ask yourself,  is it something you want to be upset about, or should you overlook it.
When you have Jesus on your side, just ask  Him to handle it.  Trust Him, and listen for the right thing to do.  To some people this may seem ridiculous, but to believers it is a normal thing to do.
While some people go to another place to try to solve a problem, believers go to Jesus.  Instead of taking a problem with you, you can give it to Jesus and enjoy peace.  Have a blessed day.  Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
 Amen

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Setting The Tone


It Is Written, Psalm 39:7, and now, Lord, what do I wait for?  My hope is in you.
Psalm 39 is about wisdom and forgiveness.  As with the Psalms, David is pouring his heart out to God.  This one is concerned with things that cause pain because of injustice, it's causing indignation, and how quick life goes when you reach the end.  In life you must depend on God.
The things David says to God, remind many of us how we feel sometimes. As the old cliché says, I can relate to that.  Most of what we consider injustice, or bad breaks, or lack of direction, do have a fix that can eliminate the problems before they ever happen.
If we realize that we can do nothing on our own, except get in trouble, we have taken the first step to wisdom.  We must put aside our pride and realize Jesus is the only answer.
Consider this.  How you start the day, determines how your day will go. Just look at the last two weeks.  How did your day start and how did the rest of it go?
I would like to suggest a small experiment to prove it to you, thereby greatly improving your day.  For one month, get up a half hour earlier.  Go to a room that is private.  Talk to God from your heart.  Tell Him everything that is on your mind.  In doing so you are actually praying, and God will hear.  Next read two or three chapters in the Bible.  Take your time and think about what you read.  Start with Proverbs or the gospel of John.  Then dedicate your day to the Lord and ask for wisdom and discernment. Make a conscious effort to say thank you Lord, during the day.
All of this may seem like old stuff, and a lot to do, but when you do it with the right attitude, you will find it is no problem.  After the month, you will probably feel so good about the improvement in your life, you'll probably keep doing it.  Remember God rewards those who seek Him with all their heart.  Have a blessed day.  Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
ThankYou Lord
Amen

Monday, December 28, 2015

New Year Thoughts


It Is Written, 1 John 5:14, now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.
As is typical for most people at this time of the year, I thought about the new year as a logical time to look at ways to improve who I am.  I think most of us look for ways to make changes that either make someone else, or ourselves feel better.  I'll list a couple of my needed improvements, and maybe they will ring a bell with you too.
 One area of much-needed improvement in most people's lives including mine would be boosting faith to a higher level.  Many people when confronted with a problem, have a tendency to reason it out and then act. A better idea would be to ask the Lord for wisdom and an answer before  doing anything.
Another thing most of us could improve on in this coming year, is to try harder to reflect Jesus light and love in all our dealings with other people.  A lighthouse is priceless in a storm.  The light fills the darkness and points to safety.  Most people we meet are in darkness and enduring the storms of life.  Jesus is the light to a safe haven, and we should be the lighthouse.
I think if we can improve in these two areas, we'll all be taking a big step in God's plan for us.  The best part is, the only thing we really need to change, is to take more and better advantage of the power of prayer.  Jesus answers and the Holy Spirit makes it happen.
I do not presume to say that all of us have the same idea, but I do say whatever you decide this coming year,  go to Jesus first, and as often as possible.  We are all winners when we follow him.  Have a blessed day. Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
Amen

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Time For Resolutions


It Is Written, Psalm 128:2, when you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
Well, here we are, at the time of year when we plan our resolutions for the new year.  Most people laugh and tease each other about how long they will last, comments that your spiritual self takes seriously.  Most of us pronounce failure before we start by the words we use.
Keeping resolutions can be a part of your life, with less effort than you may think.  In the first place, instead of just blurting out just any old thing, think about what you really would like to change.  Pick a few categories and name two or three resolutions in each.
After you make your list, assume that you will be successful in whatever you choose.  Even if you pick just one thing, and you make it happen, you have a victory, and you are a winner.
Let me give you an example of a category.  Spiritual.  Read the Bible regularly, be kind and forgiving, be helpful, financially and/or physically.
Other categories could be, parenting, financially, work, family time as with the children, and so on.  Pick one or two of what you come up with and make up your mind that you will win.  Put past attempts where they belong, in the past.
Consider making Jesus your personal Savior by saying and meaning the prayer of salvation.  When you do, you are considered born again.  You are a child of God, and a new person with a new life.
Whether you are ready for that last step, is between you and Jesus.  I have practiced a method for success in resolutions as described.  You can do it. Speak positive words at all times, and leave the past in the past.  Normally someone would say good luck.  I say, you are a winner, just do it in Jesus name.  Have a blessed day.  Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
 Amen

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Think Again


It Is Written, Proverbs 16:9, a man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
I guess that the majority of us would agree that life can be exciting, disappointing, happy, sad, and everything in between.
For many of us life is a real challenge.  We make plans for just about everything.  Some of them are successful, and some are a disaster.  Things that we feel should happen, often don't, and things that shouldn't, do.
Before we were born, God knew who would accept Jesus and those who wouldn't.  God came up with a master plan for each of us, based on what He knew of our ultimate decision.  He also took into account our free will.
As we follow our plan, we usually run into unforeseen obstacles.  While this is going on, the Holy Spirit is constantly talking to us, and trying to get us back on His path.  We can ignore Him and do it our way, or we can do it His way.
When we listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit, and choose to follow it, things become much easier.  Obstacles are removed, we meet the right people, and we are blessed.  The problems we face, we are able to conquer if we follow God's plan.
God has a way of getting back the people who are His.  Sometimes He lets us hit the bottom, because that is the only way our rebellious nature will come to realize that we need Jesus.
One last thing for atheists to realize.  Some of you will come to Jesus by choice, even though you don't believe in him now.  That also applies to all the Jesus haters.  Some of you will come to know the Lord too.
Kick and scream, rant and rave, Jesus still loves you and will forgive you, if you ask.  Have a blessed day.  Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
 Amen

Monday, December 21, 2015

Really Give This Thought


It Is Written, Romans 10:9, if you confess with your mouth to the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
In my quiet time this morning, I was thinking about what Christmas really means to me.  I thought of some feel good verses like the Romans 10:9. They are not just feel good verses, they are the truth.
What saddens me is that they are not true for everyone.  Every religion has their own version of God, and most claim to be the only true faith.  So I made a list similar to a pros and cons list.  As you read this list apply it to the religion you follow.
A God that loves people so much, that He died to forgive everyones sins.
Guaranteed salvation for believers.
Lack of man-made rules, regulations, and rituals.
Teaches love and forgiveness for all.
Direct communication with God, no middleman.
Forgives all sins, past, present, future.
Miracles and blessings for those who believe.
There is only one God who does these things and more.  One God who fulfilled all of the prophecies until the present time.  That one God is Jesus Christ.
I suppose many people think Christianity is too simple to be real.  It has to be simple because God designed it that way.  Ephesians 2:8, for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;  it is the gift of God.
In Christianity it is not a situation where you work and work to try to earn Heaven, and never know until you die that it didn't work.  It pays to really give some thought to what you believe and follow because it's a decision that will last forever.  One thing all of us must remember, even if we are atheists.  At the end of time the Bible says that all men will acknowledge God and kneel to Him.  Have a blessed day.  Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
Amen

Sunday, December 20, 2015

The Greatest Gift


It Is Written, Galatians 1:4, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of God our Father.
At this time of the year, we celebrate Christmas as we always have, from the time we were little children.  Christmas trees, presents, family and friends for dinner.  There is something special about the season and the day.  People seem happier and friendlier than during the rest of the year.
Most of us never really pay much attention, if any, to the reason for these feelings of happiness.  Let me pass a few thoughts to you.
Man was created by God to reign with Him.  Man, sinned and was cast from the garden.  As men populated the earth, the earth became more evil as each day passed.  Finally God had enough.  Except for eight people and a limited number of animals, God destroyed all living things on earth.
God used the people and animals He spared to repopulate the earth.  In spite of prophets to teach them, and the commandments He gave to Moses, the people sinned greatly.  Now came the turning point.
If God did not send His Son to redeem man and pay for the sins of the world, the world would probably not exist right now.  God might have finally destroyed it for good.
Without Jesus, there would be no New Testament.  Only the Torah would exist.  Gentiles would go their own way.  When people died they would probably wake up in hell, because no one could earn salvation or be forgiven of their sins.
Jesus changed all of that.  He was born as a human to save us and show us how to live.  Because of this unconditional love, and His death and resurrection, He took away all of our sins and made us righteous with God. At that point we could choose life with Him for eternity.
It may seem to some it is stretching it, but if not for Jesus coming to save us, any human holiday would be totally meaningless.
It would be a good idea to consider all of this, and put Christ back in Christmas.  Without Him we would have nothing, except the unspeakable. One more point.  If you love your children, make sure they know about Jesus.  It is the best gift you can give them, and it lasts for an eternity.  Have a blessed Christmas. Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
 Amen

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Frustrate satan


It Is Written, 2 Corinthians 2:11,  lest  satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
This statement was made to the Corinthians bring Paul's letter about forgiveness. He was telling them to be watchful.
Everyone who is or ever was alive, had to deal with the devil every day. You either fought him, or follow him.
He is such a master of illusions and other lies that many people don't even realize they are following him.  He makes sin look harmless.  He helps people rationalize sins in such a way that they think it is reasonable and good.
If you try not to sin, he tries to create doubt in your mind as to whether it really is sin or not.  The Bible calls him the father of lies for a reason.  He even puts a spin on the Word of God, so if you don't know the Word, you lose.  He even tried that one with Jesus.
James 4:7, therefore submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  There are many verses about casting satan out.  Jesus said so, so it is true.
There are however a couple of problems connected with that idea.  People are not aware of fighting satan in Jesus name, or they just say the words as though they were magic.  They usually say that in fear or doubt.  Either way they keep doing it without results.
If you are standing on the Word, and trusting in Jesus, you will be successful.  Years ago I had a neighbor who had three small girls.  The girls would get into various sorts of mischief at home or while playing outside, and their mother would yell at them.  Well the girls ignored her, no matter how many times or how loud the mother yelled.  They knew their mother was just noise.
To get satan away from you, is not that difficult.  Trust in the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.  Remember one other important thing. Since satan is a liar,  have you considered the fact that the opposite must be true?
Just for example.  You pray for something, and satan says it won't happen. Just say, thank you satan for confirming the answer to my prayer.  Now in Jesus name, get lost.  Have a very blessed day. Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
 Amen

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Happy Birthday Jesus


It Is Written, John 3:16-17, for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17) for God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Ask any true Christian what the most profound events in history are, and they would probably say Christmas, the crucifixion of Jesus, and Jesus resurrection.
If I think about how they rank in importance to man, it seems to me it would probably be a tie.  It takes all three for man to be saved, so I guess the best place to start is at the beginning.
The birth of Jesus started everything.  We see the unconditional love of the father for man.  For God to send His only Son to save sinful man is beyond description of love.
Jesus obeyed His Father and the plan to save mankind.  He did it knowing that He would be hated and abused by most people.  Imagine going through what Jesus did for all people while knowing only a small percentage would love Him and come to Him.
We are who we are, just ordinary people saved by grace.  The only thing we can do is acknowledge what Jesus did for us by worshiping Him and trying to live our lives the way He wants us to.
I think it would be nice if we could celebrate Jesus birthday on the actual date of His birth.  It seems a shame that we celebrate His birthday when it's so conflicted with everything else.  The way Christmas is celebrated by most people, it is obvious that most of us don't really appreciate what Christmas means.
Jesus said we should all love one another.  He wasn't talking about mushy love.  He wants us to be kind, helpful, generous, truthful and so on with the people He sends our way.  We should, as much as possible reflect Jesus love to everyone we meet.  That my friends is the best way we can celebrate His birthday.
One last thing.  Don't forget your happy birthday Jesus cake for dessert after Christmas dinner.  It has become a tradition with some people I know and it really is a good way for younger people to get the right idea.  Have a blessed Christmas.  And praise the Lord!
In case you're wondering why this message is now  instead of next week, I felt I was led to write this before there was too much going on for anyone to pay any attention to it.
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thak You Lord
Amen

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Wisdom


It Is Written, James 1:5, if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
When Solomon became king, God told him to ask for whatever he wanted and he could have it.  Solomon told God he wanted wisdom in order to rule His people wisely and justly.
The Bible doesn't tell us if Solomon had anything else on his mind.  He did receive wisdom as soon as he asked.  God also blessed him with every desire that was according to God's favor on him.
As we read about Solomon we find that he made many decisions on his own, and paid a heavy price.  God did not withdraw all of His blessings from Solomon, but God did hold him accountable.
We can have wisdom too.  The only thing we need to do is ask God for wisdom in all we think, say, and do, each morning.  Then as the day goes on, listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit and do them.
Wisdom from God,  if followed, will protect you from the influence of satan and the world.  Don't get puffed up thinking you are so wise that you cannot fall.  Solomon allowed idols in Israel because of his wives.  He deluded himself by thinking he was learning something that would make him wiser.
Remember, you have no wisdom on your own.  It comes from God, and it is lack of wisdom that causes us to stray from God.  It is our choice. Have a blessed day. Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
 Amen

Monday, December 14, 2015

Patience Produces Results


It Is Written, James 1:3-4, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience, 4) but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
One of the definitions of patience is endurance.  If you have been out in the world for any amount of time, you have undoubtedly experienced this.  As you probably know, having patience with others can be difficult.
Patience appears to work a couple of ways.  When you are in a situation that appears hopeless, your patience seems very limited, before anger takes over.  It is much easier to have patience when you see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Patience works pretty much the same way in the spirit world.  The difference with the spirit world, is that you cannot physically see what is going on, and you need faith to deal with it.
The Bible tells us that Jesus said, whatever you ask in My Name, you will receive it.  Because of that statement, most people think every answer is immediate, and only asking is required.
The truth is, complete faith is required, as well as patience.  The average prayer usually take some time to be answered.  This requires patience, which in turn builds faith.  As our faith grows,  patience becomes much easier.
In case you are wondering how to get that kind of faith, here is a good way.  The path is simple, but requires dedication.  Read what the Word says.  You must know Jesus and how He operated between His Father and the Holy Spirit.  Thank God for all He has done for you each day.  As many times as you think of it during the day, just say, I thank you Lord.
If you really seek the Lord with all of your heart, your faith will get to the point, where miracle working faith is as natural as breathing.  You can have whatever you ask in Jesus name, according to His Word.  Until that time, continue to pray.  You will get answers if you believe and endure.  If you have faith, do not give up, because you never know when your answer will come, and I'm sure you don't want to quit a day before you get your answer.  Have a blessed day.  Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
 Amen

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Yes, There Is a God


It Is Written, Isaiah 42:5, thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth, and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it.
When you look at everything in the amount of time it took to accomplish something in relation to total time elapsed, creation occurred in the blink of an eye.  That would certainly indicate a creator.
If you look at how all of the stars, planets, and just plain junk operate in space, you see order.  Planets with just the right orbit, magnetic field, and so on, so that they follow a regular pattern.  With everything that is out in space, no collisions between planets that we know of.  Again it indicates a creator.
Take a look at the earth and everything in it, or on it.  Trillions to the trillions power, of cells.  Each cell whether, human, plant, animal, or germ . Each cell must do its individual job in relation to other cells in order for life to be.  Just look at the function of any living thing, and see the complexity of it all.  Again, it indicates a creator.
Science with all of its combined knowledge, has not been able to create a single functioning cell from nothing.  Space dust as the creator?  I think not. But once again, it indicates a creator.
We could go on and on with countless examples, but it wouldn't change anything.  Look at your body and all of its functions, all the way down to cell level.  Everything precise and each cell needing every other cell in order to function.  Ask yourself this question.  If the one and only answer is not God, what is a sensible answer.  Yes my friends, there definitely and most certainly is an all-powerful Creator, and  yes there is a God and his name is God. Have a blessed day. Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
 Amen

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Jesus Will Never Leave You


It Is Written, Hebrews 13:5, let your conduct be without covetousness;  be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself said, I will never leave you or forsake you.
If you are like most Christians, you have probably experienced times when you felt God's presence, and other times you felt like God had abandoned you.
This type of up-and-down experience has been felt by every believer on the planet since man first believed.  The simple fact is, since the time you first accepted Jesus as your Savior, He has always been with you.
The biggest problem for all people, is to forget about feeling something.  We are to live by faith.  Feelings can be deceiving, faith in Jesus cannot.  Just because we don't feel His presence, does not mean He left us.
I heard it said recently that when we feel Jesus presence, it is a gift to us. When we don't feel His presence, but we still believe, is a gift to Him.  It does not matter how we feel.  Jesus love and power is still in us, waiting to be used.  It is when we have the hardest time exercising our faith, that it means the most.
Anyone can have faith when things are going good.  When things aren't so good, it shows us how much we love and trust Jesus.  He is always faithful, and will never let us go.  Have a blessed day.  Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
 Amen

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Defeat Temptation



It Is Written, James 1:12, blessed is the man who endures temptation;  for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
We live in a world that surrounds us with all sorts of temptations. Sometimes we can hardly imagine that there could be so many temptations.  Some are more obvious than others, such as drugs, porn, alcohol, etc.
Then we have some temptations that seem so minor to so many people, that they would laugh if you told them.  One example would be overstaying breaks or lunch at work.  That is theft of time.  The people that do it don't realize that they are answering a subtle temptation.
No one is perfect, and we all sin, and we are forgiven when we acknowledge it to God.  Habitual sin in anything can be dangerous, and requires searching your heart to see what is important to you.  When you truly repent for what you have done, you are telling God you'll turn that part of your life around, by changing how you think.
In our modern society, many things which once were considered wrong, are now widely accepted.  We must be extra careful to stick to God's law, and not man's law.  Man's law can corrupt and lead to destruction, as many people have attempted to rewrite the Bible, ignoring totally what God said.
You must also be aware of temptation in your spiritual life.  Temptations like failing to read even a little bit of the Bible every day, temptation to give up on prayer, even temptation to rationalize teachings in the Bible to meet what we think.
Temptations are in fact tests allowed by God.  Even Jesus was tempted by satan himself.  Jesus was here as a man so He could see what we go through.  He passed the test.  It is comforting to know that even when we fail, God is there to pick us back up.  As loving and forgiving as God is, He does not grade us on a curve.  We must follow what the Bible says, the whole Bible, not just part of it.  Have a blessed day. Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
Amen

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

A Relationship With Jesus



It Is Written, Ephesians 2:13, but now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Many new Christians are all excited when they realize that they are saved by the blood of Jesus.  The Bible boggles their minds with the blessings available to God's people.
Most of us go from excitement about what we read or hear, to varying degrees of disappointment when we see that while the Bible is true,  it is not a book of magic.
Sometimes we get the idea that if we work hard by being good, God will reward us.  Some religions still teach that.  The facts are these.  As we strive to know God from His Word, our relationship with Him grows.  As we follow what the Word says, our faith grows.
Because of our relationship and faith, the Holy Spirit talks to our hearts. When we pay attention to what our hearts hear, and act on it, we are following God's plan for us.  We don't have to worry about what to do next.  The Holy Spirit will lead us one step at a time.  If we follow His lead, regardless of where it takes us, we are honoring God, and worshiping Him by following His Word.
As all of this is going on, you will eventually realize the blessings and favor God is showering  on you.  Your prayers are answered, sometimes before you even think of them.  As we honor God with faith, He honors us with His best.
It is true that there is a large percentage of saved people who do not put a lot of effort into knowing God.  Even though they are that way, God still loves them, and they are still saved.  Unfortunately for them, they never really find out how great God is, and what they are missing out on.  Have a blessed day. Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
Amen

Monday, December 7, 2015

We Are All like Farmers


It Is Written, Colossians 3:17, and whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
This may seem like a funny title for a message, but the similarities between farmers and the rest of us is easily recognized if you look.
A farmer has to get his fields ready to plant.  Next he has to decide what he wants to grow, and get the appropriate seeds.  He then plants them and waits for them to grow.  He knows that if he prepares well, buys good seeds, and waits, he will get what he planted.
Most of us really don't think about our lives working the same way.  The Bible tells us that if we plant seeds of judging others, we will reap judgment in proportion to our seeds of judgment.  Luke 6:36-38 gives other examples such as mercy begets mercy, forgiveness begets forgiveness, condemnation begets condemnation.  Whatever you give you will get.
The whole point of all of this is pretty simple.  Just as the farmer prepares his field, we need to prepare our hearts.  If the farmer dedicates his efforts to the Lord he will reap bountifully.  We should dedicate our efforts to the Lord too.
Everything in life has a seed.  What you sow, you will reap.  If you want a good life, plant seeds of love, kindness, forgiveness, generosity, and all good things.  Keep in mind though, that all bad things have seeds too.
God blesses good seeds by making the harvest an overabundance.  satan gives you an overabundance for all the bad seeds.
Like a farmer, you choose how well you prepare your field, and what seeds you will plant.  Have a blessed day.  Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
Amen

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Love Conquers Hate


It Is Written,1 John 3:15, whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
God tells us that we must love one another.  The world however is full of hate.  You may be asking yourself, how can anyone love when so much hate exists?
I guess we have to start by considering some things that we may have overlooked.  Sometimes it helps when we look from a different angle. Please follow the thoughts before you decide for yourself.
God created all of us with a free will.  Some people follow God, and some people follow satan.  God tells us not to judge someone for two obvious reasons.  Since He created each person, He alone has the right to judge. Second, only God knows for sure who is following Him, and who is following satan.
God does not tell us that we should not hate what people do, just as long as we don't hate the person.  If a person breaks God's laws, it is between God and that person.
We see God's commandments broken every day.  If we aren't doing it, it is none of our business.  While we judge actions by others on a scale of evil as determined by us, God considers sin to be sin.
If you're still reading this message, here comes a shocker.  When we hate anyone, it is a sin because of God's standards.  Abortion, homosexuality, theft, and so on, are all sins according to the Bible.  God sees all as sin, no matter how the world may look at it.
Yes we see big differences in sin.  The terrorist does horrible things, a petty thief cannot be compared, yet they both sin.  While we are shocked and angry, it is still God's problem to bring justice to all, and He will.
satan does his part by trying to stir us up to hate.  Don't fall for that.  We must love God enough to overcome hatred, and follow His laws.  It isn't  easy most of the time, but the Holy Spirit is here to help us if we ask Him. Have a blessed day. Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
Amen

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Not The Same Old Thing



It Is Written, John 14:6,  Jesus said to him.  I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.
If you listen to preachers or read faith type books, you have probably noticed that there are a couple of subjects that are repeated all the time.  If you read the Bible, you'll see the same thing, over and over.
If you stop and listen to the things of the world every day, you'll notice constant repetition of negative and plain evil things.
Whether you realize it or not, there is a constant battle between good and evil.  This battle has one objective, and that my friends is your eternal life.
If you think about something that has no end, it is almost impossible to imagine.  Just for example think about the worst pain you ever felt, whether physical or emotional, it doesn't matter.  Now picture someone telling you that for the next thousand years, that pain would be multiplied to an unbearable level, plus.  Now imagine it forever.
If you look back at your life with an open mind, you'll see so many good things that happened to you.  Some seemed impossible at the time.  That was a loving Jesus looking out for you.  He was trying to get your attention in order to have a relationship with you.  If that wasn't enough, he even died to forgive you for all of your sins.
Take a look at all of the bad.  That was satan trying to make you blame God. satan talk someone into something bad, then condemns them, and after that he tries to tell God how bad you are.
So let's look at a couple of truths.  Jesus loves you, He died for your sins, and He wants to bless you beyond measure.  satan on the other hand hates you.  The only thing he ever did for you was make you sick, cause problems, and condemn.  He wants to steal your eternity because he is angry about throwing his away.
Everything the Bible teaches is geared toward you and me having a relationship with Jesus.  He already paid for our salvation, all we have to do is accept it.  Many of us got to know God, by saying, Lord, if you are real, please manifest yourself to me.  He will.  What have you got to lose?
So when you hear or read all the repetition about how good Jesus is, and how you should be saved, look at it as a constant reminder meant to save you.  Have a blessed day.  Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
Amen

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Deliverance


It Is Written, Psalm 34:4, I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:17, the righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Everyone who ever lived has had need of deliverance at one time or another.  Many people think that deliverance only applies to things like drugs or alcohol.  It goes much further than that.
Have you ever had something that continually worked on your mind and made you unhappy?  It could be something that happened years ago, but it still troubles your mind.
Then you have things like unfulfilled dreams, or maybe a failure and something that you feel was your fault.  Unfortunately things like this have no time limit,  so they will haunt you your whole life if you don't do something about it.
There are countless things in our lives that fall into the category of afflictions that really do require deliverance.  They are all caused by satan. He likes to have as many things as possible to condemn us for.  He makes everything we are unhappy about seem like there is no hope.
Well my friends, according to the Bible that is not true.  There is deliverance for all things in Jesus.  It is a simple as going to Jesus in prayer.  Pour your heart out to Him, telling Him everything that is troubling you and asking Him to deliver you from whatever it is.  He hears sincere prayer, and He will handle it.
When I was prompted in my spirit to do just that, I found out deliverance is real, and God really does here are prayer.  I found out that the empty space caused by something taken away, was filled with new and exciting things.
I was so excited about what happened, that I made a list of everything that was afflicting me, and I took them all to the Lord in prayer.  It changed my life, it boosted my faith and gave me peace.
Undoubtedly satan will still try to bring something back, but you can laugh at him, because at this point you will realize that he has no power over you in Jesus name.  Try it, and it will change your life forever.  Have a blessed day.  Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
 Amen

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Is Political Correctness, Correct?


It Is Written, 2 Timothy 3:16,  all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
I heard a statistic yesterday that was surprising, and at the same time puzzling.  The survey that they quoted said that 70% of the people in this country are unhappy with our government.
This leads me to a couple of questions.  If 70% is more than 30%, how do we have leaders who are elected by only 30%.  What are the 70% waiting for?
If you read 2  Timothy 3:1-9, with an open mind, you will see that it describes the times we live in to a T.  Closing our eyes to what is going on, can influence our eternity.
Laws exist, and people accept, what is absolutely against the Word of God. Government has been replacing God's laws one at a time.  A majority of people accept this political correctness by calling it tolerance.
It is understandable that people who either don't believe or read the Bible can be easily deceived.  What is hard to understand, is how many mainstream religions and individual churches can be so deceived and corrupted, that they accept going against God's Word.
The Word of God does not change.  A sin is a sin, no matter how many people deny it.  If real Christians follow God's Word and act on it, things can change.
Each of us is responsible to God.  We cannot use excuses like, so-and-so said so, or that is what our church taught me.  When you're eternity is on the line, learn from the Word yourself.  No church or government should decide your future.
Please read 2 Timothy 3:1-9, for starters.  You'll see everything that is going on was foretold  hundreds, and even thousands of years ago.  Have a blessed day.  Praise the Lord!
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me.  Your blood washed away all my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought me salvation.  Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You Lord
 Amen