It Is Written, Psalm 138:8, the Lord will perfect that which concerns me.
Everyone has times in their life when they feel like they can't go on. Life is too tough, and I need a break.
At this point in their lives, many people turn to drugs, alcohol, and various other vices in an attempt to get some happiness. This does not work. Things usually get out of control, and they hit bottom.
Hitting the bottom can also occur in other ways. For instance, the marriage can be a source of stress that causes bad choices to be made. Maybe the kids are a problem because they don't act like they should. Maybe there are feelings that the whole situation was a mistake, and the single life is better.
Then of course you have the job situation. Maybe you regret that you didn't go to college. Maybe you think that you studied the wrong field if you did go to college. Maybe at home and/or at work you feel unappreciated.
Your boss is not very nice, and is always looking over your shoulder. You don't make enough money. Here are a few thoughts that may help in one or all of the examples.
God did not cause these problems. Bad choices did. God has a plan for each of our lives that is much better than the way we think. If you choose not to believe that, that is your choice, but it does not change the fact that there is a plan.
God loves everyone, and allows each of us to have a free will to decide for ourselves. If we decide for ourselves and things go bad, God didn't make them go bad, we took our chances in the world system and lost.
Every example can be changed, and peace come into our lives, by accepting Jesus as our Savior and following Him. You ask, He answers. Listen for His voice and you will hear it. It is never too late.
As a reminder. If you think that Jesus is nonsense, or you don't want to hear about Him, that as I said doesn't change the truth, It just means that you made another bad decision.
Remember Jesus Loves You
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross. 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. Praise the Lord!
Thank You
Amen
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Monday, December 8, 2014
The Lord's Guidance
It Is Written, Proverbs 3:6, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
This message is perhaps a little unusual, but it illustrates a point. It helps paint a picture of trust.
First a little set up by means of a few short comments. We have all run across Proverbs 3:5 – six, at one time or another. We have to ask ourselves if we have really given it serious thought.
For a long time, I thought I was in control of my life. I had to be, because God would not have made all of those mistakes. Unfortunately it can take many years to figure that out. Much simpler, and less stress, is to follow the proverb from the beginning.
Picture this. Look at the world as completely filled with mines, and booby-traps. You have things you want to do, what do you do? Then one day, a very reliable person you know, tells you that he has a map that shows the locations of these deathtraps. You can believe him or not. On your own, you will die sooner or later. If you trust his map, you will survive. It all depends on whether you trust or not
if you don't know God, you are on your own. You are out there taking your chances, with no hope. If you know God, you talk to Him. When you pray you must have patience and trust, because everything counts on God's timing. God has a complete picture of your whole life. He will direct you one step at a time. Sometimes He may wait to tell you the next step, because He is getting things ready, like clearing obstructions from your path.
If you get tired of waiting, you can do it your way, but that would be an incredible mistake. There are all sorts of booby-traps set by satan to keep you from your ultimate goal, Heaven.
The sure way to Heaven, is to trust in the Lord at all times. You may slip once in a while, but He understands. When you are saved, you have the Holy Spirit guiding each step. Listen and take advantage of that, and no amount of traps or anything satan does will keep you from God.
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
Amen
This message is perhaps a little unusual, but it illustrates a point. It helps paint a picture of trust.
First a little set up by means of a few short comments. We have all run across Proverbs 3:5 – six, at one time or another. We have to ask ourselves if we have really given it serious thought.
For a long time, I thought I was in control of my life. I had to be, because God would not have made all of those mistakes. Unfortunately it can take many years to figure that out. Much simpler, and less stress, is to follow the proverb from the beginning.
Picture this. Look at the world as completely filled with mines, and booby-traps. You have things you want to do, what do you do? Then one day, a very reliable person you know, tells you that he has a map that shows the locations of these deathtraps. You can believe him or not. On your own, you will die sooner or later. If you trust his map, you will survive. It all depends on whether you trust or not
if you don't know God, you are on your own. You are out there taking your chances, with no hope. If you know God, you talk to Him. When you pray you must have patience and trust, because everything counts on God's timing. God has a complete picture of your whole life. He will direct you one step at a time. Sometimes He may wait to tell you the next step, because He is getting things ready, like clearing obstructions from your path.
If you get tired of waiting, you can do it your way, but that would be an incredible mistake. There are all sorts of booby-traps set by satan to keep you from your ultimate goal, Heaven.
The sure way to Heaven, is to trust in the Lord at all times. You may slip once in a while, but He understands. When you are saved, you have the Holy Spirit guiding each step. Listen and take advantage of that, and no amount of traps or anything satan does will keep you from God.
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
Amen
Sunday, December 7, 2014
The Holy Spirit Within
It Is Written, Galatians 5:22, but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
For some unknown reason, quite a few people get nervous if you tell them that the Holy Spirit can dwell in them. They think that the Holy Spirit will make them do all sorts of things that they don't want to do. I guess they really don't know the Holy Spirit.
First of all, you can talk to the Holy Spirit if you have experienced salvation. Talk to Him all of the time. What many people don't realize is that "something told me" could have been the Holy Spirit. Once you get familiar with His voice, you will realize just how real He is. You could be doing something and talking to him as if he was in the flesh, sitting right next to you.
Perhaps you are one of the people who have trouble believing the Holy Spirit is in you. Well my friend, let me explain something. If you love, have peace, joy, patience, kindness, are gentle, you have experienced some of the gifts from the Holy Spirit.
Another benefit of the Holy Spirit may surprise you, but it is true. If something is troubling you, or you don't quite know how to pray about it, when you go to sleep, ask the Holy Spirit to pray through your spirit while you sleep. If you want a very powerful prayer, that is it. Don't expect to feel something, just trust, it will happen. Possibly without even realizing, you will get a knowing in your heart that tells you your prayer has been answered.
Don't be nervous about the Holy Spirit. He is here to help us with all things. Get to know Him and you will probably be surprised at the pure joy He brings to your life. The benefits are what God wants us to have because He loves us.
When you walk with the Holy Spirit, you are walking with God, Just the way, Jesus promised. 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
Amen
For some unknown reason, quite a few people get nervous if you tell them that the Holy Spirit can dwell in them. They think that the Holy Spirit will make them do all sorts of things that they don't want to do. I guess they really don't know the Holy Spirit.
First of all, you can talk to the Holy Spirit if you have experienced salvation. Talk to Him all of the time. What many people don't realize is that "something told me" could have been the Holy Spirit. Once you get familiar with His voice, you will realize just how real He is. You could be doing something and talking to him as if he was in the flesh, sitting right next to you.
Perhaps you are one of the people who have trouble believing the Holy Spirit is in you. Well my friend, let me explain something. If you love, have peace, joy, patience, kindness, are gentle, you have experienced some of the gifts from the Holy Spirit.
Another benefit of the Holy Spirit may surprise you, but it is true. If something is troubling you, or you don't quite know how to pray about it, when you go to sleep, ask the Holy Spirit to pray through your spirit while you sleep. If you want a very powerful prayer, that is it. Don't expect to feel something, just trust, it will happen. Possibly without even realizing, you will get a knowing in your heart that tells you your prayer has been answered.
Don't be nervous about the Holy Spirit. He is here to help us with all things. Get to know Him and you will probably be surprised at the pure joy He brings to your life. The benefits are what God wants us to have because He loves us.
When you walk with the Holy Spirit, you are walking with God, Just the way, Jesus promised. 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
Amen
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Religion Is Not A Crime
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".
Over the years, there has been a lot of confusion, because of various religions claiming to be the way. Religions for the most part, are like the Pharisees in Jesus time. They started with Moses law, and they added so many laws and rules, that they couldn't keep it either.
After Jesus came and established His church, men again resorted to rules upon rules. Finally a new sect or religion was founded by people who didn't accept what was being taught, and so, on it went.
Jesus made it simple. As it says in Ephesians 2:8-9, "for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Over time many of these religions forgot about Jesus because they were too busy coming up with new rules.
Many people are comfortable with rules, and law in their church. It makes them feel like they are doing something. If you have accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, and go to a church that teaches the Bible, I believe you will still get to heaven, but the trip will be more difficult. The trick is, that you must always remember that you are saved by grace, and not your works.
If you do choose to follow a religion, I would be very careful if I were you. Most people get sidetracked trying to do that. I would strongly suggest a good Bible teaching church period. God bless you!
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
Amen
Over the years, there has been a lot of confusion, because of various religions claiming to be the way. Religions for the most part, are like the Pharisees in Jesus time. They started with Moses law, and they added so many laws and rules, that they couldn't keep it either.
After Jesus came and established His church, men again resorted to rules upon rules. Finally a new sect or religion was founded by people who didn't accept what was being taught, and so, on it went.
Jesus made it simple. As it says in Ephesians 2:8-9, "for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Over time many of these religions forgot about Jesus because they were too busy coming up with new rules.
Many people are comfortable with rules, and law in their church. It makes them feel like they are doing something. If you have accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, and go to a church that teaches the Bible, I believe you will still get to heaven, but the trip will be more difficult. The trick is, that you must always remember that you are saved by grace, and not your works.
If you do choose to follow a religion, I would be very careful if I were you. Most people get sidetracked trying to do that. I would strongly suggest a good Bible teaching church period. God bless you!
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
Amen
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
The Bible, A Challenge?
It Is Written, Proverbs 8:17, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me".
Reading the Bible is difficult for many people. As a matter of fact, reading any book is a challenge. It usually comes down to understanding what was just read. I believe this problem is more common than we realize. Here are a few suggestions that you can pass on to a family member or friend that has this problem.
One reason for difficulty, is the way a person reads. For example, if you read one word at a time, it is difficult to put the thought together. Reading a sentence or two, and then thinking about it, usually helps a lot.
Another good way to learn the word, is to use a good daily devotional. I like Kenneth Copeland best, but there are others that are pretty good. Take the time to look at several, and go with what is easier for you.
Another good way to learn is to listen to CD's. The preachers on TV all sell CD's. Pick a preacher you like and check their website Andrew Wommack has a very large selection, that covers many subjects from the Bible. Many can be downloaded free from his website. As with any preacher, just put their name in search, and you will find.
Of course the most common way of learning, is to belong to a Bible teaching church. If you can't find one, most preachers on TV are good teachers.
Just remember that Jesus loves you, and if you seek, the Holy Spirit will guide you, and help you understand. The bottom line is this. You must be saved by accepting Jesus and what He did for you. Confess your sins and invite Him into your heart.
How you study His word, is up to you and the Holy Spirit. There is no condemnation for which ever way you study. God bless you!
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
Amen
Reading the Bible is difficult for many people. As a matter of fact, reading any book is a challenge. It usually comes down to understanding what was just read. I believe this problem is more common than we realize. Here are a few suggestions that you can pass on to a family member or friend that has this problem.
One reason for difficulty, is the way a person reads. For example, if you read one word at a time, it is difficult to put the thought together. Reading a sentence or two, and then thinking about it, usually helps a lot.
Another good way to learn the word, is to use a good daily devotional. I like Kenneth Copeland best, but there are others that are pretty good. Take the time to look at several, and go with what is easier for you.
Another good way to learn is to listen to CD's. The preachers on TV all sell CD's. Pick a preacher you like and check their website Andrew Wommack has a very large selection, that covers many subjects from the Bible. Many can be downloaded free from his website. As with any preacher, just put their name in search, and you will find.
Of course the most common way of learning, is to belong to a Bible teaching church. If you can't find one, most preachers on TV are good teachers.
Just remember that Jesus loves you, and if you seek, the Holy Spirit will guide you, and help you understand. The bottom line is this. You must be saved by accepting Jesus and what He did for you. Confess your sins and invite Him into your heart.
How you study His word, is up to you and the Holy Spirit. There is no condemnation for which ever way you study. God bless you!
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
Amen
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Fight For Jesus
On My Soap Box Again
Every year at this time, I fight occasional depression. It starts in September when many stores start getting ready for Christmas.
When you go into a store these days, all you hear are songs without Jesus. Happy holiday signs as well as seasons greeting signs are prominently displayed. The people who work in the stores are told to tell customers happy holidays, and don't offend anyone by saying Merry Christmas. Why do they do things like this? They say they don't want to offend anyone.
They take Jesus out of Christmas just as they take Him out of everything because they don't want to offend anyone. It seems that the common idea is, if you're going to offend somebody, offend the Christians. They never say anything. They just turn the other cheek I guess. You don't have to worry about them. They may not like it, but they will still give us their money.
This yearI decided to fight back in my own little way. I'm talking to people and attacking the only God that most store owners recognize as being theirs. What is their God's name you might ask? It is simple. Money. It drives everything. That's what counts. Sound hopeless? No it isn't.
If I walk into a store that I don't see or hear anything connected with Jesus, they will not get my money. It's that simple. If I'm the only one that does it they won't even notice, but if a lot of people do, things will change.
Tell everyone you know, write to vice Presidents of sales for the bigger stores. Tell them how you feel, and how you are affected by their policies toward Christmas. Write to your representatives and state and national offices and tell them you are tired of godless politicians and will not vote for any that are standing for election. If they get enough letters like this they will pay attention because they have to cover their own little greedy selves.
Christians make up a large part of our population. When you quietly accept injustice, you are agreeing with it. Majority is supposed to rule. If you say nothing, every crackpot group has a chance to do what they want at your expense.
We must realize how much power we have and exercise it. Vote with your dollars, your vote, your letters. We have developed a slave mentality and don't even know it. Our God is everybody's punching bag and so are we. Remember disasters and lawlessness happen when good men say nothing.
If I am the only one who does what I'm saying, I will still do it. Put Jesus back in Christmas, and our country. 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
Amen
Every year at this time, I fight occasional depression. It starts in September when many stores start getting ready for Christmas.
When you go into a store these days, all you hear are songs without Jesus. Happy holiday signs as well as seasons greeting signs are prominently displayed. The people who work in the stores are told to tell customers happy holidays, and don't offend anyone by saying Merry Christmas. Why do they do things like this? They say they don't want to offend anyone.
They take Jesus out of Christmas just as they take Him out of everything because they don't want to offend anyone. It seems that the common idea is, if you're going to offend somebody, offend the Christians. They never say anything. They just turn the other cheek I guess. You don't have to worry about them. They may not like it, but they will still give us their money.
This yearI decided to fight back in my own little way. I'm talking to people and attacking the only God that most store owners recognize as being theirs. What is their God's name you might ask? It is simple. Money. It drives everything. That's what counts. Sound hopeless? No it isn't.
If I walk into a store that I don't see or hear anything connected with Jesus, they will not get my money. It's that simple. If I'm the only one that does it they won't even notice, but if a lot of people do, things will change.
Tell everyone you know, write to vice Presidents of sales for the bigger stores. Tell them how you feel, and how you are affected by their policies toward Christmas. Write to your representatives and state and national offices and tell them you are tired of godless politicians and will not vote for any that are standing for election. If they get enough letters like this they will pay attention because they have to cover their own little greedy selves.
Christians make up a large part of our population. When you quietly accept injustice, you are agreeing with it. Majority is supposed to rule. If you say nothing, every crackpot group has a chance to do what they want at your expense.
We must realize how much power we have and exercise it. Vote with your dollars, your vote, your letters. We have developed a slave mentality and don't even know it. Our God is everybody's punching bag and so are we. Remember disasters and lawlessness happen when good men say nothing.
If I am the only one who does what I'm saying, I will still do it. Put Jesus back in Christmas, and our country. 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
Amen
Monday, December 1, 2014
Speak Life
It Is Written, Proverbs 18:21, death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Speaking life is a part of using faith filled words. People in general don't seem to realize what they are saying. They don't realize the power in words.
Most of what people say in certain circumstances is really said in a reflex kind of way. You say what you have been conditioned to say. Other people just plain don't stop to think about their words. Sometimes the wrong words just come out in a conversation, like when two people compare illnesses. It usually turns into who can come up with the worst story. They are in effect accepting and feeding their illnesses.
Words don't just affect illness. They affect everything in your life. If you are supposed to go to the gym to work out, you can tell yourself that you are too tired to go, and you will be. On the other hand you can say how good you feel, and the workout will make you feel even better. It will.
The big thing you have to keep in mind, is to put a positive spin on everything. Think before you speak. Rehearse what you will say when a subject comes up. It may be difficult, but don't give up, work at it, because it is important to your quality of life. It will get to be like a positive reflex. The Lord felt it was important enough to put the verses in the Bible. We all need to look at it in that light. 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, by your death and resurrection you brought me salvation. Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You
Amen
Speaking life is a part of using faith filled words. People in general don't seem to realize what they are saying. They don't realize the power in words.
Most of what people say in certain circumstances is really said in a reflex kind of way. You say what you have been conditioned to say. Other people just plain don't stop to think about their words. Sometimes the wrong words just come out in a conversation, like when two people compare illnesses. It usually turns into who can come up with the worst story. They are in effect accepting and feeding their illnesses.
Words don't just affect illness. They affect everything in your life. If you are supposed to go to the gym to work out, you can tell yourself that you are too tired to go, and you will be. On the other hand you can say how good you feel, and the workout will make you feel even better. It will.
The big thing you have to keep in mind, is to put a positive spin on everything. Think before you speak. Rehearse what you will say when a subject comes up. It may be difficult, but don't give up, work at it, because it is important to your quality of life. It will get to be like a positive reflex. The Lord felt it was important enough to put the verses in the Bible. We all need to look at it in that light. 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, by your death and resurrection you brought me salvation. Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior.
Thank You
Amen
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