It Is Written, John 3:16, 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.
I must tell you about an incredible experience on Jesus birthday. I was relaxing and listening to a Christmas album I have. The usual, silent night, come all ye faithful, O holy night, etc. Then of course you can throw in Handel's Messiah. I sat there and cried like a schoolgirl at an Elvis concert in the 60s. The music touched my heart so much.
It was a combination of realizing what Jesus did for me, and the words of the hymns that tore me up. The words can really get to you if you pay attention. I feel touched even as I write this.
Now to get to the point. As we, myself included, go about our daily lives, we have a tendency to take our salvation and blessings, and the price Jesus paid for them, for granted. Oh we think about it sometimes, but the heart, even though it is thankful, doesn't quite have the same level of joy it once had. We can meditate on a verse or two, and feel some joy, but not quite the tear provoking kind.
I have a suggestion for you, and I give you this suggestion because I am going to follow my own advice. I think you'll see for yourself what I mean. On the first of every month, I'm going to sit quietly for an hour or so, and listen to Christmas music that mentions the Lord.
Sound corny? I believe it will give you a boost just as it makes me feel better. It really is a great reminder, and helps you put things in perspective. I guess we need this sort of thing because we are human, and we still have faults even when we are saved. I pray that everyone who reads these messages has a blessed year in every sense of the word. 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
This will be the back bone of my online Ministry. All are welcome to interact with each other while learning about God, the wonderful blessings he gives us and his compassionate forgiveness. I will give a verse from the Bible then explain in real world examples the meaning.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
God's Greatest Gift
It Is Written,1 Thessalonians 5:9, for God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
You may talk to someone who will try to tell you that God has particular people He has chosen for salvation, and everyone else does not have a chance. You and I know that that idea is nonsense. It just shows they don't read the Bible.
There are many verses of Scripture that give you the way to obtain salvation. There are countless verses concerning forgiveness, and the love of God. If someone doesn't believe what God promised in His word, they probably don't accept the reality of hell. My own opinion is, if that's the case, why are they concerned about what God does or thinks? For instance, why does an atheist fight so hard against the God he believes doesn't exist?
Another quick point. If you mention the name of Jesus, and someone gets upset, angry, or doesn't want to hear about Him, who made that decision other than the one that did want to hear about it?
I think that the underlying problem concerning Jesus and salvation, is accountability. People look at accepting Jesus as a hindrance to their lifestyle.
Many people don't understand, that just because you refuse to accept a truth, it does not eliminate that truth. We live in a world were very few people accept responsibility for their actions. Placing blame on someone else is a way of life for many people. They use the excuse that since God has already picked people for salvation, why should they worry about how they live or what they do, because they won't be saved anyway.
Another problem that is very big with a lot of people, is that they have led such a sinful life, that they can't believe that they can be forgiven. That again is nonsense.
It is written, Galatians 1:4, referring to Jesus who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present age, according to the will of God and father.
Again it is written, Romans 10:9, if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. I believe, as I said earlier, that there are many many verses in the Bible that refutes the argument that only God's favorites have salvation. 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
You may talk to someone who will try to tell you that God has particular people He has chosen for salvation, and everyone else does not have a chance. You and I know that that idea is nonsense. It just shows they don't read the Bible.
There are many verses of Scripture that give you the way to obtain salvation. There are countless verses concerning forgiveness, and the love of God. If someone doesn't believe what God promised in His word, they probably don't accept the reality of hell. My own opinion is, if that's the case, why are they concerned about what God does or thinks? For instance, why does an atheist fight so hard against the God he believes doesn't exist?
Another quick point. If you mention the name of Jesus, and someone gets upset, angry, or doesn't want to hear about Him, who made that decision other than the one that did want to hear about it?
I think that the underlying problem concerning Jesus and salvation, is accountability. People look at accepting Jesus as a hindrance to their lifestyle.
Many people don't understand, that just because you refuse to accept a truth, it does not eliminate that truth. We live in a world were very few people accept responsibility for their actions. Placing blame on someone else is a way of life for many people. They use the excuse that since God has already picked people for salvation, why should they worry about how they live or what they do, because they won't be saved anyway.
Another problem that is very big with a lot of people, is that they have led such a sinful life, that they can't believe that they can be forgiven. That again is nonsense.
It is written, Galatians 1:4, referring to Jesus who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present age, according to the will of God and father.
Again it is written, Romans 10:9, if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. I believe, as I said earlier, that there are many many verses in the Bible that refutes the argument that only God's favorites have salvation. 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
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Your Calling
It Is Written, Proverbs 20:24, a man's steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?
Jesus birthday is over now, and we look forward to a new beginning with the coming of the new year. People start listing what we call new year resolutions. We do it, even if we have failed every year that we tried. We have misplaced faith in our own abilities.
In this message we will look at it from the eyes of a believer. As I often do, I will use myself as an example for two reasons. I have had many setbacks and disappointments in the past, and second, many people have gone through similar times.
When I became a Christian, I wanted to do great things for God. I didn't know what or how, but I wanted it. I saw preachers on TV, read their books, and lamented the fact that age and circumstances prevented my bringing people to Jesus, or so I thought.
I heard many times that God has a perfect plan for each of us. So I started to pray about that plan, but I still had my own idea of how it would go. I don't need to tell you what happened, because you probably can guess, but I'll tell you anyway.
Every time something started to happen, I rejected it. So here you have me praying for God's plan, He starts to work, and I reject it. You can't get any dumber than I was. So it is no surprise that I failed, time after time.
After what seemed like years and years of this type of thing the Holy Spirit put the basic truth on my heart. Choose to believe what He is doing, and to keep my opinions out of it. Well, little by little, things got better. The Holy Spirit put more and more on my heart, and I listened more and more.
So the short version is that He taught me plenty. Each of us is given a job to do, and a set of circumstances to deal with, all for our good and His glory if we listen.
The lowliest person in the world can be one of the greatest in God's eyes. God has different standards. The fact is, you and I might be on this Earth just to say a couple of words to someone that will eventually open their hearts to Jesus and salvation. And that could be our whole purpose here.
I am at the point that I just do what I am led to do, and don't concern myself with anything else. We pray, follow the plan as we are led, and the Holy Spirit does the work.
No believer who puts his trust in God is insignificant. The greatest evangelist is no better than someone who loves and trusts God. So embrace what God asks you to do. Be thankful and joyful because He chose you to do it. 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
Jesus birthday is over now, and we look forward to a new beginning with the coming of the new year. People start listing what we call new year resolutions. We do it, even if we have failed every year that we tried. We have misplaced faith in our own abilities.
In this message we will look at it from the eyes of a believer. As I often do, I will use myself as an example for two reasons. I have had many setbacks and disappointments in the past, and second, many people have gone through similar times.
When I became a Christian, I wanted to do great things for God. I didn't know what or how, but I wanted it. I saw preachers on TV, read their books, and lamented the fact that age and circumstances prevented my bringing people to Jesus, or so I thought.
I heard many times that God has a perfect plan for each of us. So I started to pray about that plan, but I still had my own idea of how it would go. I don't need to tell you what happened, because you probably can guess, but I'll tell you anyway.
Every time something started to happen, I rejected it. So here you have me praying for God's plan, He starts to work, and I reject it. You can't get any dumber than I was. So it is no surprise that I failed, time after time.
After what seemed like years and years of this type of thing the Holy Spirit put the basic truth on my heart. Choose to believe what He is doing, and to keep my opinions out of it. Well, little by little, things got better. The Holy Spirit put more and more on my heart, and I listened more and more.
So the short version is that He taught me plenty. Each of us is given a job to do, and a set of circumstances to deal with, all for our good and His glory if we listen.
The lowliest person in the world can be one of the greatest in God's eyes. God has different standards. The fact is, you and I might be on this Earth just to say a couple of words to someone that will eventually open their hearts to Jesus and salvation. And that could be our whole purpose here.
I am at the point that I just do what I am led to do, and don't concern myself with anything else. We pray, follow the plan as we are led, and the Holy Spirit does the work.
No believer who puts his trust in God is insignificant. The greatest evangelist is no better than someone who loves and trusts God. So embrace what God asks you to do. Be thankful and joyful because He chose you to do it. 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
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Prayer Answers Manifested
It Is Written, Psalm 91:15, he shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
Many people pray on a fairly regular basis. They pray for themselves or someone they love in most cases. Some pray in desperation. Whatever the reason or circumstance, they all hope for the answer they want.
In order to get answers to prayers, there are some do's and don'ts. There is no magic prayer that always moves God to do your bidding. You can't make deals with God. You cannot make Him do anything. Even begging doesn't work, neither does looking for sympathy.
So how do you get prayers answered? There our some things God looks with favor on. Prayer with a clean heart. No anger or unforgiveness. Prayer from the heart, backing it up with what is written in the word concerning what you are praying for. Claim the answer, receive the answer, and believe completely. Remember doubt or fear no matter how little, are prayer blockers. Make sure that your definition of doubt or fear, is the same definition the Lord goes by. I say that because sometimes we are in denial about it.
I believe that after a sincere prayer, you must thank God for the answer. You don't need to keep asking. If you truly believe, just give thanks that He heard your prayer and has given you the answer. Once really is enough when praying for something. After all, if you have something, do you keep asking?
Another thing the Holy Spirit put on my heart is planting a seed of thanksgiving. Ask the Holy Spirit to tell you what kind of seed, money, service, fasting. Do what He puts in your heart.
This is important. The seed is showing faith and thanksgiving for something that may not even be manifested yet. One more thing to remember, God cannot be bribed, so don't plant the seed to get an answer.
Prayers from a believer are always heard and answered in some way. 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
Many people pray on a fairly regular basis. They pray for themselves or someone they love in most cases. Some pray in desperation. Whatever the reason or circumstance, they all hope for the answer they want.
In order to get answers to prayers, there are some do's and don'ts. There is no magic prayer that always moves God to do your bidding. You can't make deals with God. You cannot make Him do anything. Even begging doesn't work, neither does looking for sympathy.
So how do you get prayers answered? There our some things God looks with favor on. Prayer with a clean heart. No anger or unforgiveness. Prayer from the heart, backing it up with what is written in the word concerning what you are praying for. Claim the answer, receive the answer, and believe completely. Remember doubt or fear no matter how little, are prayer blockers. Make sure that your definition of doubt or fear, is the same definition the Lord goes by. I say that because sometimes we are in denial about it.
I believe that after a sincere prayer, you must thank God for the answer. You don't need to keep asking. If you truly believe, just give thanks that He heard your prayer and has given you the answer. Once really is enough when praying for something. After all, if you have something, do you keep asking?
Another thing the Holy Spirit put on my heart is planting a seed of thanksgiving. Ask the Holy Spirit to tell you what kind of seed, money, service, fasting. Do what He puts in your heart.
This is important. The seed is showing faith and thanksgiving for something that may not even be manifested yet. One more thing to remember, God cannot be bribed, so don't plant the seed to get an answer.
Prayers from a believer are always heard and answered in some way. 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 22, 2014
Joy To The World
It Is Written, Luke 1:35, and the angel answered and said to her, the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that holy one who is to be born will be called the son of God.
The vast majority of people in this world, have been raised with the idea that Christmas is Santa and presents. Advertising has reinforced that image for the last couple of hundred years.
Don't get the idea that I am saying that this is sinful. I believe as many people do, that Christmas is a time when even crabby people are less crabby. Most of us are nicer to each other, and show love for others in the thought we put into the gifts we give.
God does the same thing to some extent. He gives us blessings, even though sometimes we don't recognize or appreciate them. The greatest of all gifts ever, was His son Jesus, and through Him forgiveness, and salvation if we accept it.
My family, and a number of our friends, now celebrate Jesus birthday. We have a birthday cake, happy birthday Jesus paper plates, and wish Him a happy birthday. It would be nicer if we knew the actual birthday, then it would not get mixed up with Christmas. I guess the important thing is that we remember what the day really means, regardless of when it is.
This Christmas season, take a few minutes to realize what the gift of Jesus cost His father. His only son suffering as He did for us. To get a good picture of what He really went through, read Isaiah chapter 53, the whole chapter.
If not for Jesus birth on earth, and what He did, none of us would escape what waits for satan. Rejoice and praise the Lord on His birthday. 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
The vast majority of people in this world, have been raised with the idea that Christmas is Santa and presents. Advertising has reinforced that image for the last couple of hundred years.
Don't get the idea that I am saying that this is sinful. I believe as many people do, that Christmas is a time when even crabby people are less crabby. Most of us are nicer to each other, and show love for others in the thought we put into the gifts we give.
God does the same thing to some extent. He gives us blessings, even though sometimes we don't recognize or appreciate them. The greatest of all gifts ever, was His son Jesus, and through Him forgiveness, and salvation if we accept it.
My family, and a number of our friends, now celebrate Jesus birthday. We have a birthday cake, happy birthday Jesus paper plates, and wish Him a happy birthday. It would be nicer if we knew the actual birthday, then it would not get mixed up with Christmas. I guess the important thing is that we remember what the day really means, regardless of when it is.
This Christmas season, take a few minutes to realize what the gift of Jesus cost His father. His only son suffering as He did for us. To get a good picture of what He really went through, read Isaiah chapter 53, the whole chapter.
If not for Jesus birth on earth, and what He did, none of us would escape what waits for satan. Rejoice and praise the Lord on His birthday. 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
Sunday, December 21, 2014
God's Master Plan
It Is Written, Jeremiah 10:12, and He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens at His discretion.
Before man was created, God had the Angels for company. I assume the Angels had some degree of free will, or satan and his followers would not have done what they did.
God had man in mind, before He created the universe, and the earth in particular. As I said, I don't know if the Angels had free will, but God planned for man to have it. He wanted His creation to love Him by choice. Man and how he acts was not a surprise to the Lord. God knew the nature of man is weak, but He loved man anyway, and wanted man to love Him.
Starting with Adam and Eve, man was sinful. As man populated the earth, God tried to guide them. Man however only got worse, so God decided to start over, only this time he would destroy the earth, except for one man and his family who walked with God.
It didn't take long after the flood, and the next batch of man, was back to their sinful ways. God spoke to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and those after them. He chose the Hebrews specifically as His people, but they were still human. Next came Moses and the law. The law showed people that they weren't as good as they thought they were.
Prophets were sent to them with words from God. They ignored or killed many of these messengers. Their history bounced between repentance, sinfulness, and punishment.
God realized from before creation that man would need a Savior. This Savior would have to be really special in order to calm God's anger. The Savior would have to teach, show God's love and power, as well as pay for all of mans sins. The sins covered past present and future. Only one person was good enough to do that, that person was God's own son, Jesus Christ.
None of this was a surprise to God, He knew it all before creation, and He did it anyway. His plan included salvation for all who love and accept His son and what His son did for them. God has everything worked out to the smallest detail. He has planned countless blessings for those who will follow His plan. God even knew before creation, each person and the kind of life they would live and whether or not they would accept His son. So you see, nothing is by chance. Read the Word, and find your place in God's plan.
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
Before man was created, God had the Angels for company. I assume the Angels had some degree of free will, or satan and his followers would not have done what they did.
God had man in mind, before He created the universe, and the earth in particular. As I said, I don't know if the Angels had free will, but God planned for man to have it. He wanted His creation to love Him by choice. Man and how he acts was not a surprise to the Lord. God knew the nature of man is weak, but He loved man anyway, and wanted man to love Him.
Starting with Adam and Eve, man was sinful. As man populated the earth, God tried to guide them. Man however only got worse, so God decided to start over, only this time he would destroy the earth, except for one man and his family who walked with God.
It didn't take long after the flood, and the next batch of man, was back to their sinful ways. God spoke to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and those after them. He chose the Hebrews specifically as His people, but they were still human. Next came Moses and the law. The law showed people that they weren't as good as they thought they were.
Prophets were sent to them with words from God. They ignored or killed many of these messengers. Their history bounced between repentance, sinfulness, and punishment.
God realized from before creation that man would need a Savior. This Savior would have to be really special in order to calm God's anger. The Savior would have to teach, show God's love and power, as well as pay for all of mans sins. The sins covered past present and future. Only one person was good enough to do that, that person was God's own son, Jesus Christ.
None of this was a surprise to God, He knew it all before creation, and He did it anyway. His plan included salvation for all who love and accept His son and what His son did for them. God has everything worked out to the smallest detail. He has planned countless blessings for those who will follow His plan. God even knew before creation, each person and the kind of life they would live and whether or not they would accept His son. So you see, nothing is by chance. Read the Word, and find your place in God's plan.
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 18, 2014
Prosperity Glorifies God
It Is Written, Psalm 35:27, let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.
Many people over the years have had the opinion that Christians should be poor. If Jesus was poor, His followers should be too. I guess they didn't read the Word, or they would've seen many times that God wants His people and you to prosper. His people includes Christians as well as Jews.
If you were God, and you wanted people to come to you, would you prefer to show them blessings, or absolute poverty? Prosperity is good for a couple of reasons. It shows blessings, and it makes God happy to bless.
Prosperity God's way, requires a few concessions on our part. God is number one. He gives us prosperity to share with others. We are to share in love as He did. The more we give in love, the more we get from Him.
When we help those in need, the people we help see Jesus love reflected from us. People come to a God they feel loves them. If we pass out this prosperity to others with a joyful heart, we in turn receive joy and prosperity. Our joy, and the joy of those we help, praise the Lord.
When we realize that we work for God, as Jesus did on earth, it just can't get any better than that. If you get a good job in life, that is good. When you have even a menial job from God, nothing in life can come close. When I wrote this, something that happened 40 years ago came to my mind as a life example of what I'm talking about.
I was working for a family company. I purchased a beat up old car to drive back and forth to work. I parked it near the front door of my company. One day I was having coffee with the man that owned the company. He asked me if that beat up wreck was mine. I told him yes it was. He then told me that he would like it if I didn't park in that spot, because he didn't want people to think that he didn't pay his help a decent salary. Then he laughed. 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
Many people over the years have had the opinion that Christians should be poor. If Jesus was poor, His followers should be too. I guess they didn't read the Word, or they would've seen many times that God wants His people and you to prosper. His people includes Christians as well as Jews.
If you were God, and you wanted people to come to you, would you prefer to show them blessings, or absolute poverty? Prosperity is good for a couple of reasons. It shows blessings, and it makes God happy to bless.
Prosperity God's way, requires a few concessions on our part. God is number one. He gives us prosperity to share with others. We are to share in love as He did. The more we give in love, the more we get from Him.
When we help those in need, the people we help see Jesus love reflected from us. People come to a God they feel loves them. If we pass out this prosperity to others with a joyful heart, we in turn receive joy and prosperity. Our joy, and the joy of those we help, praise the Lord.
When we realize that we work for God, as Jesus did on earth, it just can't get any better than that. If you get a good job in life, that is good. When you have even a menial job from God, nothing in life can come close. When I wrote this, something that happened 40 years ago came to my mind as a life example of what I'm talking about.
I was working for a family company. I purchased a beat up old car to drive back and forth to work. I parked it near the front door of my company. One day I was having coffee with the man that owned the company. He asked me if that beat up wreck was mine. I told him yes it was. He then told me that he would like it if I didn't park in that spot, because he didn't want people to think that he didn't pay his help a decent salary. Then he laughed. 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
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Dream Or Fantasy
It
Is Written, Ecclesiastes 5:7, for in the multitude of dreams and many
words, there is also vanity. But fear God.
Dreams
and visions are common all over the world. They have been around for
centuries. People used to make decisions based on dreams. You even
read about dreams and visions in the Bible.
All
people dream every night, whether they know it or not. Dreams are
necessary for our well-being. When someone says that they don't
dream, it just means that they don't remember the dreams. Dreams in
the present time are usually passed off as nonsense, because we can't
figure out what they mean.
Now
we come to a different kind of dream. This kind of dream occurs while
we are awake, and in control of them. Some people call them
fantasies. Regardless of what they are called, they reflect our
desires.
Maybe
you would like a mansion on a vast estate, a certain kind of car, or
your own business to mention a few. Almost all people have something
that falls into that category.
While
many of these dreams seem harmless and good, sometimes they can lead
us the wrong way. We may become so obsessed with them, that we end up
doing things that hurt us. We put God out of the picture, and do it
our way. Bad choice.
satan
loves to play with our minds. He puts things in our heads that paint
a picture to deceive us. He works on our patients, and other
vulnerabilities. He wants to separate us from God, as well as destroy
our lives. As he did with Eve, deceitfulness is his favorite weapon
in most cases.
Dreams
can be good, if the Holy Spirit is involved. He does put desires in
our hearts. If these desires are not contrary to the Word, and we
have faith and trust, the Holy Spirit will open good doors, and block
harmful ones. Pray that your desires are from the right source. It
wouldn't be a bad idea, to read Ecclesiastes all the way through, to
get a good idea of what you are dealing with. 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
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Prodigal Son
It
Is Written, in the parable of the prodigal son, in Luke 15:11 – 32.
The
story of the prodigal son is one most of us have heard many times. We
look at the son and we probably think that he had a lot of nerve
asking his father for his inheritance while the father was living.
Maybe we thought the father should have hit him with something. Then
of course there is the father's forgiveness and rejoicing and his
sons return.
Have
you ever noticed when you read the Bible, how many times you see
yourself? We can all look at the Old Testament Hebrews, and criticize
the things they did. The same way with the apostles. We say things
like, how dumb were they? For instance, when Jesus was going to feed
the second crowd, they didn't know what would happen or how they
would feed the people.
People
in those days saw Jesus, heard His teachings, and saw the miracles.
They had such short memories that most of them forgot what they saw
10 minutes earlier. The Exodus was a classic example of short memory.
The
point of all this is that times have changed, but people haven't.
Just pick up a Bible and see yourself in the parables. We are all the
same. We see miracles every day, and don't recognize them. We
unconsciously follow the world view, and pass off miracles as luck,
coincidence, or any other number of excuses for what happened.
Jesus
said many things to the apostles, and His word was good. Many times
they either forgot, or didn't believe. Everything Jesus said was
true. Everything the Bible says is true.
Given
the truth of so many things, prophecies being fulfilled, why do we
have such a hard time believing? Just one example out of thousands
"by His stripes we were healed". All we have to do if we
are sick in any way, is to claim that healing we already received
when Jesus died on the cross. Realize that all of the blessings for
us are in the spiritual world, and all we have to do is claim them.
I
believe when the average Christian gets to heaven, he will see
thousands of blessings with his name, that he never claimed. So when
you read the Bible, see your self rather than the chosen people, and
you'll probably find, as I did, that I am no better than they were.
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 15, 2014
Learning To Walk
It Is Written, Ephesians 4:15, God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love, like Christ, in everything.
When a person is a baby in faith, satan likes to target that person. It becomes vital that a person grow in their faith. The Holy Spirit guides, but we must learn to follow.
A lot of people have a hard time understanding that statement. To put it another way, look at a baby anything. Whether human or animal, they are helpless when they are born. Their mothers protect and teach them. When we are baby Christians, the Holy Spirit teaches and protects us.
As we grow, and we slip or fall, the parent is right there to help, just as the Holy Spirit is. The parent does not scold a child that falls while learning to walk. The parent helps the child up, offers encouragement, and keeps watching. The Holy Spirit is the same way. He does not condemn us when we fall, He is there to help us.
As we learn, we become responsible for what we do. We can practice what we learned to that point, or we go in another direction. There are blessings or consequences, depending on if we follow God, or our own plans.
Here is a comforting thought, Psalms 34:22, the Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.
Just as no one or nothing can be a baby forever, you must grow for your own good. Incredible blessings await those who call on the Lord. 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
When a person is a baby in faith, satan likes to target that person. It becomes vital that a person grow in their faith. The Holy Spirit guides, but we must learn to follow.
A lot of people have a hard time understanding that statement. To put it another way, look at a baby anything. Whether human or animal, they are helpless when they are born. Their mothers protect and teach them. When we are baby Christians, the Holy Spirit teaches and protects us.
As we grow, and we slip or fall, the parent is right there to help, just as the Holy Spirit is. The parent does not scold a child that falls while learning to walk. The parent helps the child up, offers encouragement, and keeps watching. The Holy Spirit is the same way. He does not condemn us when we fall, He is there to help us.
As we learn, we become responsible for what we do. We can practice what we learned to that point, or we go in another direction. There are blessings or consequences, depending on if we follow God, or our own plans.
Here is a comforting thought, Psalms 34:22, the Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.
Just as no one or nothing can be a baby forever, you must grow for your own good. Incredible blessings await those who call on the Lord. 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
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Value Everything
It Is Written, Psalm 50:14, offer to God Thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the most high.
When we thank God for something, it has no value to Him if the thanks are not sincere. Instead of praising God, valueless thanks are an insult. I started to look at things in my own life a while back. There were a number of things I was not particularly happy with. As a matter of fact there were a couple of things I really didn't like.
One day during my prayer time, I got a very warm feeling in my heart. The fact that I had a nice comfortable prayer room really made me feel thankful. It was at that point that I realized that to be truly thankful, you need to value what you are being thankful for. I started to look at where I live for instance. I would like to live in Alaska, and as a result, I really didn't like living in the big city. As a matter of fact I hated it.
The Holy Spirit laid a couple of things on my heart. God has a plan for my life, and that includes where I live. Because of that, I now see that where I live has value to me. I realize that I cannot pray to do God's plan for me, and then reject the parts I don't like. It is like slapping Him in the face. It then becomes my plan not His.
I decided to rethink everything in terms of value. To me salvation is number one, my family is number two, and probably health comes next. After that comes all of the other priceless gifts from God. And yes, that is exactly what they are, gifts from God.
One way to determine if something has value to you, is to make a list. Put down everything you can think up. If you have an old car for example, list it too. Now next to each item write a simple yes or no. Would the item be missed if it was taken away. Those simple yes answers show you what has value in your life. Then of course, you can also take a look at the 90% of the world, that is not as well off as you are. After I did all of this, my house in the city, started to look like a palace.
If you start thinking about all of your blessings and their value to you, you can then be truly thankful. 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
When we thank God for something, it has no value to Him if the thanks are not sincere. Instead of praising God, valueless thanks are an insult. I started to look at things in my own life a while back. There were a number of things I was not particularly happy with. As a matter of fact there were a couple of things I really didn't like.
One day during my prayer time, I got a very warm feeling in my heart. The fact that I had a nice comfortable prayer room really made me feel thankful. It was at that point that I realized that to be truly thankful, you need to value what you are being thankful for. I started to look at where I live for instance. I would like to live in Alaska, and as a result, I really didn't like living in the big city. As a matter of fact I hated it.
The Holy Spirit laid a couple of things on my heart. God has a plan for my life, and that includes where I live. Because of that, I now see that where I live has value to me. I realize that I cannot pray to do God's plan for me, and then reject the parts I don't like. It is like slapping Him in the face. It then becomes my plan not His.
I decided to rethink everything in terms of value. To me salvation is number one, my family is number two, and probably health comes next. After that comes all of the other priceless gifts from God. And yes, that is exactly what they are, gifts from God.
One way to determine if something has value to you, is to make a list. Put down everything you can think up. If you have an old car for example, list it too. Now next to each item write a simple yes or no. Would the item be missed if it was taken away. Those simple yes answers show you what has value in your life. Then of course, you can also take a look at the 90% of the world, that is not as well off as you are. After I did all of this, my house in the city, started to look like a palace.
If you start thinking about all of your blessings and their value to you, you can then be truly thankful. 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 11, 2014
Don't Worry, Be Happy
It Is Written, Colossians 3:15, and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
We all face situations in life that are common to all of us. The difference is in how we handle it. I could go on and list dozens of every day occurrences that cause stress and aggravation, if we allow them to.
We have many decisions to make every day. Some are big, and some aren't. Other people can cause a problem for us. Things like a washer or a car that doesn't work, can aggravate us. I am sure that anyone you talk to can add to this list.
What do all of these things have in common? In about 95% of these cases, there is nothing you can do to change them. We do not know what is going on everywhere, but God does. Maybe the guy in front of you is there because if he wasn't, maybe you would be going a little faster and have an accident a mile down the road. So just relax, it might be saving a life, maybe even yours.
If you follow the Lord, and talk to the Holy Spirit about all decisions, and listen, He will guide you. So just do it and have peace. God considers worry and complaining to be sins. They are prayer blockers. He gave us the Holy Spirit to help us to have peace and joy, not worry and complain.
You can pooh-pooh this, but I suggest you make the decision to follow the Lords peace in your heart. Once you decide to do it, you will be amazed at how bumps in the road disappear. 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
We all face situations in life that are common to all of us. The difference is in how we handle it. I could go on and list dozens of every day occurrences that cause stress and aggravation, if we allow them to.
We have many decisions to make every day. Some are big, and some aren't. Other people can cause a problem for us. Things like a washer or a car that doesn't work, can aggravate us. I am sure that anyone you talk to can add to this list.
What do all of these things have in common? In about 95% of these cases, there is nothing you can do to change them. We do not know what is going on everywhere, but God does. Maybe the guy in front of you is there because if he wasn't, maybe you would be going a little faster and have an accident a mile down the road. So just relax, it might be saving a life, maybe even yours.
If you follow the Lord, and talk to the Holy Spirit about all decisions, and listen, He will guide you. So just do it and have peace. God considers worry and complaining to be sins. They are prayer blockers. He gave us the Holy Spirit to help us to have peace and joy, not worry and complain.
You can pooh-pooh this, but I suggest you make the decision to follow the Lords peace in your heart. Once you decide to do it, you will be amazed at how bumps in the road disappear. 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
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Don't Forget God
It Is Written, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
This message concerns a subject that most of us don't even think about. I have been guilty of this a number of times. Every time I slipped, satan was right there to condemn me.
When you are at home, chances are you have a routine that includes God. Maybe you get up early and read a chapter in the Bible, or listen to CDs on the way to work. You do these feel good things, because you love God, and you realize how much He loves you.
When you go away for the weekend, or take a vacation, you usually break your normal routine. You end up feeling guilty, and satan condemns you tries to tell you that God is upset with you, and guilt takes over.
Well here's the good news. God does not condemn you or punish you. When you give anything to God, money, time, kindness to others, He wants it from your heart, not because you have to.
Think about how you feel when your child gives you a gift, or does something for you, because they love you. How would it feel if they did it because they thought you would be upset with them. If you know they love you, and they forget sometimes, you don't get upset, do you? How much more does God care about us and how we feel.
Now when I am on vacation and my routine is messed up, I know God still loves me. When I enjoy the scenery, or just being alive and healthy, I make it a point to sincerely thank God for what He has given me , which amounts to everything.
I have a routine only because it helps me set aside time to talk to the Holy Spirit, listen to what he says, and read the word of God. I follow this routine because I feel like a very large something is missing if I don't. I hope this helps.
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 concerns a subject that most of us don't even think about. I have been guilty of this a number of times. Every time I slipped, satan was right there to condemn me.
When you are at home, chances are you have a routine that includes God. Maybe you get up early and read a chapter in the Bible, or listen to CDs on the way to work. You do these feel good things, because you love God, and you realize how much He loves you.
When you go away for the weekend, or take a vacation, you usually break your normal routine. You end up feeling guilty, and satan condemns you tries to tell you that God is upset with you, and guilt takes over.
Well here's the good news. God does not condemn you or punish you. When you give anything to God, money, time, kindness to others, He wants it from your heart, not because you have to.
Think about how you feel when your child gives you a gift, or does something for you, because they love you. How would it feel if they did it because they thought you would be upset with them. If you know they love you, and they forget sometimes, you don't get upset, do you? How much more does God care about us and how we feel.
Now when I am on vacation and my routine is messed up, I know God still loves me. When I enjoy the scenery, or just being alive and healthy, I make it a point to sincerely thank God for what He has given me , which amounts to everything.
I have a routine only because it helps me set aside time to talk to the Holy Spirit, listen to what he says, and read the word of God. I follow this routine because I feel like a very large something is missing if I don't. I hope this helps.
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 9, 2014
Surviving Life
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
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
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