Faith Works

Greetings My Friends

Have you ever really noticed how many people you meet are depressed, discouraged, and just plain miserable?

A large part of the population leads a life that can be described as mediocre, boring, and generally unhappy.

There are a number of reasons for both of these conditions, and for these two groups to feel the way they do. One of the reasons, is the words they use routinely. They are negative, destructive words. I don't know why, but a very high percentage of these people deny that they are negative. I guess they are so used to it, they can't tell the difference.

Maybe some of these people prayed for something, and didn't receive their answer. Could be lack of faith, praying for the wrong thing, such as something someone else has, a lack of patience, or even not recognizing the answer, because it wasn't what they expected.

Then of course you have the people who lead what I will call lukewarm lives. Neither good nor bad. Many like it that way. They are comfortable that way, because they don't have to worry about being disappointed in ambitions that don't turn out, or for answers to prayer. They are in a sort of prison, of their own making, but at least they get by, so everything is okay.

What do you suppose all of these people have in common? They gave up. They put limits on themselves. They have generally been led by satan, and don't know it. You can be led by satan, even though you commit no crimes or illegal acts of any kind.

satan does not want you to have God in your life. He plants despair, depression, hopelessness, in someone's life so that they will blame God for everything, and fall into his ( satan) hands. He wants you to doubt God, and he gets great enjoyment from your misery.

The answer to freedom is God. Call out to Him and tell Him everything. Ask Him to help you and forgive you. He will. You will have true peace, and be led in a happy life. It is written "cast all your cares, for He cares for you". Take charge of your life and live by faith, and that will make a big difference in the quality of your life. It will amaze you.

Remember Jesus Loves You

Prayer of Salvation

Lord Jesus, I thank you for what you did on the cross for me. Your blood has washed away my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought salvation. Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior. Thank you Lord. Amen.

Salvation Plus

Greetings My Friends

Just recently I have heard a few preachers talking about people who have accepted Jesus, and kind of fell away. They said that a substantial number of new Christians, lost some of what they got when they were saved. The biggest reason for this, was lack of follow-up teaching.

All of the statements made an impression on me, because that is exactly what happened to me. As I said in the past, I witnessed a light that was so bright, that there is nothing I can compare it to. It happened when in desperation, I cried out to God to show me if he was real.

Up until that time I had never gone to church or thought about God. I gave up on religion when I was about 10 years old. Actually I had to go to church while I was in a religious grammar school. I believed in God, but something about the religion turned me off even at that early age.

The problem I had following the light experience, was that I didn't know what to do next. As far as I knew, there were very few preachers on TV 50 years ago. No cable. And I must admit, I didn't try very hard to grow in faith.

There are now a number of ministries that give booklets about what to do next, to people who are saved. I don't know how many people read these booklets and follow the advice, but they really should.

I guess some people look at statements like "study the Word" as if it were a law, and are turned off. It is true that if you are truly saved, even a lazy Christian will go to heaven. Jesus still loves you, but I'm sure He is sad, because if you don't know what He has for you, you can't receive.

Most of us are average people. God has a plan for each of us. If we do all we can to form a relationship with Him, He will take the next step. I missed a lot of years, and all of the blessings that could have been mine. I was lazy,had a pride problem, and you might say worshiped some idols. He still forgave me.

God will meet you where you are, if you let Him. Use your heart and brains, and follow Him. Since I woke up, the grace and favor of God in my life has been overwhelming. It can be for you too. I guess by now, you have probably figured out, that in order to get anything from the Lord, you have to know what He has for you. The answer is in the Word. Praise the Lord. Amen.

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 my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought salvation. Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior. Praise the Lord. Amen.

Blocks To Salvation

Greetings My Friends

It is fairly common in this day and age to hear things like, "there are many ways to get to heaven" and "everyone will go to heaven". There are many people who for whatever reason, don't know any better, so they listen to high-ranking people in government and society who are saying those very things.

Many of the people who fall for this line of thought, either don't know any better, or they haven't put in the effort to know the truth. Another reason people except this philosophy, is that they don't have to be accountable for their actions, because so-and-so said what they did, and that makes everything okay. And then of course you have those people, who act like if they ignore the truth, everything will be okay.

The Bible says positively, that the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. It is written in acts 4:12 "nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved".

There are many people who try to justify what they do by reinterpreting the Bible. My friends, God wrote what He meant, we don't need to speculate about what He really meant or was thinking. The fact of the matter is if it was a sin then, it is a sin now. There is no way to change that. We will all have forever to think about whether we were right or wrong. Remember, we each make our own decision as to where that eternity will be.

There are many people who are what we call good people. They follow the laws, follow what their church teaches, help others, but do not know Jesus as their personal Savior. Good works will not get you to heaven. Only accepting Jesus and what He did for us will do that.

Then of course you have the highly educated, high achievers. Most of them have had people in college who are atheist, constantly talking against God. I never could figure out how someone who does not believe in God, will fight so hard against Him. If you don't believe He exists, why does He bother you?

High achievers for the most part, believe that everything they have accomplished was a result of their own efforts. There is usually a high level of pride and ego, that makes them feel that they have no need of God. Some know a little about God, but cannot admit that they need Him.

In eternity, there are no excuses, reasons, or any justification to save us. It is our responsibility to do what is right. God gave us the Bible to show us. Open your mind, heart, and call out to God. He hears, and wants all to be saved. He said so.

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 my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought salvation. Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior. Thank you Lord. Amen.

Another Breakthrough

Greetings My Friends

If you are anything like the rest of us average people, you have had many unanswered prayers. At least they seemed unanswered, because they usually weren't what we expected.

For the purposes of this message, I will once again write about me. When you know someone else went through the same thing, it usually helps.

A few years ago, I must admit, that my faith in answered prayer was nothing to feel good about. I have always believed in God, but the miracles were for other people, or they occurred because some big-time preacher prayed.

One day I was watching Andrew Wommack on TV, and he happened to mention a CD series that he made called you've already got it. I found it on his website, and I bought it. I wasn't disappointed. I listened to it five or six times ,and got quite a bit from it. I got the information real good in my head, but it hadn't quite made it to my heart yet.

After a while, I began to look for similar teachings, especially the ones concerning the cross of Jesus. All of these teachings, some 100 years old, seem to agree perfectly. So naturally, when a half-dozen famous spirit filled teachers, some from 100 years ago,basically said the same thing, I figured what they were saying is true.

I then found the verification in the Bible. I read the Bible six or eight times and never noticed until I actually started studying. I always ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance, and for understanding. I wish I could say I was smart enough to do that years ago.

I believe that my strong belief in healing, is a gift from the Holy Spirit. Healing for myself and others. As you know belief in something is one thing, but actually seeing something happen is another. When you pray for healing or anything else, be prepared for satan and his lies. You can never fall for that stuff.

It finally got in my heart what Jesus really did on the cross. To make it simple, He did it all. Salvation for those who ask, healing, prosperity, peace in your heart. Every good thing you could think of. All we have to do is receive whatever we pray for. There is no question whether God will heal you for instance. He already did on the cross. Just realize that he has your name on all those gifts he wants to give you. Just receive them.

I'll just give you a few examples of some of my healings. I mentioned a few of these in the past, and I just repeat them as part of what I am trying to get across. At one time I was taking insulin for diabetes, I prayed for healing, and now I get perfect numbers. My blood pressure was barely under control for 35 years and at times was high enough to require hospitalization. I never did go into the hospital for that. Now my blood pressure is normal. On two separate occasions cuts on fingers on a table saw were healed. I had an accident that could have caused gangrene, and it healed totally in two days. I mention these healings just to give you an example of what prayer can do if you believe.

All of these feelings were accompanied by pressure from satan to doubt. He was relentless. But if you remember that he is a liar, that Jesus already healed you, and that God loves you so much he sent His only son to save you and bless you,and you have the Holy Spirit's help in fighting him. satan is the father of lies, and his role as a deceiver is real. As a matter of fact, he is so good at it, he even deceived himself. Praise the Lord. Amen.

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 my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought salvation. Forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior. Thank you Lord. Amen.

Place Your Faith Where?

This may seem like a funny title, but there is method to my madness. It came about because I casually started thinking about the old days.

A while back, I totally surrendered my life to God. It has been totally changed. When I say totally changed, I am talking about the way I see things. The physical world I live in hasn't changed much, but I see the spiritual much better.

How does all of this tie in with the title? When most people think about the financial aspects of their lives, they generally think about investments, their home, savings, and the job. They have faith in these things.

I think we have all seen what can happen to the so-called best and safest of investments. A part of the problem is, we have been conditioned to think that way since we were very young. When you count on earthly things, it could get dangerous. Even if your investments are going great, you run certain other risks.

Your investments can fill you with pride, separate you from your family, and without even realizing it, make God of little or no value to you. However, your life can be fulfilled. You can have the family, house, investments. Make God number one in your life and let the Holy Spirit guide you.

When you feel sick, you go to a doctor, because you believe he will help you. If your car won't run, you get it to a mechanic, because you believe he can fix it. If you are concerned about your future, you find an expert to manage your money.

Well my friends, I think if you have been around for a while, you realize that things usually don't work the way you planned. Even if people are trustworthy, you cannot put all of your faith in them.

Sound depressing? No need. There is One who has all the answers, and is deserving of total faith in Him. That person is Jesus Christ. Give your life to Him. He loves you and will guide you if you let Him. Do it with His guidance, and the Holy Spirit will take you to the best life you could ever dream of. God does want the best for you, and has the plan that will do it for sure.

Place your faith where it belongs. Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord. Amen.

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 my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought salvation. Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior. Thank you Lord. Amen.

Hard To Have Faith?

Greetings My Friends

There are many obstacles to faith that we don't even realize. Praise the Lord, there are answers. Let's take a look at a few things, that usually slip by unnoticed.

It is common for a lot of people to feel that they are really good, because they believe they are keeping all of the commandments. What many of them don't realize, is that if they feel like that, the sin of pride is close behind. The other misconception that many people have, is that you can earn faith or salvation. It is written Ephesians 2:8 "for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God."

Another thing that hinders faith, is we don't realize our nature. We must recognize our faults and admit them. Most people have to hit bottom. Each one of us has our own bottom. In this process, most people realize how sinful they are on their own. God is not doing it to them. When you finally get the real bottom, you really start to realize how helpless you are, and in desperation, turn to God. He is the only answer.

When your life is totally surrendered, and you ask Him into your life, you start to find peace with repentance. You start experiencing love, not condemnation. Now God can go to work in your life, and you receive what the Bible calls, a measure of faith.

Faith is misunderstood by many of us. We struggle with faith because we subconsciously try to have faith on our own, because we were always told that we have to have mountain moving faith.

Faith is a lot easier than you may think. God gave each of us the same measure of faith. We have the Jesus measure of faith. Jesus on His own couldn't work miracles until He was baptized with the Holy Spirit. At that point He knew that the Holy Spirit would do what He(Jesus) said.

While my friends, if you are baptized in the Holy Spirit, and use Jesus name as you were authorized to do by Jesus himself, you have the same power. It works the same way for us today as it did for Jesus. I guess it all boils down to trust in Jesus name, and Holy Spirit power, to do the impossible. Stretch that trust, or as you may call it faith. Praise the Lord. It really is that easy.

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 my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought salvation. Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior. Thank you Lord. Amen.

Talk To God

Greetings My Friends

Today I would like to tell you about a very close friend, and his battle of faith. He told me his story, and agreed to let me write about it.

It goes back many years. His whole life was one of just enough blessings to keep it going. He had a long lingering illness, job troubles, financial problems. He said he wanted to just give up and run away. For some reason he couldn't do that.

A few years ago, we both came to the Lord. I was searching for God, but he came upon God as if by accident. We talked a lot about God, and he really started to be a believer. He didn't go overboard with the Bible, but he started to believe in prayer.

Well as time went on, his life had less chaos and confusion in it. His faith started to grow, as he started to see some prayers answered.

I saw him about a month ago, and couldn't believe he was depressed. When I asked him what the problem was, he said that God didn't love him. I asked what made him think that? His answer was that he had been asking God to reveal his plan for my friends life. He prayed about it almost every day and God did not answer. He was also disappointed about other prayers not getting answered.

I told him that most of us have been through similar situations. I told him to write down as many blessings he had that he could think of. I told him he had to decide if the Bible is true, and if Jesus suffering and death really meant what was written, and pray about that.

I also suggested something that really helped me. Go to a quiet room or place, and talk to God. Tell Him about everything that is on your heart. You don't have to pull any punches with God, tell Him what you really feel. After that, sit quietly and listen. Open your mind and your heart.

God's timing is perfect, and His word is true. While we wait for answers to prayers, He is working. Not until all the pieces are in place, will the prayer be answered. Remember our ways are not God's ways. When we have even a little doubt, he has to start all over. Keep at it and don't quit, because the next prayer may be the one, that occurs when the time is right.

It is written "I will never leave you or forsake you." Just as it helped me a while back, my friend is also doing much better. I repeat, trust in God always, because He always answers the prayers of believers.

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 my sins, by your stripes I was healed, your death and resurrection brought salvation. Please forgive my sins, and come into my heart as my personal Savior. Thank you Lord. Amen.