Thanks to Deric for this blessed teaching! God, Your word is good!
1 Tim.1:15-16 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
Definition of transforming: to change in character or condition
In spite of Pauls' severe persecution of Christians, God used him for His purpose. God, in His perfect patience, can change hearts and use anyone for His glory.
Gal.1:15-16 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone
So no matter what your past may be, God will use it for His glory and His purpose. Some people have gone through horrors that the rest of us can only imagine. God uses that testimony to reach people who may have had similar experiences. God wants not one to perish! He has a loving patience toward us that we do not deserve.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
God's sovereign mercy: Romans 9:15-16 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
God's power in our being a convert: definition of convert: to transform, change from lack of faith to faith
1 Peter1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
God's power through His church:
1 Cor.12:18-27 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
God's power and our hope: Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
1 Cor.15:55-57 "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev.21:3-6 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.
God gave Paul a passion for evangelism in spite of his past. We, the Christ Followers, are here for God's holy purpose. That purpose is to let God's word transform the world. We do this by showing God's love to all people. Look around you, there is someone waiting to hear of the hope that is in Christ Jesus!
Lord, prepare us for Your purpose. Teach us to love the world. Prepare their hearts for Your word. Amen
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Lord, You Are Real and Truly in Control
It is hard when you witness someone who is out of control, whether it is with drugs, alcohol, excessive spending or what ever sin they have been captivated by. You ask God to intervene. Without knowing the implications of what you ask, but knowing God is always in control and sees what we do not see, you trust in Him. And then it begins, His teaching, His ways. You are intimately involved in the changing of someones life!
God give us strength to be quite and listen. To totally trust in You and Your gift of complete peace and Your gift of a new life in You. Amen
It is hard to watch someone on a collision course with sin. You have been there and done that and know it has no good end. But, you must stand back and pray for God to work His will in the lives of the lost and the saved ones whose faith is not mature.
We are His: Ps.24:1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein
God's wisdom to the redeemed: 1 Cor.:6-16 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"-- these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
His mercy: Ps.107:8-21 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron. Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
God makes no mistakes:
God give us strength to be quite and listen. To totally trust in You and Your gift of complete peace and Your gift of a new life in You. Amen
It is hard to watch someone on a collision course with sin. You have been there and done that and know it has no good end. But, you must stand back and pray for God to work His will in the lives of the lost and the saved ones whose faith is not mature.
We are His: Ps.24:1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein
God's wisdom to the redeemed: 1 Cor.:6-16 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"-- these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
His mercy: Ps.107:8-21 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron. Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
God makes no mistakes:
He Maketh No Mistake
My Father's way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I'm glad I know
He maketh no mistake.
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I'm glad I know
He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way.
My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way.
Though night be dark and it may seem
That day will never break,
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.
That day will never break,
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.
There's so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight's far too dim;
But come what may, I'll surely trust
And leave it all to Him.
My eyesight's far too dim;
But come what may, I'll surely trust
And leave it all to Him.
For by and by the mist will lift
And plain it all He'll make;
Through all the way, though dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
And plain it all He'll make;
Through all the way, though dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
(A. M. Overton)
Did You Agree to Work for that Wage?
Are you one of those people who always worries about whether someone else makes more than you do working the same job that you work? Take heart friend because that has been a sin for many, even hundreds of years ago.
Matt.20:1-16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' So the last will be first, and the first last."
Lord, You are so wise. We do need to be reminded of our sin. Forgive us when we are so ungrateful. Amen
Matt.20:1-16 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and to them he said, 'You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.' And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' So the last will be first, and the first last."
Lord, You are so wise. We do need to be reminded of our sin. Forgive us when we are so ungrateful. Amen
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Bow in the Clouds
Did you ever stop to think why when you see a rainbow, you have this overwhelming feeling of happiness and peace? God made the rainbow as a covenant between us and Him, that He would never again destroy all living creatures by flood.
Gen.9:11-17 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."
He created us for His purpose! He is Lord over all!
Rev.4:11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
1 Cor.8:5-6 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"-- yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Gen.1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
You will be without excuse if you don't except Him!
Romans 1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
It is in our human makeup to do the right things, even if we make the choices not to do them. Call it a conscience or what ever you like. We know it is wrong to steal, murder, lie etc. Definition of conscience: the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action
Lord, thank You for rainbows. We are without excuse if we deny You. We need You and we praise You. Amen
Gen.9:11-17 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."
He created us for His purpose! He is Lord over all!
Rev.4:11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
1 Cor.8:5-6 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"-- yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Gen.1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
You will be without excuse if you don't except Him!
Romans 1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
It is in our human makeup to do the right things, even if we make the choices not to do them. Call it a conscience or what ever you like. We know it is wrong to steal, murder, lie etc. Definition of conscience: the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action
Lord, thank You for rainbows. We are without excuse if we deny You. We need You and we praise You. Amen
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Scattered and Unstoppable
The purpose of your life as a Christian is to advance the gospel to the ends of the Earth! That is God's plan for His Church! My pastor made this statement last night in his sermon. Do you believe it? If so, it may very well change your life! Some of us will go to far away lands to tell of the hope we have in Christ Jesus! Others will go into the inner cities to share this same hope. Where ever God leads, you can be sure that he is in control of everything.
Matt.24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
My pastor gave us four prayers that he wanted us to pray: O God, give us confidence in prayer. O God make us generous with possessions. O God, grant us joy amidst persecution. O God help us to live in purity. O God, send us out in proclamation.
We are His! Ps.24:1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein
He is able: 2 Cor.12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
He is in control: Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Heb.1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
Lord, there is none like You! We are not worthy of anything except Your judgment. We want to serve, teach us how to love people in Your name. Amen
Matt.24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
My pastor gave us four prayers that he wanted us to pray: O God, give us confidence in prayer. O God make us generous with possessions. O God, grant us joy amidst persecution. O God help us to live in purity. O God, send us out in proclamation.
We are His! Ps.24:1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein
He is able: 2 Cor.12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
He is in control: Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Heb.1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
Lord, there is none like You! We are not worthy of anything except Your judgment. We want to serve, teach us how to love people in Your name. Amen
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Called Out Ones
We tend to think of "the church" as a building where we meet to worship. Actually ,"the church" in Greek comes from the word "ekklesia" meaning "called out ones". So that should lead us to believe and rightly so, we, the people, the witnesses are "the church". Therefore, I guess we can worship anywhere, not just in a building! This gives me great joy to know that we are God's chosen ones and we have been called out to take His word to the ends of the earth. This is known as the great commission and this is God's plan for us to make Him known everywhere we go. I am taking advantage of this gift of the Internet to spread the gospel. I will see some of you face to face but some I will only meet in heaven. Some people use the Internet to seek evil. You my friend, are seeking God. God is good! God is speaking to your heart at this very moment and He wants you to become His child.
Matt.16:13-20 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
The great commission:
Matt.28:16-20 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Lord, speak to Your children! Amen
Matt.16:13-20 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
The great commission:
Matt.28:16-20 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Lord, speak to Your children! Amen
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Power of Faith and the Lack of Faith
Definition of faith: firm belief in something for which there is no proof : complete trust
This is what faith in Jesus gives to us, a debt paid that was impossible to pay, legal demands through the law which man could not follow!
Colossians 2:14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
Luke 16:19-31 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers--so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"
Do you need a sign or a miracle to believe that God exists? Be very careful, this is an example of someone who had a life full of all the comforts money could buy. He had no time to help others or seek God. After you die there is no going back, your eternity is set! While there is the breath of life in you, ask the Lord to forgive you for your sins and He will but you must repent. Definition of repent: to turn from sin
Matt.16:4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." So he left them and departed.
Matt.16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
We must read and study God's word! It is alive and will give life to all who believe!
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
There are people all over the world who believe in the power of Christ. There are people who will die because of it! There are people who will be called un-Christian because they will speak what the bible says even though the words the speak are God's and not theirs! I am no different than you! I am a sinner who needs a saviour! I have trusted Jesus because He is the only way!
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
He is the only living God! There are no others! All others are dead! All others are false gods!
John 17:1-3 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
James 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder!
Most High God, I stand amazed at your word, no matter how many times I read it, it takes my breath away with it's truth! Please soften hearts today to receive Your word. I feel inadequate to teach Your words that have such power. Let me teach in a way that honors You. Give me Your words, Your ways and Your heart for the lost. Thank You for what You will do. Amen
This is what faith in Jesus gives to us, a debt paid that was impossible to pay, legal demands through the law which man could not follow!
Colossians 2:14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
Luke 16:19-31 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house-- for I have five brothers--so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"
Do you need a sign or a miracle to believe that God exists? Be very careful, this is an example of someone who had a life full of all the comforts money could buy. He had no time to help others or seek God. After you die there is no going back, your eternity is set! While there is the breath of life in you, ask the Lord to forgive you for your sins and He will but you must repent. Definition of repent: to turn from sin
Matt.16:4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." So he left them and departed.
Matt.16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
We must read and study God's word! It is alive and will give life to all who believe!
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
There are people all over the world who believe in the power of Christ. There are people who will die because of it! There are people who will be called un-Christian because they will speak what the bible says even though the words the speak are God's and not theirs! I am no different than you! I am a sinner who needs a saviour! I have trusted Jesus because He is the only way!
Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
He is the only living God! There are no others! All others are dead! All others are false gods!
John 17:1-3 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
James 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder!
Most High God, I stand amazed at your word, no matter how many times I read it, it takes my breath away with it's truth! Please soften hearts today to receive Your word. I feel inadequate to teach Your words that have such power. Let me teach in a way that honors You. Give me Your words, Your ways and Your heart for the lost. Thank You for what You will do. Amen
Friday, January 21, 2011
Searching?
Hummm! Got everything your little heart desires in a material way but still you know something is missing! Have unrest in your soul and can't seem to get satisfaction? Wake up at night and wonder what in the world are you doing here on this place we call earth? It may just be God trying to reach you! He is letting you know that there is no perfect peace without Him! He has a plan for us. He knows our every weakness and the depth of our despair. I have been in situations of utter chaos, and felt that I was losing it, but the God of grace said in my spirit to pray and I was immediately at peace and He calmed my fears. There is nothing that compares to God's word. It soothes but it also convicts and conviction leads to repentance which leads to God's gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
I have overcome the world! Listen to the words of Jesus!
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
There are forces of darkness that roam this place. We have a constant struggle against them but God is mighty!
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
How fitting is this, for today we have officials who want to take Christianity out of our society. Fall on your knees before our holy God and ask for His mercy to change the hearts of our rulers and of the lost souls who are headed for an eternity in hell. It is not too late! He will heal our land if we will repent. We are here as a light in a dark and fallen world by showing God's love but warning of His judgment. He is a God of love but to the ones who reject Him, He will be a judge. We have nothing to bring to God except our faith in the grace given us by Jesus.
Eph.2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.
Lord, help me to teach Your word. Lord, help me to live Your word. Open hearts to Your word and change lives by Your power. Only You have the power to save, Lord I ask for the ones You will call. Create in me a clean heart and a hate for sin. Lord, I pray for the ones You are speaking to in UK, China, USA, Sweden, Netherlands, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, France and all over the world. Lord, by Your power and for Your purpose! Amen
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
I have overcome the world! Listen to the words of Jesus!
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
There are forces of darkness that roam this place. We have a constant struggle against them but God is mighty!
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
How fitting is this, for today we have officials who want to take Christianity out of our society. Fall on your knees before our holy God and ask for His mercy to change the hearts of our rulers and of the lost souls who are headed for an eternity in hell. It is not too late! He will heal our land if we will repent. We are here as a light in a dark and fallen world by showing God's love but warning of His judgment. He is a God of love but to the ones who reject Him, He will be a judge. We have nothing to bring to God except our faith in the grace given us by Jesus.
Eph.2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.
Lord, help me to teach Your word. Lord, help me to live Your word. Open hearts to Your word and change lives by Your power. Only You have the power to save, Lord I ask for the ones You will call. Create in me a clean heart and a hate for sin. Lord, I pray for the ones You are speaking to in UK, China, USA, Sweden, Netherlands, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, France and all over the world. Lord, by Your power and for Your purpose! Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)