Job 19:25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
Job knew no matter what, he expected to be in a better place, Heaven. He knew that a Redeemer was coming and he had placed his hope in Him and he would not be moved!! He believed in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. He believed that the Redeemer would sit in judgement on the people of this world. Do you have the hope that is found in the Redeemer? The one that was sent by God to show mercy and was scorned by man! His name is Jesus Christ, and He was sent to take away the sins of the world.
John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Prov.8:23 I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.
The Son of God was there when the world was created by God the Father! He was ordained by God the Father to do His will. And in obedience to his Father, He willingly laid down his life for you and me! The gravity of this statement ruptures my soul! My throat is constricted with pain at the thought of the love that this took! Not love for man, but love for His Father! How deep this love is, man can not understand and I don't think we should be able to, at least not in this life! We were bought with a price, the sacrifice of God's Son!
1Cor.6:20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Roman 3:22-25 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.
Sinner, prepare to meet your Maker!
Lord, I can only declare the truth of Your Word. It is there for all to see. Whether they believe and receive Your word is for You to decide. I believe Your word and it says,"I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion and mercy on whom I will have mercy". In Jesus name, Amen.
Deut.4:29 But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Hearing the Voice but Seeing No One
Acts 9:1-7 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
No one standing before the men to be seen speaking, this is the power of God. His voice came from the heavens. Saul was to be used by God, even though he was an enemy of the cross. He had been previously persecuting the believers, even sending some to the executioner.
Acts 26:14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
Notice Saul says, I heard a voice, apparently the men with him only heard noises, something like thunder.
Acts 9:8-9 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Saul is dumbfounded at what has happened to him, he has been struck blind! The Lord is about to reveal His plans for Saul! In a dream, the Lord spoke to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, where Saul was headed. He told him that Saul was coming and that he would lay hands on him and he would regain his sight. Ananias told the Lord he had heard of this Saul, how he had persecuted many of the faith.
Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias went to Saul and at his touch, the scales fell from his eyes. He regained his sight and was immediately baptized. He went to the synagogues and proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God. And all who heard knew he had been the persecutor of the faithful were amazed by the power of God. God can take the vilest offender and change his heart.
Precious Lord, change hearts today with the truth of Your Word. All have hope in You. Amen
No one standing before the men to be seen speaking, this is the power of God. His voice came from the heavens. Saul was to be used by God, even though he was an enemy of the cross. He had been previously persecuting the believers, even sending some to the executioner.
Acts 26:14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
Notice Saul says, I heard a voice, apparently the men with him only heard noises, something like thunder.
Acts 9:8-9 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Saul is dumbfounded at what has happened to him, he has been struck blind! The Lord is about to reveal His plans for Saul! In a dream, the Lord spoke to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, where Saul was headed. He told him that Saul was coming and that he would lay hands on him and he would regain his sight. Ananias told the Lord he had heard of this Saul, how he had persecuted many of the faith.
Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias went to Saul and at his touch, the scales fell from his eyes. He regained his sight and was immediately baptized. He went to the synagogues and proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God. And all who heard knew he had been the persecutor of the faithful were amazed by the power of God. God can take the vilest offender and change his heart.
Precious Lord, change hearts today with the truth of Your Word. All have hope in You. Amen
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Death/ Our Return to Dust!
Job 14:10 But a man dies and is laid low; man breathes his last, and where is he?
Job 16:22 For when a few years have come I shall go the way from which I shall not return.
Ps.104:29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You can't take it with you:
Luke 12:20 But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'
1Tim.6:7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
Fear judgement:
Matt.10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Heb.9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment
Death because of sin:
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned--
God will end death:
1 Cor.15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Secure in life and death:
Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's
Don't boast in tomorrow:
James 4:13-15 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."
Hope when we grieve:
1 Thess.4:13 13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope
Victory in Christ:
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.
Life in Christ:
1 Cor.15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
Eternal life through Christ:
2 Tim. 1:10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel
Salvation through Christ:
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.”
Only one way to God:
1Tim.2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus
One time sacrifice:
Heb.10:12-14 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
Lord, Your Word is good! It is clear and precise and will change people. It is indeed true, the truth will set you free! Be free from Satan by the power of Jesus Christ! Amen
John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Job 16:22 For when a few years have come I shall go the way from which I shall not return.
Ps.104:29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You can't take it with you:
Luke 12:20 But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'
1Tim.6:7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.
Fear judgement:
Matt.10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Heb.9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment
Death because of sin:
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned--
God will end death:
1 Cor.15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Secure in life and death:
Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's
Don't boast in tomorrow:
James 4:13-15 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit"-- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."
Hope when we grieve:
1 Thess.4:13 13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope
Victory in Christ:
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.
Life in Christ:
1 Cor.15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
Eternal life through Christ:
2 Tim. 1:10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel
Salvation through Christ:
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.”
Only one way to God:
1Tim.2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus
One time sacrifice:
Heb.10:12-14 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
Lord, Your Word is good! It is clear and precise and will change people. It is indeed true, the truth will set you free! Be free from Satan by the power of Jesus Christ! Amen
John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Hand of the Lord/ Yahweh/ Jehovah/ Ail Shaddai/ Elohim
Job 12:9-10 Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.
Acts 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
The hand of the Lord is with us. To build us up for His glory or to allow calamity to strike for the testing of our faith for His glory!
Yahweh or Jehovah: literally means "He who will be", occurs around 6,829 times in the Old Testament. Yahweh was revealed to Moses as God's new memorial name.
Ex.6:3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them.
The difference between Ail Shaddai and Yahweh is that whereas the former only denotes past and present , the latter is prophetical, and therefore full of meaning concerning God's purpose and plan for salvation.
Ail: the Hebrew word"Ail" rendered as the word "God" and frequently combined with the word Shaddai,
thus meaning "God Almighty", occurs about 250 times in Scripture. It's primary meaning is "strength".
Shaddai: the plural form of the Hebrew word Shad, derived from the root word Shadad, to be strong or powerful; therefore it means "mighty ones". It appears 48 times in the Bible and is rendered "Almighty".
Elohim: Hebrew word translated "God" and appears about 2,600 times in Scripture. He is Creator and Sustainer off all that exists
We get a small peak at who God is through these names and their meanings. He is not just Creator but He is the first and last, meaning He has no beginning or no ending. He is "I Am"!
Ex.3:14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
Rev.1:8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
God is self-existent, He is eternal and unchangeable, He is incomprehensible, He is faithful, and there is none besides Him!
Lord Almighty, You alone have all power. The power to judge, to test, to pardon from Hell through Your Son, to show mercy, to have compassion, to create life and more, and to separate the spirit from the body. Lord, we are under Your care and we need You! Amen
Acts 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
The hand of the Lord is with us. To build us up for His glory or to allow calamity to strike for the testing of our faith for His glory!
Yahweh or Jehovah: literally means "He who will be", occurs around 6,829 times in the Old Testament. Yahweh was revealed to Moses as God's new memorial name.
Ex.6:3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them.
The difference between Ail Shaddai and Yahweh is that whereas the former only denotes past and present , the latter is prophetical, and therefore full of meaning concerning God's purpose and plan for salvation.
Ail: the Hebrew word"Ail" rendered as the word "God" and frequently combined with the word Shaddai,
thus meaning "God Almighty", occurs about 250 times in Scripture. It's primary meaning is "strength".
Shaddai: the plural form of the Hebrew word Shad, derived from the root word Shadad, to be strong or powerful; therefore it means "mighty ones". It appears 48 times in the Bible and is rendered "Almighty".
Elohim: Hebrew word translated "God" and appears about 2,600 times in Scripture. He is Creator and Sustainer off all that exists
We get a small peak at who God is through these names and their meanings. He is not just Creator but He is the first and last, meaning He has no beginning or no ending. He is "I Am"!
Ex.3:14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
Rev.1:8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
God is self-existent, He is eternal and unchangeable, He is incomprehensible, He is faithful, and there is none besides Him!
Lord Almighty, You alone have all power. The power to judge, to test, to pardon from Hell through Your Son, to show mercy, to have compassion, to create life and more, and to separate the spirit from the body. Lord, we are under Your care and we need You! Amen
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Watcher of Mankind
Job 7:20 If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of mankind? Why have you made me your mark? Why have I become a burden to you?
God cares for us in a way we can never understand! He is keenly aware of our sin! We are His creation, the work of his hands, and we can't grasp that. We get a small glimpse when we think of our children and know the love we have for them.
Job 7:17-18 What is man, that you make so much of him, and that you set your heart on him, visit him every morning and test him every moment?
I can remember the desperation that you feel in a crisis without leaning on God! You must never let the devil get a foothold, go to the Lord's word! We are guilty before God for our sin. We better plead guilty and ask for mercy.
Job 9:28 I become afraid of all my suffering, for I know you will not hold me innocent.
When we have Christ, we are covered by His care.
John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
1Peter 5:6-10 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
We will fail and sin but we can boldly come to the throne of grace if we repent.
Heb.4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Heb.3:6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
There is going to be a judgment for all people!
2 Cor.5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Christ will be the judge!
John 5:22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son
John 5:27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.
Christ is waiting for you! He accepts you as you are! His word will change you! Please ask for His gift of salvation! Admit you are in need of a Savior! Read His word and be prepared for the miracle that will happen in your life! Repent and walk in faith!
Sweet tender Jesus, there are ones searching for the meaning of life. They are in need of a Savior and You are the only hope they have. Capture their hearts today for Your kingdom! May You receive honor and glory in all things. Amen
God cares for us in a way we can never understand! He is keenly aware of our sin! We are His creation, the work of his hands, and we can't grasp that. We get a small glimpse when we think of our children and know the love we have for them.
Job 7:17-18 What is man, that you make so much of him, and that you set your heart on him, visit him every morning and test him every moment?
I can remember the desperation that you feel in a crisis without leaning on God! You must never let the devil get a foothold, go to the Lord's word! We are guilty before God for our sin. We better plead guilty and ask for mercy.
Job 9:28 I become afraid of all my suffering, for I know you will not hold me innocent.
When we have Christ, we are covered by His care.
John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
1Peter 5:6-10 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
We will fail and sin but we can boldly come to the throne of grace if we repent.
Heb.4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Heb.3:6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
There is going to be a judgment for all people!
2 Cor.5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
Christ will be the judge!
John 5:22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son
John 5:27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.
Christ is waiting for you! He accepts you as you are! His word will change you! Please ask for His gift of salvation! Admit you are in need of a Savior! Read His word and be prepared for the miracle that will happen in your life! Repent and walk in faith!
Sweet tender Jesus, there are ones searching for the meaning of life. They are in need of a Savior and You are the only hope they have. Capture their hearts today for Your kingdom! May You receive honor and glory in all things. Amen
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Man Is Born To Trouble
Job 5:7 Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.
Well, this statement is so true! We will be close to trouble all through out our lives. If you are a Christian, you will know your share of trouble but you will have a loving friend, Jesus who will always be with you.
2 Cor.4:7-10 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
Take heart dear friends, we are weak but He is not!! Trust in Him and tell others of the hope you have found in Jesus.
2 Cor.4:11-18 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
I really identify with these verses because I have been sick for a while! I am getting better now but I know what it means to have your "outer self wasting away". We all are dying, everyday you are here on this earth, is borrowed time that the good Lord has given you. Do not take for granted that you will be here tomorrow, for you do not know! There are so many people here in the deep South that have lost everything material thing they owned. Some have lost loved ones as well. This makes me think of the book of Job in the Old Testament. He was a very blessed man, had great wealth, good health and a large loving family. He was well thought of in his community and helped the poor. Just the kind of man that the Lord wants us to be. However, all it took for trouble to come to Job was Satan saying to God that Job would not be faithful in times of trouble!! Let us never forget that God uses us for His purpose. We are His and He will teach, love and discipline.
Lord, so many lost, so many searching, help us to speak Your truth! Amen
Well, this statement is so true! We will be close to trouble all through out our lives. If you are a Christian, you will know your share of trouble but you will have a loving friend, Jesus who will always be with you.
2 Cor.4:7-10 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
Take heart dear friends, we are weak but He is not!! Trust in Him and tell others of the hope you have found in Jesus.
2 Cor.4:11-18 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
I really identify with these verses because I have been sick for a while! I am getting better now but I know what it means to have your "outer self wasting away". We all are dying, everyday you are here on this earth, is borrowed time that the good Lord has given you. Do not take for granted that you will be here tomorrow, for you do not know! There are so many people here in the deep South that have lost everything material thing they owned. Some have lost loved ones as well. This makes me think of the book of Job in the Old Testament. He was a very blessed man, had great wealth, good health and a large loving family. He was well thought of in his community and helped the poor. Just the kind of man that the Lord wants us to be. However, all it took for trouble to come to Job was Satan saying to God that Job would not be faithful in times of trouble!! Let us never forget that God uses us for His purpose. We are His and He will teach, love and discipline.
Lord, so many lost, so many searching, help us to speak Your truth! Amen
Thursday, June 23, 2011
His Face Was Like the Face of an Angel
Acts 6:15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Stephen, full of grace and power, doing the work of the Lord, how could you be betrayed? This very much parallels the way Jesus was treated by the Jews. Stephen was betrayed by wicked liars!
Acts 6:9-14 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, "This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us." But, Stephen being in the spirit, told of all the stories from the old testament that the Jews knew to be true. He answered their charges with the undeniable truth!!He spoke of Abraham and how God told him to leave his kinsman and go to a far away land and how God would give him a great name among the people, and give him a son in his old age. He told them the bible truth about Joseph being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and about how God was with him and used him when a famine came over the whole land to deliver Abraham's kin from certain death from hunger.Stephen told of the birth of Moses and how he was raised by Pharaoh's daughter and how he lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. He told them about how the people made golden calves to worship while Moses was on the mountain talking with God. God turned away and gave them over to worship idols. After a while, godly men, Joshua, David, Solomon walked in the ways of the Lord.Acts 7:49-53 "'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?' "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it." After speaking these words to the council, they were enraged and ran Stephen out of town and stoned him.Stephen's parting words: Acts 7:59-60 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Lord, how can man be so blind? Help us to see with Your eyes and Your heart! Amen
Stephen, full of grace and power, doing the work of the Lord, how could you be betrayed? This very much parallels the way Jesus was treated by the Jews. Stephen was betrayed by wicked liars!
Acts 6:9-14 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, "This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us." But, Stephen being in the spirit, told of all the stories from the old testament that the Jews knew to be true. He answered their charges with the undeniable truth!!He spoke of Abraham and how God told him to leave his kinsman and go to a far away land and how God would give him a great name among the people, and give him a son in his old age. He told them the bible truth about Joseph being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and about how God was with him and used him when a famine came over the whole land to deliver Abraham's kin from certain death from hunger.Stephen told of the birth of Moses and how he was raised by Pharaoh's daughter and how he lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. He told them about how the people made golden calves to worship while Moses was on the mountain talking with God. God turned away and gave them over to worship idols. After a while, godly men, Joshua, David, Solomon walked in the ways of the Lord.Acts 7:49-53 "'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?' "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it." After speaking these words to the council, they were enraged and ran Stephen out of town and stoned him.Stephen's parting words: Acts 7:59-60 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Lord, how can man be so blind? Help us to see with Your eyes and Your heart! Amen
Monday, June 20, 2011
God's Great Goodness and Great Mercies
Neh.9:25-28 And they captured fortified cities and a rich land, and took possession of houses full of all good things, cisterns already hewn, vineyards, olive orchards and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled and became fat and delighted themselves in your great goodness. "Nevertheless, they were disobedient and rebelled against you and cast your law behind their back and killed your prophets, who had warned them in order to turn them back to you, and they committed great blasphemies. Therefore you gave them into the hand of their enemies, who made them suffer. And in the time of their suffering they cried out to you and you heard them from heaven, and according to your great mercies you gave them saviors who saved them from the hand of their enemies. But after they had rest they did evil again before you, and you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies, so that they had dominion over them. Yet when they turned and cried to you, you heard from heaven, and many times you delivered them according to your mercies.
Neh.9:31 Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
This God we serve is good and merciful! He forgives but also will judge all who deny Him and His Son!
He has made a way of salvation for all who will accept His Son.
Acts 4:11-12 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 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."
Lord, time is short, hearts need you, let us be aware of lost souls! Send Your healing words to the hurting. Help us not to be like the foolish people of Israel that were in the old testament. In Jesus name, Amen.
Neh.9:31 Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
This God we serve is good and merciful! He forgives but also will judge all who deny Him and His Son!
He has made a way of salvation for all who will accept His Son.
Acts 4:11-12 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 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."
Lord, time is short, hearts need you, let us be aware of lost souls! Send Your healing words to the hurting. Help us not to be like the foolish people of Israel that were in the old testament. In Jesus name, Amen.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Fatherhood of God
Matt.6:9 Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
The definition of hallowed: holy, consecrated, sacred
God is our Father!
We are evil, He is good.
We have limited wisdom, He has infinite wisdom.
We have imperfect love. He has perfect love.
We are under the care of our heavenly Father, He loves us, He understands us, He forgives us, He provides for us, He disciplines us and He leads us.
We are the heavenly Father's children!
This is what we have in Him!
He has given us a new name, a new spirit, and new brothers and sisters.
We have access to God's presence, we are no longer afraid, we have His friendship and we now have an inheritance in His kingdom.
As His children, we worship Him, we glorify Him, we imitate Him, we obey Him and we reflect Him in our lives.
We care for the orphans, not because we are rescuers but because we have been rescued!
We pass the gospel on to the next generation because we want to add to the kingdom (make disciples).
We anticipate God's promise of a future with no pain, no tears, no sin and an eternity filled with His holy presence.
The definition of hallowed: holy, consecrated, sacred
God is our Father!
We are evil, He is good.
We have limited wisdom, He has infinite wisdom.
We have imperfect love. He has perfect love.
We are under the care of our heavenly Father, He loves us, He understands us, He forgives us, He provides for us, He disciplines us and He leads us.
We are the heavenly Father's children!
This is what we have in Him!
He has given us a new name, a new spirit, and new brothers and sisters.
We have access to God's presence, we are no longer afraid, we have His friendship and we now have an inheritance in His kingdom.
As His children, we worship Him, we glorify Him, we imitate Him, we obey Him and we reflect Him in our lives.
We care for the orphans, not because we are rescuers but because we have been rescued!
We pass the gospel on to the next generation because we want to add to the kingdom (make disciples).
We anticipate God's promise of a future with no pain, no tears, no sin and an eternity filled with His holy presence.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
What If ?
By all accounts, the disciples were just ordinary men, nothing special, like me and you! But what if, we had the faith they had when they walked with Jesus? What wonders would God do through us? Or does it matter about us at all? God is still God and we really have nothing to do with it, or do we? God does not need us to do anything but we are powerless to do anything without Him! I think where we enter into this relationship is by our willingness to trust and obey! I just read this bible truth about a lame beggar who was commanded by Peter and John, according to Christ's power, to walk and did.
Acts 3:6-21 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And his name--by faith in his name--has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. "And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
As you can see from the dialogue, people were astounded by what they saw! However, God being God rules over all things! Blindness, lameness, hearing loss, cancer, brain tumors, heart attacks, wars, famines, storms etc. are not above God's power! God has given authority to His Son, Jesus.
Heb.1:1-8 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 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, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son"? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." Of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire." But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
It is your free choice to read or not to read, to believe or to deny or to choose to think God comes in many forms other than Jesus Christ. I will pray that the light of Christ will feel you with the undeniable truth, He is the only true and living God!!
Father, faith is Yours to give. The lost are searching for the truth. Open eyes and hearts to receive the hope that is found in Christ! Let us teach the truth in obedience to Your word. Amen
Acts 3:6-21 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And his name--by faith in his name--has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. "And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
As you can see from the dialogue, people were astounded by what they saw! However, God being God rules over all things! Blindness, lameness, hearing loss, cancer, brain tumors, heart attacks, wars, famines, storms etc. are not above God's power! God has given authority to His Son, Jesus.
Heb.1:1-8 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 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, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son"? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." Of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire." But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
It is your free choice to read or not to read, to believe or to deny or to choose to think God comes in many forms other than Jesus Christ. I will pray that the light of Christ will feel you with the undeniable truth, He is the only true and living God!!
Father, faith is Yours to give. The lost are searching for the truth. Open eyes and hearts to receive the hope that is found in Christ! Let us teach the truth in obedience to Your word. Amen
Friday, June 17, 2011
Hand of our God
Ezra 8:22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.”
Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.
This old testament bible truth still holds true today. God is faithful to all who call Him Father.
Ecc.9:1 But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him.
Romans 8:34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Mark 16:19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Col.3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
1Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Do you know that by God's power you are alive? God's hand has the power to save! God's hand has the power to destroy! God's hand is symbolic of God's power and strength; His salvation and His majesty.
Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.
This old testament bible truth still holds true today. God is faithful to all who call Him Father.
Ecc.9:1 But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him.
Romans 8:34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Mark 16:19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Col.3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
1Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Do you know that by God's power you are alive? God's hand has the power to save! God's hand has the power to destroy! God's hand is symbolic of God's power and strength; His salvation and His majesty.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
He Will Come Again
Acts 1:7-11 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.
Acts 3:21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets
His second coming:
Heb.9:28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Our judgment:
Matt.16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.
Will you be ready? Lord, I pray for the ones who deny You. Lord, open their eyes! Forgive them and show mercy that is only Yours to give. In Jesus name, Amen
Acts 3:21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets
His second coming:
Heb.9:28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Our judgment:
Matt.16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.
Will you be ready? Lord, I pray for the ones who deny You. Lord, open their eyes! Forgive them and show mercy that is only Yours to give. In Jesus name, Amen
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