Heb.11:1-3 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
Definition of faith: firm belief in something for which there is no proof: complete trust
I agree with part of this definition, the complete trust of faith, but I do not believe in the firm belief in something which there is no proof part, for as I see it, there is proof in abundance! Do you know anyone who can make a planet? How about stars, water, a moon, a sun, or maybe the milky way? I do not because that person simply does not exist! However, there is one who has always been and will be, His name is Almighty God our creator! He is from everlasting to everlasting! He had no beginning or will have no end! You may wonder where faith comes from, it comes from God by reading His holy scriptures.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
When I think of cloning and how man thinks he is God's equal, I say what fools men are! God made humans from things that are not visible. He did not replicate man , He created man! Some day we will stand before a God who will judge and it will be perfect justice He will give! You, as His creation, have a choice to deny Him or follow Him. Search the book, His book of holy scriptures, to know Him and to learn to follow Him.
Heb.9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment
Luke 19:37-40 As he was drawing near--already on the way down the Mount of Olives--the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out." If we fail to praise God, His rocks will cry out! Most High God, I can not sing Your praises loud enough. You are our creator, You sustain us, You bring us through trials, and You will judge us with perfect justice. Have mercy on us for we are rebellious at times. Thank You for Jesus our living redeemer. Amen
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Yes, There is a God
I heard this wonderful sermon today about how to speak to unbelievers. I hope you will be as blessed as I have been by hearing this message.
1 Cor.8:4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."
If you know a person who is denying God, what would you say to them about God? Start out by saying "every effect demands a cause"! They will wonder what you mean so you may began to speak about how the creation of the universe came about. The universe had a beginning cause. God the creator, spoke the world into existence and that was it's effect. Gen.1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. I have heard some people say we came from some kind of cosmic explosion, well what caused it? They can not tell you! Even now, some scientist are beginning to say that there has to be a higher life form who is the creator. Creation does demand a creator! Ps.19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Romans 1:19-20 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.
Every design demands a designer! Ps.139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. The human cell, DNA, genetics, messenger RNA, proteins, molecules etc., these things were created by a highly intelligent being. The way the parts of a cell work in sequence in a little assembly line to make a cell is amazing.
Common morality demands a lawgiver! Romans 2:14 NLT Even when Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from wrong. CS Lewis wrote a book called"The Abolition of Man" in which he followed cultures from all over the world, some who knew of God and some who did not know about God. But they all instinctively knew the right moral things to do verses the wrong moral things to do.
Yes there is only one God! I 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.
Deut.4:39 know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.
Is.46:9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me
God is eternal! Ps.90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
God is relational! 1 Cor.8:6 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 8:15-16 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God
God is creator! Ps. 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. Heb.11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
God is sovereign! 1 Cor.8:6 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. 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."
There is only one way to God! 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."
1 Tim.2:5-6 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Lord God, only You can call the sinner to repentance. Lord, open hearts to the truth of Your precious words. Help us to love the lost in Your name. Forgive us all for our sin. Amen
1 Cor.8:4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."
If you know a person who is denying God, what would you say to them about God? Start out by saying "every effect demands a cause"! They will wonder what you mean so you may began to speak about how the creation of the universe came about. The universe had a beginning cause. God the creator, spoke the world into existence and that was it's effect. Gen.1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. I have heard some people say we came from some kind of cosmic explosion, well what caused it? They can not tell you! Even now, some scientist are beginning to say that there has to be a higher life form who is the creator. Creation does demand a creator! Ps.19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Romans 1:19-20 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.
Every design demands a designer! Ps.139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. The human cell, DNA, genetics, messenger RNA, proteins, molecules etc., these things were created by a highly intelligent being. The way the parts of a cell work in sequence in a little assembly line to make a cell is amazing.
Common morality demands a lawgiver! Romans 2:14 NLT Even when Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from wrong. CS Lewis wrote a book called"The Abolition of Man" in which he followed cultures from all over the world, some who knew of God and some who did not know about God. But they all instinctively knew the right moral things to do verses the wrong moral things to do.
Yes there is only one God! I 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.
Deut.4:39 know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.
Is.46:9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me
God is eternal! Ps.90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
God is relational! 1 Cor.8:6 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 8:15-16 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God
God is creator! Ps. 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. Heb.11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
God is sovereign! 1 Cor.8:6 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. 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."
There is only one way to God! 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."
1 Tim.2:5-6 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Lord God, only You can call the sinner to repentance. Lord, open hearts to the truth of Your precious words. Help us to love the lost in Your name. Forgive us all for our sin. Amen
Saturday, January 15, 2011
And in His Name the Gentiles Will Hope
Matt.12:18-21"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope."
Definition of justice: the quality of being righteous; impartiality; fairness
Definition of victory: final and complete supremacy or superiority in battle or war
Definition of hope: To wish for something with expectation of its fulfillment. To have confidence; trust.
So we will trust in Jesus because He is our hope! He is supreme and righteous and will bring about victory in the final battle. This is why we go through trials with a calmness that the lost can't grasp. We rest in God for His plan is swift and sure and we will not be put to shame.
1 Peter 2:6 For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."
Is.3:18 Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.
1 Cor.15:51-58 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "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. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Ps.42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.
Heb.6: 17-20 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Lord, I pray for Your glory to be shown to the whole world. You are our hope in a fallen world. Speak to the lost through Your holy scripture, call them for Your own glorious purpose. Amen
Thursday, January 13, 2011
For My Namesake
Phil.2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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."
Romans 10:13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
You may ask, just why is this name "Jesus" so important? He is part of the Holy Trinity. Father-God, Son-Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit which is why we were all created. We were created by God for His purpose which has eternal implications because our soul is eternal. Whatever we do, do it in Jesus' name! Col.3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. I am persuaded by God's word that a name holds great importance, not the highest degree of importance like God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit but an importance that will determine our eternal home. John 10:3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And for Him to know our name is very dear to every Christ follower! One final word about our name, Rev.20:15 And if any one's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Oh Lord God Almighty, have mercy on us. We want to be with You in eternity. We are unworthy, except by Your grace, to be Your sheep. Teach us Your ways and let us show Your love to the lost. Amen
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."
Romans 10:13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
You may ask, just why is this name "Jesus" so important? He is part of the Holy Trinity. Father-God, Son-Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit which is why we were all created. We were created by God for His purpose which has eternal implications because our soul is eternal. Whatever we do, do it in Jesus' name! Col.3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. I am persuaded by God's word that a name holds great importance, not the highest degree of importance like God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit but an importance that will determine our eternal home. John 10:3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And for Him to know our name is very dear to every Christ follower! One final word about our name, Rev.20:15 And if any one's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Oh Lord God Almighty, have mercy on us. We want to be with You in eternity. We are unworthy, except by Your grace, to be Your sheep. Teach us Your ways and let us show Your love to the lost. Amen
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
That Touch Could Be A Lifeline
Do you ever just watch people? I do! They eyes will reveal a lot if you just be still and observe. I can see their hurts, their happiness, their frustrations and yes, I can see their loneliness. Some people are not physically touched for a long time. We need human touch! Not in a sexual way but in a way that lets a person know they are not alone. I know you may think this is a weird way of thinking but let me tell you what I mean. I knew a woman who was so mean people hated to see her coming. I began to pray for this lady because I knew something was wrong in her spirit. I told her I just wanted to give her a hug and I did not wait for permission. I just wrapped my arms around her in a big bear hug! She began to tell me all sorts of hurts she lived with day to day. She was different after that. She just needed someone to let her know she was not alone. Look around you and be observant, God will teach you how to show His love to a lost and dying world.
Eph.4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Col.3:12-13 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
1 Cor.13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Lord, I believe your word is the same as being touched. It has the same effect on me and others, the feeling of a touch and knowing we are not alone. It soothes our souls as we wait to see you face to face. We know we are not worthy of Your love but that does not keep us from hoping and longing to see You even as we face judgment from You. Forgive us and show us mercy for our failures. Amen
Ps.63:1-8 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Eph.4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Col.3:12-13 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
1 Cor.13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Lord, I believe your word is the same as being touched. It has the same effect on me and others, the feeling of a touch and knowing we are not alone. It soothes our souls as we wait to see you face to face. We know we are not worthy of Your love but that does not keep us from hoping and longing to see You even as we face judgment from You. Forgive us and show us mercy for our failures. Amen
Ps.63:1-8 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Sovereign Plan of God Never Fails and is for Eternity
Why don't we just face it!! We have no control! We are created by God for His purpose and for His glory. We do however have choices. We can deny Christ, and hope for the best or we can stand on the promises of a holy Sovereign God. Definition of sovereign: supreme ruler, having supreme power, being above all others.
His plan can not fail! Job 42:2 "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
He is our King and Lord over our lives for His purposes. Gen.50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Eccl.2:24-25 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?
Our responsibility. Prov.16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
We are His creation. Matt.10:28-33 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. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
The security of His salvation. John 6:35-40 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."
He is the master of all events in life. 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.
His result! Acts 13:47-48 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
Romans 9:11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad--in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls--
Eph.1:7-14 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory
Lord, I see You at work in so many lives. Help us to fully understand Your grace and joy. You are our hope and our ever present help in time of trouble. Lord, I ask for mercy for the lost, open their closed heart to receive Your power of supreme healing so they may taste Your sweet gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. I stand amazed at the wonder of You. I cry out to You in anguish and You still my shaking soul. You know my heart and my deepest desire to follow you. I often fail and You are there to gently push me to try harder. Lord, forgive me for any transgression against You or any failure to be an obedient servant. Lord, I pray for the ones who are sick, the ones who have lost loved ones, the ones who are battling demons, the ones who are in financial woes and the ones who are in rebellion against You. Lord, I ask for You to be revealed to the nations by Your power and for your purpose. For we know from Your word that every knee will bow to You. Amen
His plan can not fail! Job 42:2 "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
He is our King and Lord over our lives for His purposes. Gen.50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Eccl.2:24-25 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?
Our responsibility. Prov.16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
We are His creation. Matt.10:28-33 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. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
The security of His salvation. John 6:35-40 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."
He is the master of all events in life. 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.
His result! Acts 13:47-48 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, "'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
Romans 9:11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad--in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls--
Eph.1:7-14 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory
Lord, I see You at work in so many lives. Help us to fully understand Your grace and joy. You are our hope and our ever present help in time of trouble. Lord, I ask for mercy for the lost, open their closed heart to receive Your power of supreme healing so they may taste Your sweet gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. I stand amazed at the wonder of You. I cry out to You in anguish and You still my shaking soul. You know my heart and my deepest desire to follow you. I often fail and You are there to gently push me to try harder. Lord, forgive me for any transgression against You or any failure to be an obedient servant. Lord, I pray for the ones who are sick, the ones who have lost loved ones, the ones who are battling demons, the ones who are in financial woes and the ones who are in rebellion against You. Lord, I ask for You to be revealed to the nations by Your power and for your purpose. For we know from Your word that every knee will bow to You. Amen
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
What is the Bible?
My pastor preached a sermon Sunday about "Why do we have the bible"? Is it for religious guidance, historical information, moral lessons, or character studies? Well, that is what we use it for but we should be using it to reveal God to us and to see how God redeems His people for His kingdom. God is using His word to re-create us into His image. God is bringing His people to His place for His purpose. And you may ask, what is this leading us to? To God for His final blessing and judgment! In revelation God tells us through John: Revelation 22:12-14 "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
His judgment: Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
And His final blessing:
Revelation 21:1-7 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 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. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Oh Lord, how we long to see You face to face. We eagerly await your return. We want to live with You through out eternity where there is no sin. Mold us for Your purpose for Your kingdom. Amen
His judgment: Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."
And His final blessing:
Revelation 21:1-7 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 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. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
Oh Lord, how we long to see You face to face. We eagerly await your return. We want to live with You through out eternity where there is no sin. Mold us for Your purpose for Your kingdom. Amen
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