Monday, January 31, 2011

Hour of darkness

Luke 22:52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
Luke 22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

It was the fullness of time for his atoning death. Jesus was the light of the world and he had three years to accomplish his Father's work.

John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

The hour of evil had come; " but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. " There was a time for his light and a time of darkness.

Joh 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Joh 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Joh 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

Jesus overcame death and the power of darkness to bring us into the kingdom of light. Thank you Father.

Col 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Peter's Test

Luk 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Peter said that he was ready to follow Jesus, even to death. This was his desire, but satan had plans too. Peter would soon lose confidence in himself, because flesh fails, he would soon deny his Lord three times. What made him deny his Lord? I think it was fear given to him by satan. When fear comes, rebuke satan in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan was desiring to sift him like wheat, at his weakest time. Do you know that our weakest times often follow our times of personal victory? Peter had made a proud profession of allegiance to his master, but so soon comes the testing. Satan desired to sift Peter and would there be anything worthy left, or would he be as the chaff of the grain?

Jesus knew what was going on and he had prayed for Peter, that he not fail this test. Paul later wrote this most important encouragement.

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Then Jesus looked ahead with a command for Peter to follow in. When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Jesus prayed for us too and he is making intercessions for us.

Joh 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

What did Jesus mean when he said? :" When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

Converted: come (go) again, convert, (re-) turn (about, again).

When you have come back into serving me, then I want you to strengthen your brethren. Later he was told to feed the flock, to feed them the word of God. I think when we go through trials and tests, that we are stronger. We then are able to encourage and strengthen others. Peter wrote these encouraging words later in life:

1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Divided Flames of Fire

Psa 29:7 The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.

divideth: cut, split, divide, hew

My first thought was Pentecost and the cloven, divided tongues of fire.

Act 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

They spoke in languages they did not know to people who did understood what was said. They spoke? well God spoke through them. The voice of the LORD divideth the flames. Every word in the Bible has a meaning. The divided flames were referenced in the Psalm and fulfilled in Acts 2 on the day of Pentacost. This was the fire of God, His presence , His Spirit and his speaking through those who waited for him in one accord. Let's get together in one accord with those of faith. This was all God. The LORD speaks through his servants and may his servants speak the word of God.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Greater Condemnation

Luke 20:45 Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,
Luke 20:46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;
Luke 20:47 Which devour widows' houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.

Jesus spoke to his disciples but also to all the people, this was important. A spiritual leader will be held more accountable then others. The scribes loved the praise of men and honor before others, but watch their fruit. They were covetous and hypocrites.

Jas 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

The evil scribes shall receive a "greater damnation", and false teachers shall receive the "greater condemnation". There will be degrees of punishment after the judgment of Christ. Just as there will be degrees of rewards in heaven there will be degrees of punishment for those who are cast out.

Jesus taught often of a place of torment, hell and the final place; the lake of fire. Many do not see an after life for the sinners, but this is not according to scriptures. An unsaved person or a miserable person may desire death, where there is no more struggles of life and no memory. The Bible says there are degrees of punishment; greater damnation, greater condemnation. A dead dog is dead, what more can you do to it? But, man was created with a soul and spirit. These will continue in heaven or in a place of torment. Those in Christ will receive glorified bodies. What of those not of Christ? Will they have bodies, as worms, and go to a place where the worm never dies? Who wants that? If you think death is dead as a dog, then many will curse God and die; but the Bible says there is more. Be warned, be ready to meet the Lord. In Christ Jesus is eternal life in his presence, full of goodness and light. We are not dogs, we were created in the image of God, to be with him. Choose wisely when the Master calls you, give your life to Jesus.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Jesus the Stone

Luke 20:17 And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
Luke 20:18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Jesus is the stone for building the kingdom of God and he is the grindstone to those who refuse him. Those who come by faith to the foundation stone will submit to the master builder.

Psa 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Some who have refused to come to Jesus have grown stubborn with hardened hearts. I believe that God will allow crushing afflictions to occur in the lives of the hard hearted ones, so that they might learn to seek God. Where there is life there is hope. Sometimes crushing afflictions come to God's beloved people too. They have the Holy Spirit to comfort them and the Lord Jesus Christ to heal them.

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

We pray for the afflicted and we pray for the lost. Do not resist the call of Jesus upon your life. To be the enemy of God when Jesus returns for his people is to be crushed; to be destroyed in body and the soul condemned. Where will you go when Jesus comes?

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Stones Cry Out

Luke 19:37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
Luke 19:38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
Luke 19:39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
Luke 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Jesus deserves our worship, blessed be the King and blessed be God the Father. Worshipping together in a crowd of people is wonderful and yet worship is personal too. Jesus said that those who worship God must worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Not all among us are of God, the devil has his people pretending to be with us. They want to throw a damp blanket on the fire of God. "...some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples." Some who were in the know, the educated ones, the ones admired by others for their position and their knowledge, they had no personal relationship with God or the Lord Jesus Christ. On the Internet chats the religious "Christians" come in to condemn others or to cause strife. They are pretenders. They see the Bible as only stories . Or they hear from God, and know better than the rest of God's body. We know them by their fruits of strife and division. The Holy Spirit unites the true body of Christ. With one heart we worship God. We are Living Stones making up the Church body. Keep worshipping and beware of the ones who want you to stop.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

He Prevailed

Gen 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
Gen 32:25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
Gen 32:26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Gen 32:27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
Gen 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Have you ever had something ahead of you that you greatly feared? Jacob feared meeting his brother Esau. He just could not face his brother who had said that he would kill him for stealing his birthright. Perhaps you have something that you greatly Fear? Something coming up? Jacob wrestled with an angel, he sought to prevail with God until he knew that he would be blessed.

If we are in Christ Jesus we already have prevailed with God. He has overcome every obstacle that we face. Go through what you fear with trust. Trust and believe God that in Christ Jesus we are victors. When you get through your fearful encounter you will rejoice, for he was with you and you have overcome that which you greatly feared.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Secret gods

Gen 31:32 With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
Gen 31:33 And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.
Gen 31:34 Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not.

Rachel was Jacob's favorite wife. He thought that she could do no wrong. She was pretty and well endowed, but what of her soul? Often a person marries for the outward appearance, but what of the heart? Rachel left her father's house to follow her husband Jacob but she stole her father's gods and hid them. These little idols she trusted in more than the God of Jacob, the God of Israel. Perhaps she just did a foolish thing, being rather naive?

Jacob not knowing that his beloved Rachel had taken the idols (love is blind) then placed a curse of death on the one who stole Laban's gods. Rachel had been unable to have children, but now things were looking good for her because she had given birth to a son Joseph and was looking forward to giving birth to another son.

Gen 30:24 And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.

Was it the curse on the one who took the gods that took Sarah's life when Benjamin her second son was born? I don't know, but from this we should learn not to curse or condemn anyone. Jesus taught us that he came to seek and to save that which was lost. We are to do this too. Watch your words and do not condemn another, vengeance is of God.

Another woman had an obedient heart towards obeying the God of Jacob, her name was Ruth. Naomi spoke to Ruth:

Rth 1:15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
Rth 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
Rth 1:17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

Ruth gave up other gods for the one true God. What secret gods do we have that need to be given up? Be kind to others and search your own heart for secret gods; it is easy to condemn another, but it is not of God to do so. Secret idols interfere with your commitment to the God of Israel. Serve the true God and not a god of this world. Worship and pray to the God of Jacob in secret and he will reward you openly.

Mat 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Always Pray

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Luke 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
Luke 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
Luke 18:4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
Luke 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Luke 18:6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

I suppose when people give up and stop praying, that some grow weary even losing faith. Jesus tells us in this parable to keep praying in faith, for God certainly does hear his own chosen, the elect.

I recently heard from my friend that their son had called and that she and her husband had led their son to the Lord! They always pray together for their children. Another Pastor's prayers were answered after his death. Both of his son's who had spent time in prison, were saved, out of prison and serving the Lord. God answers those who pray in faith. To those of us who sometimes grow weary, remember that God is faithful, so keep the faith.

Jas 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Jas 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Servants

Luke 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?
Luke 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
Luke 17:9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

We are servants in the master's kingdom. Not many people have servants unless they are wealthy, but we work in service to others. Most importantly we are servants of the Lord in all that we do. Do you see that it is expected of the servant to be faithful? to do his work? This is the duty of a servant and it is expected. We do not need to be praised for simple obedience, it is expected.

One summer many years ago I went to Mexico City for summer school at the university. I stayed in a boarding house. In the house were servant girls who waited on our dinner table. When I would thank them for serving me, they would say "por nada or de nada", for nothing, of nothing. They were humble unprofitable servants as described in this verse.

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Our master is good to us and we may ask him anything according to his will and we will receive it. Let's not get things reversed. God is not to serve us. He is not to come running for every desire that we have. However if we are in need, in peril and under spiritual oppression, then by all means cry out to God, cry out to your Lord JESUS!. He will send angels to help you. We are more than servants, we are friends, if we keep his commands..

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

We are friends who are to obey and to do the will of God; this is our reasonable service. Our reward is eternal life as joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Hell has torment, life with Christ Jesus is heavenly joy and peace. I believe we will continue to be willing bondservants in the master's house. He owns us through the Holy Spirit and we were purchased by the blood of the Lamb, to be in close fellowship as the spiritual bride of Christ. In Christ we shall be together in shared love forever, amen.

Friday, January 21, 2011

God or Mammon?

Luk 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

Be good stewards of the money God has given to you. Do good with it, make friends and be received through Jesus into everlasting life in the house of God.

Luk 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Money, many say is very important to them. If so, give it to another's need. Give as the Lord leads you, for one test of your faithfulness is your money and how you use it beyond your basic needs. Mammon means money, but it was also a name of the Syrian money God. You see why we are not to serve mammon? It is as serving another god. Oh well you say then, just charge it? If we get into debt over things we do not need then we cannot help others. We will have nothing for missions or for the poor. Jesus spoke in a parable about how we are judged by our giving to the needy.

Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Pro 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

What are the true riches? The things of God are true riches, his character and that which shall last forever. Be good stewards of what God has given you. Be a blessing and not a beggar.

Psa 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Son of man Son of God

Question?

Which part of Jesus was god and why, and which part of Jesus was man and why ?

God the Father must reveal to you who Jesus is, or you will not understand.

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Jesus had a human body, but was fully God in the Spirit. God is Spirit.

1 Cor 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

God the Son, took on the form of a man for our benefit.

Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Heb 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Heb 3:2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
Heb 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
Heb 3:4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
Heb 3:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
Heb 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Heb 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Heb 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Heb 3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
Heb 3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
Heb 3:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Salt

Luke 14:34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?
Luke 14:35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Salt in the natural is a preservative or it is used to flavor food. Losing it's savor refers to it not being useful for food. It has no value, but is to be thrown out. What of salt in the spiritual? When Jesus was asked if he had anything to eat, he replied : "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." (John 4:34)

Spiritual meat is to do the will of God. So what is spiritual salt? The Holy Spirit is a restrainer of wickedness; perhaps spiritual salt is holiness. Not much is said in today's churches about holiness. But to lose your witness and testimony is to be useless to the kingdom of God and useless in the eyes of the world. Are we living a holy life before God and the world?

Lev 18:26 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:
Lev 18:27 (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;)
Lev 18:28 That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.

The church likes to talk about prosperity, but it should be of the Spirit.

Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

We must be commited to walk in the Spirit of the Lord. Our flesh will fail, but if we are in Christ he gives us grace to continue. We are adopted children of God for His good pleasure.

Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Abraham's Second Family

A lot is said about Abraham and Sarah. After Sarah died Abraham had a second marrage to Keturah.

Gen 25:1 Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.
Gen 25:2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.

Sarah had died at the age of one hundred twenty seven years, so Abraham was then one hundred thirty six and still going. He took a wife, Keturah meaning "incense" and she bore him six sons.He lived to be one hundred seventy five years of age,

Gen 25:7 And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived , an hundred threescore and fifteen years.

Let's look at the children of Abraham and Keturah.

Zimran means "musician"
Jokshan means "snarer"
Medan means "contention"
Midian means "strife"
Ishbak means "empty or exhausted"
Shuah means "wealth"

The Midianites would become enemies of Israel. They raided their land stealing the crops and the livestock.

Judg 6:1 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
Judg 6:2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
Judg 6:3 And so it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;
Judg 6:4 And they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, till thou come unto Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass.
Judg 6:5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.
Judg 6:6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.

The children of the flesh oppose the children of God's covenant promise.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Jesus Is The Only Way


Luke 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Luke 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
Luke 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Luke 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.


Jesus is the only way to heaven. He is the door, the entry, the only begotten Son from heaven and there is no other way. His innocent blood was shed to redeem us from our sins. It is surprising that so many well known and popular leaders of the faith have compromised when asked if there were other ways to heaven.

John 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.


Jesus said that many shall not be able to enter. Those who teach there is another way and those who teach that all will be saved are not teaching what Jesus taught.

2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Always Before Me

Ps 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved .
Ps 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad , and my glory rejoiceth : my flesh also shall rest in hope.
Ps 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Ps 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

I want to stay in God's word, which makes Him close to me. I want to follow Jesus my Good Shepherd in the walk of faith. No matter where I go, he is with me. The Holy Spirit is at my right hand. He is my comforter. The Greek word "Paraclete" (paráklētos,) "one who consoles, one who intercedes on our behalf, a comforter or an advocate". This sounds like Jesus doesn't it? Our advocate and our consolation. God is one who has chosen to have fellowship with us through the three persons of God.

These prophetic scriptures were repeated by Peter in the book of Acts. Jesus is the fulfillment.

Act 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Act 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Act 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Act 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
Act 2:26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
Act 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Act 2:28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Act 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
Act 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
Act 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
Act 2:32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Act 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

The scriptures are explained by the scriptures. Thank you Lord for your redemption plan. Now I am always near you. Jesus paid the price and his spirit dwells with me.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Divided for Unity

51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided , three against two, and two against three.
53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

The dividing will be of those who believe in Christ Jesus from those who do not. We are called to be separated out of the world unto God and to follow Jesus our good shepherd. Hopefully our families will be saved too. My parents came to the Lord after I was saved. Sometimes though, families are divided by unbelief. We are not called to strife and divisions, but to be one in unity with Christ.

John17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

We may be hated by others for our belief and witness for Jesus, but those of faith should show love for one another. We are to love our family in the Lord and we are to love all people, for God is love. We do not love their sin, for we are of the light. We can love those who oppose our Lord, but we cannot have fellowship with them.

2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

If we live a holy life, many old friends will part from us. Some will actively oppose Jesus, trying to destroy our faith. We are to avoid these, because it brings strife. Give them love and tell them about your reason for receiving Jesus as Lord and savior. If they wish to attack this, then just avoid them. Paul and Jesus moved on, so should we.

Mar 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
Mar 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
Mar 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Rich Man, Poor Man

16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying , The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully :
17 And he thought within himself, saying , What shall I do , because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said , This will I do : I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease , eat , drink , and be merry .
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be , which thou hast provided ?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

I have heard people say, "If only I were rich, then I would give to others." Well, are you rich towards God? If you do not share what you have now, you will not share if you are rich. We have heard of people who have won the lottery or suddenly inherited great wealth who squandered it all on themselves and they have ended up in debt.

Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

What do we have to be poor to go to heaven? no, but we are to have a heart towards doing the will of God. To be poor in spirit is to hunger and thirst for more of God; to hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Wealth apart from God, is poverty. Use what God has given you as he directs you by the Holy Spirit. Be rich towards God; rich in his word, in obedience, in His spiritual family and in a right relationship to God through Jesus Christ. Be a blessing, for all we have belongs to God and we are to be good stewards, good servants until we are with him.

Mar 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

We are not to put anything ahead of God. We are to trust in him, for all we have can be taken away, even our life.

Luk 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

Thursday, January 13, 2011

The Key of Knowledge

Luk 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

I see the key of knowledge as studying and meditating on the word of God and believing it as the very truth of God. The Scribes and Pharisees were looked to as the spiritual leaders and yet they missed God. They rejected their messiah Jesus. Their fathers killed the prophets sent to them and now they would kill their messiah. They thought they knew the word of God, but they substituted their thoughts and traditions for the truth.

Mat 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Jesus had spoken earlier ...blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. The Jewish lawyers had no faith. They did not know God, because they rejected Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life of God. Unbelief cannot gain knowledge and understanding. We must study the Bible believing that it is God's inspired word. It is a spiritual book and it requires the Holy Spirit in a believer to unlock the hidden treasures.

Study the Bible yourself and test the experts in the world by the holy scriptures to see if they speak the truth. Stay away from law people who do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God and the way to God the father. If they do not see Jesus as Lord and savior, they are blind guides.

2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Mother Mary

Luke 11:27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Jesus knew the future and how the focus of one church would be on exalting Mary. Jesus never exalted Mary even so much as to call her mother. At one time he referred to her as "woman."

John 2:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
John 2:4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
John 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

He honored her, even doing what she wished, turning water into wine. Mary deserves honor as the chosen birth mother of Jesus. Mary was recognized as being highly favored and blessed of the LORD by the angel. She received the honor with humility and grace.

Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Luke 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Luke 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Luke 1:49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

Mary was the birth mother of the human part of Jesus, but not the mother of God. God has no mother and Jesus is eternal God, the Son.

Jesus shifted the focus of Mary worship, to those who hear the word of God and keep it. Do not worship Mary, she did not die for your sins. Do not blindly follow church traditions and doctrines of men. Hear the word of God in the Holy Bible and keep it.

Mat 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

I counted 14 times that Jesus and God the father repeated this in the Gospels, it is very important.

Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Sarah Laughed

Gen 18:9 And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
Gen 18:10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.
Gen 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
Gen 18:12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
Gen 18:13 And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
Gen 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Gen 18:15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.

Sarah laughed at the idea that she would give birth to a baby. This was a natural response for a woman of ninety, well past child bearing years. We probably would have laughed at the idea too. But these were angel messengers speaking from God. She knew the limitations of the natural world, but the messenger reminded her "Is anything too hard for God". A person of God wants to believe God and obey him, but too often we think with our natural minds, wanting to reason, to question what we hear.

Sarah knew the promise of God that through Abraham would come a son and he would have a multitude of descendents. She knew and in her impatience gave her handmaid, Hagar to Abraham to make a child. The son born was Ishmael. But he was born of the will of the flesh using the natural mind. There was yet a son to be born from Sarah, the miracle child from God, by faith, Isaac, meaning laughter.

Let us not put our natural minds in the way of God's miracles. Do you think you are too old to serve God? Obey by faith and see the grace of God in your life. A final thought; do not serve God in the flesh, substituting stories and jokes for the word of God. We are called to preach the word of God, not to be entertainers. We may be able to make an audience laugh in church, spending most the time making up stories from our natural mind, but is God laughing?

Gal 4:22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
Gal 4:23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Rejoice!

Luke 10:16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Luk 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

The disciples were sent out in twos to witness the gospel to the lost. They were representing Jesus who was sent by God the Father. Those who received or rejected their message received or rejected them and also Jesus and God the Father. Do you see the authority in our witness of the gospel message? Even the devils are subject to the witness in the name of Jesus. His name and his authority is greater than the powers of darkness. As we see an increase of darkness in our land we see those who try to remove the name of Jesus, even the name "Christmas". There is no greater name nor power than Jesus. Jesus was there when satan was cast from his place in heaven. He booted satan from heaven and certainly he has authority over him on earth. We have His authority through receiving Jesus as our master. The authority is in the name of Jesus. Some seek to be followers of Christ to have this power. Simon the sorcerer wanted to purchase this power and he was rebuked by Peter.

Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Acts 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

This Spirit and power comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the power to overcome the devil and his workers. The power to witness is through the Holy Spirit. This power is from God for his purpose and not for personal glory, Jesus said that we are not to be rejoicing in the power over devils, but more so that our names are written in heaven. Some pretend to have the power who are not even saved. The world seeks power and may use any means to get it, even through deception.

Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Is your salvation sure? Do you know that your name is written in heaven? Are you serving God by the power of the Holy Spirit? If not then you come humbly and receive Jesus as your Lord and savior. Get close to him, hear him and obey him. He will lead you and the Holy Spirit will guide you in your daily activity.

Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them...

Sunday, January 9, 2011

No longer a worm

David spoke of being a worm, despised by men. Read all of Ps 22 which was an old testament picture of Jesus on the cross.

Psa 22:6 But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
Psa 22:7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
Psa 22:8 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

The man Jesus had no sin, yet he took our sins upon himself on the cross. If he were a worm, or just a normal man, he would have been a sinner. Jesus is the sinless Son of God with the power of God over life and death. The reason he humbled himself to come as a man, was to pay the price of our redemption. Legally a man must pay for the sins of a man. God in Jesus was the legal way to pay for our sins, we are justified through faith in Jesus. He is our redemption, our atonement, our sacrifice, our great high priest, our eternal God who came from heaven. He died in our place, was raised from the grave to live again with the father in heaven. One God in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. All three are existing as one Spirit God. One spirit in three persons. Some call this the Trinity or the Triune God. In Hebrew: Elohiym, is the plural name for God.

Man was created in the image of God. Adam's fall made man as a worm. Jesus restored us to be the adopted son's of God. Believe in Jesus, he is our savior.

Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Take Up Your Cross Daily

Luk 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
Luk 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luk 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Luk 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

Jesus told his disciples what was coming for him; suffering, rejection, death and then resurrection on the third day. The humanity of Jesus did not want to go through all the torture, but the spiritual Jesus said;

Mat 26:39 ... O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

He obeyed the father instead of his fleshly desires. He did not say that he would die on a cross, but he knew that this was coming. He uses the cross as an illustration to his disciples. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." If you are going to follow me and be my disciple, you will have to die to the will of your flesh, hear me and follow me. This does not mean our human needs will not be met.

Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

We are to put the spiritual things first. What are Spiritual things? Reading the Bible, praying, hearing from God and obeying him, these things have eternal rewards. The human body will die with it's lusts, but the soul lives. A born again believer has the Holy Spirit to discern God's will and the spirit must lead us, not the flesh.

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

We may have all that the world loves and lose our own soul. Do not neglect Jesus. Follow him in the Spirit man and he will give you eternal life.

1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Take up your cross daily, deny yourself and follow Jesus; this is the will of God for you.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Follow Peace

Gen 13:7 And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.
Gen 13:8 So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.
Gen 13:9 Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left."

There was strife, not between Abram and Lot, but between those who cared for their cattle, sheep and goat herds. There were too many animals in one place. Strife, arguing, anger and loud voices were heard among the herds. Was this just a silly dispute? Perhaps and one that could be worked out peacefully.

Abram and Lot were men of God. Abram was called by God, led by faith to a new land. God's people are called out of their worldly life and called to a better place. A place where God dwells with men.

Heb 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Abram and Lot were ambassadors of God to those who were watching them. Abram was a peacemaker, he gave Lot his choice of land for his flocks. Abram would not dwell together with strife. The people around them were watching and listening. The Canaanites and the Perizzites dwelt in the land. When we come together with God's people we are not to quarrel or make strife, because others are watching. Maybe someone seeking God will be in a chat room and be confused and disheartened by the quarreling and strife. They should find peace and be shown the way to God through Jesus Christ. Sometimes it is the false Christians, the wolves who are causing the strife. Separate from them unto your own place. Do we bring with us strife or peace and life?

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Let Your Light Shine

Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Mat 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

What is this light? It is the truth of God; Jesus is the light of the world. Often Jesus spoke in parables or stories that could be understood as just a story, but for those who saw in the Spirit, there was a spiritual meaning. The new life in Jesus is a new Spiritual life. He gave to us the Holy Spirit of truth, our Comforter and teacher so that we may be able to witness his light of truth in the world.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

A new disciple of Jesus may not yet know the deep things of God to share in the world's darkness. Your light may not be as bright as someone with more experience. Do not hide your light under a basket; the light you have is enough to lead another to Jesus. Just tell them how you came to Jesus; perhaps through an affliction or some other experience. Let them know that God sent his son in a human, to pay for sins by dying in our place. Let others know that Jesus has arisen from the grave and was seen by many people to prove that he is the way to everlasting life. This is your personal testimony or witness.

Luke gives a warning to us.

Luke 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Be careful what you hear and believe. Is it the truth of God? Or are they the words of a false teacher? We are to hear the word of God, through reading the Bible and through teachers who teach correctly. If we receive error from false teaching, or follow a cult, our light will dim, so be careful what you hear. In the Internet chats there are many false ones, wolves who pretend to be Christians. We grow in faith as we exercise our faith in obedience to the truth of God. What small understanding we may begin with will grow as we serve God. If we receive and believe a lie, then we will not increase in the kingdom God.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Greatest is Least

Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
Luke 7:27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

The people came to see a prophet, a man who speaks from God. Some come out to look at things of nature, making nature a god, while others seek the lifestyle of the rich, loving the world more than God. But those of faith want to hear from God. There still are people seeking to hear from God. They go to church to hear from God, but sometimes see another wind blowing, another spirit, the spirit of a man and not of God. They see riches in the house of God, but no hearing from God.

Jesus said that John the Baptist was the greatest of the prophets, speaking and doing what God commanded him . Yet, John in prison had lost faith. He was not sure if Jesus was the one sent. Even the greatest of men can lose faith. I think of the prophet Balaam, who spoke the word of God, but was unfaithful and loved money and yet he prophesied from God.

Jesus said something hard to understand.

Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest prophet, but did he make it into the kingdom of God? We must have faith to enter the kingdom of God. We must have faith in Jesus, the Messiah. John spoke this when he introduced Jesus to the world.

John 1:29 ... Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

He spoke what God gave him to say, but did he lose faith in Jesus? Jesus sent words of encouragement to John. Sometimes we just need a little help to remember who we are in Jesus.

Luk 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
Luk 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.


1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Clean Food

Politicians are starting to tell us what food we should eat for our health. In the time of Noah there were few restrictions.

Gen 8:20 And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Noah knew that certain animals were clean and acceptable to be used for a sacrifice, but there were no restrictions for food.

Gen 9:3 Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.

This is a change, for in the beginning the food was to be vegetables and fruit for man and beast. The fall of Adam brought the killing of animal and the eating of meat. There were no restrictions as to the diet until the law of Moses. Mankind could kill and eat anything they wanted. After Jesus came and the new covenant the dietary restrictions were once again removed.

Peter had a vision that removed the dietary restrictions.

Acts 10:13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
Acts 10:14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
Acts 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

Gen 9:4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

The blood is the life of the animal, it was not to be eaten. This prohibition continued in the New Testament.

Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.

The shed blood was a picture of Jesus, who would have his blood shed for our sins.

Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Let your conscience be your guide in choosing what to eat.

Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Rom 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Our source of Strength

Psalm 3:2 Many are they who say of me, "There is no help for him in God." Selah
Psalm 3:3 But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

Are others telling you there is no God? Are unbelievers mocking you as you witness to them? Do relatives only see you as who you once were and not as a child of God redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb? Do old friends come to pull you back into a sinful life? Are you tired and losing hope? Do not listen to these negative voices for they are not of God. Remember the LORD and follow His Spirit that dwells in you.

David was running from his son Absalom, who was stealing his kingdom from him. David still loved his son and gave orders that his son should not be hurt. When Absalom was killed and David's kingdom was restored to him; he wept:
"
O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!"
(
2
Sam 19:4)

The LORD is our source of love, comfort and strength. Jesus cried over Jerusalem much as David cried over Absalom because of love.

Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Still, Jesus paid the price to redeem us, with his own blood.

Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Finding Dirt

Luk 6:5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Luk 6:6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
Luk 6:7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
Luk 6:8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
Luk 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
Luk 6:10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Luk 6:11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.


Jesus had no sin and never broke the law of God. Religious people add to the law many restrictions, to bind and to trip others. The very law that they judge others by, they do not keep. Fallen mankind loves to accuse and they do not discern good and evil, because their hearts are evil.

Years ago I had installed a new carpet in my business. A pedlar came with a special carpet cleaner. I told him that my carpet was new and that it is clean. He insisted in demonstrating that his carpet cleaner could remove dirt from my carpet. He applied the liquid to a white cloth and rubbed the carpet and to his surprise, there was no dirt.

Jesus had no dirt, no sin, but the law people were determined to accuse him. These accusers are still busy accusing in our time. They try to dig up dirt on the people of God to discredit them and to destroy a lifetime of good service. You who point fingers with the law, examine your own heart. Is your life clean and do you have a testimony of years of faithfully serving the Lord? Or are you just seeking to dig up dirt? What is your purpose? Are you obeying and serving God? Be careful...

Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

The Light Is Good

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Gen 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Gen 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
Gen 1:4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. Gen 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

In the beginning God. He was in the beginning creating the heaven and the earth. He made all things through Jesus who spoke: "let there be" Let there be light, and it was good. God created good things because God is good. He separated the light from the dark and the first day was created. Sunday is the first day, the beginning of God's creation of life on earth. Sunday is resurrection day too. The day of a new beginning. The Son of God who took on the form of the son of man, died and was raised from the dead on Sunday. His light shines in the hearts of those who are new creations in Christ Jesus.

Much of the world is still in darkness. They refuse to believe that God is and that he is the creator. The darkness of the world teaches evolution, a chance godless creation. They do not see the creator of light, because their sins love the darkness. They have substituted their thoughts for the truth of God. God from the beginning separated the good light from the darkness. The children of light will inherit eternal life. Where will the children of darkness be? Heaven or hell, light or darkness? Trust in Jesus, the light and truth of God. Jesus my Lord has redeemed me from sin and darkness and translated me into the kingdom of light. I do not accept the world's dark thoughts.

Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.