Monday, December 9, 2019

The Power of God's Word

When I rededicated my life to Jesus, I went to a Baptist Church in Cottonwood. The preacher said that God is good and the devil is bad. There is good and there is evil. The Bible is all true, it is the word of God. He preached the word from the Bible with the congregation following him in their Bibles. We interpret the Bible by the Bible. It is the living word of God. It has power to save you from hell.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Jesus shed his blood on a cross to pay the price for our sins. He is the Son of God born of a virgin. A miracle birth of the Messiah that was promised to Israel. By believing in Jesus are sins are forgiven. We must be sorry for our sins, give them to Jesus and repent, leave them and seek to obey God as his disciples.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

I had been saved after God came to me in a dream in the hospital. I had an encounter that changed my life. I had a deadly cancer and after many surgeries and treatments, God healed me at the age of twenty.  Things happened in my life that broke my heart and I was away from the church for 7 years. The Holy Spirit was still with me as I was changed, and able to do more things as a new creation. I lacked the study of God's word. What I was hearing from the new church was that I could trust in God's word. Jesus saves us from our sins. This is the good news, the gospel message; that Jesus died for our sins and is risen and ascended to God the Father.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

The fruit of the word is salvation and healing of souls and the body if in his will. We all will die, but we should be in God's purpose and plan while we live in this world. 

Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Rom 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Grab a hold of the promises of God and meet the requirements to receive them. We receive them by faith. People may disappoint you, but God is faithful, in His time.

Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Ecc 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Our strength is in God. The Bible says that all who are godly shall suffer persecution. Some fall away when persecution or the cares of this life overwhelm them.

Mat 13:20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy,
Mat 13:21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

We need to be rooted in the word so that we can withstand persecution.  On my internet ministry, there were many saved from being sex slaves; when they received Jesus and believed the word of God. One verse helped many to escape bondage.

1Co 10:13 No temptation (or trial) has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

He will provide you a way to escape your trial or temptation. Many are free today because God freed them from sin and the devil.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Because He Lives


1Pe 1:18  knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 
1Pe 1:19  but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, even the blood of Christ: 
1Pe 1:20  who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of the times for your sake, 

You can buy almost any material thing with silver and gold, but the soul and spirit money cannot buy. Someone may pretend to love for money, but real love comes from a pure heart, coming from God above. God loves us so much that he sent Jesus. This was the plan from the beginning of time.  The Christmas story celebrates his coming in the most humble way; born in a stable of poor parents. He was fully human, born of  the virgin Mary and he is the only begotten Son of God, who had no sin. At the fullness of time he came to redeem us by his own blood as an eternal atonement for our sins. This Christmas time is a time of joy, because Jesus, the Lamb of God, takes our sins away when we believe in him. We shall live forever in God's family by believing that Jesus has done this for us. We willingly serve our Lord, our Great High priest and the King of Kings; because he lives we shall live with him forever, amen.







Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Saving the Chief

1Ti 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 
1Ti 1:16  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 

Paul, in the past had been rounding up Christians, even killing them, thinking that this was his service to God.  When Jesus shined in his heart he was changed. The chief of sinners was sent as an apostle to the nations. His mission was to preach Jesus and the cross; the way of salvation from our sins. His passion was to save lives , for Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)  

Paul's life was an example of the mercy and grace of God who is long suffering towards us. Jesus came into the world to save  sinners, and all of us were sinners, and to give to us eternal life. 

It is our responsibility to intercede in prayer for the lost. We are to pray for our chiefs, our leaders in Washington and those of authority over us. The power of God is able to save even the chief of sinners. 

Eph 2:13  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 

Monday, November 25, 2019

Believing a Lie

Gen 3:3  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 
Gen 3:4  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Believing the lying serpent, satan, caused Adam and Eve to sin, to die spiritually and eventually the death of the body. That one sin gave them the knowledge of sin as well as truth from God, the knowledge of good and evil. They were created in the image of God. Their sin caused all people to have a sin nature. They became people of earth, earthy and they lost their fellowship with God. Mankind became double minded. If they chose to believe and serve the devil, then the things of God would be removed from them.

Our nation was founded by people who wanted the truth of God to govern them. They wrote the constitution for a God fearing people.  Every generation must come to God for truth and desire the truth of God. Our schools have  removed the truth of God and replaced it with godless humanism, atheistic evolution and made up morality, not based on God's truth in the Bible. Our nation is divided because half the nation believes the lies given to them by the news media and the godless institutions. Many hate those of the traditions based on the truth of God. The last Adam from God, came to the earth from heaven. He had no sin and he through his death atonement for our sins made it possable for mankind to be reconciled to God, his Father.

1Co 15:45  And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
1Co 15:46  Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
1Co 15:47  The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1Co 15:48  As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
1Co 15:49  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  

Jesus brought new spiritual life to those who believe in him.

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

Monday, September 16, 2019

MORE LOVE TO THEE


Rev 2:1  Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 
Rev 2:2  I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 
Rev 2:3  And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 
Rev 2:4  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 
Rev 2:5  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 
Rev 2:6  But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 
Rev 2:7  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. 

I am not sure I understand the full meaning of these verses, but one section seems to be the most important.

Rev 2:4  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 
Rev 2:5  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; ...

More love for the Lord; our first love. We loved God more than anyone for he gave us of his love to share with others. Anything that we love more than God may be taken from us. Walk in truth and above all in the love of God through Christ Jesus who gave his life so that we may live more abundantly and forever in his joy and peace.

1Co 13:12  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 
1Co 13:13  So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 

MORE LOVE TO THEE



Thursday, August 29, 2019

Valiant Ones Tears


Last night we came half way through the book of Isaiah in our Bible chat room and I see it as a word for our times.

Isa 33:7  Behold, their valiant ones shall cry without: the ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly. 
Isa 33:8  The highways lie waste, the wayfaring man ceaseth: he hath broken the covenant, he hath despised the cities, he regardeth no man. 

"If this is the end times, the time of the man of peace who sets himself up in Jerusalem, who all the world looks to for peace, the Antichrist shall make war on the people of God. those who preach the good news of the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ, shall be silenced and martyrd. These are the valiant ones; those who deliver the gospel of peace.

What causes the valiant of God to weep?  Being prevented from preaching the gospel publicly could be a reason for sorrows. I see the time approaching when we will not be able to speak openly the gospel of Jesus Christ. By exposing sin we will be called haters.  Peter and John were told not to speak of Jesus and they responded :  

Act 4:19 ... Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Act 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

The valiant men may be weeping for the lost souls who could not hear the gospel.  In many churches today the focus is on personal prosperity. Preachers that tickle ears have quit speaking of heaven and hell. They do not preach that Jesus has come to die for our sins and that he is risen again to eternal life. How many in these mega churches will end up in hell, because no one warned them?

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

We must fulfill the calling of Jesus by seeking to save the lost through faith in Jesus Christ. Have we tears for lost souls headed for hell?  Let's get our minds free of impure thoughts, of negative words and then may we hear what God is saying to us. By his power and in the Holy Spirit we are to be the light  of truth and to keep going until he returns.







Thursday, July 18, 2019

Trial by Water


I went to church last night instead of to band practice.  At church there was a teaching from James, with a summary of the highlights with more attention focused on James 1:1-4.

Jas 1:1  James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. 
Jas 1:2  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 
Jas 1:3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 
Jas 1:4  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 
Jas 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 

I understood from the teaching that we all have fallen into divers temptations. Temptations often can be avoided or we can flee from them. I also see the word temptations as trials , diversions, something bad falling to you. An illness could be an example or as last night when my bathroom was overflowing water. My daughter was doing laundry and when we looked in the bathroom water was all over the floor. Our attention shifted to a need of wisdom. Past knowledge was applied to the problem and after some effort the blockage was opened up. Often in life we face problems.  We learn to go through them finding solutions and by asking God for wisdom, we apply faith and hope until they are over.  Count it all joy, because when it is over it is joy from the Lord, a fruit of the spirit.


Tuesday, July 16, 2019

The Greatest Servant




The biopsy went well yesterday. I awoke with great joy realizing that it was over and I had no pain.  I spoke to the male nurse, thanking him for his service. Service is one of the great spiritual gifts. Jesus commamded his disiples to be servants, as was his example.

Mar 10:42  But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 
Mar 10:43  But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 
Mar 10:44  And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 
Mar 10:45  For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. 

It is a great honor to be a servant of  Jesus Christ, for we are more than servants.

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.

A friend of Christ comes from serving Jesus, but there is more.

Gal 3:13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 
Gal 3:14  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 
Gal 4:1  Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 
Gal 4:2  But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 
Gal 4:3  Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 
Gal 4:4  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 
Gal 4:5  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 
Gal 4:6  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 
Gal 4:7  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 

Disciples are servants; servant disciples are friends of Jesus, more than this we are adopted sons of God and joint heirs with Jesus. A lot comes from being a servant of Christ. Thank you my Lord and savior and my dearest friend. May I serve you with Joy forever.


Saturday, July 6, 2019

He Took Our Sins Away


1Ti 1:8  Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 
1Ti 1:9  understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 
1Ti 1:10  the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 

The only way to escape the condemation of the law is to be forgiven through Jesus who took our sins away.

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 
John 3:17  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 
John 3:18  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 
John 3:19  And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 
John 3:20  For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 
John 3:21  But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” 

No one can by their own efforts keep the law, but those who wish to be cleansed of sin and to receive eternal life with God's people; they come to Jesus. In Jesus we are become the people of truth and light.

Lord move on hearts to receive Jesus as both Master and Savior. I am so glad that Jesus saved me.





Thursday, July 4, 2019

Foirth of July


This fourth of July morning our MPJ prayer breakfast met as usual at eight thirty in the morning. When I arrived The twelve people greeted me with "Happy Birthday."  My birthday was earlier in the week, but this was to be a special 80th birthday celebration for me.

I was asked to choose our songs to sing from our song list. We sang God Bless America because it was made famous in 1939 sung by Kate Smith.  As usual one of the special ladies was moved to tears. We know when the Spirit is moving by seeing her deep feelings and tears expressed in her face.  I chose another hymn, Great is thy Faithfulness, because it is by the grace of God that I have lived to this young age.  Lastly, we sang America the Beautiful. We all spontaneously stood for this beautiful song sung from our hearts.  God will bless America that blesses Him.

Pastor Paul spoke of service and how we must be broken of self will and be servants of the Lord.  He said some nice things about me...I thanked him and in my usual attempt at humor said, "now I want be rewarded in heaven, I got all my rewards today."  Haha...Truly to be in the presence of our Lord is the greatest reward ever.

I had asked a friend to bring a recording of I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy, with James Cagney.  He played this at the end of the meeting.  We were fired up with patriotism and thankfulness; especially me.  A friend commented to me in the parking lot that you should be experiencing a glow. Yes, it was a beautiful gathering, all in unity. We all should glow for the freedoms we have in our nation and give God thanks for keeping us all these years. May you be blessed as well.



Wednesday, July 3, 2019

What We Practice

1Ki 11:9  And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice 
1Ki 11:10  and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the LORD commanded. 
1Ki 11:11  Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, “Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. 
1Ki 11:12  Yet for the sake of David your father I will not do it in your days, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 

To practice something is to learn to do something better. It is something we do consistantly. A Physician practices medicine. When I practice music, it  is to become familiar with it, so that it comes from my heart.

Solomon had turned his heart away from serving the one true God. His wives had other gods and he became obsessed with them. It would be better to have one wife who served the one true God, being united in faith.  Solomon asked for wisdom and then he left wisdom to be tempted by women and their false gods. Perhaps he was only trying to please his many wives? Maybe Adam was only trying to please his wife, Eve when he followed her in partaking of the forbidden fruit?

We claim to be Christians and that is good. What do we practice? What takes most of our attention and time?

1Co 9:22  To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 
1Co 9:23  I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 
1Co 9:24  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 
1Co 9:25  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 
1Co 9:26  So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 
1Co 9:27  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 

I do not want to be disqualified as a servant of Christ.  We must practice His presence in our life and be obedient adopted sons of God. If you are a woman you can be a daughter of God.  We all will be the bride of Christ. Let's not get caught up in gender identity. Being identified as a Christian is good, so we are to practice reading his word and prayer. Our actions are to please our LORD.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Great Is Thy Faithfulness.


Lam 3:22  It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lam 3:23  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lam 3:24  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Lam 3:25  The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
Lam 3:26  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Each morning when we awaken, the LORD is there having kept us in the night. We face a new day in God's love and compassion. Great is his faithfulness. Any day that we have in our LORD is a good day.  Each day has it's problems and if we keep our quiet confidence in the LORD, we have peace.  I remember my folks who retired to a country farm. They were enjoying all the working making a garden and raising a small herd of cattle. In the evening they would relax i n the comfort of their home. They would enjoy coffee together.  In time they were no longer here in the new mornings, but their souls are eternally with God because Jesus made the way for them to abide in His presence. In Christ Jesus we can quietly wait for our salvation, for our home is with him forever. It has been said that this is not our home, we are just passing through this place unto our eternal home.  Great is his faithfulness to us. Our faith rests in him.




Saturday, June 22, 2019

Eternal Life


1Th 5:9  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 
1Th 5:10  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 
1Th 5:11  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 

Jesus spoke of the death of a Christian as sleep, not death. A sleeping person will awaken. We will awaken in the presence of our Lord. Jesus came to save us who were lost. When we were found by Jesus, we were no longer under the wrath of God on our sins.  Jesus took our sins away and has given us salvation,  We are saved from hell and given a place in the eternal family of God. Thank you Lord Jesus for eternal life with you.


Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Let it Happen

Col 3:15  And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 
Col 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 
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. 

These are beautiful scriptures.

In the dictionary the word "let" is  defined  to not prevent or forbid; to allow.

synonyms: allow, permit, give permission to, give leave to, authorize, sanction, grant, grant the right to, warrant, license, empower, enable, entitle;

In the church "empower" is the popular word of choice. To empower speaks of authority and strength from a supernatural source. In my opinion the flesh likes the sound of being empowered, but it must be from Christ to allow his purpose to flow in your life. Supernatural, is another popular word. People will come from all over the world to a place where the supernatural is proclaimed. Would they come to a local church?

LET the peace of God rule in your heart. Do not prevent this from happenimg. You were called in one body of Christ, be thankful. 

LET the word of Christ dwell in you richly with the Holy Ghost power, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, the wisdom coming from God in His word. We also are to LET our hearts sing praises in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. I would add, let the music glorify the Lord and from a thankful heart.

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. Do everything in the power and authority of Jesus Christ  who has saved us out of the world and has LET us be partakers of his spiritual blessings.


Sunday, June 16, 2019

Compassionate Hearts


Col3:12  Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 
Col 3:13  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. 
Col 3:14  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

In other words, put on Christ Jesus. The challenge is to be all these fine attributes in the face of opposition.  The  people around us may be unholy, unlovable, uncaring, angry, aggressive and impatient, seeking advantage over you.  Although we may be perceived as undesirable in a twisted world where good is thought to be evil and evil good. We are to remain steady on the Rock, that is Jesus. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. Stand fast, commune with God, be kind and follow Jesus. 



Saturday, June 8, 2019

Hidden with Christ


Col 3:1  If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 
Col 3:2  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 
Col 3:3  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 
Col 3:4  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

When we are strong and healthy we often do not see these verses. But when we are uncertain about our longevity, these verses are wonderful promises to us. How can we fear death when we already have died in Christ? Our life is hidden in Christ. Hidden? Are we hiding or are we kept safe in him?  I see him knowing us and already making a place for us in the secret place of the Father's presence. Our Spirit is with His Spirit in heavenly places. So flesh be still for I already dwell with my Lord and when he appears at his coming I will appear with him in glory!

1Co 15:51  Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 
1Co 15:52  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. 
1Co 15:53  For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 
1Co 15:54  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.” 
1Co 15:55  “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 

Be still frail flesh and know that your soul and spirit are kept in Jesus, kept secure in His love.





Thursday, June 6, 2019

I Can Do All Things

Php 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I cannot do all things by my own will and power. However, through Christ, in his will and by his power, I can do all things that he requires of me. Not my will but your will LORD. Before we use this verse to become super Christians, let us look at the context. Paul was in prison, under bonds, so what were the things he was referring to?

Php 4:10  I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 
Php 4:11  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 
Php 4:12  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 
Php 4:13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (ESV)

He was able to live in contentment in the condition that he was in by the strength of God within him.  In body he was bound, but in his Spirit he was free. No complaints, but he used his time to encourage others and to share the gospel with the guards. His witness brought salvation even to members of Ceasar's household. 

Php 4:22  All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

“By this he designates the functionaries and servants and slaves of the Emperor’s household, with whom Paul, as a prisoner for several years, undoubtedly came in contact on several occasions.” (Muller) 

We too can use the time we have to share the gospel by the power of Christ. Thank you Lord for being my strength.


Monday, June 3, 2019

Count it all joy


Jas 1:2  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 
Jas 1:3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 
Jas 1:4  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 

Temptations here are better translated as trials; persecutions, afflictions. My first reaction to this is that joy comes out of afflictions, especially when they are over. Another positive result is if you are spirit filled that the Lord gives you peace in the midst of the trials. The flesh responds with fear or panic. The spirit gives us peace and the love of God. The love of family and friends also give us strength to endure.

We can count it all joy in the midst of trials, because they are used to produce patience.
 Patience is the ancient Greek word hupomone. This word does not describe a passive waiting, but an active endurance. It isn’t so much the quality that helps you sit quietly in the doctor’s waiting room as it is the quality that helps you finish a marathon.
The ancient Greek word hupomone comes from hupo (under) and meno (to stay, abide, remain). At its root, it means to remain under. It has the picture of someone under a heavy load and resolutely staying there instead of trying to escape. The philosopher Philo called hupomone “the queen of virtues.” (Cited in Hiebert) The Greek commentator Oesterley said this word patience described “the frame of mind which endures.” (Guzik)

We are not alone in our afflictions.

Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 

Heb 13:6  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 



Thursday, May 16, 2019

The Unworthy Made Worthy


1Co 15:3  I gave you the message that I received. I told you the most important truths: that Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say; 
1Co 15:4  that he was buried and was raised to life on the third day, as the Scriptures say; 
1Co 15:5  and that he appeared to Peter and then to the twelve apostles. 
1Co 15:6  After that Christ appeared to more than 500 other believers at the same time. Most of them are still living today, but some have died. 
1Co 15:7  Then he appeared to James and later to all the apostles. 
1Co 15:8  Last of all, he appeared to me. I was different, like a baby born before the normal time. 
1Co 15:9  All the other apostles are greater than I am. I say this because I persecuted the church of God. That is why I am not even good enough to be called an apostle. 
1Co 15:10  But, because of God's grace, that is what I am. And his grace that he gave me was not wasted. I worked harder than all the other apostles. (But I was not really the one working. It was God's grace that was with me.) 
1Co 15:11  So then it is not important if I told you God's message or if it was the other apostles who told you—we all tell people the same message, and this is what you believed. (Easy Read Version)

It is not the messenger , but the message from God that matters. The gospel, the good news for all who will believe is that Jesus Christ died on the cross as payment for our sins and has risen from the grave on the third day, all according to the scriptures. Over five hundred people saw the resurrected Christ and his disciples witnessed of his grace, giving his followers everlasting life with him.  

Most people knew that they were unworthy of God's great gift through faith in Jesus. God made the unworthy people worthy to speak to others the good news. They were given grace; the power to witness for him. Even the least worthy was made worthy by obeying God as his servant having been called of God, being forgiven and empowered to do his work. Paul "worked harder than all the other disciples", and many consider him the greatest apostle because his epistles  helped the church to grow in understanding.

Are we feeling unworthy?  Submit to God and allow his Spirit to flow out to others the truth of God's word.

Mar 10:29  And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 
Mar 10:30  But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 
Mar 10:31  But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. 


Saturday, May 11, 2019

Grace from the Cross


Luk 23:39  And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 
Luk 23:40  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 
Luk 23:41  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 
Luk 23:42  And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 
Luk 23:43  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. 

Some say that Jesus never spoke of grace and faith and that was just from the mind of the Apostle Paul. Some wish to take out parts of the Bible, only accepting the words of Jesus.  Actions speak louder than words.  From the cross Jesus gave grace and salvation because of the faith of one of the thieves. That faith was centered on Jesus Christ. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought the grace of God to the son's of Adam through faith in Jesus.

Paul speaking by revelation in the Spirit of God wrote:

Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 
Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 
Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 
Eph 2:7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 
Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 
Eph 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast. 
Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

In an atmosphere of unbelief, Jesus spoke the word's of his Father, God Almighty, and showed by his obedience the love, grace and truth of God. Jesus chose Paul to explain to us what Jesus had accomplished for us through the New Covenant. I believe the whole Bible and thank God for his grace and truth. I have great peace because of this. Do you have peace?