skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Col 4:2 Never stop praying. Be ready for anything by praying and being thankful.
Keep praying, keep in contact with the LORD. Be ready for anything and be thankful for everything. We are alive for His purpose and what comes our way is an opportunity, a divine appointment. I had a phone call from an old friend who is my age. He was lamenting that so many of his friends have passed away and one dear friend of his has heart trouble. He was just needing to know that I was still alive and well. He did most of the talking and it was good to be in contact. It is good advice to stay in contact with special friends and to tell them that they are special to us.
Col 4:3 Also pray for us. Pray that God will give us an opportunity to tell people his message. I am in prison for doing this. But pray that we can continue to tell people the secret truth that God has made known about Christ.
Col 4:4 Pray that I will say what is necessary to make this truth clear to everyone.
We can learn from the example of the apostle Paul. Even under house arrest he wrote letters, epistles that are inspired and part of our Bible. He witnessed to the Roman guards and they shared the message of Jesus even in Nero's palace, with people receiving new life. His word was for everyone. All this was through prayer and the grace of God. For those confined because of an infirmity, keep praying, for prayer is needed.
Col 4:5 Be wise in the way you act with those who are not believers. Use your time in the best way you can.
Col 4:6 When you talk, you should always be kind and wise. Then you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should.
Be kind and wise to everyone. Being kind also means that we are not easily offended. Seek the good of others from the wisdom of God. There are times when I am not sure of the future, but we know that Jesus is in the future and guiding us each day. It is wise to keep in prayer, keep in contact with the LORD and be kind to all people. Do not close doors that God has left open for you. Expect an opportunity, be blessed and a blessing.
Yesterday I was wondering how long I could keep playing my trombone. Last night I drove twenty miles to a band rehearsal for a coming Christmas program. I was the only trombone player that showed up. I had a grand time blending my part to the whole of the orchestra. I even received compliments. The Lord has given me grace and the door remains open for this. Thank you Lord. We each have a part to play in the orchestra of the family of God. Keep doing what he has you to do.
I used the easy read Bible, (ERV) version for todays journal entry.
Act 5:34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
Act 5:38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
Act 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Act 5:40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
Act 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Act 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
I like this story. The apostles had been commanded to not witness of the power of Jesus to give eternal life to those who receive him. They continued to share the good news, and they were beaten, cast into prison and an angel of God released them. Yes, angels are real. They are spiritual beings usually not seen, but when they appear to us they look like men. They are sent to help God's people. The apostles continued to speak that Jesus forgives sin and gives his life to us, a new Spirit filled life. they were not ashamed to teach that Jesus is the Savior and when they suffered because of this, they rejoiced to have suffered for the name of Jesus. They continued to witness for Jesus.
It is a time of decision. No longer can people sit on the fence. If you love Jesus , share his good news to the lost. Are you empty? Let him fill you. Lord, fill me with your spirit so that I may serve you boldly, I ask this in Jesus' name. On the other side of the fence the devil is seeking to kill and to destroy. Come and be as the apostles, sharing the good news. Receive Jesus, be filled with His Spirit and come be his witness. I pray for you to choose this way of life in the name of Jesus, amen.
Act 3:22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. He was a prophet and also the Messiah and the only begotten Son of God. Peter had spoken earlier to the crowd that Jesus is both Lord and Christ.
Act 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
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.
Only by believing in Jesus will your sins be forgiven. When I first began attending a church where I would be baptized, the associate pastor was fresh out of a liberal theological seminary. I was with him outside of the church observing a nativity scene of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. He shook his head and turned to me saying, Joseph was the real father of Jesus. After many years I can look back at this and say, no, you were very wrong. Jesus was conceived through the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit and God is His Father. So many do not understand who Jesus really is, We must sometimes unlearn some things in order to grow our faith in the truth of God. Lord God, give those who read this a desire for more of you. Let us see what you have for us, in Jesus name.
I remember in my mother's garden a flower that was called Touch me not or Impatiens. The flower got it's name from it's seed pods that when dried would explode to the touch, sending the seeds out as projectiles.
John 20:15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
John 20:18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
I doubt if anyone completely understands this section of scripture. The resurrected Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, the Mary from which he had cast out seven demons. At first she did not recognize him, but he called her by name; Mary. One commentator said that she knew the voice of the Shepherd and that when we are in heaven we will see again our loved ones and hear their voices. She called him master and apparently she fell to his feet and clung to him. He said, touch me not for I am not yet ascended to my Father (he will not yet leave.) Mary was to deliver the good seed of his word to the disciples. Jesus still calls his disciples brethren, identifying with them. He also shares that they have the same heavenly Father and God. "I ascend unto my Father and your Father; and unto my God and your God." Mary, the first evangelist of his resurrection came to the disciples and shared the good news.
Jesus was touchable in a real body, not as a spirit. Later he came and asked his disciples to see and to touch his wounds as proof of his resurrection. We are blessed to believe the good news that Jesus has overcome death with eternal life. We need not touch his physical body to believe him. He said to us, blessed are those who not seeing believe in him.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
We see him now by faith and touch him by prayers and worship.
The world hides from God, and God's word the Bible is truth. If the world acknowledged God and His word a lot of hatred and confusion would go away. They would understand that God created everything with Jesus, his son who is the Living Word. They would obey his word by receiving Jesus as their savior from sins punishment. They would receive eternal life and they would love God with all their heart and their neighbors as themselves. That is the good news that most hide from.
John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
My words are awkward, so listen closely. So, we can expect the world's people to hate us if they see that we are Christians? Is that why so many hide their faith? Do we fear people more than God? Lots of questions for you and for me. The truth is, that the world needs Jesus. Lord you have sanctified us, made us your people for your service. Holy God draw the lost souls to you and receive them. May we be used for this purpose, in Jesus name, amen.
I was asked by an acquaintance who does counseling and was preparing to share at our prayer breakfast, "do you have fear?" I replied no, because Jesus has given us his peace. We have peace and the assurance of everlasting life.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
The Greek translation for mansions can be rendered "a place to stay." The importance is not how fancy our dwelling place is but who our neighbors are. We will be with Jesus! Also, we will see our loved ones again.
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
God dwells with us, we are to love him and love one another. When we leave this body, he will remain with us and we shall see Jesus face to face. We see Jesus now through His Holy Spirit, the Comforter that he sent to us who believe in him.
John 14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
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.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
That peace of God keeps us going. Sure, I have doubts about my human frailties and the condition of the world around me, but if we abide in Jesus he loves us and his peace keeps us free from fear.
1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Luk 7:36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.
Luk 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
Luk 7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
Luk 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
Luk 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
Luk 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
Luk 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
Luk 7:48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
A woman who comes to our prayer breakfast often cries. When a hymn touches her heart, she cries. When we share about Jesus she cries. She cries because her sins are forgiven. When there is good news, she cries. I spoke to her that her tears were like this lady who washed the feet of Jesus with tears; she liked that. I am thinking that Jesus loved women who openly loved and cared for him. He chose women first to deliver the good news that he was the Messiah and again, when he was risen from the grave, it was a woman who he asked to share the good news with his disciples. No, he had no girlfriend or wife, but I think that God made women with outward showing of emotions because men so often can not show them. Men and women are made to complement one another, and they achieve their best as disciples of Jesus.
