Saturday, January 8, 2011
“Believe in Miracles”
Matthew 22:37-40 (King James Version) 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
We love Jesus, that’s simple…1 John 4:19 (KJV) we love him, because he first loved us.
Take a moment and think about God. Think about His goodness and mercy toward mankind. Think about His kindness, love, and grace. Think about His love to give Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins. And think about Jesus' love for us to die on the cross.
If one looks at what Jesus has done for them, they will see just how many times they have walked into a miracle. A few years back on April 14th, 1998 it was storming and my parents were in the bed asleep when around 1:30 am lightening hit. Let me give you the layout of their bedroom. You walk in from the left, you have the bed on the right, on the far wall is a sliding glass door going out to a patio. The door is in the center of the wall. My dad was already very sick at this time in his life from diabetes and heart disease. The lightning struck the wall on dads side of the bed, the sheet rock went all over the bed, and the room, breaking the frame around the sliding glass door. This was on my dad’s side of the bed. It should have killed him, the remnants of sheet rock were all over him, but the lightening itself missed dad and mom. Only explanation we have is what dad told us, the Angels were watching over him. Dad also felt he was being prepared, dad knew that God was in control. A few weeks before this happened I had a vision that took place in mom and dad’s bedroom. In the corner, same corner the sliding glass door is, stood the most beautiful Angel, she was wearing the most beautiful color of purple that I have ever seen. It gave me such a peace. The next morning I just had to go see dad and tell him about this angel, even before I could go to work. I drove to mom and dads as quickly as I could. When I got there mom was in the kitchen, she was kind of shocked to see me that early. I just walked by her and said I have to see dad. I walked in the room and said dad I have to tell you something, he looked at me and said wasn’t that the prettiest purple, tears fell upon me and he continued telling me that she had been there for a few nights now. He told me she was watching over him till the Lord calls him home. You can imagine the tears, but also the joy my heart had knowing that dad knew God. Shortly after the storm, on June 8th my dad went into the hospital; his kidneys and liver were shutting down. They took dad down to have dialysis and he came back telling us how beautiful the pictures were, what he described was unbelievable, so my sister went downstairs to look at them. She returned telling us there were no pictures. At this time we knew it would be soon. Dad was getting a glimpse of Heaven. My dad passed away on June 10th of 1998, leaving many hearts empty, but also giving us hope of going where he was, I can imagine how beautiful it will be, just from the Angel that I saw.
I was asked how I serve God and put Him first in my life. I hope this answers that question.
God love and bless you my friends, I would love to hear about your miracles.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
“Questions Answered” part 2
1. Your spouse will pay justly when she goes before the Lord; however, as the book of Romans tells us in chapter 2, we are not to judge others. What she is doing and teaching the children is wrong, the word tells us that all will have the opportunity to know God, this is where you will have to find Trust in your Heavenly Father, and when they are in your company, teach by example, and there is no age on learning. We are constantly learning till the day we die.
2. You may have lost your children in a court room, but you didn’t lose what God loaned to you, you will always be their dad here on earth, so you have to be the good role model and let go of all the hurt and anger, even to the point you blame the children some as well. Let the children know that you love them unconditionally, just as your Heavenly Father loves you.
3. Being part of a church is one thing, coming to the Lords house and receiving is another. I believe that the Church, of all places, should be a Sanctuary. It should be a truly safe place, where people that are lonely, hurting, confused or broken-hearted can come to be comforted, encouraged and restored....and be loved back to wholeness. I believe that the Church should be a place where the power of God's Spirit and His love flows forth in worship and ministry to His people - to bring life, health and wholeness to every area of our lives. Where we can feel free to be ourselves, where we can be totally honest with God, with ourselves and with others. A place to be free to reach out and help others, and to be helped in return when we sometimes find ourselves in need. The Church should be a place where we can pray and sincerely seek God's grace, His wisdom and His forgiveness - to be changed to look more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ. That's how I see the Church, and praise God You don’t go to church to be seen, if the Lords word is not being taught in this house, then you need to leave and find another. When the children receive the Lord into their hearts they too will see what you already know. You have been thru many years of pain and suffering and it has none gone unseen, for the Lord see’s your tears, and sleepless nights. When you read about divorce in the Bible you will see that God loves the one who remains loyal to Him thru it all and wants to keep their marriage intact. So he knows your heart.
4. In reference to the teaching of the Ten Commandments, and telling your children its ok, those that taught and sinned are good people. This is where you can teach those Gods word and the Importance of prayer for the lost sheep and their souls. Never teach your child that God doesn’t forgive. This same preacher may himself be at war with something. This is punishable twice because he is representing God when he stands in front of that pulpit.
5. You walked out of church during a dedication service for your grandchild because the preacher was bragging about the things the step dad have done, when you know how he walked into your life and walked out with your wife. This is a sin that that individual has to deal with. First he committed adultery by marrying a woman who was previously married. Does this mean he won’t ever receive forgiveness from God? No, he has to turn his life into a life of living and serving God, his life will not be easy, the word tells us this. He like the rest of us will stand before God one day and answer for all our sins. However you cannot continue to judge him and assume he doesn’t know God now. That relationship is between him and God. Was it right for you to walk out? From the moral sense of where it was going, it was right of you to walk out, for it does not sound like it was about dedicating a child to God. We hope that you have offered this child up to God to watch over and protect.
6. Trust….Trust is hard….one person that you can trust with everything is your Father in Heaven. Trust Him to lead you in the right direction, in all things gives thanks. Pray to Him every minute you have. The story of King Asa teaches us, in all situations of life, to make the Lord our first trust. When you trust God first, He will guide you in your trust issues.
7. For those that have said get over it and move on, do they know Christ. If so you might want to read what the Lord has to say about when others do us wrong. In the course of living, we are often hurt by others. Holding in hurt feelings over months or even years, is very stressful and can cause minor and major diseases. Learning to forgive significant hurts and then move on is an important part of being healthy, in both mind and body. When you face your pain (and the person who hurt you), you can end the "forgiving crisis" and lead a healthier, happier life. The Bible is very specific about forgiving adultery. The gospel of John shares an occurrence of a woman caught in adultery. John 8:1-11 says, ". . . Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts; where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?' They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. "But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, 'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.' Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. "At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "'No one, sir,' she said. "'Then neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared. 'Go now and leave your life of sin.'"
My dear friend it’s time for you to live your life with God at the head of your house. You have to be able to move on, that cave you are in is dark; it’s time to move towards the light, as I recently wrote about. Enjoy life and the love the Lord has for you
2. You may have lost your children in a court room, but you didn’t lose what God loaned to you, you will always be their dad here on earth, so you have to be the good role model and let go of all the hurt and anger, even to the point you blame the children some as well. Let the children know that you love them unconditionally, just as your Heavenly Father loves you.
3. Being part of a church is one thing, coming to the Lords house and receiving is another. I believe that the Church, of all places, should be a Sanctuary. It should be a truly safe place, where people that are lonely, hurting, confused or broken-hearted can come to be comforted, encouraged and restored....and be loved back to wholeness. I believe that the Church should be a place where the power of God's Spirit and His love flows forth in worship and ministry to His people - to bring life, health and wholeness to every area of our lives. Where we can feel free to be ourselves, where we can be totally honest with God, with ourselves and with others. A place to be free to reach out and help others, and to be helped in return when we sometimes find ourselves in need. The Church should be a place where we can pray and sincerely seek God's grace, His wisdom and His forgiveness - to be changed to look more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ. That's how I see the Church, and praise God You don’t go to church to be seen, if the Lords word is not being taught in this house, then you need to leave and find another. When the children receive the Lord into their hearts they too will see what you already know. You have been thru many years of pain and suffering and it has none gone unseen, for the Lord see’s your tears, and sleepless nights. When you read about divorce in the Bible you will see that God loves the one who remains loyal to Him thru it all and wants to keep their marriage intact. So he knows your heart.
4. In reference to the teaching of the Ten Commandments, and telling your children its ok, those that taught and sinned are good people. This is where you can teach those Gods word and the Importance of prayer for the lost sheep and their souls. Never teach your child that God doesn’t forgive. This same preacher may himself be at war with something. This is punishable twice because he is representing God when he stands in front of that pulpit.
5. You walked out of church during a dedication service for your grandchild because the preacher was bragging about the things the step dad have done, when you know how he walked into your life and walked out with your wife. This is a sin that that individual has to deal with. First he committed adultery by marrying a woman who was previously married. Does this mean he won’t ever receive forgiveness from God? No, he has to turn his life into a life of living and serving God, his life will not be easy, the word tells us this. He like the rest of us will stand before God one day and answer for all our sins. However you cannot continue to judge him and assume he doesn’t know God now. That relationship is between him and God. Was it right for you to walk out? From the moral sense of where it was going, it was right of you to walk out, for it does not sound like it was about dedicating a child to God. We hope that you have offered this child up to God to watch over and protect.
6. Trust….Trust is hard….one person that you can trust with everything is your Father in Heaven. Trust Him to lead you in the right direction, in all things gives thanks. Pray to Him every minute you have. The story of King Asa teaches us, in all situations of life, to make the Lord our first trust. When you trust God first, He will guide you in your trust issues.
7. For those that have said get over it and move on, do they know Christ. If so you might want to read what the Lord has to say about when others do us wrong. In the course of living, we are often hurt by others. Holding in hurt feelings over months or even years, is very stressful and can cause minor and major diseases. Learning to forgive significant hurts and then move on is an important part of being healthy, in both mind and body. When you face your pain (and the person who hurt you), you can end the "forgiving crisis" and lead a healthier, happier life. The Bible is very specific about forgiving adultery. The gospel of John shares an occurrence of a woman caught in adultery. John 8:1-11 says, ". . . Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts; where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?' They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. "But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, 'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.' Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. "At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "'No one, sir,' she said. "'Then neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared. 'Go now and leave your life of sin.'"
My dear friend it’s time for you to live your life with God at the head of your house. You have to be able to move on, that cave you are in is dark; it’s time to move towards the light, as I recently wrote about. Enjoy life and the love the Lord has for you
“Divorce Let Us Believe Together”
Yes divorce violates Biblical scripture; we take vows to remain married till death due us part. There are many scripture in the old and New Testament that shows us that God is against divorce. This is not what I am writing about however. I was given a request by a dear friend, who is divorced and his wife has remarried. He has been unable to find forgiveness for her or himself. He asked me to speak to different pastors and find out answers to his questions. I found the best Pastor is God, himself, however since I told him I would, I did speak to three Godly Pastors. Below you will find the advice that we give, but all in Jesus name and His word.
First thing that touched me about this friend, is that he does love the Lord and has remained single and obedient. As the Lord tells us it is best to remain single and in Him than to be married with an ungodly spouse, or married at all. Does this mean that we can’t be forgiven and move on with the Lord in our life? No, because there are scripture that tells us so. You have to come to the place where you agree with God that your divorce was sin and are willing to repent of that sin. (If you married someone who was divorced, you must agree with God that that marriage was contrary to His Word—Matthew 5:32; 19:2; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18.)
Often a divorcee feels like a social outcast. The church seems more willing to forgive and accept drug addicts, thieves, liars, murderers, etc. than a divorcee. I believe the main reason for this is that the drug addict, thief, liar, or murderer is usually willing to acknowledge that what he has done is sin. On the other hand, I find that most people who are divorced continue to justify their divorce based on “innocence,” “circumstances,” (in my friends case, she left him) instead of agreeing with God that they have sinned and repenting. God cannot bless your disobedience, but He will bless a repentant and broken spirit (Psalm 51:17). Remember “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
So it comes to the question “If this is true (that there are no biblical grounds for divorce or remarriage), then I'm condemned to spend the rest of my life guilty and unclean before God.” Or “Do you mean that God can never use me again?” “If this marriage was wrong, does that mean that I'll be living 'in sin' for the rest of my life?” Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (King James Version) 1When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. 2And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife. 3And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; 4Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
The answer to these questions is, “Of course not!” God is as able and willing to forgive the sin of divorce as He is any other sin. And when God forgives our sin, He does not hold it against us any longer. Rather, His goal is to restore us to greater usefulness for His glory. But His forgiving, restoring ministry is only available to those who are willing to deal with their sin His way.
There is no magic remedy for resolving past marital failures. But a few simple statements will help you to get started. . Agree with God about the failures in your life that contributed to the failure of your marriage. One of the basic needs in the life of a divorced person is to remove all guilt. The easiest way to deal with guilt is to balance it with blame (“He/She was equally wrong!”). But you will never experience the full cleansing and forgiveness of God until you are willing to stop blaming your mate and agree with God about your own needs.
True repentance involves humbly and honestly identifying your basic offenses against God and others. Ask God to have mercy on you, to forgive you for holding on to this hurt for so long. Allow God to use you, to help others who have the same concerns and issues that you have. It is important that you remember that Jesus died on the cross to forgive us our sins; he did not say I am dieing to only forgive a few. What a sad thing it would be if we didn’t believe that God forgives us, for as it says in Roman’s 3:23, we all fall short of the glory of God.
Recognize that every sin reveals that you have pushed Christ off the throne of your life, and crowned yourself as “lord.” Repentance is not just being sorry for the consequences of your sin; it is confessing and grieving over the cause of your sin, which has greatly offended God. Purpose to clear your conscience with those you have wronged and begin to cooperate with God in reconciliation of all damaged relationships. You may need to find forgiveness from your former spouse, and any others whose lives have been affected by this sin. Remember that the primary purpose in seeking forgiveness is not to restore your marriage, but to obey God and restore a right relationship with Him.
To whatever degree it is possible, rebuild broken relationships (Romans 12:18).
God is against remarriage unless the spouse is deceased. That is clear everywhere in the bible. However, it’s so important that you realize you have a Heavenly Father who loves you, go to Him, He knows your pain, and please remembers God forgives, the sin of divorce is not unforgivable. Should you remarry or date, there are no scriptures that say it is ok to do so. Are we human, yes, are we sinners, yes. Praise God that He adores us so much that he is willing to forgive when we fall short. To answer your question, God wants you to live a life for Him. Does that mean there can be any one else in your life, that’s a question you already know the answer. God forgives, as He gave us His Son to die on that cross and say, forgive them Father, for they know not what they do. He is such a wonderful and magnificent Loving kind Father to us all and when there is true repentance and contrition, there are great and tender mercies from above. I pray that you are able to experience these soon. Prayer is needed by you and on your behalf my friend. I thank God in the name of Jesus for lending you an ear, and for giving you direction in your life, I Thank God that He will show you His love and forgive you as you repent and ask for His undying love in your life. I thank God for healing in your life, in your mental and physical state. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
First thing that touched me about this friend, is that he does love the Lord and has remained single and obedient. As the Lord tells us it is best to remain single and in Him than to be married with an ungodly spouse, or married at all. Does this mean that we can’t be forgiven and move on with the Lord in our life? No, because there are scripture that tells us so. You have to come to the place where you agree with God that your divorce was sin and are willing to repent of that sin. (If you married someone who was divorced, you must agree with God that that marriage was contrary to His Word—Matthew 5:32; 19:2; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18.)
Often a divorcee feels like a social outcast. The church seems more willing to forgive and accept drug addicts, thieves, liars, murderers, etc. than a divorcee. I believe the main reason for this is that the drug addict, thief, liar, or murderer is usually willing to acknowledge that what he has done is sin. On the other hand, I find that most people who are divorced continue to justify their divorce based on “innocence,” “circumstances,” (in my friends case, she left him) instead of agreeing with God that they have sinned and repenting. God cannot bless your disobedience, but He will bless a repentant and broken spirit (Psalm 51:17). Remember “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
So it comes to the question “If this is true (that there are no biblical grounds for divorce or remarriage), then I'm condemned to spend the rest of my life guilty and unclean before God.” Or “Do you mean that God can never use me again?” “If this marriage was wrong, does that mean that I'll be living 'in sin' for the rest of my life?” Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (King James Version) 1When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. 2And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife. 3And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; 4Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
The answer to these questions is, “Of course not!” God is as able and willing to forgive the sin of divorce as He is any other sin. And when God forgives our sin, He does not hold it against us any longer. Rather, His goal is to restore us to greater usefulness for His glory. But His forgiving, restoring ministry is only available to those who are willing to deal with their sin His way.
There is no magic remedy for resolving past marital failures. But a few simple statements will help you to get started. . Agree with God about the failures in your life that contributed to the failure of your marriage. One of the basic needs in the life of a divorced person is to remove all guilt. The easiest way to deal with guilt is to balance it with blame (“He/She was equally wrong!”). But you will never experience the full cleansing and forgiveness of God until you are willing to stop blaming your mate and agree with God about your own needs.
True repentance involves humbly and honestly identifying your basic offenses against God and others. Ask God to have mercy on you, to forgive you for holding on to this hurt for so long. Allow God to use you, to help others who have the same concerns and issues that you have. It is important that you remember that Jesus died on the cross to forgive us our sins; he did not say I am dieing to only forgive a few. What a sad thing it would be if we didn’t believe that God forgives us, for as it says in Roman’s 3:23, we all fall short of the glory of God.
Recognize that every sin reveals that you have pushed Christ off the throne of your life, and crowned yourself as “lord.” Repentance is not just being sorry for the consequences of your sin; it is confessing and grieving over the cause of your sin, which has greatly offended God. Purpose to clear your conscience with those you have wronged and begin to cooperate with God in reconciliation of all damaged relationships. You may need to find forgiveness from your former spouse, and any others whose lives have been affected by this sin. Remember that the primary purpose in seeking forgiveness is not to restore your marriage, but to obey God and restore a right relationship with Him.
To whatever degree it is possible, rebuild broken relationships (Romans 12:18).
God is against remarriage unless the spouse is deceased. That is clear everywhere in the bible. However, it’s so important that you realize you have a Heavenly Father who loves you, go to Him, He knows your pain, and please remembers God forgives, the sin of divorce is not unforgivable. Should you remarry or date, there are no scriptures that say it is ok to do so. Are we human, yes, are we sinners, yes. Praise God that He adores us so much that he is willing to forgive when we fall short. To answer your question, God wants you to live a life for Him. Does that mean there can be any one else in your life, that’s a question you already know the answer. God forgives, as He gave us His Son to die on that cross and say, forgive them Father, for they know not what they do. He is such a wonderful and magnificent Loving kind Father to us all and when there is true repentance and contrition, there are great and tender mercies from above. I pray that you are able to experience these soon. Prayer is needed by you and on your behalf my friend. I thank God in the name of Jesus for lending you an ear, and for giving you direction in your life, I Thank God that He will show you His love and forgive you as you repent and ask for His undying love in your life. I thank God for healing in your life, in your mental and physical state. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
How do we know God exist?
I have been asked this question a lot lately, and I want to say how can you not know God exist? Something I have learned that is valuable is that God understands our questioning; in fact He knows we will have questions. Look at acts, chapter 1. What is known about God is made plain to us; Gods word tells us because of creation we should know there is a God, for one there has to be a creator, example; we can’t have a car without auto workers.
Paul uses this in Romans 1:19-20 (King James Version) 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Design (the earth) implies a creator, then you have law, which describes what ought to be seen among men but is not always there. This is a standard of behavior that exists because of God. The human concept of perfection exists, yet it is not seen. The concept of “GOD” encompasses the concept of perfection. You have to look at things from the beginning as a non-believer, the bible teaches us that if there had been no beginning the world would have disappeared, due to scientific knowledge that it would have run out of energy long time ago. God is seen in all things, nature, animals and us humans, as we are created in His image. How could a random force create this earth, it couldn’t’ just like a tornado cannot put a house back together after its storm.
It is unfortunate that you will find those that believe earth was caused, and that God is in the form of Buddha’s, Hinduism, and other ancient religions. God created space so that He could be an infinite God, where we are finite people. We cannot be greater than our creator. You will find that in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, they all believe that God created the earth and us. Not saying all these religions are right with their other beliefs.
Psalm 19:1-4 the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Romans 1:19-20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, - his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
Romans 16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him. . .”
Without a relationship with Jesus and knowledge of his word we are living in a world without really understanding what it is all about. First, God is absolutely holy and we are sinful. We need salvation through Jesus Christ just to begin a relationship with God.
Second, God created us with a purpose and a plan. Our ignorance of God and of his plan leaves us destined to pursue something much far short of our potential. Third, to live only for this age, for this world will result in our suffering great loss when the age of the Messiah is revealed.
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it is for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” Matthew 16:24-28
The best I can tell you is if you do not believe in God, your life will be painful, I heard a pastor say once, have you ever seen President George Washington, or Abraham Lincoln? How do you know they existed? You didn’t see them; you read about them in your history books, does that make it truth. My friends it’s the same theory, the bible is there for us to learn about the history of this world, and how it came about and who was its Creator. The reward of believing is an everlasting life with our creator and having no more sorrow or pain. I want you to close your eyes, imagine yourself in a dark cave, after days you open your eyes and see a flicker of light. Are you going to move towards that light, or stay in the darkness, knowing it will not get brighter if you don’t move towards it. If you remain lost and stay in the dark about God, it is your fault. John 3:19 (King James Version) 19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
I hope you will take a leap of faith and go towards the light. For without God the darkness will eventually close you in. Nothing from this world will fill the void, nothing in you will fill the void, Jesus is the mediator between you and God, Through Jesus you can and will fill the void in your life. You know the void is there, you feel hopeless and helpless, lonely and empty. It’s time to feel that void my friend, look inside you and seek Jesus. God is waiting for you my friends…
Paul uses this in Romans 1:19-20 (King James Version) 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Design (the earth) implies a creator, then you have law, which describes what ought to be seen among men but is not always there. This is a standard of behavior that exists because of God. The human concept of perfection exists, yet it is not seen. The concept of “GOD” encompasses the concept of perfection. You have to look at things from the beginning as a non-believer, the bible teaches us that if there had been no beginning the world would have disappeared, due to scientific knowledge that it would have run out of energy long time ago. God is seen in all things, nature, animals and us humans, as we are created in His image. How could a random force create this earth, it couldn’t’ just like a tornado cannot put a house back together after its storm.
It is unfortunate that you will find those that believe earth was caused, and that God is in the form of Buddha’s, Hinduism, and other ancient religions. God created space so that He could be an infinite God, where we are finite people. We cannot be greater than our creator. You will find that in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, they all believe that God created the earth and us. Not saying all these religions are right with their other beliefs.
Psalm 19:1-4 the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Romans 1:19-20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, - his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
Romans 16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him. . .”
Without a relationship with Jesus and knowledge of his word we are living in a world without really understanding what it is all about. First, God is absolutely holy and we are sinful. We need salvation through Jesus Christ just to begin a relationship with God.
Second, God created us with a purpose and a plan. Our ignorance of God and of his plan leaves us destined to pursue something much far short of our potential. Third, to live only for this age, for this world will result in our suffering great loss when the age of the Messiah is revealed.
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it is for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” Matthew 16:24-28
The best I can tell you is if you do not believe in God, your life will be painful, I heard a pastor say once, have you ever seen President George Washington, or Abraham Lincoln? How do you know they existed? You didn’t see them; you read about them in your history books, does that make it truth. My friends it’s the same theory, the bible is there for us to learn about the history of this world, and how it came about and who was its Creator. The reward of believing is an everlasting life with our creator and having no more sorrow or pain. I want you to close your eyes, imagine yourself in a dark cave, after days you open your eyes and see a flicker of light. Are you going to move towards that light, or stay in the darkness, knowing it will not get brighter if you don’t move towards it. If you remain lost and stay in the dark about God, it is your fault. John 3:19 (King James Version) 19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
I hope you will take a leap of faith and go towards the light. For without God the darkness will eventually close you in. Nothing from this world will fill the void, nothing in you will fill the void, Jesus is the mediator between you and God, Through Jesus you can and will fill the void in your life. You know the void is there, you feel hopeless and helpless, lonely and empty. It’s time to feel that void my friend, look inside you and seek Jesus. God is waiting for you my friends…
Chapter 2 of the book of Romans we learn that when we judge someone else we also are judging ourselves. I am continuing this with Romans because I feel it is so important that this message get out there. There are so many Christians who feel that it is ok to sit back and think well I didn’t kill anyone or cause anyone bodily harm so I know I will make it to heaven, when this is so wrong, as you saw in my last blog on Romans, all sins are equal in Gods eyes, and we do not get to heaven by our good deeds.
Take a look at Cornelius for example in the book of Acts, He was always giving things to the poor, he did know God, however he wasn’t saved. Cornelius gave much alms to the people? Cornelius was a very generous man. His generosity apparently abounded as the result of a good and caring heart (Acts 10: 2). Notwithstanding, his generosity did not save him (Acts 10: 2, 11: 14). Cornelius was a praying man? Not only did Cornelius pray, but we are told that he, "…prayed always" (Acts 10: 2). Prayer is part of being saved, but prayerfulness within itself does not mean one is saved. Sure God looked down and saw this good and was happy about it, but this also would keep Cornelius separated from getting into Heaven.
This is where we as Christians misunderstand being saved. Yes praying is part of being a Christian, but that alone will not get you into heaven and does not mean you are saved. You have to ask for God’s forgiveness of your sins and ask Him to be in your life, asking for His will in your life, then seeking Him and living a life after Him. That means being able to forgive others, to love those that have hurt you and move on from it.
1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
We may think that since we have escaped judgment so far that God is not going to judge our sins or that our sins where not that bad and he did not count them. The reason God has not called our sins to account is explained in the next verse. He is showing us kindness so that we have time to repent. Peter 3:9 Romans 2:1-3 is saying: a) God will judge those who do “these things” b) But, those who claim to do right still do “these things.” c) Conclusion: Both those who admit they know and those who suppress the truth are come under the judgment of God
4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Do we deserve His grace and kindness? The answer is no, we don’t. Do we forgive and let go like God does when we sin and are sinned against. The answer again is no, we don’t. God will judge us all, is your heart pure today? If He came today, would you be raised to the Heavens to live with Him eternally? If you can’t answer that question without thought, then you need to ask Jesus into your life. It is that simple. He is just that close. Jesus loves you and He has a mansion prepared for us all, so seek him today. If you have hurt someone, ask for forgiveness from them, and then give it to God. If someone hurt you, find forgiveness today, tell them they are forgiven, then let it go. God bless you my friends.
Take a look at Cornelius for example in the book of Acts, He was always giving things to the poor, he did know God, however he wasn’t saved. Cornelius gave much alms to the people? Cornelius was a very generous man. His generosity apparently abounded as the result of a good and caring heart (Acts 10: 2). Notwithstanding, his generosity did not save him (Acts 10: 2, 11: 14). Cornelius was a praying man? Not only did Cornelius pray, but we are told that he, "…prayed always" (Acts 10: 2). Prayer is part of being saved, but prayerfulness within itself does not mean one is saved. Sure God looked down and saw this good and was happy about it, but this also would keep Cornelius separated from getting into Heaven.
This is where we as Christians misunderstand being saved. Yes praying is part of being a Christian, but that alone will not get you into heaven and does not mean you are saved. You have to ask for God’s forgiveness of your sins and ask Him to be in your life, asking for His will in your life, then seeking Him and living a life after Him. That means being able to forgive others, to love those that have hurt you and move on from it.
1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
We may think that since we have escaped judgment so far that God is not going to judge our sins or that our sins where not that bad and he did not count them. The reason God has not called our sins to account is explained in the next verse. He is showing us kindness so that we have time to repent. Peter 3:9 Romans 2:1-3 is saying: a) God will judge those who do “these things” b) But, those who claim to do right still do “these things.” c) Conclusion: Both those who admit they know and those who suppress the truth are come under the judgment of God
4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Do we deserve His grace and kindness? The answer is no, we don’t. Do we forgive and let go like God does when we sin and are sinned against. The answer again is no, we don’t. God will judge us all, is your heart pure today? If He came today, would you be raised to the Heavens to live with Him eternally? If you can’t answer that question without thought, then you need to ask Jesus into your life. It is that simple. He is just that close. Jesus loves you and He has a mansion prepared for us all, so seek him today. If you have hurt someone, ask for forgiveness from them, and then give it to God. If someone hurt you, find forgiveness today, tell them they are forgiven, then let it go. God bless you my friends.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Living a sinful life
Romans, Paul’s writings in chapter one have kept me intrigued at how much the people of that time are still the same as they are today. The Lord just allowed them to continue living in sinful ways, because that is how they were choosing to live. They were as a lot today are; filled with all manners of unrighteousness, evil, greed, wickedness, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, Gossip’s, maligners, haters of God and what He stands for, proud, overbearing, arrogant, no understanding, disobedient to their parents, always creating evil deeds, no affection which leads to being without mercy for their fellow brothers and sisters.
How many of you have met individuals like this, I know I have and I also know that at one time or another I have fallen prey? I also know I fall short of the glory of God and I have fallen into the same trap and brought others with me, which makes it even worse because I am a woman of God. Paul teaches us in this first chapter of Romans why God allowed the Romans to get by with what they did wrong, so many read this chapter and think it is talking all about sexual wrong doings, when in fact it isn’t, it is talking about having pagan Gods, idolatry, degrading of your body for others is there, but it’s not the main focus.
Romans 1:24-32 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
I know someone who believes that God isn’t real, their hopes and believes are lost in a void. They have seen so much pain and suffering from the time they were a child, they have seen the above, that it is hard for them to see what God stands for and the beauty that He has created. This person has fallen into the pattern that those before us did as in this book of Romans, they have fallen prey, and now they are proud and have no understanding of who God is. Only God’s grace, God’s Spirit and God’s word can save a man’s spirit, soul and body from the decaying effects of the sin nature. If man rejects the revelation of God he is doomed to the sin nature.
God expects us to pray to Him for the lost, for the narrow minded that believe they can live life as they choose because they believe God will forgive them in their dying breath.
Let us pray: Lord, there are so many hurting people in this world, which are crying out for help... My heart goes out to all and this is my prayer for all, many are stuck in false religions and cults and are under bondage from the enemy. Father Set them free, lift up the veil from their own eyes, so they can see the truth in Jesus Christ. Open up their hearts and mind to the only truth, and that they will trust in Christ ALONE for their salvation. “Jesus Said: I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6... I pray that they will have a relationship with you, not a Religion. Father God, I pray that you will draw them close to your Son, so they can be set free in Christ and experience the Love and Joy and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And celebrate their new life in Christ. Father, I pray for all everywhere that needs healing, salvation, deliverance... and protection from the enemy, help many with their finances. Open up doors and bring comfort and relief. Give them peace that they are in need for. All according to your will, Thank for your loving Grace upon us and your longsuffering and patience. Amen!
How many of you have met individuals like this, I know I have and I also know that at one time or another I have fallen prey? I also know I fall short of the glory of God and I have fallen into the same trap and brought others with me, which makes it even worse because I am a woman of God. Paul teaches us in this first chapter of Romans why God allowed the Romans to get by with what they did wrong, so many read this chapter and think it is talking all about sexual wrong doings, when in fact it isn’t, it is talking about having pagan Gods, idolatry, degrading of your body for others is there, but it’s not the main focus.
Romans 1:24-32 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
I know someone who believes that God isn’t real, their hopes and believes are lost in a void. They have seen so much pain and suffering from the time they were a child, they have seen the above, that it is hard for them to see what God stands for and the beauty that He has created. This person has fallen into the pattern that those before us did as in this book of Romans, they have fallen prey, and now they are proud and have no understanding of who God is. Only God’s grace, God’s Spirit and God’s word can save a man’s spirit, soul and body from the decaying effects of the sin nature. If man rejects the revelation of God he is doomed to the sin nature.
God expects us to pray to Him for the lost, for the narrow minded that believe they can live life as they choose because they believe God will forgive them in their dying breath.
Let us pray: Lord, there are so many hurting people in this world, which are crying out for help... My heart goes out to all and this is my prayer for all, many are stuck in false religions and cults and are under bondage from the enemy. Father Set them free, lift up the veil from their own eyes, so they can see the truth in Jesus Christ. Open up their hearts and mind to the only truth, and that they will trust in Christ ALONE for their salvation. “Jesus Said: I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6... I pray that they will have a relationship with you, not a Religion. Father God, I pray that you will draw them close to your Son, so they can be set free in Christ and experience the Love and Joy and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And celebrate their new life in Christ. Father, I pray for all everywhere that needs healing, salvation, deliverance... and protection from the enemy, help many with their finances. Open up doors and bring comfort and relief. Give them peace that they are in need for. All according to your will, Thank for your loving Grace upon us and your longsuffering and patience. Amen!
Friday, December 31, 2010
“Paul”
Romans 12:9 [Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
The book of romans was designed to lay a solid foundation for our Christian faith. If the foundation is built right, then the Christian life can be strong. This book in the bible has intrigued me for years. I will only highlight a little of it here in this blog (chapter1,1-16) however I do hope you will read the entire book as it does relate to a lot of people’s lives. In the book of Romans you will find how God spreads His good name by showing the world His grace.
This book is about the most remarkable man and His heart, his life and his death. This is one book that all Christians should hold close to their hearts. This book is allowing me to see life like I never have before. As I have been thru some terrifying times in my life of late, and I fell short from Gods word as I allowed others to drag me into their own lives struggles. I got pulled in, but I did nothing to escape, I only added to it, unfortunately allowing it to affect my health. I found myself being hurt mentally, but more importantly physically, taking me away from the situation was what God had in store for me but I didn’t adhere to His warnings, I stayed and joined in and added fuel to the fire by trying to get answers, silly answers at that, as to who it was that said what, which led me to lying to get the answers. As I prayed later I found it was too late to take back what I had done, all I could do was apologize and then give it to God for my own forgiveness. The book of Romans reminds me I should have walked away, and trusted God to handle the situation and followed my calling as Jesus had blessed me with. I am now recovering from the effects it had on my body, understanding more now than ever that this heart of mine only ticks as long as God allows it too, that I should never take even one breath for granted. I know God will put me back out there to bring souls to Him, but only when He knows I am strong enough to walk away from Satan’s ways.
To all those that hurt me, and that I hurt I ask for forgiveness and I pray they accept my apologies in Jesus Name.
The book of Romans centers on the Gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16, 17). Paul is deeply concerned that his readers understand how a sinner may be received as righteous by a righteous God; and how a justified sinner should live daily to the glory of God. This amazes me every time I read it. God wants you to know that He accepts you, no matter what kind of sin you have created; He wants you to admit your sin and ask Him for His forgiveness, so that you can start to live a life after Him. This book is basically Paul’s theology. He is here (Rome) to do what God sent Him to do, then He will move on as He says, he wants to go to Spain. Paul is only a man, but because of what God called him to do, he is a man used to preach Gods gospel. He was brought up as a child to know who God was, the spirit of God lives in Him, just as it does each of us. However Paul’s teachings come from God and only God, it is important that you know this. You can’t go and teach Gods word from what you hear, unless you hear it from God. Paul is putting himself in line with other great men and prophets of God. One difference may be that in the OT they were servants of God, Paul considers himself a personal servant of Christ Jesus. Paul saw who he was, he was a mere table server for the Lord, and his mission was to teach about God, then move on. This was his calling. Paul was there to keep the church going. Are you called by God? Are you following His word, His message to you? I was, then I got lost, but I didn’t go far, because God called me back in line, to continue bringing the lost sheep back home. I hope you will find interest and take time to get into a bible study and find out what all Paul did have to say in the book of Romans. I will continue teaching this book as long as the Lord leads me to. Paul’s job was to teach all, to leave no one out; he did not discriminate against anyone, as I will not either. The word of the gospel is for all of us; it’s our job to get the word out there as it was Paul’s calling. Paul says he was ready and eager to go to the Romans. It was more than an obligation for him to speak to the Romans. It was a privilege. It was a great opportunity. He wanted to do it.
Thank you for showing interest in what the Lord is leading me to do; I pray for you each and ask for Gods favor in your life.
The book of romans was designed to lay a solid foundation for our Christian faith. If the foundation is built right, then the Christian life can be strong. This book in the bible has intrigued me for years. I will only highlight a little of it here in this blog (chapter1,1-16) however I do hope you will read the entire book as it does relate to a lot of people’s lives. In the book of Romans you will find how God spreads His good name by showing the world His grace.
This book is about the most remarkable man and His heart, his life and his death. This is one book that all Christians should hold close to their hearts. This book is allowing me to see life like I never have before. As I have been thru some terrifying times in my life of late, and I fell short from Gods word as I allowed others to drag me into their own lives struggles. I got pulled in, but I did nothing to escape, I only added to it, unfortunately allowing it to affect my health. I found myself being hurt mentally, but more importantly physically, taking me away from the situation was what God had in store for me but I didn’t adhere to His warnings, I stayed and joined in and added fuel to the fire by trying to get answers, silly answers at that, as to who it was that said what, which led me to lying to get the answers. As I prayed later I found it was too late to take back what I had done, all I could do was apologize and then give it to God for my own forgiveness. The book of Romans reminds me I should have walked away, and trusted God to handle the situation and followed my calling as Jesus had blessed me with. I am now recovering from the effects it had on my body, understanding more now than ever that this heart of mine only ticks as long as God allows it too, that I should never take even one breath for granted. I know God will put me back out there to bring souls to Him, but only when He knows I am strong enough to walk away from Satan’s ways.
To all those that hurt me, and that I hurt I ask for forgiveness and I pray they accept my apologies in Jesus Name.
The book of Romans centers on the Gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16, 17). Paul is deeply concerned that his readers understand how a sinner may be received as righteous by a righteous God; and how a justified sinner should live daily to the glory of God. This amazes me every time I read it. God wants you to know that He accepts you, no matter what kind of sin you have created; He wants you to admit your sin and ask Him for His forgiveness, so that you can start to live a life after Him. This book is basically Paul’s theology. He is here (Rome) to do what God sent Him to do, then He will move on as He says, he wants to go to Spain. Paul is only a man, but because of what God called him to do, he is a man used to preach Gods gospel. He was brought up as a child to know who God was, the spirit of God lives in Him, just as it does each of us. However Paul’s teachings come from God and only God, it is important that you know this. You can’t go and teach Gods word from what you hear, unless you hear it from God. Paul is putting himself in line with other great men and prophets of God. One difference may be that in the OT they were servants of God, Paul considers himself a personal servant of Christ Jesus. Paul saw who he was, he was a mere table server for the Lord, and his mission was to teach about God, then move on. This was his calling. Paul was there to keep the church going. Are you called by God? Are you following His word, His message to you? I was, then I got lost, but I didn’t go far, because God called me back in line, to continue bringing the lost sheep back home. I hope you will find interest and take time to get into a bible study and find out what all Paul did have to say in the book of Romans. I will continue teaching this book as long as the Lord leads me to. Paul’s job was to teach all, to leave no one out; he did not discriminate against anyone, as I will not either. The word of the gospel is for all of us; it’s our job to get the word out there as it was Paul’s calling. Paul says he was ready and eager to go to the Romans. It was more than an obligation for him to speak to the Romans. It was a privilege. It was a great opportunity. He wanted to do it.
Thank you for showing interest in what the Lord is leading me to do; I pray for you each and ask for Gods favor in your life.
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