Archives for August 2013

August 31, 2013

ACCOUNTABILITY!!

“Satan seems paralyzed as he beholds the glory and majesty of Christ. He who was once a covering cherub remembers whence he has fallen. A shining seraph, “son of the morning;” how changed, how degraded! From the council where once he was honored, he is forever excluded. He sees another now standing near to the Father, veiling His glory. He has seen the crown placed upon the head of Christ by an angel of lofty stature and majestic presence, and he knows that the exalted position of this angel might have been his. Satan sees that his voluntary rebellion has unfitted him for heaven. He has trained his powers to war against God; the purity, peace, and harmony of heaven would be to him supreme torture. His accusations against the mercy and justice of God are now silenced. The reproach which he has endeavored to cast upon Jehovah rests wholly upon himself. And now Satan bows down and confesses the justice of his sentence.” (White)

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12 Even Satan, one day will be held accountable before His Creator. So having this knowledge, As a Christian you must now look beyond today, and focus on our Saviors soon return and your ACCOUNTABILITY for how you live your life from day to day.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” As Christian our accountability will be an answerable account to God who has given A Mandate to all, who has a burning desire within their heart, to spread the good news of the CROSS, and Jesus soon return.

Matthew 24:14 says “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” This is a testimony from God. So His message will never be suppressed nor silenced. Luke 19:40 says I tell you,” He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

But because of the LOVE, MERCY, and GRACE of God. He has placed upon His Children this responsibility, simply because of His loving GRACE, and not because of anything that we have done. Yes my friends! SALVATION is FREE! it is given to us not for anything we have done but just because, God loves us.

In Luke 7:41-42 it says “There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both…….. He sums up in four syllables The LOVE, GRACE, and MERCY of our SAVIOR, when he says “He forgave them both.” GRACE has a starting FOCAL POINT, and A ending FOCAL POINT.

STARTING POINT. 1. When we work a forty-hour day and receive an honest pay for our time that is A WAGE. 2. When we run a race, and receive A trophy for our performance, that is A PRIZE. 3. When there is recognition from our peers for high achievements in one’s occupation, that is An AWARD.

And the marvelous, ENDING POINT is 4. When we are incapable of earning a WAGE, cannot win A PRIZE, and deserve no AWARD, yet we receive a GIFT anyway that is GRACE.

My friends This Story starts on Calvary. And will end at Christ SECOND COMING, When the Master will reply “WELL DONE, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”.

Today our SALVATION is free but there must also be a response of LOVE from HIS CHILDREN. And that is The Message of the CROSS that we spread this love among our  FRIENDS, FAMILY, LOVE ONE’S, NEIGHBORS, CO-WORKERS, and the WORLD. It is A simple message. A message of love.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE.” John 3:16 so we will never be able to repay God for what He has done for us. So we show our GRATITUDE and LOVE for what He has done, By how we spend our TIME, in spreading the good news. Yes this is our RESPONSIBILITY.

As we study GOD’S WORD and seek His SPIRIT, we will come to the realization that because of GOD’S GRACE, we are liable, responsible, and answerable for our ACTIONS, and TIME, in this life that we spend from day to day.

“Our TIME belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no TALENT He has given will He require a more strict account than of our TIME.

The value of time is beyond computation. Christ regarded every moment as precious, and it is thus that we should regard it. Life is too short to be trifled away.

We have but a few days of probation in which to prepare for ETERNITY. We have no TIME to waste, no TIME to devote to selfish pleasure, no TIME for the indulgence of sin.

It is now that we are to form CHARACTERS for the future, and a IMMORTAL life for His kingdom. It is now that we are to prepare for the searching judgment.

The human family have scarcely begun to live when they begin to die, and the world’s incessant labor ends in nothingness unless a true knowledge in regard to eternal life is gained. The man who appreciates TIME as his working day will fit himself for a MANSION and for a life that is IMMORTAL. It is well that he was born.” (E.G. White. Christ object lessons).

So Accountability is each of us as Christians challenging ourselves and one another to grow in Christ by the daily renewal of the MIND and BODY through the STUDY of GOD’S WORD and the seeking of HIS SPIRIT as we tell others of the GOOD NEWS of CHRIST SOON RETURN.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

August 30, 2013

JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Gen 1:1 “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth” “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:1-5

“The creative force that brought about the existence of our world is the Word, And the Word is God. The Word at the beginning of John 1 is linked by this passage to the first words spoken by God at the beginning, when he says “‘Let there be light’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3) “Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, and received into the soul, and it also brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms our nature, and re-creates our character into the image of God.”-Ellen G. White.

The world was created by the Spoken Word of God (Genesis 1). This world and the very existence of life was conceived by God in the spirit, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Gen 1:2.) So what this tells me as a Child of God, is that God’s Word brings about real transformation since God is the Word. But that transformation can only come about when we give it all to the master and then ask God our Creator to recreate our mind and body in His image.

But we also must have faith and believe. faith in God is all about asking God for what we want and believing we will receive it, as we allow our focus, to bring Glory and honor to Him. And once our lives are transformed then we will begin to understand through faith in the Word of God, that a miracle has truly taken place in our lives. Paul says in 2 Cor 5:17-18 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God. who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation”

And once we have completely given it all to the master we allow His full armor of righteousness to protect us against the forces of evil who’s only goal is to destroy us. And we must always remember that The Word of God is the foundation that transforms our lives, and when the mind is saturated with the Word. A transformed life brought on by the Word of God is the greatest confirmation of a true renewal of our character.

And When our character is rooted in the Word of God, and continues to be rooted, it is an experience that lasts throughout our lives here on earth and will also carry us throughout the cessless ages of Eternity. Also if we lack knowing the knowledge in Gods word, due to the fact that we allowed the things of this world to become detrimental to our salvation, because they were more important than studying the Word of God and doing His will. Than if that is the case, our warning comes from God, in the book of Hosea when he says  “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6

Also Paul states Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word about Christ. God says whosoever believes on His Son, Has pardon obtained and a new life begun; His sins blotted out, not by aught he has done, But thru’ faith in the Word of God! Romans 10:17. states. Gods Word, The only Begotton Son of God died in our place on Calvary so we could live with Him in His pure and holy kingdom Oh what love But it did not end with His death on the cross.

He rose again and the word still lives! Yes He lives. And I serve that same risen Savior because He is in my life today. I know that He is living in me, no matter what men may say. I know He lives inside of me, because I see His hand of mercy grace and love as I begin to truly hear, and feel God and His Word, while allowing my faith to grow in His grace. And once we continue to focus on Christ and His word. We will find that God will glorify Himself in us through His Word, and we have God’s assurance, which is based totally on His love for us BECAUSE THE BIBLE TELLS US SO. Paul also tells us in

Romans 5:7-9 “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” And through our faith in God and His word the most amazing strength becomes ours, and we learn to sing, praise and glorify Him no mater what situation or circumstances we may find ourself in.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:17-19 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Paul also tells us in Romans 5:3-5 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

And So my friends remember that JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO And because of His love Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:10-14 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession to the praise of his glory.

So my Friends, Today, please accept Christ invitation. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Rev. 3:20

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

August 29, 2013

FEAR!!! GET OUT OF THE BOAT

I remember at a young age having nightmares about the backroom of a church, kids use to tell wise tales about I can picture it even today a little old lady chasing me through the catacombs of the church only to wake up to the sound and love of a mothers voice that always assured you when you heard that voice, it was only a dream. Nothing will ever happen to me my moma and daddy will always be there. Oh when life was so simple when all it took was a mothers voice to assure you it will be all right.

Then one day life started to take on a nightmare of its own that you never seemed to wake up from. until I headed God’s voice and got out of the boat. Lets go to Matthew 14:22-36 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.

23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were TERRIFIED. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “TAKE COURAGE! IT IS I. DON’T BE AFRAID” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Going back to verse 26 the initial reaction was THEY WERE TERRIFIED. My friends what are your fears today?

What is keeping you from having that heartfelt passionate and intimate relationship with Christ? Where does your fears lie and how deep does it go? Remember, Satan’s mind control over us is with fear! but in 1 Peter 5:8 it tells us: “Be self-controlled and alert.” key word BE ALERT Webster explains the word alert he tells us it is A attitude of vigilance, readiness, or caution, as before an expected attack.

Deuteronomy 11:16 tells us to “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, 1 Peter 5:8 says Be sober, be VIGILANT; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Acts 17:11 also tells us ……they received the word with all READINESS, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

“yes my fiends Jesus paid A price on Calvary with His own blood so that we will not FEAR, Jesus comes into our lives if we ask Him just to fill us up, To give us life to the fullest. He has come to quench our spiritual thirst. But we have to recognize and be VIGILANT. because Satan is out to destroy you, so why should we give him this opportunity. keep your mind and body focused on the Savior and His Word that will Guide us Daily to all truths.

“Trust in him at all times. For God is our refuge.”  But there must be a PASSION, or A THIRST for what Our God is willing to give us Psalm 42:1 & 2 says: “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” I thirst for God, We need to recognize our need to be filled by Him. and Not by the things of this world that one day will pass away. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were TERRIFIED.

And they cried out in FEAR. What are the fears that keep you from the Master’s touch today. He is telling us to come today to Him Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Yes Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus, That must be our initial step. To get out of the boat, and come to Him. Get out of your daily routine get out of the boat and walk on water. He is calling you? make His Passion to save you Your Passion to be saved and tell others also about the saving grace of our God? What A risky step! But by Faith it is possible but it must be all about Faith and God’s saving grace.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” And getting out of the boat can only lead to an intimacy with Jesus, that will eventually take us to his pure and holy kingdom. So friends tell God today “God, I’m going to listen, obey, and trust You. I’m going to get out of the boat. I don’t really want to because I’m satisfied and content with the status quo.

I have a good job, I got everything I need in life, why am I taking a chance with you. But my friends have faith God is calling you today, to get out of the boat and follow him, and tell yourself I’m going to go because He is calling me and wants to save me from the forces of evil, and imminent destruction “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

OH WHAT LOVE. BUT WHEN HE SAW THE WIND, HE WAS AFRAID AND BEGINNING TO SINK, CRIED OUT, “LORD SAVE ME!” 31 IMMEDIATELY JESUS REACHED OUT HIS HAND AND CAUGHT HIM. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 THEN THOSE WHO WERE IN THE BOAT WORSHIPED HIM, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Yes we will sink at times because of life’s situation and circumstances. But Christ will always reach out His hand to us and catch us no matter what the storm of life maybe and when our family, friends, love one’s, neighbors, co-workers, and the world sees our FAITH and PASSION. through our prayers and Gods extended hand they will believe also.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

August 28, 2013

HOPE!!! AT THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MLK MARCH

SOME FAMOUS QUOTES OF MLK

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor polite, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

“Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

“No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they’d die for.”

This pass Sat. the 24th of August.  I was in Washington D.C. to start off what seems to be leading into a great finale on today the 28th of August the actual day of the march on Washington 50 years ago where Thousands of visitors flocked and will flock to Washington, to commemorate the famous March on Washington a half century ago for “Jobs, Justice & Freedom,” and a 21st century Agenda that looks somewhat like the country’s agenda 50 years ago.

As part of this historic march, Dr. King, delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The alarm will go out to all people once again today, and all across America and throughout the world for unity along with a featured address by President Barack Obama. upon arriving in Washington my Agenda was a little different from most of the vast sea of people.

As my beautiful Niece Karee and my sister Debbie, we walk a little over 20 miles in a 10 hour time frame SPREADING THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST SOON RETURN. Each of us HAD A DREAM, A DREAM that centered on our FAITH, that we could make a difference in someone’s life on this beautiful day in Washington. It has been said that man can live about forty days without food, about three days without water, and about eight minutes without air, but only one second without hope!

And as we looked into the eye’s of so many, and the disappointment of what this world was offering many had already died, because of NO HOPE in there lives. The spectrum of people seemed to go from the hopeless, to the unconcerned, to the energetic, to those who seek hope but not knowing where to find it, to those who fill they have HOPE, but listening to them realize there knowledge does not come from God’s Word so they are still WITHOUT HOPE,

to the sincere Christian, of various FAITH, CREEDS, and COLOUR. So as a christian myself I took a heartfelt and sincere look at the make up of this vast accumulation of ideas, HOPE, and HOPE lost. And realizing this is a small sample of the larger world we live in. The question we must ask ourselves, how do we present unity through Christ to a world where there seems to be no unity. there eyes tells the story of hope lost and not knowing how to gain a passion to seek after it.

So how do we  present to a world, Christ, the Living Hope 1 Peter 1:3-5 tells us Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively HOPE by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Science fiction tells us There will be a last baby born, a last marriage performed, a last kiss, a last song, and a last hurrah. But as a Christian and one who tries to die in Christ daily I go to the Word of God for answers, in 1 Peter 1:3 it tells me “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

Romans 5:2-5 also tells me. Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the HOPE of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, HOPE. And HOPE does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Many who traveled by bus, train, car or plane to Washington in 1963 went because they wanted their voices heard, but I noticed 50 years later unity alludes this vast crowd. No one voice tells the world we have come to our nation’s capital to cash a check….., America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.” but looking at the world we live in today.

Not only blacks but a world marred by sin has received this notice, but no one has told them your only HOPE of cashing this check is in Jesus Christ Yes my friends I HAVE A DREAM also, A dream that all Christians will have a burning passion to tell of the good news of HOPE to a world that has allowed Technology, to become there god. where we wake up each morning and go to bed each night and say the words; our heavenly facebook thou kingdom come thou will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

And You would think with so much knowledge, the world would be headed to peace and tranquility, but still we’re on the road to destruction Our knowledge has not produced A paradise instead it has created a generation of well-informed people who know more about house wife’s of Atlanta, or Brad Pitts twitter account then the word of God.We have decided that God is irrelevant with no beneficial advantage.

So now we have become intelligent, and well-informed, but with no knowledge of God which then only produces intellectual sinners. disciplined and educated, But with no GREAT HOPE We are THE INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW GENERATION, “always learning but never able to come to knowledge of where TRUE HOPE LIES (2 Timothy 3:7) tells us Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

The only way you will ever find ETERNAL HOPE, AND BE ABLE TO TELL OTHERS OF THIS HOPE and TRUTH is by seeking through faith the God of the Bible and His Holy Word, this weekend I witness a society that seems to have lost HOPE and therefore have rejected the TRUTH, and are uninformed, for lack of study in genuine TRUTH, where lies OUR REAL HOPE.

My friends, God is calling us to FOCUS AND MAINTAIN a PASSION today in spreading the good news. As you tell a world Of HOPE, UNITY, FAITH, LOVE, ENDURANCE AND THE SOON RETURN OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. Yes we as Christians must be the bond that brings unity to a dying world  for Luke 19:40 tells me if “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

friends how deep is your love for the Master, Who gave up everything for you on Calvary. please find that PASSION from within A WORLD AWAITS US.

So my friends stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

August 27, 2013

TRAVELING BY FAITH, THE NARROW WAY

My friends let’s take a trip with Ms. white today. “We start off with being in the company of a large body of people, preparing to take a journey, with heavily loaded wagons. As we journey, the road seems to ascend. On one side of this road is a deep vertical cliff; on the other is a high, smooth, white wall. As we journey on, this road grows narrower and steeper.

It eventually became so narrow that we could no longer travel with the loaded wagons. We then loosed them from the horses, took a portion of the luggage from the wagons and placed it upon the horses, and journeyed on horseback. The path continued to grow narrow.

We were then obliged to press close to the wall, to save ourselves from falling off the narrow road down the cliff. We then decided to remove the luggage from the horses, over the cliff it went. We continued, greatly fearing, as we came to the narrower places in the road, that we would fall over the cliff also.

But, a hand always seemed to take the bridle, and guide us over the perilous way. As the path grew more narrow, even horseback was no longer safe, we soon left the horses and went on foot, in single file, one following in the footsteps of another. At this point small cords were let down from the top of the pure white wall;

these we eagerly grasped, as they aided us in keeping our balance along the path, which finally became so narrow that we concluded that we could travel more safely without shoes or socks; so we slipped them from our feet, and continued the journey. We then thought of those who started this journey with us, who were not accustomed to privations and hardships who allowed the afair’s of this world to consume them instead of the Word of God and His Spirit.

Where were they now? For they were no longer in our company. For at every stop, some were left behind, only those remained who had accustomed themselves through the years, to endure trials and hardships. The privations of the way only made those who were left on this journey more eager to press on to the end. The danger of falling from the pathway increased, as we pressed closer to the wall.

We then suspended nearly our whole weight upon the cords, exclaiming: “We have hold from above!” The same words were uttered by all who were left. We then shuddered as we heard the sounds, of mirth and revelry that seemed to come from the abyss below. For we all understood that Babylon the great was fallen, “and has become a dwelling

place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.”And it all seemed to come from the abyss below.

We were then more anxious than ever to keep upon the narrow, difficult pathway. Much of the time we were compelled to suspend our whole weight upon the cords, which increased in size as we progressed. I noticed that the beautiful white wall was stained with blood, but I realized it was all as it should be.

For thoes who will come behind us, will know that others have passed the narrow, difficult way before them, and will conclude that if others were able to pursue this onward course, then they can do the same. And as the blood shall be pressed from their aching feet, they will not faint with discouragement; but, seeing the blood upon the wall, they will know that others have endured the same pain.

Our path soon ended. There was nothing now to guide our feet, our whole reliance must be upon the cords, which had increased in size, until they were as large as our bodies. Here we were for a time thrown into perplexity and distress. We inquired in fearful whispers, “To what is the cord attached?” A fearful struggle was before us. Should we fail here, all the difficulties of our journey that we had experienced would be for naught.

But Before us, on the other side of the chasm, was a beautiful field of green grass, with soft beams of light, resembling fine gold and silver. Nothing I had seen upon earth could compare in beauty and glory with this field then I remembered 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

But could we succeed in reaching it, was our anxious inquiry. For we knew should the cord break, we would perish. Again, in whispered anguish, the words were breathed, “What holds the cord?” Then we exclaimed: “Our only hope is to trust wholly to the cord. It has been our dependence all the difficult way. The words were then spoken:

“God holds the cord. We need not fear.” These words were repeated by those behind us, accompanied with: He didn’t say that your way would be easy trials, but they do come about only to make us strong, So that we will endure till the end of our journey, because our example comes from the one who paved the way for us all, on Calvary “He will not fail us now. He has brought us thus far by faith.”

we then swung over the fearful abyss into the beautiful field beyond. Oh what a sense of relief and gratitude to God. We than heard voices that no man can number raised in triumphant. Praise to God! Praise to God!, “and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.

They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” My friends this was only a dream that Ms.White had in the eighteen hundreds, but my question to you today is, will you be among the redeemed that will stay focused and endure, through it all. And will you give it all up for the Master in order to live throughout eternity with Him.

Nothing on this earth is worth losing out on what God Has in store for those who will finish this race through faith, and endure till the end. In Phil. 3:7,8, Paul said: “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

But indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” 

and Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark.10:29,30). Friends!! YOUR CHOICE YOUR DECISION!!

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

August 26, 2013

TO WALK WITH CHRIST, WHAT MUST I DO?

It is impossible for man to understand by using his limited intellect the things or mind of God. Man cannot imitate Christ by some scientific method, as if it was as simple as putting a man on the moon, or inventing a microchip the size of a pins head that holds billions and billions of scientific data. So what is the key to Christ likeness or having His Character. Acts 4:13 says “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.?”

So does that mean to walk with Christ you must be with Christ. and to be with Christ what does that mean. He no longer walks among us. So does man really have the intellect to explain God So we can get some feel of who God is in order to be like Him. One scientists who wrote “The God Theory” Bernard Haisch ” Says he believes in a metaphysical deity who can only experience material reality through living beings. He believes that the purposeful ideas of God somehow manifested into the laws of nature underlying the universe.

He sees a God who initiated the Big Bang 14 billion years ago, and whose ideas support the astrophysical inflation theory of multiverses. He combines science and religion into a rational kind of uplifting spirituality that is geared at providing a more tolerant and enriching metaphysical path.” I can say without a doubt I just wrote something that I cannot tell you for the life of me what i just wrote, I only wrote that to show you the possibility of an intelligent mind and a foolish mind being the same person, each joining forces to make one foolish statement. But moving on to something that makes sense.

John says in 1 John 2:5 “But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them.” This is how we know we are in him: The Apostle Paul writes, in Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” John 1:1 says In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Also in John 1:14 it says “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.

Glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” So can I know God by just knowing The scriptures. Something doesn’t seem right with that picture either. Well I can tell you my friends today and I can only tell you because of my faith and what that means to me and hope your faith tells you the same. and that is their is only one way to really know God. First we must ask God’s Spirit to give us understanding of the Word of God as we study diligently each day.

And that is the beginning of a firm foundation in knowing Christ, one that will be laid deep into your heart. Luke says in Luke 6:47-49 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.

Paul says In 1 Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. In 2 Timothy 2:19 it also says “But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone… ” So those text tell me. You can know God, if you Build a good, solid and secure foundation deep in your heart, based on God’s truth in His word and at the same time completely surrender your will to the master, while allowing your character to totally be consumed and transformed by the character of God his Spirit and His word.

Luke 6:40 says it best “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher”. Also in 2 Corinthians 3:18 it states “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” It is then and only then that we as Christians become like Jesus. It is then that the work of God’s Spirit begins to transform our Mind and Body, and not by the rationalizing and foolishness of some scientific intellect who tries to prove otherwise.

Understanding and knowing God and His word is the process by which God’s character is cultivated in us. But it must be a daily process, and in so doing, we become aware of our own existence, sensations, thoughts, and surroundings, through Christ, and as a result, each day we begin to walk into Gods divine wisdom, A wisdom that allows us to focus and walk along the same path that Christ did when He was own this earth. A path of a humble and loving servant to all. Someone once approached Blaise Pascal, the famous French philosopher and said,

“If I had your brains, I would be a better person.” Pascal replied, “Be a better person and you will have my brains.” Paul says In Philippians 2:5 “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Paul also says, as He talks about Imitating Christ’s Humility in Philippians 2:1-2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

Of all the wonderful attributes of our Lord, as I try and understand Him and the things He wants us to know about Him. The most outstanding was his humbleness. Paul states in Philippians 2:5-8 “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Isaiah says also in Isaiah 66:2 “Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” We should strive daily to be like Jesus in all we do or say even when no one else sees us, but God. Even after preaching all day to the masses, Jesus would leave to pray. His life was sustained by His time with His Father.

So should ours be the same, as we walk daily in the path and righteousness of our Lord and Savior. (Romans 8:29) says it best “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Oh what a honor, so to show my thanks and love to God for all He has done for me I will serve Him till the day He comes to take me away to live in His pure and holy kingdom. And each day until then. May each individual we come in contact with, recognize us as someone who have been with Jesus.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

August 25, 2013

Self destructive behaviors and spirituality

e·go·ism – which is the habit of valuing everything only in reference to one’s self, or personal interest

Self destructive behaviors are any and all behaviors that abnormally impact our mind or body by the bad choices we make throughout our life. Satan is inconspicuous in his attempt to conceal the obvious. Since it is not drugs or alcohol we become unaware of what it does to us spiritually. Despite the wide separation between an addiction to drugs, and the addiction to the relatively benign activity of things like compulsive television-watching.

We become self destructive physically, mentally and most of all spiritually when we as Christians maintain a potentially destructive pattern in our day to day life in how we spend our time or misuse our bodies. In Ephesians 5:15-17 Paul states “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. God offers to assist us with every behavior in life we encounter that takes our attention away from Christ, and the saving grace of Calvary.

Romans 8:6 tells me “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Our behavior sometimes turns us into walking zombies who are easily manipulated by Satan’s desire that we all lose sight of Christ saving grace, that saves us from these Self destructive behaviors, while forgetting that life is too short to squander away on things that are not Christ centered.

Our thinking gets off track when we forget how God is willing to express His presence in our lives for “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.”Romans 8:27 Remember Romans 8:5-6 tells us “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”

So If your behavior no matter what it might be is not in accordance with the will of God and His desire to save us from every sin that controls the mind and body, will allow Satan to become the Master of our lives, and if Satan controls us He controls our destiny which in the end is Salvation lost. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind and body, there is life peace and eternal life in God’s pure and holy kingdom.

Many people don’t have success overcoming their self-defeating behavior, because all they do is try to quit instead of given their problem to Christ. But we must always Have something to replace our self-defeating behavior with. Remember in Luke when Jesus says: “an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ’I will return to the house I left.’

When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.” For our heartfelt words each day must be “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20)

So friends there must be a passion within us to change our behavior and focus our path on the footsteps of Christ instead of the things of this world that gives us the desire to self destruct in front of a television or at the shopping center or sex outside of marriage. But our passion must be the desire to replace it with a daily desire to look at the life of Christ and ask yourself how can my life exemplify the life of Christ.

There must be a daily passion from within to allow Gods Word into our lives as we pray without ceasing while seeking Gods Holy Spirit to control our destiny instead and Satan. Their must be an urgency and a driving force that seeks Salvation through Christ, because our life does depend on it. But where we most often fail is in thinking, well I still have time. Friends tomorrow is not promised.

Christ Is calling His Children at this moment for a unrestricted dependence on Him and not on TV or A relationship, or overeating, or smoking cigarettes which we all can have a debate on weather cigarettes are a drug, or not, but however we define it, it is a instrument that Satan uses to deteriorate the body God has given us. For Paul tells us in Romans 12: 1

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”  Remember our God continually allows what seems humanly impossible to become totally possible through Him. And we as Christians are constantly stating or deriving to some conclusion what we cannot possibly justify or explain.

I will name several behaviors and explain to you in five words why they controls us. First; why do you eat to much or the improper things? ans. Satan why do I spend hours in front of the TV? ans. Satan. Why do I smoke cigarettes? ans Satan. why do I continue to enter into a bad relationships. I know you will say I just make bad choices in my search for a good man or woman when it comes to my love life.

But most of the time bad choices comes about because we do not ask God to guide, and become the focal point of our lives and decisions. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Cor. 10:13)

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). We cannot overcome the smallest habit without God. But God will not overcome sin in our lives without us asking him to take control. If TV consumes precious time that should be spent with God it is a sin for we have broken the first commandment Ex. 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”

But As we submit to His will and open our hearts to receive His power, the Holy Spirit will take control of our lives, along with all habits not of God. We will still be tempted my friends; but the power to resist now is controlled by Gods Spirit not Satan’s, but only if we have faith, and believe with a burning desire for Eternity. For it is written: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”

So friends stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

August 24, 2013

MY FRIENDS, WHAT ARE YOUR MARCHING ORDERS!!!!

Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

As a story is told about the duke of Wellington who was once present where a party of Christian men were discussing the possibility of success in missionary effort among the heathen. They appealed to the duke to say whether in his judgment such efforts were likely to prove success commensurate to the cost, the old soldier replied:

“Gentlemen, what are your marching orders? Success is not the question for you to discuss. If I read your orders aright, they run thus, ‘go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.’ Gentlemen, obey your marching orders.’ So the secret to every Christian’s success in his or her mandate from God,

will be found in the harmonious and daily working of all Christians along with the Holy Spirit in the finishing up of Gods work regardless of what this world deems as success. Therefore, in the sense of a vital faith and genuine obedience and indomitable courage embracing the total stewardship of life, may it be said of us at Christ soon return, They did go tirelessly into all the world to preach my gospel.

While much of the fruit of our labor will not be apparent in this life, God’s workers have His sure promise of ultimate success. As the world’s redeemer, Christ was constantly confronted with apparent failure. He seemed to do little of the work which He longed to do in uplifting and saving souls. Satanic agencies were constantly working to obstruct His way. But He would not be discouraged.

For He would forever stay focused on His mission, which was Calvary and our Salvation. in 1 Timothy 2:1-5 it says First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, Godly and dignified in every way.

This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”

So therefore our responsibility  and duty as Christians as we enter into the last phase of this life’s history before Christ soon return, is to make saving souls our No. one priority.

As Christians we must have a passion engrossed with love, and A Heartfelt and concentrated zeal for saving souls as we follow Christ mandate To take the “Gospel of the kingdom throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

and in so doing you have put before the heavenly courts an insurmountable source of power which comes directly from God’s Holy Spirit.  A power that is engrossed with love, as God loved. When we as Christians follow the course set before us by God, our focused must never waiver it must be all about Christ and His will for us in spreading the good news of His soon coming to the World.

For with each passing day There are family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers and A world that is loosing site of Gods saving grace and mercy. As Mrs. White speaks of  ”A train of cars that were  shown her, going with the speed of lightning. The angel bade her to look carefully. As she fixed her eyes upon the train.

It seemed that the whole world was on board. Then he showed her the conductor, a fair, stately person, whom all the passengers looked up to and reverenced. I was perplexed and asked my attending angel who it was. He said, It is Satan. He is the conductor, in the form of an angel of light. He has taken the world captive.

They are given over to strong delusions, to believe a lie that they may be damned. His agent, the highest in order next to him, is the engineer, and others of his agents are employed in different offices as he may need them, and they are all going with lightning speed to perdition.

Then she asked the angel if there were none left. He bade me to look in the opposite direction, and I saw a little company traveling a narrow pathway. All seemed to be firmly united by the truth. This little company looked careworn, as if they had passed through severe trials and conflicts.

And it appeared as if the sun had just arisen from behind a cloud and shone upon their countenances, causing them to look triumphant as if their victories were nearly won.” My Friends time is running out we only have a short time to do Gods will, and to rescue souls off of the train to perdition.  So, let us all say as Paul says,

“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” It is up to us to “proclaimed it throughout the world as a testimony to all nations” as we near the finish line. So today Let’s give it all to the Master and finish up His work so when Christ comes as peter says in 1 Peter 5:4 “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” friends I look forward to that day, and I hope you do also.

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

August 23, 2013

FAITH!! NOT BY SIGHT, BUT SIMPLY TAKING GOD AT HIS WORD

Never diminish your faith in God by praying a prayer of defeat, but one of total fearlessness and determination, that God will answer your prayers.

John 4:45-53 When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there. “So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son:

For he was at the point of death. Then Jesus says in John 4:48 “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The nobleman said in verse 49, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Why did Jesus changes the subject, the comment seems to be a condemnation. not a reply to his request “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” Reveals to me that Jesus is concerned more for the Nobleman’s Salvation than for the life of the child.

At this point the healing of the Child to Christ is secondary. Healing is only a thought to the great physician. Ps. 107:19-20 says Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them. But Jesus’ main purpose today, on His journey to The Via Dolorosa, was “to seek and to save that which was lost.” For Christ knows it is our Faith that will save us from the penalty of sin and When we accept Jesus as our Savior we are accepting the call to repentance from sin.

“This my friends is the work of God that ye have faith and believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:29 Where is the Nobleman’s faith is He a part of the mass Crowd who only believes if they see. Will you ever believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders? Heb 11:1 tells me “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” The Nobleman’s plea “Sir, come down before my child dies!”

I am not with the crowd I believe I have faith. The twenty miles from Capernaum to Cana was not the only distance the nobleman had too cross, he had to cross an even greater distance socially. He a nobleman had to lower himself to the level of the common people to seek help from a humble villager a blue collar worker a carpenter/street preacher. But the adversity in this man’s life of someone He loved who’s conditions he would have been more then willing to change places with if it was possible.

Lead him into direct contact with Jesus the Great Physician. And Jesus used it as an opportunity to not only Heal his son but to offer Him the free gift of Salvation and Eternal life. And He accepted it. “Go your way; your son lives.” The man literally believed the words of Jesus Christ, and started out on a lengthy journey to return to his home. The next day, while he was traveling homeward, his servants intercepted him, and told him, “Your son lives!”

When he asked what time it was when his son got better, they answered, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” The father knew that it was at the exact time Jesus spoke the words to him, “Your son lives.” He then believed in Jesus, that He was the Christ, and his entire family and household also believed. So his faith and what he did after he believed is an example for each of us today.

When we receive the good news. Go first to our families “Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost in your families, and the confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here.” Matt 10:6-7 This is a story of faith my friends. Faith should never be sight, smell, taste or touch it is simply taking God at His word.

And if He does not speak to you directly like he did Moses, it will be through his Spirit, and Holy Word the Bible. For in Acts 27:25 it says “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” The bible tells us, that the nobleman believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

Here we observed, our Lord and Savior did what this man requested him to do, but not in the way the nobleman wished or had requested of Him. So this tells us that God’s will is to save all who call upon him, but not always in the way in which we may desire. But we must always believe and have faith that Eternal life is the free gift of God, and he has a right to give it as he pleases; and he always gives his gifts in a way in which his glory is best promoted, and our eternal interest secured.

For Peter states in 2 peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” The sickness of the child became the pathway of salvation for the nobleman and his entire household. so my friends remember it is never just about us. Jesus commanded His disciples to GO into all the world and PREACH THE GOSPEL. The key word is Go. meaning Go to our families Go to our friends Go to our neighbors GO to our co-workers and go to all the world and tell them about the good news of Christ love and His soon return. 

So friends stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY

August 22, 2013

CAN SELF DIE, AND LIFE BEGIN IN CHRIST?

THE COURAGE OF SELF DYING

IT AMAZES ME HOW ONE PREPARES THE MIND, AND BODY TO DIE TO SELF AND LIVE THROUGH CHRIST. LORD PLEASE TEACH ME HOW!!! 

Paul: tells us in 2 Cor 11:16-33…….I have worked hard, been in prison frequently, been flogged severely, exposed to death. Five times I received forty lashes minus one. Three times beaten with rods, once pelted with stones. shipwrecked three times……. I know hunger and thirst, I have been cold and naked…..

Martyr John Huss: When he had been fastened to the stake, and all was ready for the fire to be lighted, the martyr was once more exhorted to save himself by renouncing his errors. “What errors,” said Huss, “shall I renounce? I know myself guilty of none.

I call God to witness that all that I have written and preached has been with the view of rescuing souls from sin and perdition; and, therefore, most joyfully will I confirm with my blood that truth which I have written and preached.”– Ibid., b. 3, ch. 7. When the flames kindled about him, he began to sing, “Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me,” and so continued till his voice was silenced forever. (White)

Martyr Jerome of Prague: As the  sentence of condemnation was passed upon him. He was led out to the same spot upon which Huss had yielded up his life. He went singing on his way, his countenance lighted up with joy and peace. His gaze was fixed upon Christ, and to him death had lost its terrors. When the executioner, about to kindle the pile, stepped behind him, the martyr exclaimed:

“Come forward boldly; apply the fire before my face. Had I been afraid, I should not be here. His last words, uttered as the flames rose about him, were a prayer. “Lord, Almighty Father,” he cried, “have pity on me, and pardon me my sins; for Thou knowest that I have always loved Thy truth.”–Bonnechose, vol. 2, p. 168. His voice ceased, but his lips continued to move in prayer.  (White)

The first step of self dying, and life beginning in Christ, is to escalate Christ in your life. He must be the focal point. Our eyes are to be forever “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)  So as we escalate Christ we will begin to diminish self to the point of death as we recognize it is not about us.

But there also must be a willingness to subject our small and insignificant Minds and desires to the greater goal of following Christ and telling others of the good news of Christ soon return, as we approach the end of this great controversy.  Paul also tells us in Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

And once you understand it is not about you. The transformation can take place. Paul tells us in Rom 6:11-14 “In the same way, look upon yourselves as dead to the appeal and power of sin but alive to God through Christ Jesus our Lord. Do not, then, allow sin to establish any power over your mortal bodies in making you give way to its lusts. Nor hand over your bodily parts to be, as it were, weapons of evil for the devil’s purpose.

But, like men rescued from certain death, put yourselves in God’s hands as weapons of good for his own purposes. For sin can never be your master; you are no longer living under the law, but under grace.” We are then forever being renewed through God.  And this transformation will take place as our Faith and belief in the Savior allows us to have a deeper and personal, relationship with Christ and His Word’.

Paul recognizes this when in Acts 20:24 He states “But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.”  Paul is now on his missionary journey as he  feels the presence of God calling him to go to Jerusalem. But at every step on this journey he is being warned not to go, you will be captured, and bound in chains, and thrown in prison.

Paul knows this but He also knows that Jerusalem is where God is sending him. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”Acts 21:13 As we see through the Word, this is what God is required to be a true follower of Christ, A conscientious, and complete death to self. what man can do to the body is insufficant.

Paul is no longer concerned with his life, because he gave everything to Christ long ago on the road to Damascus. And Christ gave it back to him on Calvary. He is now following Gods mandate  If it is Paul’s time to die then that is God’s will. Paul says, “my life is of no value to me”, Paul was focused and he endured. His whole life was centered on God and what his will for him was.

Success comes from finishing the course Christ sets for us. It must be all about Him and his will. I am dead in CHRIST you can not hurt a dead man Galatians 2:19-20 tells me “For through the law I have died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me He lives in Christ and Christ lives in Him.

So if self is dead he can say without any reservations “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” And because of His faith in allowing self to die. Stays focused on the prize and eternal life through Jesus Christ who gave it all for him.

Friends remember the controvesy and battle has been fought and won through our death to self and resurrection of a new life in Jesus Christ as we carry the same cross as Christ carried and our acceptance of His resurrection from the dead. The Holy Spirit must continually lead us to allow Christ to change our Characters For we must appropriate by faith the power of the Cross as we finish the course. “For we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Free, I long to be free I long for the day I believe
That all you say you see in me is true That’s hard for me to do
It’s hard for me to die to myself And trust my life to someone else
So come, empty me out I’m no good without
You inside of me Come and fill my heart with hope
Come and fill my life with love Come and fill my soul with strength to carry on
Because from here the climb is steep, the road is long
Come and fill my days with dreams Empty me of all the empty things that I hold on to
Come and fill my heart with you I need you in my life
Need you like the air that I breathe You become the very heart of me
And I, I can’t believe my eyes I can’t believe the dream that I’ve found
Lord your love has turned my world around So come, fill up my heart till I am like you are
So deep inside of me Search me Lord, try my heart
Come and take me now and make me new So Lord that the world will see you in my life
Come and fill my days with dreams Empty me of all the empty things that I hold on to,
Come and fill my heart with you

So my friends today. Stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY