April 23, 2014

“I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST” OR AM I?

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believe……… Romans 1:16 (NKJV) Webster defines the word ashamed as: unwilling or restrained because of fear of shame, ridicule, or disapproval: They were ashamed to let the World know that “Jesus lives.”

For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38 (NKJV)

“What makes people hesitate to share their faith? Perhaps the most common fear, however, is that of being rejected.” “The secret to neutralizing fear is to embrace the threatened disaster and count it as not too high a price to pay for obedience to Christ.

This attitude of faith may not totally eliminate the uneasiness and apprehension. It will, however, allow you to go ahead and act in obedience to Christ. The problem of fear is not the fear itself, but the fact that we allow it to immobilize us.

Being afraid is no sin. Shrinking back fearfully from obedience is sin…fear can stop you in your tracks as a Christian..but it doesn’t have to. You can trust God…(and) move ahead in obedience because you understand fear and know how to deal with it.” (Wayne McDill, Making Friends for Christ, p. 103.)

From the Word of God, how does a Christian explain what seems like fantasy: First, the world we live in was created in seven days, a world where seas part and millions travel across on dry ground,

a world where one man is able to kill a thousand men with the jawbone of an ass, a world where a teenager kills a giant with a slingshot and a stone, a world where a man is swallowed by a big fish and lives in his belly for three days before the fish spits him out,

a world where Three men are thrown into a furnace of fire, and live, a world where a man is put in a den of hungry lions and lives. But the the most distant of all the stories in this world we called His holy word is the story about God himself.

Who reincarnates His Son into a woman’s body He’s then born in a manger here on earth. He lives a sinless life for thirty-three years and doing this time He performs many miracles while proclaiming the good news of the gospel and then His own ancestry, kills Him by Crucifixion.

In three days He raises Himself from the grave and He does all of this so that we can receive Salvation.  But only if we believe and have faith in this fantastic story. And if we do have faith and believe, one day soon we will go to live with him in a faraway place in the sky called heaven for eternity, where sin will no longer exist.

My friends, I just repeated to you, the good news of the gospel, but it is not for the saved Christian. We are beneficiaries of it, but the Gospel is for the lost. The adulterous, lying, stealing, gossiping, murderous, covertness, greedy generation.

History tells us millions of martyrs died for this same gospel some are ashamed to proclaim. Most of them were not some skilled competent, proficient orator, or eloquent practitioner.

But the good news of the gospel was mostly proclaimed by people like you and I who just wanted to tell how our loving Savior lifted them up and brought them to Safety in His loving, caring and merciful arms.

Friends if you are willing to give it all for the Master the Bible will speak for itself through Gods Spirit.  So, let us all say with Paul, “I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.” “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5 (NKJV)

Romans 10:11(NKJV) also says For, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame” Friends, Christ is calling you today,want you please heed His voice for “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

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

April 22, 2014

“MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU”

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong 2 Cor. 12:9-10 (NIV)

According to Paul; God’s grace is SUFFICIENT, not necessarily super abundant, or out of control, nor does it say, grow up, Get over it, you will understand it better by and by. It just says God’s grace is sufficient for His Children because He is “able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that WORKS IN US.” Eph. 3:20 (NIV)

My friends is God telling each of us that we have this POWER IN US even during our weaknesses and that power from within than gives us the confidence “that he who began a good work in (each of us) will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus, and as a result, God not only see’s my weaknesses while they are happening. He sees them beyond what is going on in my present condition.

But also to that Day He can look at His child that has been redeemed by His blood and say with no reservation“well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord.” Matt. 25:23 (NIV) One of the most wonderful statements made about our Lord comes from John 1:14 (NKJV) who said “He was full of grace and truth.”

The wondrous fact of His being full of grace was followed in John’s gospel by an even more thrilling reality, “For of  His fullness have all we received and grace upon grace” and as long as we live in a world where our lord reigns we will accumulate grace upon grace. Each day we wake up we should thank God for his grace because it defines us as a Child of God and as a result we recognize the price that was paid on Calvary so that we may be saved by the love, grace and Mercy that our God extends to all who believe.

So no matter what, His grace is sufficient, James 4:6 (KJV) adds, “He gives a greater grace.” It is greater than you think. We don’t know why certain struggles and trials are good for us in this world. We don’t know why we are presented with decisions between finding immediate satisfaction and learning to look at the eternal aspects God shows us in the 21st century where “the love of many (have) waxed cold..”

But all we need to know is there is no other God. He is our Savior, our Creator, our heavenly Father our comforter and He loves us more than we can ever imagine that is why His grace will “extend to  completion until the day of Christ Jesus” besides It is because of  His grace I have been crucified with Him; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who 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 delivered Himself up for me.”

And as I prepare my life for God’s pure and holy kingdom I will continue to allow Christ to rescue me from sin and set me on His own path to righteousness. Because He is the only Son of God who provided the atoning sacrifice that everyone needs. He is the unique channel of God’s abundant grace, love and salvation that extends to His faithful Children.

To me, “Jesus is exclusive and inclusive at the same time the narrow way and the Savior of the entire world the only way of salvation, yet available for all.” God’s grace, shown most perfectly in Jesus Christ, is exactly what everyone needs, and the good news is that it is freely given to all. It’s great news, and it’s worth sharing to everyone we come in contact with.

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

April 21, 2014

WHEN DO THE EVENTS 2000 YEARS AGO FINALLY HAVE AN IMPACT!!!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jer. 29:11-13 (KJV)

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1 John 3:16  When does a Child of God begin to place their life up against the Saviors and see how far we have to go to have the character, and endurance to go all the way to Calvary as we seek God’s Word and Spirit.

Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV) tells us “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN….” As we look at the world we live in, it is vital to our salvation that the focal point of our life is always on Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

And then we must go back 2000 YEARS and ask ourselves what IMPACT Calvary should have on our lives as we travel this Journey Christ has placed us on. First we go to the Old Testament prophets before Christ, who like painters comes along and puts their own unique style on the canvas of the life of Christ.

One by one from Genesis to Malachi, they come, and through the power of God’s Spirit each creates their own unique style and touch on the canvas. Then as Christ is crucified we have the final stroke which brings us into the New Testament from Matthew to revelation which takes us from the birth, death and resurrection of Christ to His returned for the redeemed.

This picture must become personnel as we walk the Via Dolorosa road to Calvary as Christ is beat beyond recognition, simply to satisfy the Jewish leaders as the hired rabble screams out crucify!! Crucify!! With the thought of death being the end to this Traveling Preacher. Their wish is granted and death it is.

We now stand next to the centurion soldiers as the “earthquake and all that happens, terrifies(us), while exclaiming, with no reservations “He is the Son of God!” as the revelation to mankind IS FINISHED! And Satan’s fate is sealed. But my friends Christ Lives and if you seek life eternal he should also live in your heart. Paul”s statement in Romans 5:7-9 says it all

“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.” So now we go back to the cross and look into the eyes of Christ right before His last breath as he also looks into our hearts.

He  knows 2000 years from now the events at Calvary will have no effect on some lives if they never seek My presence, and a personal relationship with My Word as they allow their lives to be transformed by my Spirit.

A certain medieval Minister announced at church he would be preaching this Sabbath evening right before sundown on “The Love of God.” and what that love meant to the world and too his congregation. That evening as the shadows fell and the light ceased to come in through the church windows, the minister had the congregation to gather around the darkness of the pulpit. The preacher then lighted a candle and carried it to the backdrop of a large picture of the crucifixion of Christ. First, he illumined the crown of thorns on Christ head, next on His pierced hands and feet, then the mark of the spear wound in His side. Then a hush fell on the congregation, he blew out the candle and walked out of the church, the sermon was over because there was nothing else to be said. And there should be nothing else for us to say either except OH LORD “NOT MY WILL BUT THY WILL BE DONE”

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

April 20,  2014

SATAN IS DEFEATED, CHRIST HAS RISEN!!!

“I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” Isaiah 14:13-15

When the voice of the mighty angel was heard at Christ’s tomb, saying, Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour came forth from the grave by the life that was in Himself. Now was proved the truth of His words, “I lay down My life, that I might take it again. . . . I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.”

Now was fulfilled the prophecy He had spoken to the priests and rulers, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 10:17-18 (KJV) John 2:19 (KJV) Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Christ had proclaimed in triumph, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” These words could be spoken only by the Deity. All created beings live by the will and power of God.

They are dependent recipients of the life of God. From the highest seraph to the humblest animate being, all are replenished from the Source of life. Only He who is one with God could say, I have power to lay down My life, and I have power to take it again. In His divinity, Christ possessed the power to break the bonds of death. Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept. (E.G.White Desire Of Ages)

My friends OH WHAT HOPE, FOR A CHILD OF GOD. All created beings live by the will and power of God “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 (ESV) And once your faith has allowed God’s promises to abide in you then

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?….For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39 (KJV)

Satan did everything that was possible to BREAK CHRIST. But it was CHRIST, NOT SATAN who gave up his life so that you and I may have eternal life. Yes my friends RESURRECTION SUNDAY is today. Now, who is your allegiance with? A weak Satan that has only the power over us THAT WE GIVE HIM.

Remember this is the same WEAK SATAN that said “I will raise my throne above the stars of God.” Only to go down in defeat at Calvary when Christ said “IT IS FINISHED” Or is your allegiance with Jesus Christ who HAS THE POWER OVER DEATH. And with such power has laid it all out through His Spirit, for us if we believe. Life eternal awaits each of us.

Nothing in this world is worth losing out on the promises of God and what He has planned for the redeemed. “For 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.”1 Cor. 2:9 (KJV) It is time to finish Gods work here on earth. We cannot Serve Christ from a far distance.

We must have a close and personal relationship with Him, which means everything must be about the One who gave it all for us. If we seek Salvation we must take up HIS CROSS. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up HIS CROSS and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?  For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” Matt. 16:24-27 (ESV)

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

April 19, 2014

FOR ONCE IT CAN BE ALL ABOUT ME!!

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Heb. 12:2-3 (NKJV)

Today our Savior rested, and tomorrow He rose. Yesterday He was “despised and rejected of men;…..and we esteemed him not…..He bore our griefs, and carried our sorrows:…..He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities:

The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Is.53:3-7 (KJV)

THE PASSION OF CHRIST what does that mean for mankind. But today I want you to focus on what it all means for the Salvation of a child of God, as we make it personal. Let’s wrap our thoughts around the fact that if it was only you and I that was lost?

Nothing would have changed, He would have still left His pure and holy kingdom just for you and I. The beatings, the scourging, the humiliation, the same rabble would have spit in the face, and slapped, and beat and dragged, and tortured, He who was without sin.

The same spear, crown of thorns, and the nailing of his outstretched feet and hands on that cruel cross would have done the exact same damage for just you and I, as it did for all. “if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?” Matt. 18:12 (KJV)

Now that we have made it personal, and this is the one time you can allow self to take control as you realize it was done all for just you my friends. John says it best in John 3:16

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.” So the plan of Salvation did not have a starting or a cut off point for souls. The plan say’s whoever believes?

And Matt. 24:13 also tells us “he who endures to the end shall be saved. So that lets me know even though it is a free gift. Faith and endurance are also a key to us obtaining life eternal. There is also a lot of work to be done now that we have made it personnel.

For you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) that verse did not say the church will receive, or a group will receive, or a little child, it said you and I my friends.

And through Christ, we whose heart is fixed to serve God will always find the opportunity to be a witness for Him, because the more we can focus on the character and love of Christ the more we come to realize what was done for each of us. And so we must follow Him all the way to Calvary by being A humble servant to others.

And one day soon a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, (will stand) before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; alltogether on one accord, in adoration, throughout the heavenly courts, we will all give God the praise, glory and honor, for we will forever recognize, without Satan telling us otherwise, the Love grace and mercy employed in the salvation of mankind on this earth that were ready to parish, until God sent His only Begotten Son, to die for us.

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

April 18, 2014

“A FEW DEAD FLIES WILL MAKE EVEN THE BEST PERFUME STINK”

A FEW DEAD FLIES WILL MAKE EVEN THE BEST PERFUME STINK. In the same way, a little foolishness can ruin much wisdom and honor.” Ecclesiastes 10:1 (ESV)

For we are to God THE PLEASING AROMA OF CHRIST among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an AROMA that brings death; to the other, an AROMA that brings life. And who is equal to such a task…? ” 2 Cor. 2:14-15 (ESV)

I love what that text tells us “we are THE PLEASING AROMA OF CHRIST, his representatives here on earth. My friends the world watches a child of God. Because we are distinct, unique, a “Chosen vessel” our Character should represent the love, purity, and holiness of our Savior.

BUT WHO IS EQUAL TO SUCH A TASK? we are His chosen generation. The Millennium Christian. But it seems the closer we get to Christ second coming the more we conform “with the customs, and attitudes of the world” especially our “Socially Acceptable Sins”

“My wounds are foul and are corrupt because of my foolishness.” Ps. 35:5 (ESV) Example of the “DEAD FLY MAKING THE BEST PERFUME STINK.” ” BREAKING NEWS” from our headlines a few years back

“THE BOOKIE OF VIRTUE WILLIAM J. BENNETT HAS MADE MILLIONS LECTURING PEOPLE ON MORALITY, AND HAS BLOWN IT ON GAMBLING.”

“We should know that too much of anything, even a good thing, may prove to be our undoing…[We] need … to set definite boundaries on our appetites.” The Book of Virtues, by William J. Bennett secretary of education under Reagan and drug “czar” in the first Bush administration.

Mr. Bennett  has engaged in high-stakes gambling to the tune of as much as $8 million in losses in recent years.” For many years he was one of the major conservative voices arguing for virtue in the public and private life of our culture.

Mr. Bennett said he did not have a problem himself and likened gambling to drinking alcohol. “I view it as drinking,” he said. “If you can’t handle it, don’t do it.” William Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard and another conservative ally of Mr. Bennett, agreed.

“This was a matter between Mr. Bennett, his wife and his accountant. He has said over the years that he likes to gamble and that it relaxes him.” So I ask Mr. Bennett and Mr. Kristol. Where is God at, in defending one’s Character? I guess the first step is to admit you have a problem.

For one day “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” 2 Cor. 5:10 (ESV) “The more delicate the perfume, the more easily spoiled is the ointment.

Common oil is not so liable to injury. So the higher a man’s religious character is, the more hurt is caused by a sinful folly in him.” Dr. Ralph Sockman writes about an experience he had while standing on the edge of Niagara Falls one clear, cold March day.

Wrapped in white winter garments, the falls glistened in the bright sun. As some birds swooped down to snatch a drink from the clear water, Sockman’s companion told how he had seen birds carried over the edge of the precipice.

As they dipped down for a drink, tiny droplets of ice would form on their wings. As they returned for additional drinks more ice would weigh down their bodies until they couldn’t rise above the cascading waters. Flapping their wings, the birds would suddenly drop over the falls.

And that is how sin is my friends a droplet here a droplet there until THE BEST PERFUME BEGINS TO STINK. “The wages of sin is death” the more we sin the more we become immune to the bidding of the Holy Spirit who “will guide you into all truth.”

What explanation will we give Christ for not laying it all on the altar in preparation for his second coming. Soon God is going to tell His Son Let’s go get our Children “IT IS FINISHED.” Friends today please look at your life in relationship to the life of Christ as you continue to ask God each day “WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED”

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

April 17, 2014

“IF THOU BE WILLING (PLEASE) REMOVE THIS CUP FROM ME”

Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek. Ps. 27:3-4 (NKJV)

“If thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” Luke 22:42 (KJV) I am a man, but I can only imagine that at times a woman having a baby, has screamed the words

“IF THOU BE WILLING (PLEASE) REMOVE THIS CUP FROM ME”or some semblance of, as you let anyone who will hear. I’m in pain! why did I agree to this! If this is the beginning of BIRTH PANGS, what lies ahead!

My friends I need you to focus today on the last few words of the text where Christ says “NEVERTHELESS NOT MY WILL, BUT THINE, BE DONE.” Life can seem so overwhelming at times, certain moments in our life we have second thoughts about the JOURNEY Christ has placed us on.

“Three times Christ has uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him.

He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin.

His prayer now breathes only submission: “If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, THY WILL BE DONE.”(E.G. White Desire of Ages) How many times are our prayers unheeded by God in so many situations and circumstances of our life?

Family, sickness, death, marriage, money, job, school. If you have lived in this world any length of time we have all been there but then, at that moment “Does God then forsake just those who serve Him best?

Well, He who served Him best of all said, near His tortured death, ‘Why hast thou forsaken me?’ When God becomes man, that Man, of all others, is least comforted by God, at His greatest need.

There is a mystery here which, even if I had the power, I might not have the courage to explore. Meanwhile, little people like you and me, if our prayers are sometimes granted, beyond all hope and probability, had better not draw hasty conclusions to our own advantage.

If we were stronger, we might be less tenderly treated. If we were braver, we might be sent, with far less help, to defend far more desperate posts in the great battle.” (C. S. Lewis) My friends life is a mystery at times that just can’t be explained as our faith is stretched to the limit.

But “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Heb.11:6 (ESV) So as our Faith Grows our responsibility grows, our endurance grows.

It grows to a point that God can say as He said of Job “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man or woman, one who fears God and shuns evil?” Job 1:8 (NKJV)

We are in a war, a war that was won on Calvary. But the god of this world continues to fight. That is why we must continue to fight for God. As we use God’s Son as our example. So we must keep fighting, and praying until we can claim victory to all the universe.

So each day we must go out on the battle field of this world with prayer, God’s Word and his Spirit, as we tell God “NOT MY WILL, BUT THY WILL BE DONE” because we “are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that (we) may proclaim the praises of Him who called (each of us) out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 peter 2:9

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

April 16, 2014

“RISE YE UP, TAKE YOUR JOURNEY”

“RISE YE UP, TAKE YOUR JOURNEY…” Deu. 2:24 (KJV) That text tells us someone is sitting that God is trying to encourage to RISE UP, and start THEIR JOURNEY “For you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. for when you have stood the test, you will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

Let’s start today in John 5:1-15 (NKJV) “Then Jesus said, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity 38 years. When Jesus saw him lying there, He knew his condition and how long he had been there, but He asked him anyway, WILT THOU BE MADE WHOLE?

Christ knew this water had no supernatural power to heal, because the very source of life stood right in front of him. But how does Christ come into one’s presence and you are not aware. Is it possible to be paralyzed for 38 years with no desire TO BE MADE WHOLE by the Masters touch?

Maybe the man had just gotten used to his way of life? The poolside was a familiar and safe environment. My friends as Christians have we gotten familiar with our environment and the comfort of sitting.

Have we become so complacent, lackadaisical, and self-indulgent, that we have forgotten how to respond to Jesus presence as we live the comfortable and easy life with no desire to change or BE MADE WHOLE spiritually.

When Jesus ask the man at the pool “Wilt thou be made whole?” The man’s heart did not thrill with anticipation of being healed. Instead, in verse 7 he told Jesus his hard luck story. “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”

For 38 years the man was looking for something physically and I hope spiritually that now stood right in front of Him. And I can say without a doubt that Christ stands in our presence today, as He also ask us to “RISE UP, AND TAKE OUR JOURNEY.”

The apostle Paul, tells us in 2 Cor. 11:16-33 (KJV) “Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting…..

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 spent  nights in the open sea, I am constantly on the move.

Been in danger from rivers, and bandits, in danger from Jews, and Gentiles; in danger in the city, and in the country, in danger at sea; and from false believers. I have labored and toiled and gone without sleep; I know hunger and thirst, I have been cold and naked.”

Friends, let’s go back to Paul’s Damascus road experience before all of  his trials started “and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him, and he fell to the ground.” Now this is the part of this story where I really need you to focus today.

And Paul said “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? AND THE LORD SAID UNTO HIM, ARISE,…” Acts 9:6 (KJV) and from that point on He Never looked back. 2 Tim. 4:7-8 (KJV) Paul tells us.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

“Sometimes we delay our decisions and actions TO START OUR JOURNEY because of fear and vulnerability. Most often we are still hung up on the past, overwhelmed by circumstance of the present, or battling between deception and truth about our situation of the future. Confusion settles in, we look at our life and decide why should I “RISE UP,” I’M HAPPY” So our solution is, we sit on our mat by the pool of Bethesda. Today God still extends His grace my friends. We still have time, CHRIST STILL PLACES “THE JOURNEY BEFORE US. But it will end soon. And He will say “IT IS FINISHED”

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

April 15, 2014

“I STAND ACCUSED, BUT LOVE PAID THE PRICE, THE VERDICT IS IN; NOT GUILTY”!!!

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?  Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. 1 Peter 4:17-19 (NASB)

“I STAND ACCUSED, there’s a list a mile long of all my sins, of everything that I’ve done wrong. I’m so ashamed, there’s nowhere left for me to hide, this is the day I must answer for my life. My fate is in the Judges hands.

But then he turns to me and says. I know you, I love you I gave my life to save you, Love paid the price for mercy. My verdict, NOT GUILTY. How can it be, I cannot begin to comprehend What kind of Grace would take the place for all my sins. I STAND IN AWE.

Now that I have been set free and the tears well up as I look at that Cross ‘Cause it should’ve been me, My fate was in the nail scarred hands, He stretched them out for me and said…I know you, I love you I gave my life to save you Love paid the price, for Mercy My verdict, not guilty.

I’m falling on my knees to thank You With everything I am. I praise You. So grateful for the words I heard you say. I know you, I love you, I gave my life…just to save you, Love paid the price, for Mercy My verdict is, NOT GUILTY. (Mandisa)

Friends each day we must place it on the altar before Christ as we ask Him to “Wash (us) thoroughly from (our) iniquity,and cleanse (us) from (our) sins! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.” Ps. 51:2-4 (ESV) And once our Savior takes over our life completely.

When that day of judgment comes He will look at His sinless Child, who stands before Him, who has been washed in the blood that He shed on Calvary, and say with no reservation NOT GUILTY, AND WE WILL STAND IN AWE.

But friends there is a PROCESS, a TESTING of our ENDURANCE and FAITH before you can hear those words NOT GUILTY. For Christ tells us “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (ESV) So as God’s Children, and His chosen WE MUST OVERCOME THE WORLD ALSO because “you dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4(NIV)

“Throughout his administration, Abraham Lincoln was a president under fire, especially during the scarring years of the Civil War. And though he knew he would make errors of office, he resolved never to compromise his integrity. So strong was this resolve that he once said.

“I desire so to conduct the affairs of this administration that if at the end, when I come to lay down the reins of power, I have lost every other friend on earth, I shall at least have one friend left, and that friend shall be DOWN INSIDE OF ME.”

And my friends as God’s Child it will always be the saving power of Christ through His Spirit DOWN INSIDE OF US and once LIVING FOR CHRIST becomes THE PASSION OF CHRIST, and His blood that flows through our veins.

Then God can say with full assurance NOT GUILTY AS I STAND IN AWE!! “before him in the kingdom “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.” 2 Cor. 5:10(NIV)

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

April 14, 2014

COMPLETE MAKEOVER, AS SELF DIES, AND LIFE BEGINS IN CHRIST!!!

My friends we must escalate Christ to the highest ranking position of our life. Nothing can be above him. He must be the focal point as our eyes are forever “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,” So as we escalate Christ to His new position we will begin to diminish self to the point of DEATH.

We become irrelevant  as we recognize self will never be about us again as we subject our small and insignificant Minds and desires to the greater cause of following Christ and telling others of the good news of Christ soon return as we approach the end of this great controversy between good and evil.

Paul 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.” But once again there must be a passion to eliminate self from our life.

“Consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:11-14 (NASB)

And this transformation will take place as our Faith and belief in the Saving power of  our Savior allows us to have a deeper and personal, relationship with Him and His Word. And each day you will wake up renewed in the grace of God as you tell yourself.

“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.” Acts 20:24 (NKJV) A London businessman Lindsay Clegg told the story of a warehouse property he was selling.

The building had been empty for months and needed repairs. Vandals had damaged the doors, smashed the windows, and strewn trash around the interior. As he showed a prospective buyer the property.

Clegg took pains to say that he would replace the broken windows, bring in a crew to correct any structural damage, and clean out the garbage. “Forget about the repairs,” the buyer said. “When I buy this place, I’m going to build something completely different.

I don’t want the building; I want the site.” And my friends that is the restoration and renewal God has planned for our lives for that is what Calvary was all about, our efforts to improve our own lives are insignificant, everything must go.

A TOTAL MAKEOVER  in the blood of our Savior must take place. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17 (KJV)

Friends remember the controversy and battle will be 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.

But we must never be complacent we must never remove the armor Christ has given us. For the god of this world continues “to move about seeking who he may devour” So with self dead we can say without any reservations

“If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect?…But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God,” Rom. 8:31-39 (NASB)  AS SELF DIES, AND LIFE BEGINS IN CHRIST!!!

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