Sep. 7, 2013

UNCHANGEABLE/PROSPERITY THROUGH CHRIST!!!

Psalm 33:11 “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.”

Severe changes are mounting,  life is emptied of most of our resources, hopes and ambitions are fading, and our first reaction of all of our anguish is to think God is cruel. Why did He allow it to happen. But my Word tells me God is love “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” So how can He be cruel and love at the same time. What I also know is “Our God is unchangeable “The concept of a growing or developing God is not found in the Scriptures.  It seems to me impossible to think of God as varying from Himself in any way” A.W. Tozer  

Hebrews 13:8 tells us “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” God is unchanging in his character, purpose, and love. So why do we have difficulty taking our days independently.

We usually look at one day endowed with success, and happiness, and another darkened with trials, failure, or why did I even get out of bed mentality.

Why such a propensity towards a changing attitude if our purpose is to be like a changeless God. Numbers 23:19 says God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”

But as Christians victory in Christ must come about when we recognize that if our days are spent in the presence of the good Shepherd, our PASSION. and I don’t use the word lightly, because the word PASSION must be A attitude that being in Gods presence instills into us. PASSION is defined as any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling.

And this power can only come from A PASSIONATE GOD whose word ” is alive and active.” in our lives “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.” Heb 4:12

Now that same power allows our mental capacity to say I am unchangeable no mater what the circumstances, situation or affliction in one’s life, simply because I serve an unchangeable God no matter what this world deems as changeable, for my  focus is only on A unchangeable life through Christ.

As Christians we must never forget Calvary, and A unchanging God who put it all on the line to send his unchanging Begotten son, In the midst of affliction, and a world marred by sin and the forces of evil so that we may focus on His changeless Character for our Salvation. Yes as A child of God I can say My God never changes.

Men have tried to destroy His character. The French infidel Voltaire said of Jesus, “Christianity is the most ridiculous, the most absurd and bloody religion that has ever infected the world.”

He also boasted, “In twenty years Christianity will be no more. My single hand shall destroy the edifice it took twelve apostles to rear. He’s dead but Christ lives on.”  Thomas Paine wrote “The Age of Reason” in which he scoffed against Christ and the Word of God, but he died a drunkard’s death and my Lord and Savior lives on.

He is A Changeless God. At creation He was the Alpha  Gen 1:1 “in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” and in the end He will still be God and God along the Omega when He enters the clouds to take the faithful back with Him.

Mark 13:26-27 tells us And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. And I my friends call that the end. No more controversy on His unchangeing love. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Revelation 22:13

Every attempt to destroy the character of Christ has failed. His critics die each day as they await there judgement before a unchanging God 2 Cor 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.”

He is as far above all His critics as the heavens are above the earth Jesus Christ character is perfect.He never changes in His love or His Character. so when john tells us in 1 John 3:2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

At this moment ask yourself today, have I allowed the god of this world to transform your unchangaeble character to a changeable  Characters  by “Setting your mind  “on earthly things” and “not on things above.”

In 1 Kings 2:3 it tells us to “observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may PROSPER in all you do and wherever you go.

Revelation 3:12 tells us “The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.”

“Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant,” To be spiritually prosperous we must have a faith that is UNCHANGEABLE. And the faith of the Christian, that is produced through God’s word , “Except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”We must believe that God “Is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” in our lives.

Our PASSION to be like Christ. First we must believe in “the exceeding greatness of his power to make our character as unchangeable as his. Then we must believe that we can accomplish anything even through affliction, to live A changeless life, as our Savior lived.

Many who claim to be followers of Christ are refusing to be unchangeable in their attitude of prosperity through Christ, His word, and there faith. But my friends “Where is your faith?” Our Lord said, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” The first step toward an unchangeable charactor and prosperity is A PASSION!!!! AND THE POWER TO MAKE IT HAPPEN THROUGH CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED

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

September 6, 2013

THIS IS NOT OUR HOME!!!!

“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” 1 Peter 1:17 also tells us Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. And once we have done this our next responsibility is to tell A world that has lost sight of the saving grace of Christ that this is not there Home.

Paul says “our citizenship is in heaven” So as Christians our minds must stay on things not of this world, as we live with the future of what my God has prepared for me. Christ words in John 14:1:4 tells me “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me, In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you……that where I am, there you may be also…..”

“This world is not my home; I am just passing through. We as Christians, should always feel like aliens, or strangers in a foreign country The Psalmist said, in Ps. 119:19 “I am a stranger on earth” Though we travel as temporary residents, our mandate as Christians is to tell others of the good news of a new home.

As The pilgrim Abraham interceded for Sodom and rescued Lot. 1 Peter 3:15 urges believers to make a difference it says “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you….

As Christians we are called to be part of God’s Rescue Squad, we are to throw out the lifeline, as we fulfill our part of His Great Commission to go into all the world and preach of a New home to others. Many of us have been strangers at some time in our lives, to a certain city or community. After awhile we become comfortable.

We adjust, as we begin to adopt to the customs of our new surroundings. In time, we no longer feel like strangers. But scripture warns us not to become comfortable here on earth. For Jesus Christ is our only true source of comfort and security. he gives us small portions of eternity as we travel this journey He has placed us on.

As He gives us the physically, mental, and spiritual strength to meet the challenges that confront us each day. as strangers here on earth Chrisr is our focal point to eternity and our new home. in Hebrews 13:14-16 it tells us “For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our city in heaven, which is yet to come.

With Jesus’ help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.” So as we continue our journey to the promise land. Now today let’s all do as the demoniac did when he was sent home to tell what the Lord had done for him.

He was to be a living representative of our Lord and Savior. They were to see in him a transformation from the touch of the Master’s hand. Luke 8:38-40 tells us The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.

”So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. NOW WHEN JESUS RETURNED, A CROWD WELCOMED HIM, FOR THEY WERE ALL EXPECTING HIM. also on our Journey to the promise land lets do as The woman of Samaria in the same way went to the men of the city, and said, “Come, see a man that told me all things that ever I did:

Is not this the Christ?” in john 4 it tells us She went without a command, and made the Saviour known. MANY OF THE SAMARITANS FROM THAT TOWN BELIEVED IN HIM BECAUSE OF THE WOMAN’S TESTIMONY, “He told me everything I ever did.”

So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. My friends Christ assured His disciples that He went to prepare A mansions for them in His Father’s house.

“Those who accept the teachings of God’s word will not be wholly ignorant concerning the heavenly abode. And yet, “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.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. Human language is inadequate to describe the reward of the righteous. It will be known only to those who behold it.

No finite mind can comprehend the glory of the Paradise of God. In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called “a country.” Hebrews 11:14-16. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. God’s people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home. “My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”

“Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.” “They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; . . . My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” Isaiah 32:18; 60:18; 65:21, 22.

There will be no more tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning. “There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. . . . for the former things have passed away.” “The inhabitant will not say, ‘I am sick’; the people who dwell in it will be forgiven their iniquity.” Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 33:24.

There is the New Jerusalem, the metropolis of the glorified new earth, “a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” “Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.” “The nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.” Saith the Lord:

“I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people.” “The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” Isaiah 62:3; Revelation 21:11, 24; Isaiah 65:19; Revelation 21:3. . . . E. G. White the great The Great Controversy, p. 674-678

NOW THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!!  I HAVE  ALREADY MADE MY RESERVATION  I WILL BE THERE SOON!!! WILL YOU?

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

September 4, 2013

RESTING IN THE BOSOM OF CHRIST!!!!

“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.”Matthew 11:28-30

Can you remember as a child playing outside all day, coming in the house, momma having dinner ready, you eat, bath, get ready for bed, mother tucks you in gives you a kiss, one that always assured you that nothing would ever harm you. With that assurance of love, and protection we would sleep 10 to 12 hours until morning with no interruptions. let’s now move forward to today.

Three hours a night, is a good night sleep for me. In the last 30 or 40 years this has been my routine, never a moment of peaceful rest, forever moving, tossing and turning thru the night, with life’s burdens of the next day or week always before me or somewhere in my subconcious. But then about 8 am August 29th I got a phone call.

Tellling me my, MENTOR, PROFESSOR AND FRIEND, 13 years my senior had died. At that moment I laid my head down and closed my eyes and just focused on God AND GOD ALONG, and not on the madness of this life, or World we live in. I found myself asking, what does God really want from me.

And then God at that moment, laid me in His Bosom,wipe away my tears, and spoke to me as a Friend, Oh what a God we serve. Today as I look at life, and death, and what it means to each of us, I have decided to focus on being totally rested spiritually, I never want to be weary, burdened and heavy laden again.

For Christ tells me to “Take His yoke and learn from me For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Rest has evaded me as long as I can remember but now I do understand that Christ and Calvary is the only way a person can find Peace and rest for their mind, Body, and soul,

And now my friend is at rest, after several years of pain and suffering. And today God wants each of us to be at rest also spiritually, And live by His vision of discernment and not A false vision that the world we live in has to offer, but a genuine vision that leads toward a path that is guided by His presence.

It’s A very difficult process because to exercise A spiritual vision, and rest, we must accept each situation and circumstances in our life simply because we no God makes no mistakes. We must be willing to say, God, I can not figure this out, in fact I will not even try to, I’m just going to trust You to give me a vision that will allow me to rest in your bosom.

As quoted in John 13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.” Oh what a connection, or filling we all should desire to have A passion to experiance. Resting in the bosom of Christ!! But Is this really possible in the 21st century. The age of high tech, Facebook, Twitter, got to have the latest right now society.

How do we give it all to the Master as we lay in his bosom and say I know God is going to accomplish what needs to be done and I don’t need to know when He will do it, or how. But my FAITH AND HIS WORD TELLS ME HE WILL, as I rest in the loving arms of Jesus. I know today my faith has been strengthened.

I also know I have grown in Christ this pass week because I now realize today, what I did not fully understand before when I got that initial phone call about my friends death, and that is, God will complete what he has started in each of us for in Phil 1:6 Paul tells us being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

So today. I now understand I never need to ask why again. Because my plans are to be in God’s pure and holy kingdom and I now know for sure, that I will see my friend there also.  Because I now know, that God knew, in bringing me into his life over 20 year’s ago , that Christ would complete what He had started in my friends life, seventy three years ago.

Today I fill my faith has been stretched to the limit, but I’m fine with that because I never want it to be stagnant, or Luke warm. If our focused just revolved around the timing this journey God has each of us own, we would probably get discourage. But we must accept God’s plan for us as we rest in his presence as our Character is being shaped for Eternity.

And then and only then can we experience total peace and happiness. We search for answers daily but solutions can only come from God’s Word and His presence in our lives, So now we do go to His word and ask the question Why? did God lead the Israelites the longer, and harder way on their journey to the Promised Land.

Why didn’t he just speak and it happen, why such a hard journey, why the red sea, why the wilderness. why so long to prepare his chosen for what was already promised them. And why did my friend go through so much pain and suffering, and why did he have such a hard journey, only to end up where Christ was always leading Him. In the comfort of His bosom.

and then we go to Proverbs 16:9 for the answer, and for all of our answers to each trial and disapointments in our life where it tells us, A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” Proverbs 20:24 also says,Man’s steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way?

My friends please today, allow God to lead you, it may never make sense but please lay in his bosom and rest in His love, for faith does not make things easy, it only makes things possible. and then “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding or knowledge. In all your ways please, acknowledge Him Because.

OUR GOD IS YAHWEH The Creator of everything, so please rest in His Bosom, also OUR GOD IS AN AGAPE GOD For His Love is Selfless, Sacrificial and Unconditional if we are resting in the comfort of His bosom. So if you will just hold on, and continue to rest in His Bosom He will make your paths straight and complete.

Today I can say God allowed me just a ordinary man to bear His fruit. I became the branch which holds the fruit which Christ produced. The branch nor I can bear fruit of itself; it only bears fruit because it is connected to the vine, who is Christ our only Hope for salvation.

I could only bear this fruit because Christ allowed me to be that connection, because he loved my friend  like he loves all of us for in 2 Peter 3:9 it tells us The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with each of us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Now today my friends. We all must learn to REST IN THE BOSOM OF CHRIST while allowing the world to say as they look at each of us, and say to themselves I have truly seen Christ today.

A SONG COMES TO MY MIND, AND I HOPE EACH OF YOU WILL REPEAT THE WORDS DAILY,

AS YOU REST IN THE BOSOM OF CHRIST UNTIL THE DAY OF HIS APPEARING, AND THEN HE WILL TAKE US HOME TO LIVE WITH HIM.

THROUGHOUT THE CEESLESS AGES OF ETERNITY

“If not you, I wonder where will they ever find the One who really cares? If not you, how will they find the One who heals the broken heart, gives sight to the blind? Cause You’re the only Jesus some will ever see You’re the only words of life, some will ever read So let them see in you the One in whom is all they’ll ever need. You’re the only Jesus, some will ever see If not you, I wonder who, will show them love, and love alone can make things new? If not you, how will they learn there’s one who’ll trade their hopelessness for joy in return? So let Him shine, let Him show Let them see the One in you, let this whole world know You’re the only Jesus some will ever see You’re the only words of life, some will ever read So let them see in you the One in whom is all they’ll ever need

So friends stay focused, remain faithful, love one another and endure till the end and never forget to STUDY&PRAY As you rest in the Bosom of Christ

September 3, 2013

KNOWING GODS VOICE

Throughout Scripture we see story after story of God speaking to His Faithful who love Him.

(Abraham),When God called, Abraham believed God and by faith followed God’s instructions. Hebrews 11:8, states that: “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out…”

(Jacob) Then God appeared to Jacob when he came from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him. And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob You shall no longer be called Jacob, Israel shall be your name.” Thus He called him Israel. Gen.35:9-10

(Samuel) listens in the darkness. From his bed he heard a voice calling out to him…….”Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling Samuel. Eli says, if He calls you again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”…. God speaks again, and in a vision tells Samuel that he will become the voice He would speak to his people.

(Moses)The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend Exodus 33:11  (Paul) He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”Acts 9:4-6

Learning to clearly distinguish God’s voice as the prophets of old would probably guarantee most of the world an easy path to Gods pure and holy kingdom. If we can have the wisdom of Gods actual voice to guide and protect. Our lives, would radically be transformed as He guides us through life from the sound of His voice.

Yes The worst situation or circumstances that we as Christians may encounter from day to day, would be one word away from the Lord responding to us as we respond to our children Matthew 7:9-11 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” I believe if we could here God’s actual voice, there would be a total turnaround of our lives. Just imagine, any problem you might encounter, one face to face word from the Lord will instantly, deliver you.

(Sickness) Matt 8:6-8 Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word. and my servant will be healed.

(Marital problems) John 4 says: He told her, “Go, call your husband …” “I have no husband,”…. Jesus said to her, “You are right… you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband…….. Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”.

(financial crisis), in Matt 17:27 it states “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a coin. Take it and give it to them.

(food to eat) Matt. 14:17-21 says “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” “Bring them here to Me,…. And He directed the people to sit down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves….and the disciples gave them to the people…….The number of those who ate was about five thousand men….

(Demon possession) Mark 5 tell’s us. Immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit……… When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and bowed down to him, and crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? …..” For Christ said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!”……

Today We may not always here the voice of our Lord and Savior. But the Lord always here’s our voice. For us to Actually hear God’s voice, we must recognize it. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

Those who hear God’s voice are those who walk in the footsteps of God, and who have been saved by the transforming power of His love and grace through faith. These are the sheep who hear and recognize His voice, who come when He calls and follow Him wherever He goes because we know He will protect us.

He is our Shepherd and comforter in our time of need we know His voice and respond to Him when He calls. If we are to recognize God’s voice, we must also belong to Him. and only him “The sheep can not worship or follow two Shepard’s at once. either you will Love one Shepard, and end up hating the other. Or have adoration for one, only to fill contempt for the other.

We also hear His voice when we spend time in deep heartfelt prayer, and just quiet contemplation of His Word, as we focus on His desire for our lives and how we can give Him the praise, honor and glory.

But my friends while God is God and He speaks to us as He chooses, His primarily source of communication is through His Word, and Spirit, and if we have a sincere, and A heartfelt prayer life, while applying through faith, what we read in God’s Word, we will never get it wrong, when we here the good Shepard’s voice.

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

September 2, 2013

ARE WE SINKING DEEP IN SIN?

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more, But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me, now safe am I. LOVE LIFTED ME

Quicksand: It is usually represented as a deep pool of sandy goo which blends in with its surroundings, lying in wait to slowly suck in anyone who attempts to wander over it. And if you get caught in it, and you have no help to get out. Everything you try to do by yourself only allows the sand to just keep dragging its victims slowly underneath as you sink deeper and deeper, until you become completely submerged.

I think we all identify with that because sometimes, life gets like that when you have allowed the things of this world to occupy your mind and body instead of Christ. And when that happens, it’s easy to lose your focus and get dragged into the abyss of total destruction.  Just like quicksand, sin can have disastrous results.

We find that sin is contagious, scandalous, repulsive and complete if we do not allow the Good Shepard into our lives to rescue us from the forces of Evil. Romans 6:23 tells us that ” For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The sinner who never grasped onto the loving arms of Christ is usually lead into the sinking sand of sin. Forced by Satan to go as far as possible until you are completely submerged. Because Sin will always take you farther than you ever thought you would go.

Slowly but surely sin takes control of your mind, and body each day that your eyes are not focused on the Master. Sin will always make your stay a lasting one. much longer than we ever intended, Oh! I will only take this one drink I am not hurting anyone. Remember the forces of evil have no intentions of ever letting you go until you are completely submerged in sin.

Sin will also cost you far more than you wanted to pay, for it will cost you your life. By allowing Satan one moment of your time, while never becoming aware of the plea’s of God’s Holy Spirit and the saving power of the cross. Your stay will literally last a life time. Satan’s stronghold over us begins when we give Satan permission to enter our lives through disobedience to Gods laws of love.

And as the “god of this world” he has the legitimate right to influence and harass us, if we allow him that connection into our mind, and body. Remember God will not force us to Choose Him over Satan. if we do not protest by using the armor of Christ salvation, we allow the forces of evil to take over our life, and at that point, Satan has a legal claim to our mind and body.

By our choice and only our choice we allow Satan to Become our master, and not God. And God will never overrule a person’s will. ‘That’s why it is important to first know who we are in Christ. John 1:12 tells us “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

Next we must understand as Children of God what are Our rights and privileges. for Psalm 8:4-6. says “What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And you have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; you have put all things under his feet.”

And last but not least What power, and authority has God given us as His Children against Satan. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us that The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

 Romans 8:17 also says “Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” As God’s heirs to his kingdom it is very important to pray without ceasing, for ourselves and others we love, who maybe blinded by the stronghold of Satan and can’t recognize the forces of evil to get free. 

As Christians and believers in Jesus Christ and Him crucified, we have the power through Christ to take authority over the enemy. By calling out the Savior’s name as Peter. “When he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him. Matt 14:30-31.

Remember our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was anointed by the Father to proclaim liberty to the captives of Satan to pull us to the shores of safety in His loving arms. Paul tells us in Tim.2:26, “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. “Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves, He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves. He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey, He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.” Love Lifted Me

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

September 1, 2013

FOCUS! FOCUS! FOCUS!

Mark 8:22-25 And they came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Jesus and implored Him to touch him. 23 Taking the blind man by the hand, He brought him out of the village; and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around.” 25 Then again He laid His hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly. 

FOCUS! FOCUS! FOCUS!

Have you ever wondered why a pigeon walks so funny? According to an interesting article in the Detroit Free Press, a pigeon walks the way it does so it can see where it’s going. Because it can’t adjust its focus as it moves, the pigeon actually has to bring its head to a complete stop between steps in order to refocus.

This is the way it walks: head forward, stop; head back, stop! In our spiritual walk with the Lord we have the same problem as the pigeon. We have a hard time seeing while we’re moving. We also need to stop between steps to refocus on where we are in relation to the things of this world and Gods will for us.

Our walk with the Lord needs to have built into it a pattern of  spiritual stops. which enable us to see more clearly before moving on. The healing of the blind man was unique in that it consisted of two stages. After the first healing was performed, the man saw people as moving objects, like trees walking. That is, he could distinguish them from trees only, by their motion;

After that Christ put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. Sometimes we, like the blind man, need a second touch by Jesus in order to see things from His perspective. He looked at men and saw people as moving objects, like trees walking. he then looked at our Savior, Jesus Christ, and saw clearly the Son of God.

And once his eyes was fixed on Christ, his sight and focus was fully restored. “The second stage of healing was preceded by the touching of the eyes. The text does not say that Jesus made him look up, but rather that the man looked intently. And when he did so, he began to see all things clearly.” “When Christ is the center of your focus, everything else will come into proper perspective.”

As we begin to focus upon God, the transforming power of the Holy Spirit will begin to take shape before our eyes. (A. W. Tozer) The Wikipedia, describes FOCUS: as selectively concentrating on one aspect of the environment while ignoring other things. The Free Dictionary describe FOCUS: As A point at which rays of light or other radiation converge: Also called focal point.

As A Christian what Focal Point should mean to each of us is Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. Nothing else should define This Race or journey that each of us are on to the finish line. Remember my Friends, when each of us stand’s before God the only thing that will matter, did we have A personal Relationship, each day with our Savior.

And did we allow Our Lord and Savior to transform our character to be like His. Or did we allow the things of this world to be more important. And as Christians we can never ever loose our focus on where Christ is leading us from day to day, as we Study his Word, and seek His Spirit. And if that remains our focus Eternity, and Gods pure and holy kingdom will soon be ours.

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:2 – Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. When we as Christians remain Focused we then surrender our all to the Master. And once that happens it all becomes about trusting and having faith in a God, that has done it all for our Salvation.

Totally Surrendering and given it all to the Master is the only way to live, If we want to make heaven our home. Because nothing else matters as a Christians. Because all other pathways lead to resentment, defeat and in the and destruction.

Hebrews 12:2  tells us “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”So if our Goal is the kingdom of God, then we must never loose our FOCUS on Christ and what we must do to be like Him.

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

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