April 26,2014

MY FRIENDS, ARE WE THERE YET, ARE WE THERE?

“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:11-12 (NIV)

To be in a state of SLUMBER Webster tells us we are in a state of inactivity, negligence, or quiescence. But the question I ask each of you is how can you sleep in the middle of confusion as the turmoil of this world goes on.

Paul Tells us, “WAKE UP FROM OUR SLUMBER and PUT ON THE ARMOR OF LIGHT.” who is Jesus Christ the “ light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”John 8:12 (ESV)

Our Savior has placed a mandate before us and we should consider it an honor and a privilege to be called by God “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matt.22:14 (KJV) You must decide today if you want to be one of the CHOSEN FEW.

The ELITE who will be recognized in the courts of heaven among the angels and the unfallen worlds as part of Christ ELITE or DELTA FORCES, the faithful who was at the forefront of this battle that went on in the streets of our cities each day.

This is a position of  great importance to our Savior, and not in front of our TV’s in a state of zombiism. Remember friends tomorrow is not promised. Has it ever occurred to “You, awaking one morning and not being on this side of life, but on the other side of judgment.

What reason, what good excuse, what procrastinating lie will you give God for not accepting the free gift of Salvation?” (Minister Debra Aiken, Christian Daily devotions) So at this very moment you must work the works of him that sent (you), while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4 (KJV)

As a Child of God “we must STAY AWOKE as we carry out “our Fathers business.” Without any restrictions we must move along each day on this Journey wherever circumstances leads and the Master says go.

As we seek that faith which gives us more endurance to continue the will of God without any reservations as we maintain a PASSION to seek God’s PRESENCE. As a kid my parents traveled quite a bit. Sometimes the trips were very long.

To this day I still can’t figure how my brother and I could sleep in the back window of those cars, but moving on. I remember waking up, on and off along the way, constantly repeating those familiar words ARE WE THERE YET, ARE WE THERE.

Falling back to sleep waking back up ARE WE THERE YET, ARE WE THERE. Friends Christ has placed each of us on a Journey, but we are not kids in the back seat anymore, we are in the drivers seat, making decision that effect the lives of many.

So we must be ALERT and fully awoke at all times. There are many signs along the Journey letting us know we are near our destination, signs that read; wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, kingdoms are rising against kingdoms.

Famines, earthquakes, false prophets, increase in wickedness, the love of most grows cold. Yes my friends we don’t have to keep saying, ARE WE THERE YET, ARE WE THERE? We can see our destination ahead “the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” So today “THE HOUR HAS COME FOR YOU TO WAKE UP FROM YOUR SLUMBER” and be about “our Fathers business” Because soon WE WILL BE THERE.

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

April 25, 2014

GOD’S CHOSEN GENERATION, “I HAVE MADE YOU A WATCHMAN” NOW WHAT?

“Now the….Lord came to me, saying,  “SON OF MAN I HAVE MADE YOU A WATCHMAN, I have made you a WATCHMAN for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. Ezekiel 3:16-21(NKJV)

Just as God  appointed His prophets, throughout the Bible to be watchmen over Israel, likewise He has  appointed each of us to be watchmen over His flocks. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

But as Gods chosen generation have we lost sight of what our responsibilities are. A WATCHMAN never leaves his post while on duty. He should always be on the lookout for impending dangers so he may inform others on impending disaster ahead.

A WATCHMAN must also Die to self daily while allowing God’s Spirit to continue to transform their character to be like Christ. Also a WATCHMAN must always be aware of the god of this worlds tactics, while informing the world “That the wages of sin is death”

In the text above, God has appointed Ezekiel, to be a WATCHMAN. His duty was to LISTEN ATTENTIVELY TO GOD’S MESSAGE and GIVE A WARNING FROM GOD. Also my friends as a WATCHMAN for Christ you have the same responsibility, NOW WHAT!!

“Because when I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and if you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, then their blood I will require at your hand” once again NOW WHAT. Today you have a decision to make.

But as Gods Children, WE ARE ALREADY HIS WATCHMAN “for such a time as this”, because He has given us the responsibility to inform the world THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD and soon He will return to take all of His faithful Children who have endured to a place

“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 (NIV) So my friends we cannot afford to fall asleep at the gate the world is counting on us to keep WATCH.

But there must be a PASSION to stay ALERT and to stay VIGILANT “ because we know not the day or the hour.” For our God tells us “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22:12 (NIV)

“We are pressing on to the final conflict, and this is no time to compromise. It is no time to hide your colors. When the battle wages sore, let no one turn traitor. It is no time to lay down or conceal our weapons, and give Satan the advantage in the warfare.

But unless you WATCH, and keep your garments unspotted from the world, you will not stand true to your Captain. It is no time for WATCHMAN to slumber on the walls of Zion. Let them be wide-awake. Call to your FELLOW-WATCHMAN, crying, “The morning cometh, and also the night.”

It is no time now to relax our efforts, to become tame and spiritless; no time to hide our light under a bushel, to speak smooth things, to prophesy deceit. Every power is to be employed for God. You are to maintain your allegiance, bearing testimony for God and for truth. (E.G. White Chapter 132 Let the Trumpet Give a Certain Sound)

So WATCHMAN TODAY if you are a child of God “SOUND THE BATTLE CRY! See, the foe is nigh; Raise the standard high for the Lord; Gird your armor on, stand firm every one; Rest your cause upon His holy Word.”

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

April 24, 2014

MY FRIENDS, IS THE LIFEGUARD DROWNING THEMSELVES?

“Genuine unity is sustained in a spirit of humility, and love, in acknowledging each individual’s differences and joining together a SHARED VISION, and goals, that leads to finishing God’s commission. here on earth”

In Matthew 24:14 it states “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.” once our focus remains on finishing God’s work here on earth then the unity we have in Christ to SAVE SOULS WHO ARE DROWNING IN SIN becomes the driving force that completes our praise, and glory in Him, and for Him, by allowing our mind and body to be “ON ONE ACCORD” with a PASSION to love as our savior loved.

A story is told to a Times-Reporter of New Philadelphia, Ohio, in September, 1985 “a celebration of a New Orleans municipal pool. The party around the pool was held to celebrate the first summer in memory without a drowning at the New Orleans city pool.

In honor of the occasion, 200 people gathered, including 100 certified lifeguards. As the party was breaking up and the four lifeguards on duty began to clear the pool, they found a fully dressed body in the deep end. They tried to revive Jerome Moody, 31, but it was too late.

He had drowned surrounded by lifeguards celebrating their successful season.” My friends the world is surrounded by Lifeguards, or  Christians who have the message of the good news of the gospel why are people still DROWNING?

Why are people living and dying with no hope when we have the message of Christ soon return? Christ has told us in Rev. 22:12 (NIV) “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to WHAT THEY HAVE DONE.

That is where I need you to focus today my friends on WHAT YOU HAVE DONE for Christ? How much does your neighbor and those you work with each day know of the transforming power that you have experience.

Our mission statement as one. Must be a mission statement for all, as we reach a world, in the final day’s of this life’s history. John 12:32 (NKJV) tells us, And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people, and communities to myself.”

But we must all become open minded, to the needs of everyone’s Salvation not just our self. While we each experience our personal upper room experience, the SPREADING of the good news to a sinful and immoral world must continue as we prepare for Christ soon coming,

and as God’s anointed vessel, through the Spirit filled body of saints the world will be convinced that there is a living God who gave His ONE AND ONLY SON who walked “The Via Dolorosa, road to Calvary, for the Salvation of a lost world. There is a Church on every corner full of LIFEGUARDS.

The question must then be asked ARE THE LIFEGUARD”S DROWNING THEMSELVES by allowing the god of this world to keep their minds FOCUSED “on the things that are upon the earth.” “not on things above”?

Joel 2:28-29 (KJV) says “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.”

The promises are there in God’s word, but we must have a PASSION to seek God’s Spirit and TO SERVE. Our God has given it all for you, now it is time for every Child of God to follow Christ whenever, and wherever He leads.

“The shepherd’s life is one full of peril. If he is a trustworthy shepherd, he will not be careless and study his own ease, but he will search for the straying sheep amid storm and tempest.

Perhaps he will find the lost sheep slipped into some crevice of the rock, where he cannot find his way out. This is the way the true Shepherd treats the lost sinner. He goes after him; he does not hesitate at peril, self-denial, and self-sacrifice.” (E. G. White) My friends the world is DROWNING WHAT WILL WE DO TODAY

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

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