Access Faith By The Word

Romans 5:2

 

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 10:10 Let take this a little deeper to examine the righteousness of your heart. This is where God know the true believer. The heart of a man or woman is where your belief is the spirit of Gods word.

 

Today is no different then the earlier church we still have unbelievers who say that they're Christians the first sign of trouble in their lives or augmentation the arises in their daily walk with the normal people we come into contact with through anger, frustration, confrontations, or we might say just having a bad day. I know this very well I was guilty of this. In my days of the past when I was in the military thinking militaristic was the norm, challenged by the worldly natural of others I wouldn't give a second though of retaliation to stand my ground with words or physical altercation. For one I was not walking fully in Christ I was living according to the world and military values. I use myself as an example to show you our fleshly nature. 

 

So when the storm come into your life, the next time your challenged or when the pressure is on you and your having doubt this is your nature thinking. This is not having faith to enter the power of grace.

With understanding we must align ourselves up with the word of God and have faith and believe in it.

2 Corinthians 4:13 Ans since we have the spirit of faith according to what is written. “I believe and therefore I spoke” we also believe and therefore we speak. Paul explained why he was willing to risk his life for the gospel. He belief in the gospel compelled him to tell others.

Mark 11:22-23 So Jesus said to them “ Have faith in God” I assuredly say, I say to you, Whoever say to the mountain. Be removed and cast into the sea and does not doubt in their hearts, but I believes that those things will be done.

Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Psalm 116:10 I believe therefor I speak, I am greatly afflicted. Paul spoke these words in 2 Corinthians 4:13 as proof of the scriptural hope of the resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ. In closing as Christians we must steadfast and meditate on God word and believe and have faith fully. The next time we are challenged we can speak from our heart and to surely stand in faith of God word to defend us through all situations and circumstances. Glory to God and be blessed. love you all Fb family and friends.

Show someone the way to God

Romans 10:14

 


But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?

In Acts 8 we find the story of a foreign dignitary from Ethiopia. As the queen's treasurer, he was a powerful man who would have traveled with an entourage. He went to Jerusalem in search of God, but found dead, lifeless religion instead. However, he obtained a scroll of Isaiah while he was there. And as it happened, he was traveling through the desert, reading aloud about the suffering of the Messiah, when God led Philip to go to him and share the gospel.
Philip saw him traveling along, reading from Isiah's scroll. So Philip walked up to him and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" (verse 30). The man said, "How can I, unless someone instructs me?" Philip climbed up into the chariot, took the scroll, told him what it meant, and pointed him to Jesus. And before the day was over, that man had become a believer and left with joy in his heart and a spring in his step. This is what people are still looking for today: someone to show them the way.

There is one thing that Christians and non-Christians have in common: both are very uptight about evangelism. Christians are uptight about evangelizing, and non-Christians are uptight about being evangelized. But I think some of us give up way too easily. When we ask someone if anyone has ever told them about Jesus, or if we invite someone to church and they say no, we give up too easily. Instead, try asking, "Well, why do you say that? Did you have a bad experience in church?"

God has primarily chosen to reach people through people. So engage them, and most importantly, keep praying for them. Give it a try, and you will discover what a joy it is to tell others about Jesus.

Introduce a friend or family member to God Today, it will refresh and strengthen your walk and your purpose for God. Being able to bring another soul to Christ and teach them the way to salvation. God love them the same as He loves you, show them the same Love in return. Have a wonderful and bless day. God bless you all!!

Laborer For Jesus Christ

We are God's Fellow Workers

1 Corinthians 3:7-9

So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

Paul had planted, or started, the church in Corinth; Apollos had watered it-had a significant ministry there after Paul left. But both men were only servants through whom God worked. The ones who plant and water have nothing to boast about because God gives the increase. Only God draws unbelievers to Himself. It is our responsibility to do our job no matter what the results, for God will reward us for our efforts and the quality of our work

Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Are we placing the right kind of material upon the right foundation? If we lay upon the foundation wood, hay, stubble, sad indeed will be the result! Will that which we are bringing to the foundation endure the fire of the great day of God? Are we using our talents in the Master's service? Are we kind and courteous to all around us? Do we cherish in our hearts, and reveal in our lives, the principles of the truth?

If we constantly receive grace from God, we shall be vessels unto honor, sanctified and meet for the God use. Daily acquiring blessings, we shall daily provide blessings to those around us. But in order to be successful in this work, we must deny self. We cannot at the same time please self and serve Christ. We are not to follow our own inclinations, but look to Jesus, waiting to receive orders from our Lord. God is faithful. If we are willing to be taught, He will do His part in teaching us. Let us not ignore our part.


We are to labor together with God, working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that it is God will to work in us and to do of His mighty good pleasure. If we are faithful in doing our part, in co-operating with Him, God will work and manifest through us His will. But God cannot work through us if we make no effort. If we gain eternal life, we must work, and work seriously. If we lack in spiritual strength, we may know that we have failed of doing our part. Just as soon as the plan of salvation was devised and implemented by God, Satan began to work; and if we hope to stand firm against him, we must, and, we must work hard with conviction and authority protected with full armor of the Holy Spirit



We must follow the example Christ has left us, submitting to Him in everything. Our will must be in harmony with His will. The doing of God's will is essential if we would have an increased knowledge of Him. Let us not be deceived by the oft-repeated assertion, "All you have to do is to believe." Faith and works are two oars which we must use both equally if we press our way up the stream against the current of unbelief. "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." The Christian is a man of thought and practice. His faith fixes its roots strongly in Christ. By faith and good works he keeps his spirituality strong and healthy, and his spiritual strength improves as we strives to labor the works of God.


There is a crown of eternal life to win, a heaven of bliss to gain. The way is challenging, and there is much climbing to do. But those who withstand the toil, urging their way through all obstacles, will receive their reward from the Father. Christ has a right to our entire obedience. "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Why our Conscience Is Good

Hebrews 12:3–6
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, Lest you become weary and discouraged in your soul You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."


You never will stop sinning as long as you are breathing. Even if you are a Christian, you will sin. But there is a difference between being a sinner and living in a pattern of sin. And if you are a true Christian, you will not live in a pattern of sin.

As 1 John 3 says, "Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God" (verse 9).

If you, as a Christian, start to move in the wrong direction and are contemplating doing something sinful, you come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The fact that you are aware it is wrong and that you should not be doing it is a good sign. And if you end up doing what you know is wrong and feel deep guilt about it, then that, too, is a good sign. It means the alarm on your conscience is working.

It is like a smoke alarm that alerts you to danger or the need to change the battery. That is how our conscience works. It tells us what we are doing is wrong.

The time to be concerned is when you can contemplate a sin and don't feel any conviction and when you can go through with the sin and don't feel any guilt. That means your alarm isn't working or has been disabled, or you don't even have one anymore.

Maybe you have sensed God's disciplining hand in your life. Maybe you have been convicted, or you are feeling guilt. Rejoice! It means your conscience is working. If God deals with you when you go astray, then it is an indication that you are His child.

Paul thoroughly addresses the issue of sinfulness and life as a Christian. Throughout the chapter, he describes how Christians have overcome the sinful nature with statements like:

• "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." (Rom. 6:6-7)
• "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." (Rom. 6:14)
• "But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." (Rom. 6:17-18)
• "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life." (Rom. 6:22)

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’ – and you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).

• “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).
• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
• “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
  

These verses remind us that:

1. As Christians we will still sin.
2. Though we are commanded not to sin, there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
3. When we sin, there is a way to restore fellowship with God:

• Confess that sin to God and to others.
• Repent from the sin, asking God to change the direction of our lives.
• Pray for each other; ask someone to pray for us.
• Trust that God’s promises are true: He has forgiven us and no longer condemns us.
  
  

Jesus, who underwent torment and humiliation Jesus absorb all kinds of sins upon Himself to give us new life and to have it more abundantly (Salvation) for you and I. The world continue to struggle with sin. But the truth is, we are still sinners and will always battle with sin in our lives because we are inwardly bent towards sin. That is the reason God says in His Word that we need to confess our sins and rely on His promise to cleanse us:

Train children, not in the way they would go

Prodigal Child

Proverbs 22:6

 

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov 22:6). This proverb has brought encouragement, hope, anxiety and guilt to countless parents who have faced the uncertainty and frustration of child-rearing. It has provided encouragement to those responsible parents who, after working to balance family, relationships and careers, come across reassurance that all of
their labors inevitably will not be in vain.

 



This verse has also provided light of hope to those who, having brought up their child in the best way they knew, have had their hearts broken as their child rebels and goes down the wrong direction. They fear under the pain that God identified to be one of the deepest sorrows of human existence (Mt 23:37; Hos 11:1- 2; Prov 10:1). To those parents this verse gives expectations that when he is old the prodigal will return. Another group of young parents, vulnerable to daily feelings of inadequacy, experiences intensive anxiety over the possible long-term deterioration they see themselves doing to their child. If the child does go astray, this verse seems to point the finger of guilt at them.


Trained here is the obligation of parents to study the nature and predisposition of their children and to train them accordingly. This is in harmony with Paul's instructions to the Ephesians and Colossians (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21). Instead of giving all the emphasis to a demanding standard to be applied "indiscriminately," each child's "character" is to be closely considered and the teaching is to be done so as to achieve the greatest possible adaptation to the child's need.


The scriptures do not teach the infeasibility of apostasy; Were it taught here that a child, having been properly taught, "cannot fail" to be faithful in adulthood, it would be in conflict with many, many passages asserting that anyone can fall short of the grace of God and be lost (1 Chron. 28:9; Rom. 11:22; Gal. 5:4.)

Solomon deals with the fruits of training in old age; and, the meaning is, that an individual who has been trained properly in the principles of truth and has lived in harmony therewith until he reaches old age will not then abandon that which has become "second nature" to him. Seldom indeed do people who have followed the course of rectitude and devotion to God abandon this life-long mode of living in their declining years.

Comments By An English Writer On Proverbs 22:6

I have not found a finer statement than the following observations penned by an English writer named "Clarkson" many years ago regarding the principles involved in Proverbs 22:6, and I adopt it as teaching the truth on this matter:

"Not the very best training of the very wisest parents in the world can positively secure goodness and wisdom in their children. For when they have done everything in their power, there must remain that element of individuality which will choose its own course and form its own character. Our children may choose to reject the truth we teach them, and to slight the example we set them, and to despise the counsel we give them. In the will of every child there is a power which cannot be forced, which can only be won. Therefore:

(1) Let all parents seek, beside training their children in good habits, to win their hearts to that Divine Wisdom in whose friendship and service alone will they be safe. Where sagacity may fail, affection will triumph. Command and persuasion are the two weapons which parental wisdom will do its best to wield.

(2) Let all children understand that for their character and their destiny they must themselves be responsible. All the very worthiest and wisest influences of home will lead to no good result if they oppose to them a rebellious spirit, if they do not receive them in the spirit of docility. There is but one gate of entrance into life, and that is the personal, individual acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of the spirit. The parent may lead his child up to it, but the child must pass through it of its own accord."

Don't Become a Backslider Stay Focus!

Keep On Moving Straight Ahead for God

 

Revelation 2:5
"Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works . . . "
When we hear the word "backslider," we think of someone who completely abandons their faith and turns their back on God. And certainly a person who does this could be classified as a backslider. But I would suggest there might be some people who are backsliding and aren't even aware of it.

No one plans on backsliding. You don't call up your Christian friend and say, "Hey, want to backslide tonight? Pick you up at 7:00. What do you say?" No, that is not what happens. Backsliding happens subtly, and often it happens gradually. In fact, it may be so subtle that you may not even know that it is actually taking place. The Bible warns about this and tells us that one of the signs of the end times is that people will fall away from the faith (see 1 Timothy 4:1).

God says that if we have backslidden, we should return to Him (see Jeremiah 3:22). And Jesus told the church in Ephesus, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen" (Revelation 2:5).

Are you in a fallen state today? Are you in the process of backsliding? You are either going forward in Christ, or you are going backward. You are either progressing, or you are regressing. And the moment you put your walk with Christ into neutral, you will find yourself going in the wrong direction.

I read about a sign at the end of a airport runway that reads, "Keep moving. If you stop, you are in danger and a danger to those flying." The same warning can be applied to the Christian life: Keep moving. If you stop, you are in danger and a danger to others. Don't live in the past. We need to be constantly growing and remain steadfast in God word as a devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Be blessed. And have a beautiful Friday. Another day to praise and give God the glory!

Fools Despise Wisdom and Discipline

 

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

 

In a day when we are trying to see how much we can get away with with the least effort, the kind of knowledge that honors God demands discipline and wisdom. Discipline takes effort and, at times, pain. Wisdom is the proper application of knowledge in a certain situation. When we know that God will ultimately judge all of His creation for how we use the resources that He provides for us, we have the fear of the Lord. That proper reverence is what causes us to tell the truth when no one cares, to act honorably when no one sees. This is the beginning of knowledge.

 

 In the the fear of the Lord is the most basic ingredient in wisdom. All wisdom depends on knowledge of God and submission to His will. Always remember this to know something but not to know God overturns the value to having knowledge in the first place. Fools have reject the fear of the Lord. The term despise packs a strong negative punch against God, not fearing God is the same as rejecting wisdom outright (see Daniel 11:32 and John 17:3 ) Words of wisdom are instruction that come from your parent to appeal to their children.

 

 

God has giving the tool and resource “ His Divine Word “ the Bible the living word of God that give knowledge and guidance to those who seek His instructions. Have a bless and wonderful day in the Lord continue to feed your spirit with Gods divine “Word” into your heart. This spiritual food is an important ingredient to nourishes our soul with the power of God grace and mercy the greatest gift God have given to us for free..

God will Transform Your Life

A Thing of Beauty

 
Isaiah 61:3
"To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair."

I have been amazed at the testimonies of some people when they tell me the way they used to be. I've looked at them and thought, "There is no way they used to be that way. Jesus Christ has so radically changed them."

God promises that He "will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago ."

For the person who has made a mess of his or her life—a pile of ashes, so to speak—God says, "I will bring beauty." For those who mourn because of the wrongs they have done and the sins they have committed, God says, "I will bring joy out of it." Only God can do that; only He can take a tangled mess of a life, turn it around, and transform it in such a way that you would not even know that individual used to be a whole different person. Paul wrote: "When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 TLB).

God’s Word will never change your life until you let it become personal. It’s not about your neighbor, your friend, your spouse, or the stranger down the street. God’s Word must be applied to your life. The Bible won’t become dynamic until it becomes specific.

If you come to Christ and say, "Lord, here I am. Forgive me of my sin," He can transform and change you. God can take your mistakes and your sins, turn them around, and even use them for His glory. When you commit your life to Christ, putting the broken, stained, twisted pieces into His hand, He will transform it into a thing of beauty.

God will never give up on you. God doesn't want you only as His servant in ministry, He also desires for you to grow like Him in your character. He is more concerned about you having an intimate relationship with Him than He is in what you can do for Him. So let God transform you into a beautiful being or a flower in Christ.. God bless all of my friends and family in Christ with Love!


Dear friend have your life been re transformed by the renewal of God spirit in your life and have you become a New creation in Christ if not Jesus is waiting for you. (What are you waiting for?) the time is now tomorrow isn't promised. Those of you who have been transformed into to a new creator from ashes to a beautiful flower of God continue in your walk and renew your spirit each and everyday with the word. Its the spirit food that power our spirit relationship with God. If you love God as I do share this with your friends and family re-post it.

Jesus The Truth - Way - Life To The Father

The Only Way to God

Hebrews 2:9

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.”

People like to assert that all religions are true and that Jesus is one of many ways that lead to God. They usually have a bumper sticker that reads, "Coexist" and includes a variety of religious symbols. That is a nice sentiment. And it is nice to say that all religions teach the same thing. But anyone who makes that statement either is lying or is a fool or is simply choosing not to take even a basic look at the religions of the world. All of the religions of the world do not teach the same thing.

These words tell us several things. For one, Jesus is telling us that He is the way, the only way. He is not saying that He is one among many ways; He is saying that He is the one and only way. Therefore, Jesus Himself rejected the notion that all roads lead to God. There are many false ways, but only one true way. Wherever those other ways lead, they do not lead to God. Moreover, Jesus said that He Himself is the way. He did not say, as Buddha was reported to have said, “Find the way and follow it.” No, Jesus said, “I am the way. Follow me.” In fact, the four Gospels are filled with instances in which Jesus commanded people to follow Him (Mark 1:17, for example). Yet we are only to follow God Himself (I Kings 18:21). We are to follow Jesus for the simple reason that He leads to God and is God Himself.

Next, He said, “I am the truth.” At best, philosophy can only ask the question, “What is truth?”, as Plato did. It tries to answer the question but fails miserably. Jesus is the answer. He is the truth. And He alone is ultimate truth. Furthermore, He is the truth, not one truth among many. These powerful words stand in stark contrast to the silly idea, “That’s true for you, but something else is true for me.” Jesus us the ultimate truth for all mankind. One more thing: Jesus tells us that ultimate truth is personal, not abstract. Truth is a person, not a principle. So, then, the answer to the search for the meaning in life in not merely in right doctrine, but in the right person – Jesus

Then Jesus said that He is the “life”, spiritual life. We are spiritually dead in our sins (Eph. 2:1), separated from the life of God (Eph. 4:18). But Jesus is the very life of God, and came to give us spiritual life by restoring us to a proper relationship to God (John 10:10, 11:26). He alone is “the life” and the only meaning to life.

The other vital thing that we learn from these words of Jesus is that He dogmatically announced, “No one comes to the Father, but through Me.” There are no exceptions. It was as if He said, “If you want to get to God, You have to come through Me. I have the monopoly on God.” He was either arrogantly proud or perfectly right. Scripture leaves us in no doubt about the matter. Jesus was absolutely right. He alone is the way God.

In fact, it is insulting to God to even suggest this. Do you think that God would have allowed His Son to go through something as horrific as the crucifixion if all roads lead to Him? Otherwise, why would Jesus even have to die? God could have said, "It's all good. Do whatever you want. Believe whatever you want. Everything is cool."

Here is something else mentioned In John 10:9, Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters through me, he shall be saved.” Of course, not all men enter through Him. This does not mean they enter in through another way; rather, it means that they do not enter in at all. Jesus totally rejected the popular notion that God is a castle on a hill with many doors. Jesus said, “I am the door”, the only door. He opens and no one can close. And He closes and no one can open (Rev. 3:7). Jesus changed the metaphor slightly and said, “I have the keys” (Rev. 1:18). If you want into Heaven with God, you have to go to Jesus.

In the Sermon in the Mount, Jesus had this to say: “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14). All men are one of two roads. Most are on the wide road that leads to destruction, that is, eternal Hell. Oddly, many people think that they must be right because the majority of people agree with them. Wrong. Most people are wrong and are on the wrong way. Truth is not determined by a majority vote.

These words tell us something else. Jesus taught that most my go to Hell to suffer for their sins (see Matt. 25:41). Jesus rejected the view that says that all men will be saved from their sins and make it to Heaven with God, regardless of their religion. If they do not turn to Jesus, they will certainly go to Hell, not to God. By contrast, Jesus is “the way” to God. He is the narrow way, what Peter called “the right way” (2 Pet. 2:15). Are Christians narrow-minded to say that Jesus is the only way to God? We sure are. Because Jesus Himself was. The one way to God is a narrow way.

But there was no other way to satisfy the righteous demands of God. That is why Jesus prayed, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). What is "this cup"? I believe it was the cup of the wrath of God. Isaiah called it the cup of His fury (see Isaiah 51:17, 22).

Jesus tasted death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9 says, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone."

Jesus had to be the recipient of the wrath of God in our place so that we could be forgiven of our sin. There was no other way.

Get a Purpose (Life) in Christ!

Take Up Your Cross For Jesus

 

Luke 14:27

says, "Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." We have all heard the expression, "You need to get a life!"

Well, Jesus would put it another way. He would in effect say, "You need to lose your life if you want to find it!"

I wrote a little bit about discipleship in last weekend's devotion and mentioned that a disciple must love God more than anyone or anything else. Here is the second requirement of being disciple:

The disciple must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Jesus.

Elsewhere in Luke's Gospel, He says, "If anyone desires to come after Me [that is, if anyone would be His disciple], let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it" (Luke 9:23–24).

Jesus “Call” here is to follow Him in the way of rejection or suffering. A disciple will be rejected by those in the world,.who does not honor Christ, therefore a disciple must be ready to face and accept such rejection.

I know that can sound pretty unappealing. You imagine yourself living in this miserable, sacrificial, unhappy condition. But the fact of the matter is that nothing could be further from the truth. Note that Jesus says, "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it!"

Think of it as "God's trade-in plan."

There are people today who say they are trying to find themselves. (By the way, I can't stand that expression.) One makes that statement usually before doing something really selfish, like walking out on a marriage. They might say, "You are no longer meeting my needs. I am unhappy, so I am going to leave you because I need to find myself!"

Could anything be more cliché, and wrong?

In essence, Jesus says, "You want to find yourself? Then lose yourself."
Do you want to find life, purpose, and personal happiness? Then say, "Lord, here is my life, my plans, my aspirations, my dreams, as well as my weaknesses, shortcomings, and sins. I believe that Your plans are better than mine in the long run."

But what does it mean to "take up our cross and follow Him?" This is explained in Luke 13:33: "Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." Literally, this means: "You must surrender your claim to, or say goodbye to."

That does not mean that to live as a disciple of Jesus one has to take a vow of poverty and give every possession away. Jesus meant that we are to surrender our claim to our possessions. In other words, we are not to be possessed by possessions.

It's fine to have clothes, a car, a house, and a career. It's fine to have friends, hobbies, and interests, or even having a little fun in your life as a Christian. But the true disciple should not be obsessed with these things. The only obsession a disciple should have is for Jesus Christ. He must be the most important pursuit in our lives. He must be more important than our career or our personal happiness. The fact is we will find the personal happiness we want not by seeking it, but by seeking Him. Why don't you do that today?

The Resume' of Jesus Christ

The Resume' of Jesus Christ
Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume' because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume'.
Qualifications

• I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)

• I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)

• I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)

• I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)

• The blessings of the Abraham Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background

• I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).

• I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.

• My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills Work Experiences

• Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).

• I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).

• Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background

• I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).

• In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).

• My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).

• I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments

• I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).

• I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).

• I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).

• I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!

• There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References

• Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance

In Summation
Now that you've read my resume', I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital! position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence,

(See Hebrews 3:15).
Send this resume' to everyone you know, you never know who may have an opening! Thanks for your help and may God! bless you!

• This is SIMPLY AWESOME! I’ve never seen this before! Whoever put “The Resume of Jesus Christ” together is surely a blessing to us all! Please share it! The last sentence says it all...
  “Send this resume to everyone you know, you never know who may have an opening!” Powerful! Have a blessed day!
  
  

Empower and Strengthen your mind with God’s Word

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:28

How do we handle depression? Much of our advertising and media bombard us with images of happy people. This can become the unspoken "ideal life". So when we encounter emotions that may contradict this imagery we find ourselves unprepared. But the Scripture sees sorrow as a part of the human condition. Many of the Psalms deal with feelings of overwhelming depression. And as the Bible addresses these feelings we find that it gives us the guide to navigate through sorrow - the promises of Scripture itself. God's word assures us in our sorrow and gives us lighthouses of hope to help us navigate through the dark moments of our soul.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. - James 1:17

James is contrasting God's nature with our nature in previous verses. Whereas we are fickle, God never changes. He gives good (earthly) and perfect (heavenly) gifts to us. Sometimes we see God giving only heavenly gifts - salvation, guidance, peace. But he also gives earthly gifts - prosperity, success, favor. James balances the earthly and the heavenly when He refers to God as the Father of the heavenly lights, which were seen as trustworthy navigation tools. We may want to exploit the earthly gifts, or only emphasize the heavenly gifts, but our heavenly guide will use all of these gifts to transform us. The God who does not change uses good and perfect gifts to mold us into the children that will change the earth.

There are two separated words to describe God’s giving. The first word mean “ the act of giving” and it accompanied by the adjective for good, while the second denotes the actual gift received and is preceded by the adjective for perfect. The expression emphasize goodness of receiving something from God, while the second, the perfect quality of whatever God gives. God’s giving is continuously good, and His gifts are always perfect..

God only give heavenly gifts like salvation, peace and guidance. His earthly gifts gives - prosperity, success, favor. balances the earthly and the heavenly when He refers to God as the Father of the heavenly lights, which were seen as trustworthy navigation tools. We may want to exploit the earthly gifts, or only emphasize the heavenly gifts, but our heavenly guide will use all of these gifts to transform us. God who does not change, but uses good and perfect gifts to mold us into the children that will change the earth

iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17

It takes iron to sharpen iron. Sharpening a knife requires iron at least as hard as the knife. Once sharpened, a knife is bright, sharp, and ready for much more productive service. That is why we can't live in isolation. God wants to use others to refine us.

 Mental sharpness comes from being around good people. And a meeting of minds can help people see their ideas with new clarity, refine them, and shape them into brilliant insights. This requires partners who can challenge one another and simulate thought--people who focus on the idea without involving their egos in the discussion, people who know.

We need to surround ourselves with other Christians, to help us through out our daily walks. However, I also believe we have to share God's word with non-believers, just as Jesus did with us. Had Jesus not done so, then we all would not be here sharing God's word with each other. Not only do we sharper each other, but, also the non -.believers.believers help us, just as we are here to help them and plant that seed of hope. Iron is strong, therefore we are strong. Strong in sharing our Faith, having open discussions to see others point of view, causing us to think and research. The wise love to sharpen their Iron. because, we see things in a different prospective, bringing peace understanding and knowledge to our heart, soul and mind, how to attack the the thought and not the thinker. Two friends who bring their ideas together can help each other become sharper

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:34

If there were any time marked by worry, it's now. Between the economy and the war overseas, many Americans are coping with a low level sense of dread. Once again, God's word gives us tremendous insight. Earlier in this passage Jesus assures his disciples that God knows their every need. If He feeds the birds of the air, will he not feed us? Then Jesus brings us the shocking truth: our anxiety is connected to doubt and unbelief! To worry about tomorrow is a sign that we don't trust our heavenly Father to take care of us. We are called to deal with the things of today and trust that the God who knows our name has our tomorrows in His hands. So anxiety or worry is a symptom of an unbelieving heart. How do we get rid of worry? Our answer comes with repentance, then realigning our heart with God's promise to meet our needs. The promises in Matthew 6 alone have enough bread from heaven to sustain us in the midst of this troubled time.

Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted. Sometimes its difficult to tell the difference. Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps and schedules, and trusting in God's guidance. When done well, planning can help alleviate worry. The worrier, by contrast, is consumed by fear and finds it difficult to trust God. Don't let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today

I am honestly convinced that worrying is directly connected to the fact that we Christians ignore or do not fully understand the meaning of Psalm 24:1. when the bible declares that : " Everything that exists is owned by God, the earth and all that dwell on the earth..." . We worry because of fear of losing someone or something that we wrongly think we own, our lives, our children, our spouses, our homes, our money, our jobs, etc. God entrusted all these things to us in stewardship, not as owners. And that’s where the difference lies. God owns our lives, He can take it back anytime, anyway He chooses, We don’t own our lives. God does consider our rebellious son and daughter belong to God. What do you do? Do you worry or do you ask God what to do? As soon as you can be convinced that you are the steward and God is the owner, your worries, fear, and anxiety has no basis, think about it…

Those who are trap in Fear, doubt, worry, and anxiety. Release the burden that has captured you. Go to our Lord in prayer today. This stronghold is nothing but the devil work. Ask God to bind to the devil. That’s held you prisoner. Received God as you shield and protector against all enemy.

those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary ,they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

It has been said that as we get older the years get shorter and the days get longer! Life can often feel like a race that we are running and can't quite keep up. Placing our hope in the Lord and the new life that he offers us in Christ is compared here to soaring on wings like eagles-like flying. Imagine it, no longer are we destined to place our hope in ourselves, our jobs, the economy, our friends or a spouse. We now have a hope that cannot be shaken. When our hope is in the Lord our strength is renewed. Whatever you are facing today you have a choice. Where will you put your hope?

The verse actually says "those that WAIT UPON the lord". considering the translation being used here was probably derived from another english translation, they assumed that "wait" meant literally to be patient and have faith. which there's nothing wrong with that. but it actually means to wait, like a waiter, and SERVE the lord. after all, "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" James 2:17.

To wait entails confidents expectation and active hope in the Lord. Never passive resignation, mount up, run, or walk depicts the spiritual transformation that faith bring to a person. The Lord give power to those who trust in Him. depict the eagles strength come from the Lord and the people who are nourished by God is compared to the strength of an eagle.. God bless!

Thursday”s Message

http://discipleinchristministry.blogspot.com/

Gods Mercy For all

Psalm 145:9

David proclaims the greatness and majesty of God—The Lord is good to all—His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom—He is near to all who call upon him

Another passage of Scripture states that God allows the rain to fall on the righteous and unrighteous. God's nature is good to all. He is merciful even to those who consider themselves His enemies. The greatest example of this was Jesus, who died for those who disagreed with Him. God's compassion is seen with each breakthrough in science, art, or technology. Whether through the revelation from a pulpit or the revelation of a math problem solved, God's compassion is seen every moment of every day.

Which is to be understood not of the general and providential goodness of God to all men, to all his creatures, and the works of his hands; but of the special goodness of Christ before mentioned, ( Psalms 145:7 ) ; which extends to all the chosen people of God; who are all loved by Christ, redeemed by him, justified and glorified by him; and to Gentiles as well as Jews; for whom he tasted death, laid down his life a ransom for them, and became the propitiation for their sins. Hence his Gospel has been sent to both; and some of each have been effectually called by his grace, and more will. This shows this psalm belongs to Gospel times, in which the grace of Christ appears more large and extensive: and his tender mercies [are] over all his works;
meaning not all the creatures his hands have made; though he has a tender regard to them, and is kind and merciful to them all; but such as are made new creatures in him and by him, who are eminently called his workmanship, the work of his hands; these, all of them, share in his special mercy and goodness; see ( Ephesians 2:10 ) ( Isaiah 29:23 ) ( 45:11 ) .

His tender mercies are over all his works. When the sensible sinner is seeking faith of God, he may plead the largeness of mercy. God's mercy is like the firmament spread over all this lower world; and every infirm creature partakes more or less of its influence, according to its exigence and capacity. True, may he say, I have made myself by sin, the vilest of all creatures; I am become worse than the beasts that perish; as vile as a worm, as loathsome as a toad, by reason of the venomous corruption that is in my heart, and my woeful contrariety to the nature of a holy God. But there is "mercy over all", even over such vile and loathsome creatures as these; there may be some over me, though wrath do now abide on me. Oh, let that mercy, whose glory it is to stretch itself over all, e reach my soul also! Oh, that the blessed and powerful influence thereof would p beget faith in my heart! --David Clarkson

 

God is the light of the world and the spirit of truth. In the beginning the (John 1:1) The Word was with God, All thing were made through Him. As a Christian walking in the spirit of Christ. Those who fellowship in the spirit knows compassion. And therefore understand the need for loving one another is all about. Jesus demonstrated this when He walk this earth.

Wednesday”s Message

Love Your Friend As God loved You First

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
This proverb reminds us that our true friends are the ones that are with us through the rough times. There are many “fair weather” relationships, but the true depth of a relationship can only be seen when there is turbulence and storms. For those in the storm: who can you lean on? Find them and do so. For those not in the storm: who around you needs a friend’s love and a brother (or sister) who can stand next to them? In either case, take a step today to serve each other in Christ.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:12-15)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

In rashness and with confidence in the flesh, Peter had offered to lay down his life for Jesus in actually, he was not ready to die for Jesus, he was not ready to live for Him. The supreme example of love is Jesus humility in sacrificial service. Jesus is our model for love intimacy with Him is the motive for loving as He loves. If believers obey His command to love, they can enjoy the intimacy of His friendship. Note: friendship unlike sonship, its not a once for all gift, but develops as the result of obeying Jesus command to love... Amen! Share this love message with your friends today! Have a blessed and beautiful Wednesday, may God be with you always.... Love you all...

The Trails And Storms In Our Lives

John 6:1-21 In this chapter, we read the famous miracle of Jesus' feeding 5,000 people. But, in verses 16-21, we read of another miracle. Jesus' disciples got into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee, but Jesus was not with them (verse 17).

Matthew's account says, "Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side" (Matthew 14:22). As they were rowing across the sea, a strong wind kicked up and the seas became very rough. Did Jesus know a storm was waiting for them? Yes, and He sent them right into the middle of it. But He would use it for their benefit. The first thing we can learn from this story is that God allows storms in our lives.

 While some conflict is the result of our poor choices, many times God allows storms even though we have done nothing to "deserve" them. But the good news is that, as a Christian, you will learn from these inevitable storms and experience God's faithfulness through them. God allows trials, hardship, and pain in our lives to accomplish His purposes. God never does anything in vain. The second thing we learn from this story is that nothing escapes God's attention. We may lose sight of Him, but He never loses sight of us. The disciples may have wondered, "Where is He?" But He was watching their every move. Mark 6:48 says, "Then He saw them straining at rowing .


" Jesus never lost sight of the disciples, even though He was on the mountain and they were on the sea. When you face storms in your life, it may feel like you are all alone and no one sees you. But God sees you. The third thing we learn is that Jesus helps us in our storms. Verse 19 tells us that they were rowing a long time and then they saw Jesus walking on the water toward them. Matthew 14:25 says that Jesus came to them during the fourth watch of the night, which was the time just before dawn. That means the disciples had been at sea for at least nine hours.


  This just goes to show that God's delays are not necessarily God's denials. Jesus knew what He was doing; in His timing He came to their aid. Jesus said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid!" In our storms, Jesus says essentially the same thing: "Don't be afraid, I'm here." And if you will "willingly receive Him into the boat" (verse 21), He will safely guide you to the other side. Jesus can and will help you through the storms of your life. John 6:15-21 No one goes through life without experiencing a storm. We have come upon the storm season with spring upon us now, but the storms that we will be talking about in this sermon are not the storms of nature, but rather the storms of life.


These storms threaten our entire state of well being. The storm takes many different forms, and affects our lives in many different ways, but all storms contain some common elements: they usually come on rather suddenly, they take us by surprise, they tend to fill our hearts with fear, they test our faith, and it is to be hoped that they cause us to cry out to our Lord and Savior for help. If so, then the storms of life become building blocks of faith which actually equip us for the storms which are yet to come.

Can Someone Be Born Twice?

 

Can Someone Be Born Twice?

John 3:1-21

 

 

 

 

This is an amazing chapter of the Bible. At this point, word about Jesus was spreading, as He was saying and doing astounding things. Not only were the common people seeing Jesus in action, but even the elite of society were beginning to notice Him.

In Hinduism, the highest three castes of Hindu society are known as the twice-born (Sanskrit द्विज : Dvija) because they have undergone the sacred thread ceremony (Upanayana), in which male members are initiated into the second stage of life (ashrama) of a Vedic follower. This sacred thread ceremony is considered to be a type of second birth.

Traditionally, twice-born Hindus belong to the first three groups of the Hindu caste-system: 1) Brahmins, 2) Kshatriyas, and 3) Vaishyas. However, in many Hindu scriptures the word Dvija refers only to Brahmins in Hindu texts who possess mythical, religious superiority.

The doctrine of the "twice-born" has been criticized for promoting hierarchy and elitism in Hindu society but its supporters see it as a type of initiation and purification into a higher state of existence, analogous to baptism in other religions. newworldencyclopedia.org.


Chapter 3 introduces us to Nicodemus, who was a Pharisee—one of the religious leaders of the day. Nicodemus seemingly had it all together; he was an intelligent, cultured, and moral man—but he was missing something in his life.

Like many others, Nicodemus was captivated by Jesus' teaching. One evening, he decided to come and talk to Jesus because he realized Jesus was from God.

In verse 3, Jesus tells him bluntly, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

There are several interpretations of this phase Born of Water and Spirit.

1. Jesus was referring to water baptism ( Act 10:43-47)
2. Water is understood as a symbol for the Holy Spirit. Thus the phase could be translated as Born of the water and even the Spirit.
3. Water is to be understood as a symbol of the Word of God. Similar imagery can be found in the NT passage specifically (Ephesians 5:26, 1 Peter 1:23)
4. Jesus used the phase “Born of Water” referred to as physical birth. He then used the contrasting phase “Of the Spirit” to refer to Spiritual birth.
5. Jesus used the phase “Born of Water” to refer to John the Baptist's baptism.
6. Jesus used the OT imagery of “Water and Wind” to refer to the works of God from above. (Isiah 44:3-5, Ezekiel 37:9-10) wind is an alternative translation of the term for Spirit.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (verse 16).

That which is born of the flesh is flesh. Flesh cannot be made into spirit.. A person must experience a spiritual rebirth.

This concept of being "born again" was confusing for Nicodemus. So he questioned Jesus to find out exactly what that means and how it happens. Was he is supposed to re-enter his mother's womb and be born a second time? Jesus was not talking about another physical birth, but a spiritual birth. Jesus told Nicodemus how this spiritual birth takes place using some of the most frequently quoted words in the entire Bible:

God's love is unlimited and His desire is that no one would perish. He wants all people to be saved by faith in His Son Jesus.

If you and I will look to Jesus and the work He accomplished for us on the cross—if we believe, trust, cling to, and follow Him, we can be confident that we will "not perish, but have everlasting life."

We should not forget verse 17, which often gets overlooked. God's purpose in sending Jesus to the world was not to judge it, but to save it. Now that is good news. Tomorrow, we look at John 4, as Jesus offers "living water" to a woman that has been rejected by society.