Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Year
May you have a blessed, healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year. "... Seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." Luke 12:31
Thursday, December 30, 2010
A New You In The New Year # 4
"... And ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh."
"And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgements, and do them." Ezekiel 36:25-27
As human beings we have a sinful nature and we tend to put things in our life before God. We are hard hearted and hard headed. Only God can change us but we must want to be changed.
If you are not happy with the way that your life is heading, then change it and try Jesus. He can make you into a 'new you' in the new year. All you have to do is ask Him to come into your life.
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh."
"And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgements, and do them." Ezekiel 36:25-27
As human beings we have a sinful nature and we tend to put things in our life before God. We are hard hearted and hard headed. Only God can change us but we must want to be changed.
If you are not happy with the way that your life is heading, then change it and try Jesus. He can make you into a 'new you' in the new year. All you have to do is ask Him to come into your life.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
A New You In The New Year # 3
"Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith The Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit ..." Ezekiel 18:30-31
When judgement day comes, each of us will have to give an account for all of our thoughts, words, and actions. All of us will be judged and the judgement will start with His people. He will want to know what we have done for Him. Those of you who have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal saviour need to repent. Don't let you lack of belief and your sins lead you to ruin.
The key to eternal life involves repentance from sin, belief in Christ, and a new heart and new spirit which come from God. You need a new you now, in the new year, and in the years to come. You can change, but you have to ask God for help, for only God can change your heart and give you a new spirit.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth The Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved ..." Romans 10:9
You need a new you in the new year. Not just a New Year's resolution, to be forgotten by the end of January, but a commitment to a new life for Jesus Christ.
When judgement day comes, each of us will have to give an account for all of our thoughts, words, and actions. All of us will be judged and the judgement will start with His people. He will want to know what we have done for Him. Those of you who have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal saviour need to repent. Don't let you lack of belief and your sins lead you to ruin.
The key to eternal life involves repentance from sin, belief in Christ, and a new heart and new spirit which come from God. You need a new you now, in the new year, and in the years to come. You can change, but you have to ask God for help, for only God can change your heart and give you a new spirit.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth The Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved ..." Romans 10:9
You need a new you in the new year. Not just a New Year's resolution, to be forgotten by the end of January, but a commitment to a new life for Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
A New You In The New Year # 2
"... And I will put a new spirit within you ..." Ezekiel 11:19
If you want things to be better for you in 2011 than they were in 2010, then you need to do different things in the new year than you did in this year. You cannot expect to get different results if you do the same things.
Just like the children of Israel, we have not walked in His statutes, neither executed His judgements, bur have done after the manners of the heathen that are around about you. Ezekiel 11:12
We are not supposed to act like the worldly people that are around us. We are in this world but not of it. We are different and we should act like it. When we accepted Christ as our personal saviour, we became a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 We need to ask for forgiveness and renew our commitment and our minds. Romans 12:1-2
We need to ask God to put a new spirit in us, or renew His Spirit within us, so that we may be more Christ-like in the new year.
If you want things to be better for you in 2011 than they were in 2010, then you need to do different things in the new year than you did in this year. You cannot expect to get different results if you do the same things.
Just like the children of Israel, we have not walked in His statutes, neither executed His judgements, bur have done after the manners of the heathen that are around about you. Ezekiel 11:12
We are not supposed to act like the worldly people that are around us. We are in this world but not of it. We are different and we should act like it. When we accepted Christ as our personal saviour, we became a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17 We need to ask for forgiveness and renew our commitment and our minds. Romans 12:1-2
We need to ask God to put a new spirit in us, or renew His Spirit within us, so that we may be more Christ-like in the new year.
Monday, December 27, 2010
A New You In The New Year
As we move closer to the new year and change from 2010 to 2011, why not make a significant change in yourself and move from darkness into the marvelous light. Begin the new year as a new you.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
All of us have some bad habits and sinful ways that we need to let go of and leave behind. All of us also have room for improvement with respect to behaving, speaking, and thinking in a Christ-like manner.
Let's not just make a 'New Year's resolution', let's make a life-changing commitment to be more Christ-like.
May The Good Lord grant you a blessed, healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
All of us have some bad habits and sinful ways that we need to let go of and leave behind. All of us also have room for improvement with respect to behaving, speaking, and thinking in a Christ-like manner.
Let's not just make a 'New Year's resolution', let's make a life-changing commitment to be more Christ-like.
May The Good Lord grant you a blessed, healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Miracles By Jesus Prophesied
Not only die the prophet Isaiah predict the conception and birth of Christ more than 400 years beforehand, he also prophesied that Jesus would perform miracles.
"... He will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame man shall leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing ..." Isaiah 35:4-6
The gospels of Matthew, Luke and John record that Jesus did perform miracles. He gave sight to the blind (Matthew 9:27-30 & Luke 9:1-7), gave hearing to the deaf (Luke 7:21-22), gave speech to the dumb ( Matthew 9:32-33), and made the lame to walk (Matthew 9:1-7, Luke 5:24-25, & John 5:8).
Jesus performed many other miracles, some of which were recorded within the gospels, and many of which were not (John 21:25). The miracles were performed so that the people would know that He was God (Matthew 9:6)
Jesus, The Christ, was, is, and always will be special. His conception and birth were special and so was His life, His teachings, His death, His resurrection, and His ascension.
He is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise everyday, and not just on Christmas, Easter, and on Sundays.
Have a Merry Day-After-Christmas and be blessed.
"... He will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame man shall leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing ..." Isaiah 35:4-6
The gospels of Matthew, Luke and John record that Jesus did perform miracles. He gave sight to the blind (Matthew 9:27-30 & Luke 9:1-7), gave hearing to the deaf (Luke 7:21-22), gave speech to the dumb ( Matthew 9:32-33), and made the lame to walk (Matthew 9:1-7, Luke 5:24-25, & John 5:8).
Jesus performed many other miracles, some of which were recorded within the gospels, and many of which were not (John 21:25). The miracles were performed so that the people would know that He was God (Matthew 9:6)
Jesus, The Christ, was, is, and always will be special. His conception and birth were special and so was His life, His teachings, His death, His resurrection, and His ascension.
He is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise everyday, and not just on Christmas, Easter, and on Sundays.
Have a Merry Day-After-Christmas and be blessed.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
The Birth of Christ Predicted # 6
"... And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
One of the reasons that He came to earth was to procure for His people a perfect peace. Jesus, The Christ, is the benevolent ruler of His people and His kingdom. Without Him we cannot have peace in our lives or in this world. And without Him we would not have access to the perpetual perfect peace throughout eternity.
Only through Christ are we able to wish for peace on earth and goodwill towards all men. Jesus is God incarnate. He was born to die for His people. His conception, birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension were all unique and very special.
Without Christ in Christmas, it is not special.
Let us keep Christ in our celebration of His birth this Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a blessed day!!!
One of the reasons that He came to earth was to procure for His people a perfect peace. Jesus, The Christ, is the benevolent ruler of His people and His kingdom. Without Him we cannot have peace in our lives or in this world. And without Him we would not have access to the perpetual perfect peace throughout eternity.
Only through Christ are we able to wish for peace on earth and goodwill towards all men. Jesus is God incarnate. He was born to die for His people. His conception, birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension were all unique and very special.
Without Christ in Christmas, it is not special.
Let us keep Christ in our celebration of His birth this Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a blessed day!!!
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Birth of Christ Predicted # 5
"... And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father ..." Isaiah 9:6
The birth of Jesus was predicted by the prophet Isaiah more than 400 years beforehand. He even predicted what He would be called. 'The Everlasting Father' is a term that is difficult for me to completely understand.
I understand the word 'Everlasting'. God is unending. He had no beginning and He has no end. Before the beginning of time, He already was. And when this world comes to an end, He will continue to exist. I know that God is, God was, and God forever will be. While the concept of infinity is difficult to grasp, I understand it.
My problem is understanding what the prophet Isaiah meant when he applied the word 'Father' to God The Son. The Rev. Dr. John MacArthur suggests that "The Messiah will be a Father to His people eternally ... He will compassionately care for and discipline them." The Rev. Dr. Thomas Nelson suggests that it "literally means 'Father of Eternity'. He alone is the source of eternal life." The Rev. Dr. Matthew Henry states "He is God, one with The Father, who is from everlasting to everlasting ... He is The Father of the world to come."
In keeping with these true Bible scholars let me say, Jesus, The Christ, 'The Everlasting Father', is a benevolent protector of His people past, present, and future throughout eternity.
Jesus Christ is special. Everything about Him is special, including His conception and birth which was predicted by the prophet Isaiah more than 400 years earlier.
Have a Merry Christmas. Please remember why we celebrate Christmas and let us keep Christ in our celebration of Christmas.
The birth of Jesus was predicted by the prophet Isaiah more than 400 years beforehand. He even predicted what He would be called. 'The Everlasting Father' is a term that is difficult for me to completely understand.
I understand the word 'Everlasting'. God is unending. He had no beginning and He has no end. Before the beginning of time, He already was. And when this world comes to an end, He will continue to exist. I know that God is, God was, and God forever will be. While the concept of infinity is difficult to grasp, I understand it.
My problem is understanding what the prophet Isaiah meant when he applied the word 'Father' to God The Son. The Rev. Dr. John MacArthur suggests that "The Messiah will be a Father to His people eternally ... He will compassionately care for and discipline them." The Rev. Dr. Thomas Nelson suggests that it "literally means 'Father of Eternity'. He alone is the source of eternal life." The Rev. Dr. Matthew Henry states "He is God, one with The Father, who is from everlasting to everlasting ... He is The Father of the world to come."
In keeping with these true Bible scholars let me say, Jesus, The Christ, 'The Everlasting Father', is a benevolent protector of His people past, present, and future throughout eternity.
Jesus Christ is special. Everything about Him is special, including His conception and birth which was predicted by the prophet Isaiah more than 400 years earlier.
Have a Merry Christmas. Please remember why we celebrate Christmas and let us keep Christ in our celebration of Christmas.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Birth of Christ Predicted # 4
"... And His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The Mighty God ..." Isaiah 9:6
In a time when pagans worshipped a number of things that they called gods, the prophet Isaiah predicted the conception and birth of The Christ, 'The Mighty God', some 400 years before the event was to happen.
As opposed to the single focused, ineffectual, pagan gods, Isaiah prophesied about an all-powerful, all-knowing 'Mighty God'. Not only was He a powerful warrior, as mentioned in Ezekiel 38 & 39, but He could protect you, lead you, help you, keep you safe, provide for you, and fight your battles.
This 'Mighty God' can supply all of your needs and He is gracious enough to give some of your wants. Why would you worship, be a fanatic for, or get excited about something or someone who cannot do a thing for you.
Jesus, The Christ, is God. He is special and everything about Him is special, including His birth, which was predicted more than 400 years beforehand.
Have a Merry Christmas and remember to keep Christ in your Christmas celebrations.
In a time when pagans worshipped a number of things that they called gods, the prophet Isaiah predicted the conception and birth of The Christ, 'The Mighty God', some 400 years before the event was to happen.
As opposed to the single focused, ineffectual, pagan gods, Isaiah prophesied about an all-powerful, all-knowing 'Mighty God'. Not only was He a powerful warrior, as mentioned in Ezekiel 38 & 39, but He could protect you, lead you, help you, keep you safe, provide for you, and fight your battles.
This 'Mighty God' can supply all of your needs and He is gracious enough to give some of your wants. Why would you worship, be a fanatic for, or get excited about something or someone who cannot do a thing for you.
Jesus, The Christ, is God. He is special and everything about Him is special, including His birth, which was predicted more than 400 years beforehand.
Have a Merry Christmas and remember to keep Christ in your Christmas celebrations.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Birth of Christ Predicted # 3
"... And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor ..." Isaiah 9:6
When the prophet Isaiah predicted the birth of Jesus, The Christ, more than 400 years beforehand, he also predicted what He would be called. The first name he predicted that they would call Him was 'Immanuel', which I discussed yesterday.
The second name that He shall be called is 'Wonderful Counselor'. To appreciate why He is called 'Wonderful Counselor', you must understand that a counselor listens to you as you describe your situation or problem, then gives you advise. He is called 'Wonderful Counselor' because He not only listen to you, without interrupting, He gives you the best possible advise, guidance and directions, and He does things to help you out that you could not do for yourself.
Maybe you cannot appreciate this if you have never called upon Him. If you have never had to
call upon Him when you didn't know what to do, and all that you could say was, "Lord, have mercy." In the midnight hour, when things look their darkest, you can call upon Him. He is a Wonderful Counselor.
He is special. We celebrate everything about Him because He is special, including His birthday, which the prophet Isaiah predicted more than 400 years beforehand.
Have a Merry Christmas, but remember to keep Christ in you Christmas celebration.
When the prophet Isaiah predicted the birth of Jesus, The Christ, more than 400 years beforehand, he also predicted what He would be called. The first name he predicted that they would call Him was 'Immanuel', which I discussed yesterday.
The second name that He shall be called is 'Wonderful Counselor'. To appreciate why He is called 'Wonderful Counselor', you must understand that a counselor listens to you as you describe your situation or problem, then gives you advise. He is called 'Wonderful Counselor' because He not only listen to you, without interrupting, He gives you the best possible advise, guidance and directions, and He does things to help you out that you could not do for yourself.
Maybe you cannot appreciate this if you have never called upon Him. If you have never had to
call upon Him when you didn't know what to do, and all that you could say was, "Lord, have mercy." In the midnight hour, when things look their darkest, you can call upon Him. He is a Wonderful Counselor.
He is special. We celebrate everything about Him because He is special, including His birthday, which the prophet Isaiah predicted more than 400 years beforehand.
Have a Merry Christmas, but remember to keep Christ in you Christmas celebration.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Birth of Christ Predicted # 2
"... Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14
The prophet Isaiah not only predicted the birth of Jesus, The Christ, 400 or so years before it happened, he also predicted that a virgin would conceive Him.
Conception, the fertilization of the female egg, the ovum containing half of the necessary DNA, usually requires contact with the male sperm, to provide the second half of the DNA required to produce a fertilized egg (zygote).
In the case of the virgin Mary, a non sexually active female, there was no sperm DNA supplied from her husband-to-be, Joseph. Joseph did not 'know' Mary, physically, until after the birth of Christ, Matthew 1:25.
In this virgin conception, the 'male half' of the DNA was supplied by The Holy Spirit, Matthew 1:20 and Luke 1:34-35. Jesus is The Son of God. His conception and birth occurred, as predicted more that 400 years earlier by the prophet Isaiah.
The prophet Isaiah not only predicted the birth of Jesus, The Christ, 400 or so years before it happened, he also predicted that a virgin would conceive Him.
Conception, the fertilization of the female egg, the ovum containing half of the necessary DNA, usually requires contact with the male sperm, to provide the second half of the DNA required to produce a fertilized egg (zygote).
In the case of the virgin Mary, a non sexually active female, there was no sperm DNA supplied from her husband-to-be, Joseph. Joseph did not 'know' Mary, physically, until after the birth of Christ, Matthew 1:25.
In this virgin conception, the 'male half' of the DNA was supplied by The Holy Spirit, Matthew 1:20 and Luke 1:34-35. Jesus is The Son of God. His conception and birth occurred, as predicted more that 400 years earlier by the prophet Isaiah.
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Birth of Christ Predicted
"... Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14
More than 400 years before it happened, the prophet Isaiah predicted the 'immaculate conception' and the birth of Jesus, The Christ. He even predicted His name, Immanuel, which means "God with us".
The best that we can do today with the use of modern medical science is confirm that a woman is pregnant and 'predict' her delivery date, her EDC (estimated date of confinement), based upon her LMP (last menstrual period). But at best that 'prediction is eight to nine months before it happens, not 400 years.
God revealed this to Isaiah. God was with him then and God is with us now.
More than 400 years before it happened, the prophet Isaiah predicted the 'immaculate conception' and the birth of Jesus, The Christ. He even predicted His name, Immanuel, which means "God with us".
The best that we can do today with the use of modern medical science is confirm that a woman is pregnant and 'predict' her delivery date, her EDC (estimated date of confinement), based upon her LMP (last menstrual period). But at best that 'prediction is eight to nine months before it happens, not 400 years.
God revealed this to Isaiah. God was with him then and God is with us now.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Best Is Yet To Come
The best is yet to come. You cannot imagine how glorious and great things will be when we get home.
"For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him." Isaiah 64:4
We have not idea what The Good Lord has in store for us when we join Him in heaven.
"For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside Thee, what He hath prepared for him that waiteth for Him." Isaiah 64:4
We have not idea what The Good Lord has in store for us when we join Him in heaven.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Our Ways And Thoughts Are Not His
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return unto The Lord , and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith The Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:7-9
We need to repent from our sinful thoughts and deeds and follow Christ. No matter what we have done, He will forgive us, if we sincerely ask Him. Given our limited mind and capacity, we cannot conceive, describe, or comprehend Him. God's "thoughts" and "ways" are so much more nobler and more magnificent than ours.
Like a grain of sand compared to the vastness of a beach, His vastness more than dwarfs our insignificance when compared to any of His qualities. Our God is just awesome.
We need to repent from our sinful thoughts and deeds and follow Christ. No matter what we have done, He will forgive us, if we sincerely ask Him. Given our limited mind and capacity, we cannot conceive, describe, or comprehend Him. God's "thoughts" and "ways" are so much more nobler and more magnificent than ours.
Like a grain of sand compared to the vastness of a beach, His vastness more than dwarfs our insignificance when compared to any of His qualities. Our God is just awesome.
Friday, December 17, 2010
No Weapon Formed Against Us Shall Prosper
The Lord will be our protection. "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of The Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, saith The Lord." Isaiah 54:17
All of our enemies shall be put down and all of the devices that they planned to use against us shall fail. The Lord has promised to protect us because we belong to Him.
Even those who speak evil against us will find that their words will not harm us as they intended, but will backfire and condemn themselves.
All of our enemies shall be put down and all of the devices that they planned to use against us shall fail. The Lord has promised to protect us because we belong to Him.
Even those who speak evil against us will find that their words will not harm us as they intended, but will backfire and condemn themselves.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Jesus Is God # 2
Do you know what our main purpose in life is?
"Ye are my witnesses, saith The Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am He; before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am The Lord; and beside Me there is not savior... Ye are my witnesses, saith The Lord, that I am God." Isaiah 43:10-12
We are to tell this sin-sick, dying world about our Lord and savior, Jesus, The Christ. We are to spread the good news about His birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection. We are to tell the world what He taught and we are to live our lives by His teachings.
"Ye are my witnesses, saith The Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am He; before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. I, even I, am The Lord; and beside Me there is not savior... Ye are my witnesses, saith The Lord, that I am God." Isaiah 43:10-12
We are to tell this sin-sick, dying world about our Lord and savior, Jesus, The Christ. We are to spread the good news about His birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection. We are to tell the world what He taught and we are to live our lives by His teachings.
He should be able to call on us and count on us when He needs a witness to give a testimony to a lost soul. We are His witnesses. We need to tell people that Jesus is God.
See Jesus is God # 1 posted on August 31, 2010. Read John 1:1, John 1:14, and 1 John 5:7.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Renewed Strength
While it is good to eat healthy and to exercise, that is not the ultimate source of our strength. The true source of our physical, mental, and spiritual strength comes from God.
"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength."
"But they that wait upon The Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount us with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:29 & 31
Wit exertion and continued effort, it is possible for us to become weary and to fall. He can pick us up, sustain us, and renew our strength because He is our strength.
To keep our 'batteries fully charged', we need to make sure that we are 'plugged into' God.
"God is our refuge, and strength ..." Psalms 46:1
"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength."
"But they that wait upon The Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount us with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:29 & 31
Wit exertion and continued effort, it is possible for us to become weary and to fall. He can pick us up, sustain us, and renew our strength because He is our strength.
To keep our 'batteries fully charged', we need to make sure that we are 'plugged into' God.
"God is our refuge, and strength ..." Psalms 46:1
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
My Strength And My Song
When hard times come and things get rough, "And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee; though Thou wast angry with me, Thine anger is turned away, and Thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for The Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song ..." Isaiah 12:1-2
The children of Israel sang this hymn of praise. We also ought to rejoice, sing praises unto Him,
and give thanks for the grace of God.
God will deliver the faithful from the consequences of their sins just as He delivered Israel. We will be punished for our sinful ways, but God will not stay angry with us. If we honestly cry out to Him, He will help us and save us from our situation.
And that is reason enough to rejoice and sing praises to His name.
The children of Israel sang this hymn of praise. We also ought to rejoice, sing praises unto Him,
and give thanks for the grace of God.
God will deliver the faithful from the consequences of their sins just as He delivered Israel. We will be punished for our sinful ways, but God will not stay angry with us. If we honestly cry out to Him, He will help us and save us from our situation.
And that is reason enough to rejoice and sing praises to His name.
Monday, December 13, 2010
We Can Be Forgiven
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith The Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18
Like the people of Israel we are a sinful people. We have done things God said for us not to do, and we have not done what He said that we should do.
The colors scarlet and crimson of red are suggestive of the guilt for the blood that is on our hands. As if we ourselves had killed someone. The white snow and wool represent cleanliness.
The Lord will pardon the guilty who desire forgiveness and want to be pardoned. He will clean us up as well as clean up our record. However, we must repent and ask for forgiveness.
Even though we are guilty as charged, we will be presented as white as snow. Only Jesus can cleanse us of our sins and present us to God, The Father, free from sin.
Like the people of Israel we are a sinful people. We have done things God said for us not to do, and we have not done what He said that we should do.
The colors scarlet and crimson of red are suggestive of the guilt for the blood that is on our hands. As if we ourselves had killed someone. The white snow and wool represent cleanliness.
The Lord will pardon the guilty who desire forgiveness and want to be pardoned. He will clean us up as well as clean up our record. However, we must repent and ask for forgiveness.
Even though we are guilty as charged, we will be presented as white as snow. Only Jesus can cleanse us of our sins and present us to God, The Father, free from sin.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Fear Not
Bad things can happen to good people. You can lose your job, develop a serious illness, or a loved one can die. These things, and others like them, can test your faith in God.
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." Isaiah 41:10
The prophet Isaiah was telling Israel of God's promised help, but as a child of God the promise applies to us also. We are commanded not to be afraid and not to be dismayed or discouraged. Our God promised to strengthen us in our weakness, to help us when we are overwhelmed, and to protect us and lift us up by holding us in His hand.
All we have to do is to trust Him and believe. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present. He is an all-sufficient God and He can help us even in the worst of times and situations.
God can control our enemies and our circumstances. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalms 46:1
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." Isaiah 41:10
The prophet Isaiah was telling Israel of God's promised help, but as a child of God the promise applies to us also. We are commanded not to be afraid and not to be dismayed or discouraged. Our God promised to strengthen us in our weakness, to help us when we are overwhelmed, and to protect us and lift us up by holding us in His hand.
All we have to do is to trust Him and believe. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present. He is an all-sufficient God and He can help us even in the worst of times and situations.
God can control our enemies and our circumstances. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalms 46:1
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Watch What You Say # 2
Most of us talk too much. We talk a lot but say very little that is of any importance.
"But shun profane and vain babblings; for the will increase unto more ungodliness." 2 Timothy 2:16
Be very careful what you argue about, debate, or discuss and the choice of words that you use.
We know that it is wrong for us to use profanity. We use it in some misguided attempt to impress people by communicating in a manner that is all too common nowadays. Some years ago I heard it said, "The use of profanity is a weak mind trying to express it self forcefully."
However, profanity is not our only problem. We just talk too much, usually about ourselves, when we should be quite. We 'puff ourselves up' to make us look like we are more, have more, or are better than we actually are. Boasting is included in the list of sinful behaviors that are worthy of death in Romans 1:30 (read 1:26-32). We are to humble ourselves, not brag.
We shall not only be judged for our use of profanity, and our vain utterances, but we will also be judged for every idle meaningless word that we speak. "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37
So if what you want to say is not important, does not add significantly to a conversation, does not help someone, or does not give God glory, maybe you should not say it and keep quiet.
"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Thumper, the rabbit in the movie 'Bambi'. Maybe we should change that slightly to,"If you can't say something good or Godly, don't say anything at all."
"But shun profane and vain babblings; for the will increase unto more ungodliness." 2 Timothy 2:16
Be very careful what you argue about, debate, or discuss and the choice of words that you use.
We know that it is wrong for us to use profanity. We use it in some misguided attempt to impress people by communicating in a manner that is all too common nowadays. Some years ago I heard it said, "The use of profanity is a weak mind trying to express it self forcefully."
However, profanity is not our only problem. We just talk too much, usually about ourselves, when we should be quite. We 'puff ourselves up' to make us look like we are more, have more, or are better than we actually are. Boasting is included in the list of sinful behaviors that are worthy of death in Romans 1:30 (read 1:26-32). We are to humble ourselves, not brag.
We shall not only be judged for our use of profanity, and our vain utterances, but we will also be judged for every idle meaningless word that we speak. "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37
So if what you want to say is not important, does not add significantly to a conversation, does not help someone, or does not give God glory, maybe you should not say it and keep quiet.
"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Thumper, the rabbit in the movie 'Bambi'. Maybe we should change that slightly to,"If you can't say something good or Godly, don't say anything at all."
Friday, December 10, 2010
Advice For Christian Living
The Apostle Paul ends his letter to the Christians in Thessalonica with some good advice for Christian living that is appropriate for us today.
In 1 Thessalonians, chapter 5, the following verses read:
5:16 "Rejoice evermore."
5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
5:18 "In every thing give thanks ..."
5:19 "Quench not The Spirit."
5:21 "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
5:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
Be joyful in The Lord at all times. God is in control and all things are going to work out for our good. Pray persistently and regularly. Develop a continual personal relationship with God. Be conscious of His presence throughout the day. Every day ought to be a day of Thanksgiving and we should give thanks to God for every thing in our lives. Be on fire for The Lord, don't throw water on the flame, let it continue to burn. Test everything that you read, hear, say, and do by comparing it to the Bible. Make sure that it is consistent with The Word of God. Not only should we avoid all that is evil, we should avoid things that look like, suggest, or might appear to be evil. Reject and shun all forms of evil.
In 1 Thessalonians, chapter 5, the following verses read:
5:16 "Rejoice evermore."
5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
5:18 "In every thing give thanks ..."
5:19 "Quench not The Spirit."
5:21 "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
5:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil."
Be joyful in The Lord at all times. God is in control and all things are going to work out for our good. Pray persistently and regularly. Develop a continual personal relationship with God. Be conscious of His presence throughout the day. Every day ought to be a day of Thanksgiving and we should give thanks to God for every thing in our lives. Be on fire for The Lord, don't throw water on the flame, let it continue to burn. Test everything that you read, hear, say, and do by comparing it to the Bible. Make sure that it is consistent with The Word of God. Not only should we avoid all that is evil, we should avoid things that look like, suggest, or might appear to be evil. Reject and shun all forms of evil.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Don't Complain
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings..." Philippians 2:14
Every thing that we do, should be done for the glory of God. If whatever you are doing does not give God glory, then you should not be doing it. Ultimately, it is Him that we are trying to please and not man or our self.
So don't complain about the work that you are supposed to do, just do it, and do the very best that you can do. Murmuring, complaining, grumbling, questioning, arguing, and objecting will not make it any easier. And your vocal negativity may cause someone else to not do the will of God.
Keep a positive frame of mind while doing what it is you are to do.
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of The Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God ..." Colossians 3:17
Every thing that we do, should be done for the glory of God. If whatever you are doing does not give God glory, then you should not be doing it. Ultimately, it is Him that we are trying to please and not man or our self.
So don't complain about the work that you are supposed to do, just do it, and do the very best that you can do. Murmuring, complaining, grumbling, questioning, arguing, and objecting will not make it any easier. And your vocal negativity may cause someone else to not do the will of God.
Keep a positive frame of mind while doing what it is you are to do.
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of The Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God ..." Colossians 3:17
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Don't Stay Angry
Have you ever gotten mad or angry? Anger is a natural emotion. The 'anger' is not the issue, but what we do about it or what we do when we get angry that becomes the problem.
The world says, "Don't get mad, get even." That is not the Christian way of doing things. The Bible says, "Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath; Neither give place to the devil." Ephesians 4:26-27
It is okay to get angry, but it is not okay to stay angry or to let anger control our lives. Getting angry does not give us the permission to sin. We are to forgive the person who made us angry.
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31-32
Acting out of anger allows the devil to take control of our behavior and speech and we do not give God glory. According to the Rev Dr John Mac Arthur, "bitterness can be likened to a smoldering resentment (that gets worse with time). Wrath has to do with rage, the passion of the moment. Anger is an internal, deep hostility. Clamour is the outcry of strife out of control. 'Evil speaking' is slander. And 'malice' is the general term for evil, the root of all vices."
We need to do the right thing, be righteous and Christ-like. We may get angry, but we should not stay angry or act while we are angry. We need to forgive whoever made us angry. That will probably require us to pray a long prayer, but we will be better off for having done so.
The world says, "Don't get mad, get even." That is not the Christian way of doing things. The Bible says, "Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath; Neither give place to the devil." Ephesians 4:26-27
It is okay to get angry, but it is not okay to stay angry or to let anger control our lives. Getting angry does not give us the permission to sin. We are to forgive the person who made us angry.
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31-32
Acting out of anger allows the devil to take control of our behavior and speech and we do not give God glory. According to the Rev Dr John Mac Arthur, "bitterness can be likened to a smoldering resentment (that gets worse with time). Wrath has to do with rage, the passion of the moment. Anger is an internal, deep hostility. Clamour is the outcry of strife out of control. 'Evil speaking' is slander. And 'malice' is the general term for evil, the root of all vices."
We need to do the right thing, be righteous and Christ-like. We may get angry, but we should not stay angry or act while we are angry. We need to forgive whoever made us angry. That will probably require us to pray a long prayer, but we will be better off for having done so.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
My Father Is Rich
"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
You may occasionally catch me no money in my pockets, but I am not broke or poor. I may be financially embarrassed at a particular moment in time, but I am rich because my heavenly Father is rich.
Everything on this earth belongs to Him, "For the earth is The Lord's and the fullness thereof." 1 Corinthians 10:26 He has the resources to supply all your needs.
He has the power to supply all your needs. "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.'" Matthew 28:18
He knows what you need. "... For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him." Matthew 6:8
Whatever you need, God's got it, and He is ready, willing, and able to supply all your needs.
You may occasionally catch me no money in my pockets, but I am not broke or poor. I may be financially embarrassed at a particular moment in time, but I am rich because my heavenly Father is rich.
Everything on this earth belongs to Him, "For the earth is The Lord's and the fullness thereof." 1 Corinthians 10:26 He has the resources to supply all your needs.
He has the power to supply all your needs. "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.'" Matthew 28:18
He knows what you need. "... For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him." Matthew 6:8
Whatever you need, God's got it, and He is ready, willing, and able to supply all your needs.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Don't Worry, Pray
We say, "If you pray, don't worry; if you are going to worry, then don't pray."
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:6-7
Don't be anxious, or fret, or worry about anything for that indicates a lack of trust in God. Everything is under God's control. Pray, and ask God for your requests. Have a submissive and thankful heart when you go to God in prayer. If your prayers are consistent with His will, He will grant them.
For true peace of mind, turn all of your cares over to God and know that He is willing and able to do the best for His children. The only perfect peace is the God's peace.
Don't worry, pray, and be at peace. God was, and is, and always will be in control.
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:6-7
Don't be anxious, or fret, or worry about anything for that indicates a lack of trust in God. Everything is under God's control. Pray, and ask God for your requests. Have a submissive and thankful heart when you go to God in prayer. If your prayers are consistent with His will, He will grant them.
For true peace of mind, turn all of your cares over to God and know that He is willing and able to do the best for His children. The only perfect peace is the God's peace.
Don't worry, pray, and be at peace. God was, and is, and always will be in control.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Love For Our Fellow Man
How do you know that you are saved? "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." 1 John 3:14
It is not natural for us to love one another. By nature we are selfish and full of self love. Jesus told us to love one another. "By this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34-35
We love one another because the nature of God is within us. We know that we have changed from being dead to Christ to being alive in Christ because we can have and demonstrate love for our fellow man.
Those who do not love their fellow man, do not have the love of God within them. They are dead spiritually, separated from Christ, and living in sinful darkness outside of the marvelous light of Christ.
The world can tell that we are believers and followers of Christ by the way that we treat others.
It is not natural for us to love one another. By nature we are selfish and full of self love. Jesus told us to love one another. "By this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34-35
We love one another because the nature of God is within us. We know that we have changed from being dead to Christ to being alive in Christ because we can have and demonstrate love for our fellow man.
Those who do not love their fellow man, do not have the love of God within them. They are dead spiritually, separated from Christ, and living in sinful darkness outside of the marvelous light of Christ.
The world can tell that we are believers and followers of Christ by the way that we treat others.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
We Are Sons Of God
"Behold, what manner of love The Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." 1 John 3:1-3
God loves us enough that, because of our belief in His Son, Jesus Christ, we too are considered sons of God. Once we accepted Christ, we were given a new, heavenly nature, a nature that is foreign to this world, making us 'aliens'. We are in this world, but not of this world.
While we were changed into a new creature the moment that we believed, our nature becomes more like His nature as we grow in knowledge and holiness and display Christian behavior. This transformation and purification will not be complete until we see Him, face to face.
Our Heavenly Father loves us, and will take care of us. So pray to Him, praise Him, thank Him and don't worry about a thing. Remember, we are His children and we ought to act like it.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." 1 John 3:1-3
God loves us enough that, because of our belief in His Son, Jesus Christ, we too are considered sons of God. Once we accepted Christ, we were given a new, heavenly nature, a nature that is foreign to this world, making us 'aliens'. We are in this world, but not of this world.
While we were changed into a new creature the moment that we believed, our nature becomes more like His nature as we grow in knowledge and holiness and display Christian behavior. This transformation and purification will not be complete until we see Him, face to face.
Our Heavenly Father loves us, and will take care of us. So pray to Him, praise Him, thank Him and don't worry about a thing. Remember, we are His children and we ought to act like it.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Love Not The World
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of The Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of The Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John 2:15-17
'Love' here signifies affection and devotion, and 'the world' refers to invisible spiritual system of evil dominated by Satan and all that offers opposition to God , His word, and His people. 'Lust' is a strong desire for negative, evil, and sinful things. The 'flesh' refers to the sin nature of man and his rebellious preoccupation with himself and self love.
The world's philosophies and ideologies lead to deception because they all are in opposition to,
and omit any reference to, the knowledge of God. As Christians we must realize that we are in this world but not of this world.
Our beliefs and guiding principals should be based upon our belief and faith in God. Don't get hung up on the fleeting things of this world.
'Love' here signifies affection and devotion, and 'the world' refers to invisible spiritual system of evil dominated by Satan and all that offers opposition to God , His word, and His people. 'Lust' is a strong desire for negative, evil, and sinful things. The 'flesh' refers to the sin nature of man and his rebellious preoccupation with himself and self love.
The world's philosophies and ideologies lead to deception because they all are in opposition to,
and omit any reference to, the knowledge of God. As Christians we must realize that we are in this world but not of this world.
Our beliefs and guiding principals should be based upon our belief and faith in God. Don't get hung up on the fleeting things of this world.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Don't Hate Your Borther
"He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes." 1 John 9-11
Jesus said "... I am the light of the world ..." John 8:12 and John 9:5. To be in the light is to be in Jesus and He in you. Being in darkness is to be lost in a sinful state without Jesus.
We cannot claim to be in Jesus and have hate in our heart for our fellow man. Christians should not have hate in their heart for anyone.
When we pray, we should also pray for "... a clean heart ... and ... a right spirit ..." Psalms 51:10
There is a currently popular phrase that says, "Don't be a hater" and another one that says, Don't hate the player, hate the game." Well to paraphrase that saying, "Don't hate the person, hate the sin."
We may not like what someone has said or done, but we should not hate them because of it. As Christians, His light should be in us and we should let it shine so that the world can see it.
Jesus said "... I am the light of the world ..." John 8:12 and John 9:5. To be in the light is to be in Jesus and He in you. Being in darkness is to be lost in a sinful state without Jesus.
We cannot claim to be in Jesus and have hate in our heart for our fellow man. Christians should not have hate in their heart for anyone.
When we pray, we should also pray for "... a clean heart ... and ... a right spirit ..." Psalms 51:10
There is a currently popular phrase that says, "Don't be a hater" and another one that says, Don't hate the player, hate the game." Well to paraphrase that saying, "Don't hate the person, hate the sin."
We may not like what someone has said or done, but we should not hate them because of it. As Christians, His light should be in us and we should let it shine so that the world can see it.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Repent Judgement Day Is Coming
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of The Lord will come ..." 2 Peter 3:9-10
Jesus said that He was going away but that He was coming back. He will keep His word. Judgement day is coming.
There are those who believe that He will not come back until all that have reached have heard The Word of God and have had an opportunity to accept or reject Jesus Christ. With the advent of radio, television, and the internet, that day may be rapidly approaching.
He is patiently waiting and giving all of us a chance to accept Jesus as our Lord and savior.
Jesus said that He was going away but that He was coming back. He will keep His word. Judgement day is coming.
There are those who believe that He will not come back until all that have reached have heard The Word of God and have had an opportunity to accept or reject Jesus Christ. With the advent of radio, television, and the internet, that day may be rapidly approaching.
He is patiently waiting and giving all of us a chance to accept Jesus as our Lord and savior.
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