Time is ticking away!

What! My time is precious! I never thought to much about time, until recently it hit me square between the eyes! Is it even possible that I am having a mid-life crises? That's for old people, right? Not so much. The Bible says that “life is but a vapor” it is here today and gone tomorrow! Time is ticking away whether we realize it or not. So why am I writing about something that is a vapor? To keep it short, so I don't waste your time, let me share a few thoughts with you because time is ticking! We have all heard the cliche', “we are what we eat.” Well, we think and become that which we spent our time consuming! Our physical bodies react to what we feed them. Consume donuts, fatty, greasy, sugary drinks, fast food and so forth, our bodies respond. So our spirit man responds to what we feed upon! If we spend our time watching TV, news, sports, read negative books, negative blogs, nasty websites....and spend our precious time around negative lost people who care nothing about your spirit, well your spirit man responds negatively! Time is wasting, which is most important to you? I can tell you from experience that we become just like the people we spent the most time with, really without even knowing it! Time well spent is not a waste of time! Time slothfully spent is the biggest waste of time! If I am a Christian (follower of Jesus Christ), then my desire should be to spend time with the Lover of my soul! In fact the more time I spend with My Father in Heaven through the relationship with His Son Jesus, the more I become like Him! The less time I spent with Them, the less I ….well you know! I want to share a few Scriptures to culminate this idea of time well spent. Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. That will certainly take time to put into practice! Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. 15 Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account”. Psalm 37:39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you. Proverb 20:4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing. You see, all this takes time! We all spend time with those we love, but what about our Creator? Do we spend time with Him? Romans 6:19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. 20 When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.
21 What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! 22 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.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
There is a cause and effect for every action we take. Every moment of time in our lives has had its effect upon us, whether good or bad! I guess the Biblical Principle is “we reap what we sow!” Here are a few more timely passages to consider; 1Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-- living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.
1Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? Revelation 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Revelation 22:10 Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. 11 Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy." 12 "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”
I trust this was not a waste of your time? We all have a short time in the flesh, our spirit man is not bound by time, so let us not grow weary in doing good with our time! The Father in Heaven loves for His children to take time to be with Him! Hug Him, love Him and spend time listening to Him! I promise He will speak to you, if you believe in His Son Jesus Christ! Thanks for your time!

Favorite Quotes

I had a friend on facebook who copied and pasted these quotes from my profile to hers as a way to share with her friends. I have many favorites and thought some of you might like to read my selection of quotes.

Quotations

Repent for Kingdom of God is Near! -Jesus

If you Love me, obey my Commands! -Jesus

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father but through me! -Jesus

If I had three hundred men who feared nothing but God, hated nothing but sin, and were determined to know nothing among men but Jesus Christ and Him crucified, I would set the world on fire. --John Wesley

There isn't anything quite so chilling, quite so disheartening as a man without the Holy Spirit preaching about the Holy Spirit. -Tozer

The Spirit of God first imparts love; he next inspires hope and then gives liberty; and that is about the last thing we have in many of our churches. -Moody

Don't let scoffers laugh you into hell; they cannot laugh you out of it. -D.L. Moody

Set yourself on fire and people will come just to watch you burn! D.L. Moody

This law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out. -D.L. Moody

It is a great deal better to live a holy life than to talk about it. Lighthouses do not ring bells and fire cannon to call attention to their shining-they just shine. -Moody

There may be sin in your life which you will never speak to anyone, but there is no sin for which the Blood of Jesus can't wash away! -Charles Spurgeon

There is no sin for which it is worth your while to be damned. -Spurgeon

Plunge into the "fountain filled with blood, drawn from Immanuel's veins," and in an instant you are whiter than snow. Every speck, spot, and stain of sin is gone, and gone forever. -Spurgeon

Trust Christ and you shall live. The bloody sacrifice of Calvary is the only hope of sinners. -Spurgeon

"If sinners will be damned, at least let
...them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them
perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell
must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions,
and let not one go their unwarned and unprayed for." - Charles Spurgeon

It is shocking to reflect that a change in the weather has more effect on some men's lives than the dread alternative of heaven or hell. -Spurgeon

True repentance hates the sin, and not merely the penalty; and it hates the sin most of all because it has discovered and felt God's love. -Taylor

Constant complaint is the poorest sort of pay for all the comforts we enjoy. -Franklin

My memory is almost gone, but I remember one thing: that I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior. --John Newton, author of "Amazing Grace"

If Socrates would enter the room we should rise and do him honor. But if Jesus Christ came into the room we should fall down on our knees and worship Him. --Napoleon Bonaparte

What God told me last night!

As I ponder tonight about the souls of the people I know and love, I am carried away by emotions of discernment. I am Called and Ordained by Jesus Christ to Proclaiming the Awesome Message of Salvation and Deliverance offered to all mankind, including all I know and love, through the Death, burial and Resurrection of Christ! The discernment came about while pondering Christmas and the mad rush to buy and get more stuff. Jesus gave me this thought by way of the Holy Spirit; “William, there is not enough money or stuff in the World that can fill the vacuum in your heart, That is why I sent the Holy Spirit.” Wow, that was an unexpected proclamation! To a seasoned Christian this proclamation may seem mundane but for someone like me Spectacular! I must share this with everyone. Why seek stuff that is hear today and gone tomorrow? Why not seek Substance that will enrich your life and the lives of those you love? That Substance is the Indwelling Christ! Do you know Him? Do you feel Him moving upon your heart? Do you hear His voice? Does the Holy Spirit speak with your spirit, confirming your are Saved? If you can respond to those questions with an affirmative yes, then you need not this Devotion. If you have not or cannot answer these questions yes, then please read further.

Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” These words from Jesus keep ringing in my ears! Happiness, He says, comes from hungering and thirsting for Righteousness! To be filled with the Holy Spirit is the result of that pursuit! The Holy Spirit is what brings Happiness and Substance into my life, not Material possessions! 1Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” So why do we seek stuff to fill our lives when it shall be gone, soon? Listen to this Wisdom from God's Word; Ecclesiastes 2:22 “What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun?
23 All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless. 24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

Let us not Chase after the wind! Let us find and follow Hard after Christ! Let us seek Him with our whole heart! For He has said you will find! I would like to challenge each of you dear readers to humbly ask God to help you discover His Substance! Take this challenge if you dare. Grab a tablet of paper and right down where you spent your time the previous hour. Do this for a week. This will not be easy, but I can assure you it will show what your Pursuing in your life! Do you want to mature in your Christian faith? Do you want True Joy in your life? Do you really want Happiness? If not, then continue to Chase after the wind!

Thoughts on Revival!

Revival! Revival! Revival! Is there any doubt to the need for personal revival? We know as Christians that true Revival can only come to those who are Alive in the first place! We also know Him who said; “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” So I would like to ask a few questions and then share a few thoughts. Do you really want revival? Are you willing to do what is required? What is stopping you from being Revived in the first place? Are you willing to Stand in the Fire of Almighty God?

Most of my Christian life I have heard preachers, laymen and Pastors say the Church need revival. Many have said revival will only come through prayer. Some have said sing and Praise your way to revival! I am not going to debate their thoughts about revival. However, I would like to share my answers to the previous questions and hope you too will find yourself in a revival as I have found myself! I am a firm believer in the Transforming Power of Jesus Christ and the Fire He gives through the Holy Spirit. If I just pray for revival it will never come, because it has already been made available! You see the Holy Spirit is the Fire of God within the believer and He is Always Present. Do you really want revival? Then you are going to have crucify that which suppresses the Fire! Self, entertainment, pleasures, time, work, family and even Church can actually quench the Holy Spirit's fire in your life! These things listed above are not evil but distract us from the Pursuit Holy Fire Revival! Most are not ready to give these things up to seek true revival. “We are dust and dust settles” is a quote from A.W. Tozer and speaks volumes about our comfort and complacency. If you want revival then you must be stirred up.
Are you willing to do what may be required to receive revival? I can assure you with all the authority of God's Word that revival can and will never come without repentance! We can pray, fast, preach, teach, work in the Church etc. and revival will still not come. Repentance is a prerequisite for revival, just as Salvation. We must turn away from doing the same things over and over and expecting God to revive our mess! Listen to Jeremiah about this topic. Lamentation 3:16 “He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes. 17 And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity. 18 And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: 19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.
20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.
21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Are you willing to be broken and contrite? Revival is always here! Renewal can be new every morning because of the Faithfulness of God!
So what hinders us from being revived in the first place? No time for contrition? Too busy? Fire of God too hot? Some of my hindrances from the past came from my selfish fear of surrender. God may require something from me. He might want me to do something I don't want. Revival will never come until we are surrendered to the Spirit's Fire! Yes, the surrender and contrition do come from much hard prayer and fasting but Revival will not arrive until I Surrender to the Spirit's call. Which leads to the next question.
Are you willing to stand the the Fire of God and not just stand by the fire? The story of Moses has a lot to say about this. Remember when he went to God? He was called by God and had many objections. He had a confidence problem amongst many other self issues like we deal with everyday. He was standing in front of the fire of God as represented by the burning bush. He went to deliver Israel as instructed and came back to the Holy mountain. After much contrition and hardships Moses goes back to meet with God. The Lord gives the Commandments and then Moses spends time with the Lord. Then a really bad thing happened; Ex 32:1 When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him." Ex 32:6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.
7 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt.” Moses then intercession for Israel and pleads for Mercy. Then Moses did something that we must do if we truly want Revival. We must not stand by the fire but go into the Fire! Ex 33:12 Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.'
13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." 14 The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." 15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" 17 And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." 18 Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." 19 And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."
21 Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock.
22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen." Moses , like us, stood on the edge of the Fire of God. But we, like Moses must jump into the Fire and see the Glory of the LORD! True Revival comes from a God who is like a Fire. Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our "God is a consuming fire." We need Revival, Yes. But are we willing to pay the price?

Powerful Delusion!

Confusion! Confusion! Confusion! So much confusion and rejection of the Truth has resulted in the “Falling Away of the Church.” How did I come up with this statement? Simply by knowing the Truth as revealed in the Word of God! Consider this Passage of Holy Scripture; 2Thessalonians 2:1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers,2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”

The Return of the Lord Jesus will not occur until the Rebellion (fallen away) and the man of lawlessness (anti-Christ) is revealed! In order for him to rise to power and proclaim himself to be God the last Jewish Temple has to be built. Well is there any doubt the the fallen away has started? Have you been paying attention to the Church? Sin abounds and not much Repentance. The Grace and Forgiveness of God seem to be secondary to the Entertainment offered by the Contemporary Church! Living in Biblical holiness and Loving Christ and our fellow man seem to be crowded out by Narcissism! You now Jesus said this would happen just before His Return. Matthew 24:10 “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Jesus also reference the man of lawlessness being revealed before His Return. Matthew 24:15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ {15 Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11} spoken of through the prophet Daniel– let the reader understand–” Well do we understand?

Where does the confusion mentioned earlier come into play? Matthew 24:23 “At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect– if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. 26 “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” False prophets and false teachers exponentially out number True holy men of God! God is not the author of confusion, Satan is the father of lies! 2Thessalonians 2:9 “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, 10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” Confusion, deceit, counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, evil deeds of the flesh all contribute to the fulfillment of the “Rebellion” just before Christ’ Return! Because the “Christian Church” in America has rejected the Truth and turned to the Entertainment god, God has sent a powerful delusion so they will believe a lie and be condemned with all who delights in wickedness!

So what must we do to guard against such powerful delusions and false teachings? 2Chonicles 7:13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Titus 3:3 “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

If we as true Christian’s focus on Jesus and walk obediently to the Word of God we will in wise Perish with the ungodly. John Wesley started his societies and when asked by people who wanted to join, he would simply say “do you have a desire to flee from the Wrath to Come?” Well the Wrath of God is Coming and we need to be fleeing to Jesus! The god Entertainment, Satan, anti-Christ, and all the wicked will be destroyed by the Brightness and Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ! Make sure you are not being deceived by the power in this World!

Lover of my Soul!

Let us look upon the Author of our Faith! The Lover of our souls. The Master Teacher. The Prophet, Priest and King! The Holy One of Israel. The Righteous Redeemer! The Lord above all lords and the King Above all kings! The Wellspring of Righteousness! The giver of Wisdom and Knowledge. The Obedient Servant who Died on a Cross for your sins and mine! Do you know Him? What keeps us from loving Him and serving Him with all our hearts? Pride? Arrogance? Ignorance? Self-righteousness? False humility? Are the things in this world so appealing to your flesh that you see not your need for Saving Grace and Mercy? Has sin so served you well to the point that your heart is so hard not even the Holy Spirit can penetrate? Hebrews 3:7 So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert,
9 where your fathers tested and tried me and for forty years saw what I did.
10 That is why I was angry with that generation, and I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.'
11 So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.'"
12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.”

If you feel the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart, LISTEN and Respond! God never wants to do us harm. He is our Creator and He knows best! Psalm 103:11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
1Co 2:9 However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

These verses are Irrevocable Promises from Almighty God for those who choose to listen the Holy Spirit's voice! Will you listen today? You may never have another chance to respond in humble repentance to the Only True and Living God who Loves your Soul! 1Peter 2:22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

All Saints Day!

All Saint’s Day is today and I am filled with Awe remembering all the Hero’s of the Faith found in Hebrews 11. Every time I read this chapter I am struck with humility and grief. Not because of how they all suffered for faith but because of my lack of following Hard after God! Am I acting out my Faith as I should? Am I giving God lip service? Am I offering my life as a testimony of the Glory of Christ my Savior? Am I so comfortable in this life that I am unable to advance the Kingdom of God? Am I Standing where God wants me to Stand? Here is a portion of the Scriptures that I am remembering;

Hebrews 11:32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets,33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated–38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Directly following these verses of Holy Scripture we find these passages; Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

What excuse will I find for not following their example? Is Jesus not WORTHY? I want to challenge every Christian who finds their eyes gazing upon this blog entry! Meditate upon these Great passages and ask yourself the same questions that the Holy Spirit brought to my mind during this devotion! I want to close with the Words of Jesus. Mark 8:31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Christianween!

As many Christians embark the paganism of Halloween, trying to bring the knowledge of Christ to worldlings, another more important event happened in History on this date, The Reformation! Many in the Christian communities do not even know what this event entails, let alone its importance to Christian theology. Here is a brief history if you find the desire to continue:
WHAT IS REFORMATION DAY?
Reformation Day is an important liturgical festival that is celebrated by Lutherans and Christians of many Protestant denominations. It commemorates Dr. Martin Luther’s posting of his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. This act triggered the movement in world history known as the Reformation. While the historical date for the observance of Reformation is October 31st, most churches celebrate it on the last Sunday in October.
WHAT WAS THE REFORMATION?
While it had profound and lasting impacts on the political, economic, social, literary, and artistic aspects of modern society, the Reformation was at its heart a religious movement. The Reformation was the great rediscovery of the doctrine of justification, that is, the good news of salvation by grace through faith for Christ’s sake.
WHY WAS THE CHURCH IN NEED OF REFORM?
For centuries, the Roman Catholic Church had been plagued by false doctrines, superstition, ignorance, and corruption. Since most ordinary Christians were illiterate and had little knowledge of the Bible, they relied on their clergy for religious instruction and guidance. Tragically however, monks, priests, bishops, and even the popes in Rome taught unbiblical doctrines like purgatory and salvation through good works. Spiritually earnest people tried to justify themselves by charitable works, pilgrimages, and all kinds of religious performances and devotions, but they were left wondering if they had done enough to appease God’s righteous anger and escape His punishment. The truth of the gospel — the good news that God is loving and merciful, that He offers each and every one of us forgiveness and salvation not because of what we do, but because of what Christ has already done for us — was largely forgotten by both clergy and laity. The Holy Spirit used an Augustinian monk and university professor named Martin Luther to restore the gospel to its rightful place as the cornerstone doctrine of Christianity.
DOES THE CHURCH TODAY NEED REFORMATION?
Some Theologians say the Church is in need of another Reformation. It is the opinion of the one writing this that the Church doesn’t need Reformed but Renewed! The Church needs Revived and empowered by the means of Repentance! The Church needs to stop entertaining sinners and start preaching and living the faith in the Person and Works of Jesus Christ. Salvation by Grace alone through Faith alone should be the catalyst by which Christianity thrives! Remember this event in the past as we reach lost souls for the sake of Jesus Christ!

Homophobia, really?

Waking up this morning was a delight! I know my Redeemer Lives! Since I gave my life to the Only Savior Jesus Christ, life has been tough but very rewarding. The only and greatest thing I have ever experienced is seeing my sins Washed away in the Divine Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross! As I drank my coffee this morning I was reading an article written by a Christian concerning homosexuality. He was debating and lamenting over the so called scientific evidence that homosexuals are born that way. I desire not to rant and rave about whether homosexuality is a sin or not, because that is a non issue with God! He says that it is a sexual sin, Period! What I do desire is to make a few comments that hopefully will clarify, for any Christian who reads this post, will agree with God. It matters not at all if you agree or disagree with me on any issue that God's Word clearly tackles. A preacher friend of mine read the article about the scientific evidence that homosexuals are born that way and was somewhat perplexed stating; “if they are born homosexual then they are not responsible and we as preachers cannot address this issue because they cannot help themselves.” My jaw about hit the floor! After a few moments lamenting his ignorant statement I was compelled by the Holy Spirit to rebuke Him with the Truth in Love! Romans 3:20 “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. 21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” We are all born sinful and are in need of Redemption regardless of scientific evidence! Homosexuality is a sin, just as lying, cheating, stealing, idolatry, hatred, unforgiving, drunkenness and coveting. We must understand as Christians that homosexuals are born sinful just as you and I are born sinful. We all Must repent of sin and be Born again in Christ! There is an argument about whether homosexual is a choice. Well, hello! We all have a choice! Continue to live in sin and refuse New Birth in Christ and go to Hell or choose repentance and be Born Again! Many people try to justify their behavior by pointing to other behavior. Sin is Sin regardless! Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 1John 3:8 “He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. 9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.” So the Truth is we Christians must Preach and Teach there is a New Life in Christ through Repentance and Rebirth! We Christians must not be homophobic or bashing them with Bible verses, for they cannot understand the Truth until they are Born again. We must Point them to Jesus! Show them how Jesus has changed your life! Show them they can also receive forgiveness. Tell them the Truth in Love. Tell them they Must be Born Again!

America: On the path to Rome!

What I am about to talk about is grievous to my heart. I have spent many nights praying and lamenting. The topic is America! The land of the Free and home of the brave. The greatest most prosperous Nation this world has ever seen. Anyone who says that America was not founded on Biblical Christian Principles are ignorant and has not studied the founders own words! I love my Country and the Constitution as founded. Now for the Lamentations. Depravity! Depravity! Depravity! What is meant by depravity is found in the Bible. If you look and read the following passage with the Holy Spirit, the reader must see the the pattern of destruction. Romans 1:18 “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (Truth in America has become relative instead of absolute!)
19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.
20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. This statement includes Atheist!
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Is America Thankful for Divine Providence and Protection as its founders were?
22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Does this not sound like the Global warming, environmental fascist. Who think more of a little fish or an animal than a baby in the womb!
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-- who is forever praised. Amen. America once celebrated our Creator but now it is politically incorrect or bigoted to even mention Him or His Son Jesus the Christ.
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.
27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. If this is not talking about Homosexuality then what is it talking about?
28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. This means people who do not think it worthwhile to keep knowledge have lost their ability to act on their own best interest. People who fit in this category do not realize the harm they are causing themselves and others.
29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,
30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;
31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. “Woe to a Nation that calls evil good and good evil!”
America needs Salvation that comes through repentance and the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Our Nation is collapsing from the inside out! Truth is no longer sought. Money and power are the focus of most of our leaders. By the way, America deserves the leaders they elect! This simple Truth should raise awareness of the fact that people elect leaders that reflect their own character. America needs for its God fearing, law abiding peace loving citizens to awake from their slumber and repent and seek the Face of God to bring America back from its Depravity and restore our foundation upon the Rock of Truth! One of founders stated that this Republic could not stand unless its people are a religious and moral people! So, Lamentations and prayers will continue to go up to the Father of Truth. May Jesus Christ speak to many through this blog, that America will not dread the way of Rome!

What will you choose?

As I sit on the front porch and enjoy the beautiful weather, I wonder how many Christians will read this post and even consider what is being addressed? The issue I would like to address is Halloween. For many years growing up this was an exciting and enjoyable time. But as I grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ I am somewhat disturbed by this concept. What is Halloween? You know what it is and what it is not! All of us Christians have knowledge of right and wrong, good and evil. I have learned that just because something is “fun” does not make it right. Let us listen with fresh ears what the Scripture has to say and then ask some simple questions to consider. 2Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial (Satan)? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Is not Halloween the celebration of darkness? Is Halloween not the celebration of the World of evil? Is Halloween not the celebration of pretense? Is Halloween righteous or wicked? Can we as Christians have fellowship (participation) with unbelievers and be a good witness for Christ at the same time? Some Christians say Halloween is a good time to witness for Christ. Let me ask this question with a Scripture in mind. James 4:4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” Am I condemning Christians for participating in this Pagan celebration? No! But Scripture sure did! To live as the World and to do as the World put’s you in direct conflict with the Word of God! 1John 2:6 “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” Would Jesus celebrate Halloween? 1John 2:15 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world– the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does– comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” Just a few things to ponder and pray about as Halloween approaches. May we all surrender to the Calling and moving of the Holy Spirit in our lives! This may be difficult, but the things in life that are easy usually end up being Carnal. Blessings to all!

Three question's to ponder.

Three questions that were discussed between three friends. I thought it might be of interest to some who follow this blog!
Question one: Why do you suppose that God sent Jesus at the exact time that He did?
Erick and Glady did a great job. I would simply add this; Daniel 9:26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. {26 Or ; or } The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolation’s have been decreed.” He saw when Christ was coming to Atone for sin. Precise timing of God’s Revelation. Jesus mentions this; Luke 19:41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace– but now it is hidden from your eyes.
43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side.
44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Notice Jesus said they did not recognize the timing of His Coming.

Question two: Why not be tolerant of other religions such as Muslim, Buddhist, etc as long as it does not effect how we believe?
Again Erick and Glady speaks volume’s on this issue. My input is this; Did the Prophet Elijah tolerate the Baal worshipers idol? NO. Did Moses tolerate the idolatry of Egypt and the idolatry of Israel? NO! Did Jesus ever teach His disciples to tolerate Pagans religions? NO! Does Jesus state any where that there are other religions that are valid? NO! He said John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Listen to Paul”s teaching in 2 Corinthians 6. 14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” We a Bible Christians cannot tolerate what God does not tolerate, PERIOD! Love them and proclaim the Gospel but never tolerate religions offered by the World!

Question three: Do you believe smoking is a sin? if yes or no, what scripture backs your beliefs.
Again Erick and Glady spoke well on this issue. But I do disagree with their personal conviction on this issue. The reason I say this is simple. God defines what sin is and what it is not. The passage used by Paul is 1Corinthians 6:13 “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food”– but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”
17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” Context is important. Paul is talking about Sexual sin. If we as believers tell people that anything that is bad for our bodies would be a sin against the Temple of God, we would be opening Pandora’s box. Caffeine, sugar, salt, eggs, trans fat, soda, most meat, too much sun….have all been determined to be bad for our bodies. So if we practice this passage we must abstain from all these things as well. Right? If a Christian has a conviction that smoking is a sin, stop smoking. Remember, saints of old thought woman should not wear pants because they thought it was a sin. Sin is well defined by God’s Word, we don’t need to add our own convictions on others. If a person is enslaved by smoking or any other substance not describe as a sin in God’s Word, then they need to ask God to help them.
Great discussion! Peace and Love to all!

Who is Jesus? Do you even care?

Does it really matter what God’s Word says? Does the Bible only speak to the people mentioned in the Bible? Does Jesus ever claim that He is God? Does Jesus ever claim to be the Messiah? These questions were raised and discussed at Bible Study resently and I wanted to share the Scriptures that clearly speak to the Charactor of Jesus. I have heard many preachers and teachers that deny that Jesus claimed to be the Christ (Messiah) and say that Jesus was not God in the flesh. So I will simply say, what does Jesus say? Let us hear Him speak and the Holy Spirit speak through the prophets and Apostles. We need not the opinions of man, but the opinion of God! So is Jesus God in the flesh?

John 8:51 I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
52 At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death.
53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"
54 Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.
55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word.
56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
57 "You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"
58 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

Ex 3:13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"
14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. {14 Or } This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"
15 God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, {15 The Hebrew for sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for in verse 14.} the God of your fathers-- the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob-- has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.

Re 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.

John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, {14 Or } who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26 Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

Mt 26:60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward
61 and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'"
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?"
63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."
64 "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."
65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
66 What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered.
67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him
68 and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"

John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
4 You know the way to the place where I am going."
5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
9 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.

Pr 30:1 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh-- an oracle: This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal:
2 "I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding.
3 I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

Hebrews 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father"? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?
6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."

Now that the Bible has spoken clearly about the Person of Jesus Christ, what are you going to do with this knowledge? Are you going to continue in unbelief and doubt? Are you going to continue listening to man rather than God? Make your free will choice! Your decision will have Eternal consequences. If you choose to believe the Bible and know who Jesus is according to the Bible then listen to what Jesus says you need to do right now. “Mt 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Who took your Hell?

What a day to be alive! It is such a wonderful thing to Thank God for the manifold Blessings in my life. So many times I fall short of Thanking Him for His Grace and Mercy. Why Jesus came, is breathtaking at times because He took my Hell! He drank Hell fire for my Redemption! His Shed Blood on the Cross is the only focus of my life, for without that I would certainly go to Hell and eventually the Lake of Fire! My concern is the Salvation, or the lack thereof, of all people with whom I come in contact! My Calling is this blog, youtube, Tangle, blogspot, three websites and stickam. They are all focused on who Christ is and what He has done! Is this a boast on my part? No way! Jesus is my life and I am simply trying to obedient to His Calling. He desires that all men be Saved and come to the Knowledge of the Truth! He tell’s you to Repent and believe in my works. Love what I Love and hate what I hate! Cling to me and Find satisfaction for your soul! Come to me and find Peace and rest for your soul! This is what Jesus says and wants for everyone. So what is the problem? A great preacher of old once said, “It is shocking to reflect that a change in the weather has more effect on some men's lives than the dread alternative of heaven or hell.” -Spurgeon This quote is true in my experience as well. Let’s talk weather, sports, work, sex, fishing, relationships and hunting, not Eternal things. I am sure that God will lead many to this blog for His Good Purpose and I also know that no one who reads it will ever say they did not know the Truth about Jesus Christ! What do you spend your time talking about? Where do you spend your money? What or who is the focus of your life? Husband? Wife? Children? Work? You? None of the above took your Hell my friends! None of the above sweat great drops of blood for your sins! None of the above can pay the debt you owe to your Creator! Jesus is the only perfect sacrifice. Jesus alone paid your debt and mine! Give more time, money, energy and love to Him and the rest of your life will benefit greatly! Continue to deny Him and remain in your sins and pay for your own debt when you die! The choice is yours and only yours! The decision you make will have Eternal consequences! Not making a decision, by the way, is a decision! God the Father does not take Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express! He only accepts His own Son’s Sacrifice! Here are some quotes to try and convince you of your need of Jesus; “Hell is paved with good intentions. -Boswell “Don't let scoffers laugh you into hell; they cannot laugh you out of it.” -D.L. Moody “It would be easier to find a man that had not done any one sin that to find a man who had done it only once. Sin multiplies. We must either overcome sin, or it will overcome us.” -D.L. Moody “God hates the sin, but He loves the sinner.” -D.L. Moody “Is sin so luscious that you will burn in hell for it?” -Spurgeon
“There is no sin for which it is worth your while to be damned.” -Spurgeon “Sin may open bright as the morning, but it will end dark as night.” -Talmage

“No sin is small. It is against an infinite God, and may have consequences immeasurable.” --Jeremy Taylor
Do you not see your need of Jesus? I pray you do! Grieve your sinfulness and repent, that Jesus may come and Wash them all away! Remember, Jesus took your Hell!

Christian ABC's

A Pastor friend of mine shared this on facebook, so I copied and pasted to share with all of you! Jesus said many things to His disciples but one that stands out today is; Matthew 8:24 “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

A lthough things are not perfect
B ecause of trial or pain
C ontinue in thanksgiving
D o not begin to blame.
E ven when the times are hard
F ierce winds are bound to blow
G od is forever able
H old on to what you know.
I magine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
K eep thanking Him for all the things
L ove imparts to thee.
M ove out of “Camp Complaining”
N o weapon that is known
O n earth can yield the power
P raise can do alone.
Q uit looking at the future
R edeem the time at hand
S tart every day with worship
T o “thank” is a command.
U ntil we see Him coming
V ictorious in the sky
W e’ll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high.
Y es, there will be good times and yes some will be bad, but…
Z ion waits in glory…where none are ever sad!

The Way of Peace!

Often we as believers are forgetful of the Lord’s Peace in our lives. At Bible Study last night I was compelled to share my personal testimony about the Peace of Christ. You can watch this study by going to www.proclaiminglight.com. I would like to share the Scriptures that were used during that Bible Study in hope that they may speak to your heart as they have mine. Isa 48:22 "There is no peace," says the LORD, "for the wicked." Isa 32:17 The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. Isa 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Ps 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. John 14:23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 "All this I have spoken while still with you.
26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. Matthew 11:27 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
These passages of Holy Scripture teach that without Jesus there can be no true Peace within the heart of man! Peace is not the absence of war, strife, stress, trials and sorrow. The Peace that Christ offers all people is quietness of the soul through a Right Relationship with Him. Notice this Invitation hat Jesus offers in Matthew 11:28-30. Do you need inner peace? Are you burdened with the stress of life? Do you feel fearful of what will happen tomorrow? Do you need refreshment for your soul? If so, then go to Jesus and He will provide True Peace in troubled times! I will close with the Words of the Prince of Peace; Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” May the Peace of the Lord Jesus be with you all!

I wonder, where do YOU fit?

“Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us.” Abraham Lincoln Let us consider with humility what one of America’s most loved President said during our Nation’s civil war. Let us also try and apply this statement to America today. Can it be conceived, that after the passing of many years since that Great President spoke those words, how far this Nation has fallen from the God who has Created us and Blessed us as a Nation? Intoxicated with self! The only word to describe the masses is Narcissism! The definition’s are as follows; 1. inordinate fascination with oneself; excessive self-love; vanity. 2. erotic gratification derived from admiration of one's own physical or mental attributes. 3. an exceptional interest in or admiration for oneself, esp one's physical appearance 4. sexual satisfaction derived from contemplation of one's own physical or mental endowments. Most in America seem to be so self consumed to see their need of Redemption! Their need of a Savior! Their need of humility! Their need of God’s Grace and Mercy! The Bible speaks volumes about the Depravity of this Human condition. God Created mankind with a Free choice. “Choose Him and live or choose to go your own way and die!” Hell is ever expanding and making room for mankind who’s choice is their own way! Make no mistake about it, God does not want anyone to Perish in the Lake of Fire. He wants all to come to the Knowledge of the His Son Jesus. He wants all to see the futility of their own thinking and humble themselves! He wants all mankind to Repent of Self! No person can be saved without first being humbled and repentant. Self Pride, Self centeredness, Self reliance, Self sufficiency, Self indulgence and Selfishness are self destroying! Listen to this story that Jesus told concerning this topic. Luke 18:9 “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood up and prayed about {11 Or } himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men-- robbers, evildoers, adulterers-- or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' 13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' 14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." So dear reading, where do you fit in this parable? Have you humbled your self and ask God to have Mercy on you for Christ sake? Have you not seen your sinfulness? Your Narcissism? Your Pride? Do you not know that you need to Repent? May God have Mercy on me a sinner should be the cry of your soul! If we as Americans continue to be self sufficient and self consuming we will see America Self Destruct! As Ronald Reagan once said, “If we are not a Nation under God, we will be a Nation gone under!”

Thoughts on Rapture!

The Rapture or Resurrection of the Church!
Some say Christians will be gone (Raptured) before the Tribulation. Some say that Christians will have to persevere. I personally do not see anywhere conclusively in Scripture that indicates the Rapture happens before the Tribulation.
It would be wise for all Christians to study, without referring to commentaries, of all Scripture concerning the Rapture(Resurrection). Just something to think about and ponder as we wait for that Glorious Day!
Here are a few of the most common Scriptures used to highlight the event.

Mt 24:29 "Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'
30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.
31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

1Co 15:51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--
52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.

1Th 4:14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.

2Th 2:1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers,
2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.
3 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.
4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

Re 11:15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever."
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God,
17 saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.
18 The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great-- and for destroying those who destroy the earth."
19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.


Notice the theme throughout these passages. Also a passage of importance is Daniel 12:11 "From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.
12 Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.
13 "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."

With these can we conclude that the Rapture will be Mid-trib or Pre wrath Rapture?
Regardless, we are to Trust in Jesus to provide for Christians.
Mt 6:25-34 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Jesus is coming soon, so cling to Him and do not let go. Economic collapse, Food shortages, Disease, Earthquakes and Natural Disasters are increasing. It is a great comfort to read and pray for understanding concerning all the events taking place in the world.
Lu 21:25-28 "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.
Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Lift up your heads (ie Be of good cheer) because our Redemption is drawing near and is at the door. Even so, Come Lord Jesus!

O Divine Master, hear our Cry!

As I ponder the Greatness of God and His Salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, I wonder just how many Christians understand His Great Work in their lives? As a Christian I am often reminded by the Holy Spirit how much Jesus suffered for my Redemption. As an individual Christian living within the Body of Christ and struggling to build His Kingdom as the Spirit prods me, I have a sense of His Divine Presence in my life. Here are some of my thoughts recently to try and illuminate my hearts devotion this past week. It is better to understand than to be understood! Better to Love than to be loved! Better to pray than to worry!
It is better to Trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man! It is better to do what Gd says than to simply know what He says! It is better to give than receive. Better to be kind than to be bitter. Better to be smile than to frown. Better to have something in the next life than to have everything in this life! Better to forgive than become bitter! Better to repent than to be able to define repentance! Better to have a contrite heart than one that is proud! Better to keep my mouth shut than to offer a sacrifice of fools! Better to be Thankful to God than to Grumble and complain! O Divine Master help me to sow love where there is hate. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is distrust, Honor! Where there is division, unity! Help me to sow in Righteousness and Reap your Unfailing Love! Help me to comfort the neglected. Bring Truth where there is deceit! Where there is stress, bring Gospel of Peace! O Jesus, help me to see that your Grace is more than sufficient for my weaknesses! Give me a strong desire to seek the lost! Proclaim Freedom to the captives! To stand strong on your Mighty Word! Help me Jesus to forgive as you have forgiven me! Help me to Love what you Love and hate what you hate! May I reflect your Image in the way I live my life, not just in my words! May the Wellspring of Living Waters flow freely from my life! O Gracious and Merciful Savior, make my life a witness of your Glory! Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may not forget your Word or your Power! Help me to Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness so I will be Filled! Grant all who read this the ability to forsake themselves and Trust in Christ Alone for Eternal Life! Eternal Joy! Eternal Bliss! All in the Name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God! Amen!!

Who's Ministry is it anyway?

Who’s Ministry is it anyway? So many claim to be ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but yet their focus seems to be on their careers and finances. I know, here’s another rant from a preacher about money. I know it takes money to live, but I also know that we must live by Faith, not by sight or our abilities to raise money! It is a slap in God’s face for a Church or Minister to be focused on money to carry out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, instead of Lifting up Jesus in their Preaching and their Living! Numbers seems to be the focus of most Pastor’s I know. Numbers in the pews, numbers in the financial books to do more programs and numbers of converts to keep up with the Church next door! This seems to be the theme in the Church today! Is this ego driven instead of Love for Christ? So many articles recently have shown that the incorporated Church is decreasing in numbers. Some have had to cut the salaries of the Pastor and even staff members. Some Churches have even filed for bankruptcy or even closed their doors. Is this what Christ had in mind? Where in the Bible does it say that Ministers must raise money to do the work of Christ? Did the Apostle Paul have fund raisers? How about Peter, James, John and any of the other Apostles? How about this question; what did it cost Jesus to win our Salvation? Everything! Whining, grumbling and complaining about doing the Work of Jesus Christ seems to be out of place! Should it not be a privilege and honor to exalt the Name of Jesus? I would say turn to Scripture and obey what it says concerning the Ministry.
Matthew 19:25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” Is not our Love for Jesus the motivation behind Ministry? Does it take money to share the Love of Jesus with others? Lets look at another Scripture; 2Co 6:3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;
5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” Notice Paul makes references in verses 4 and 5 about serving God in spite of monetary distress! Let look at these scriptures. 2Co 12:14 Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.” Paul is a good example of how all who minister for Jesus Sake should not be a burden. On the flip side of this arguemment there are these verses. Acts 4:34 “There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.” This is not Socialism but devotion to Christ and His Work! We will always support that which we Love! The Bible does say however; 1Co 9:11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? 12 If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. 15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast. 16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it. 19 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” Notice Paul’s statements in verse 15 and 16. His argument is to build Christ Kingdom and not receiving monetary funds even though they are available. All this ranting of mine can be summed up this way; Jesus deserves all we have, period! He should be the focus of Ministry, not the minister, not the people, not the prosperity of the Church, but Jesus alone! Who’s Ministry is it anyway? Here is the answer! Mt 16:13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” It Christ Church and He builds His Church through His own Power and our Love for Him. Mt 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” What is the cost of His Ministry? Everything! Who’s Ministry is it anyway?