AWESOME

As we study these words of wisdom we need to take as much time as necessary to come to an understanding of GOD.  Getting to really   know  Him takes a dedication to our creator and savior. The most satisfying experience of this life is to KNOW GOD.  As we launch into our study let us do so in a prayerful mode. We must take the time as we read these comments to concentrate on the content.  A quick once over will accomplish nothing.  Go at your pace that allows you to absorb, and enjoy our expanding knowledge of GOD.


Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
<< Introduction to Genesis | Genesis 1 | Genesis 2 >>
(Read all of Genesis 1)
Related Commentaries
Genesis 1
    •    Matthew Henry’s Commentary
    •    Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Related Books
Genesis 1
Encountering the Book of Genesis
By Bill T. Arnold
Genesis (Mastering the Old Testament)
By Lloyd J. Ogilvie
Life Lessons: Book of Genesis
By Max Lucado
Chapter Contents
God creates heaven and earth. (1,2) The creation of light. (3-5) God separates the earth from the waters, and makes it fruitful. (6-13) God forms the sun, moon, and stars. (14-19) Animals created. (20-25) Man created in the image of God. (26-28) Food appointed. (29,30) The work of creation ended and approved. (31)
Commentary on Genesis 1:1,2

(Read Genesis 1:1,2)
The first verse of the Bible gives us a satisfying and useful account of the origin of the earth and the heavens. The faith of humble Christians understands this better than the fancy of the most learned men. From what we see of heaven and earth, we learn the power of the great Creator. And let our make and place as men, remind us of our duty as Christians, always to keep heaven in our eye, and the earth under our feet. The Son of God, one with the Father, was with him when he made the world; nay, we are often told that the world was made by him, and nothing was made without him. Oh, what high thoughts should there be in our minds, of that great God whom we worship, and of that great Mediator in whose name we pray! And here, at the beginning of the sacred volume, we read of that Divine Spirit, whose work upon the heart of man is so often mentioned in other parts of the Bible. Observe, that at first there was nothing desirable to be seen, for the world was without form, and void; it was confusion, and emptiness. In like manner the work of grace in the soul is a new creation: and in a graceless soul, one that is not born again, there is disorder, confusion, and every evil work: it is empty of all good, for it is without God; it is dark, it is darkness itself: this is our condition by nature, till Almighty grace works a change in us.
Commentary on Genesis 1:3-5
(Read Genesis 1:3-5)
God said, Let there be light; he willed it, and at once there was light. Oh, the power of the word of God! And in the new creation, the first thing that is wrought in the soul is light: the blessed Spirit works upon the will and affections by enlightening the understanding. Those who by sin were darkness, by grace become light in the Lord. Darkness would have been always upon fallen man, if the Son of God had not come and given us understanding, 1 John 5:20. The light which God willed, he approved of. God divided the light from the darkness; for what fellowship has light with darkness? In heaven there is perfect light, and no darkness at all; in hell, utter darkness, and no gleam of light. The day and the night are the Lord's; let us use both to his honour, by working for him every day, and resting in him every night, meditating in his law both day and night.
Commentary on Genesis 1:6-13
(Read Genesis 1:6-13)
The earth was emptiness, but by a word spoken, it became full of God's riches, and his they are still. Though the use of them is allowed to man, they are from God, and to his service and honour they must be used. The earth, at his command, brings forth grass, herbs, and fruits. God must have the glory of all the benefit we receive from the produce of the earth. If we have, through grace, an interest in Him who is the Fountain, we may rejoice in him when the streams of temporal mercies are dried up.
Commentary on Genesis 1:14-19

(Read Genesis 1:14-19)
In the fourth day's work, the creation of the sun, moon, and stars is accounted for. All these are the works of God. The stars are spoken of as they appear to our eyes, without telling their number, nature, place, size, or motions; for the Scriptures were written, not to gratify curiosity, or make us astronomers, but to lead us to God, and make us saints. The lights of heaven are made to serve him; they do it faithfully, and shine in their season without fail. We are set as lights in this world to serve God; but do we in like manner answer the end of our creation? We do not: our light does not shine before God, as his lights shine before us. We burn our Master's candles, but do not mind our Master's work.
Commentary on Genesis 1:20-25
(Read Genesis 1:20-25)
God commanded the fish and fowl to be produced. This command he himself executed. Insects, which are more numerous than the birds and beasts, and as curious, seem to have been part of this day's work. The Creator's wisdom and power are to be admired as much in an ant as in an elephant. The power of God's providence preserves all things, and fruitfulness is the effect of his blessing.
Commentary on Genesis 1:26-28
(Read Genesis 1:26-28)
Man was made last of all the creatures: this was both an honour and a favour to him. Yet man was made the same day that the beasts were; his body was made of the same earth with theirs; and while he is in the body, he inhabits the same earth with them. God forbid that by indulging the body, and the desires of it, we should make ourselves like the beasts that perish! Man was to be a creature different from all that had been hitherto made. Flesh and spirit, heaven and earth, must be put together in him. God said, "Let us make man." Man, when he was made, was to glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Into that great name we are baptized, for to that great name we owe our being. It is the soul of man that especially bears God's image. Man was made upright, Ecclesiastes 7:29. His understanding saw Divine things clearly and truly; there were no errors or mistakes in his knowledge; his will consented at once, and in all things, to the will of God. His affections were all regular, and he had no bad appetites or passions. His thoughts were easily brought and fixed to the best subjects. Thus holy, thus happy, were our first parents in having the image of God upon them. But how is this image of God upon man defaced! May the Lord renew it upon our souls by his grace!
Commentary on Genesis 1:29,30
(Read Genesis 1:29,30)
Herbs and fruits must be man's food, including corn, and all the products of the earth. Let God's people cast their care upon him, and not be troubled about what they shall eat, and what they shall drink. He that feeds his birds will not starve his babes.
Commentary on Genesis 1:31

GOD

blog for 06/12/12

GOD

We are taught by Jesus that in order to please God we must KNOW HIM.  We were  we were given specific, detailed teachings that brings us to KNOW GOD.

The Old Testament tells us of God’s creation and His design for ALL of His creation, from the visible Universe to mankind.

The New Testament tells us of His LOVE for His creation and teaches through Jesus Words and example, and the Disciples that He anointed to deliver the GOOD NEWS of salvation.

God does not leave us in the dark to simply wonder about His Person, He has given us specific instructions as to how He wants us to enjoy Him and His creation.

Many times, in the past, I have purchased items that require assembly, and more often than not, my attempts at putting those things together failed. Only when all my efforts fell short , I was“forced” to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS given with the product by the creator of that product. And much to my delight, when instructions were followed the construction happened with great success.

One would assume that reading the instructions would be a natural way to make future projects successful. Wrong!! After many failures I still insisted on doing it my way rather than reading the instructions.

If we do not KNOW GOD, it is our fault.  He has provided infinite numbers of evidences of Who He Is, How He wants us to have an intimate relationship with Him, and to EXPERIENCE HIS PRESENCE  in our lives.  Ignore the INSTRUCTIONS and suffer failure to KNOW HIM.  Read and FOLLOW His INSTRUCTIONS AND ENJOY peace and joy that He offers us.

In future blogs we will look at the instructions with intention of following them.

Faith

"For by Grace are we saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is a gift of God lest any man should boast." Eph 2:8-9. 

Since we are saved and delivered from sin by the Grace of Almighty God, we need to dwell on that gift of everlasting LIFE.  God loves us so much that He wants us to be one with Him through Jesus His only begotten Son.  The measure of our faith is a GIFT.  We must avoid judging the holiness of one another by our experience and perception of faith.  When we see that one of our brethren seems to be weak in faith, we need to hold them up to our Lord to increase their faith, and not judge them as to where our Lord has brought them in their walk with Jesus.  Since we are saved by the pure GIFT of faith in Christ we need to give thanks for our brothers and sisters in the Lord and lift them up rather than judge them as to their relationship with GOD.  As our Lord gives us all good things, we should give good things to our brethren, always. Offer love, peace, joy and hope in Christ our Savior, and our joy will overflow.

Prayer for June

May we pray together:
God of healing mercy, in Jesus your Son you stretch out your hand in compassion, restoring the sinner, healing the sick, and lifting up those bowed down. Embrace us now in your loving care, particularly those afflicted with cancer, for whom this intention is offered. May the Spirit of Jesus bring us all health in soul and body, that with joy and thanksgiving we may praise you for your goodness, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

LOVE FOR THE DAY IS NEAR

Love, for the Day Is Near
 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:8-14

When we are with the Church in felllowship, it is SO important to examine our conscience as to the our relationship with our neighbor that are less than loving God is Offended. Things happen between people that are not always loving. When we do or think things  about our neighbor we MUST repent.  Otherwise our corporate worship of God is False and becomes a mockery. 

 As we read from 1John, “If someone says ‘I love God’ but hates his neighbor or sister, that person is a LIAR, for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love GOD whom we cannot see? And He has given this command. Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.” 1John1:4:20

Fellowship

Church? What is it?  For one thing it is NOT A building!!!When we say that we go to church we need to say that we are on our way to worship GOD with our brothers and sisters in Christ  at St. so and so in (Clermont) (Groveland) (Winter Garden etc.)  We designate the location of the building where we will meet WITH the church and fellowship and worship our Lord. The use of Church as a location rather than the place where we worship with fellow saints and seek to learn His perfect will for our individual  and corporate lives.

Some time we designate the place with PRIDE, a deadly sin. We sometimes fall into the sin of pride, when  the number of fellow Saints with whom we meet  becomes a "measure  of our Holiness ?", because so many are there each Sunday or our music is "anointed" etc .

The big question is how many souls are reached for Christ? How many are living lives meet unto repentance? How much Spiritual growth is evident each day and week that exhibits the reflection of Jesus in our daily lives

Church must not be construed as a denomination. Denominations simply define our local fellow saints as subscribing to certain doctrines as rules to follow in our quest to know God. The rules when BASED ON SOLID SCRIPTURE EVIDENCE HELP THE ADHERENTS TO LEAD HOLY LIVES as defined by Jesus.

I write these words with prayer, that the words be received in the spirit in which it is written, not to criticize but only to examine ourselves, give some thought to our own growth in Christ.

GIVE THANKS TODAY?

It is very important to give thanks, consistently, to our Lord. All things that God gives us is worthy of Praise, Honor, Glory.  Giving thanks to HIM in our lives is a powerful recognition of Who He is. a powerful testimony that tells the world of how much He loves each of us every moment of our lives.

"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.
Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds.
Exult in His Holy Name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and His strength; continually seek Him.
Remember the wonders He has performed, His Miracles, and the rulings He has given."  Psalm 105:1-5

Cancer Report 05/30/2012

Cancer Update 05/30/2012

It’s 7 pm and just returned from Oncologist office.  The tests show that the colon cancer is stable. Prostate cancer stable.  I thank Jesus the He has His hands on this situation.

14 days repeat complete blood count to monitor my immune levels then  new ct scan scheduled for July 28 to get a visual reading on the colon cancer results. 

Looking good.  Continual prayer required.  Huge thanks to you all for your prayers, love, and concern.

Richard

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Today we celebrate the birth of the Church (the body of Christ--You, me, all believers in Christ). This is one of the most joyous and certainly, important celebrations of the Church.
On the day of Pentecost as the 120 were praying in the upper room as commanded by Jesus, "Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting.  Then,what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability."Acts 2:2-4.

From that day forward the disciples were transformed into powerful witnesses of the Gospel and the Gospel is now preached and practiced throughout the World.  No Pentecost, no Church.  No Holy Spirit living within us, no power or conviction.  You and I, together with all believers are the Church and are empowered by God to bring the Good News to the World.

PLEASE read the 2nd Chapter of Acts to understand the Holy and Glorious gift of Pentecost and the awesome responsibility we all have to be HIS Witnesses to the World.

May we truly and joyfully celebrate this Day that the Lord has made.

Worshipping in the Temple of GOD.

We are saved by the Grace of God through the Blood of Jesus.  Well, what is so important about  following the teachings of Jesus concerning how we are to live out our salvation? ETERNAL REWARDS and JOY unspeakable. Look at Psalm 15.  "Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your Holy Hill?
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.
Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts.
Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever."

The joys and benefits of a life lived in companionship with God.  We enjoy these benefits Now and Eternally.

A DAILY SUPPLICATION

The following prayer from Psalms is a great way to start each day.  As we pray this prayer we need to stop at each line and meditate on what we are saying.  Rote prayer may have a role in our relationship with God, but He obviously wants us to communicate with him from our own heart.  Peace.

"Teach me your ways, O Lord that I may live according to your truth!

Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.

With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God

I will give glory to your name forever for your love for me is very great.

You have rescued me from the depths of death" Psalm 86:11-13

Yes, God has rescued us from eternal death through the precious blood of His dearly beloved Son Jesus.

FEELING BETTER

TODAY MAY 23, 2012 My wife, Son and I are doing MUCH better.  The Dr. said that this is a form of virus and that it needs to run it's course.  The symptoms, while highly unusual,  are not serious and will subside in a short time..  They already are.

I don't like using this blog to complain about health issues of my family, however, since we (you and I) are brother and sister through the blood of Christ we need to support one another in prayer.  Thank you so very much for your encouraging comments.

One week from today I will receive my Cancer update to determine how well the treatment is doing.  I am looking forward to sharing with you a bright and joyful report.

May we continue in the Word and apply the teachings of our Father, given to us by Jesus.  Jesus promised to never leave us nor forsake us.  So, when we read His Word, we are hearing Him DIRECTLY! May we take every Word with faith and confidence.  Continuing to love God with all our body, mind soul and strength. continuing to share the TRUTH and LIVING the Truth. 

God is So Good.

REFINING LIKE GOLD

Our Lord Jesus and Father God sometimes allow adversity in our lives to help us grow in trust in Him.
This past 7 days have been an opportunity to place our TOTAL trust in the Lord.  Last Wednesday our son Vince started with a horrendous dry cough that was relentless and strength draining along with disabling muscle weakness.  Starting 2 days later My Wife started with the same symptoms followed by me on Saturday.

This has been a horrible experience for each of us.  All too weak to seek medical help.  In my nearly 2 years of battling Cancer I have never had such pain and weakness.  Tomorrow I travel to our Doctor for diagnosis and Hopefully successful treatment.  This has all the markings of Virus infection with no known cure.  The body has to overcome this.

Through it all we have never once questioned why?  However our Lord has revealed to my that my Faith in Him is genuine and that He has His Loving Arms around us all and is bringing us to healing.  This also has given us a renewed respect for "simple" virus attacks and Allergy attacks.

In unity we say THANK YOU JESUS for never leaving us nor forsaking us.  We can feel His presence and know that what is happening is for our GOOD and will bear much fruit.

Thank your for your prayers.  Jesus love you, He really does, and cares for your EVERY need.

ASCENSION

Today we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven as witnessed by the disciples. Prior to that glorious event Jesus gave His final talk.  He commissioned the disciples to go forth as witnesses to the Life, Death, Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven and His Promised return with the faithful.

Then He (Jesus) said" When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled."  Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.  And He said,  "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and would be proclaimed in the authority of His Name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.'  You are witnesses of all these things.
" And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as My Father promised."

Then Jesus led them to Bethany,  and lifting His Hands to Heaven, He blessed them.  While He was withythem, He left them and was taken up to Heaven.  they worshiped Him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy.  And they spent All of their time in the Temple, praising GOD.  Luke 24:44-53.

We must consider, during prayer and meditation on the Word of God, how this commission applies to us.  The final verses in the Gospel of Mark tell us what we must do as disciples.  Sometimes we feel inadequate to "preach" the Gospel.  We are NOT.  As believers in Christ we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and have the Power of God to tell the world about His love through Jesus.  We need only to ask The Holy Spirit for the knowledge and strength to share our gift of Salvation.  One way to share the Gospel is to give support to those who have the ministry of missions.  Another way is to  PRAY  unceasingly for all in our midst who may not yet have received Jesus unto everlasting life.  PRAY for the holy boldness to speak the Word, with love, and to live the life that glorifies Jesus.  Our very lifestyle is a powerful opening for people to approach us and ask why we are so happy!  AMEN?

Fasting

Fasting is good for one's physical body when done properly. Fasting pleases the person fasting, but does nothing to please God.  If we look at the teachings of Jesus concerning that which pleases God and refer to the Old Testament Isaiah, we clearly see the type of fasting that pleases God.

"You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes.  Is this what you call fasting? Do you think that this will please the Lord"

No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry,
give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help." Isaiah:5-7

We cannot be saved without faith in Christ, but our faith lacks sincerity if it doesn't reach out to others.  Fasting can be beneficial spiritually and physically, but at it's best fasting helps only the person doing it.
God says He wants our fasting to go beyond our own personal growth to acts of kindness, charity, justice, and generosity. THIS IS TRULY PLEASING TO GOD.

Throughout Holy Scripture, beginning with Genesis, we are taught how to live and love as God loves us.  While we were wretched sinners, God our Father, gave His only begotten Son to die for our sins, rise from the dead and cleanse us of our unrighteousness. When we accept this fact we are to put on the righteousness of Jesus and follow Him.  He is one with the the Father and the Holy Spirit. He is open to your coming to Him and loving Him and demonstrating our Love for Him by loving our neighbors, including our enemies.

Pray for wisdom and clarity to see our weaknesses in the faith and REPENT.

HURTING?

The Bend in the Road

Author: Helen Steiner Rice
Sometimes we come to life's crossroads
And we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And he knows that it's only a bend-

The road will go on and get smoother
And after we've stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow-
You've just come to a bend in the road.

A Simple Blessing

A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg , Tennessee .
One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to
enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they
noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to
table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to
his wife, 'I hope he doesn't come over here.' But sure enough, the man did
come over to their table.
'Where are you folks from?' he asked in a friendly voice.
' Oklahoma ,' they answered.
'Great to have you here in Tennessee ,' the stranger said... 'What do you do
for a living?'
'I teach at a seminary,' he replied.
'Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really
great story for you.' And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat
down at the table with the couple.
The professor groaned and thought to himself, 'Great.. Just what I need.... another preacher story!'

The man started, 'See that mountain over there? (Pointing out the restaurant
window). Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an
unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he
was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, who's your daddy?' Whether he
was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same
question, 'Who's your daddy?'
He would hide at recess and lunch time from other students.. He would avoid
going in to stores because that question hurt him so bad. 'When he was about
12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late
and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, 'Who's your daddy?'
But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast that he got
caught and had to walk out with the crowd.
Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing
anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, 'Son, who's
your daddy?'
The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church
looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question,
'Who's your daddy?'
This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using
discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that
scared little boy.. 'Wait a minute! I know who you are! I see the family
resemblance now, You are a child of God.'
With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, 'Boy, you've got a
great inheritance.. Go and claim it.'
'With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out
the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody
asked him, 'Who's your Daddy?' he'd just tell them, 'I'm a Child of God..''
The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, 'Isn't that a
great story?'
The professor responded that it really was a great story!
As the man turned to leave, he said, 'You know, if that new preacher hadn't
told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would have
amounted to anything!' And he walked away..
The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress
over and asked her, 'Do you know who that man was -- the one who just left
that was sitting at our table?'
The waitress grinned and said, 'Of course. Everybody here knows him.
That's Ben Hooper. He's governor of Tennessee !'
Someone in your life today needs a reminder that they're one of God's
children!
'The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God stands
forever.' ~~Isaiah
YOU'RE ONE OF GOD'S CHILDREN!!!
HAVE A GREAT DAY!

ASK

One day Jesus told His disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.

“There was a judge in a certain city,” He said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy. The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests’ “.

Then the Lord said “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end.  So don’t you think God will surely give justice to His chosen people who cray out to him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will He find on the earth who have faith?”.

To persist in prayer and not give up, does not mean endless repetition  or painfully long prayer sessions.  Constant prayer means keeping our requests continually before God as we live for Him day by day, believing He will answer.  When we live by faith, we are not to give up.  God may delay answering, but His delays always have good reasons.  As we persist in prayer, we grow in character, faith, and hope.

CONTEMPORARY PARABLE

The following was sent to me by a friend and it turns out to be a perfect illustration of the way we shouldn't act as followers of Christ.   


YOU TOOK MY PARKING SPACE AT CHURCH

This should wake us up.
One day, a man went to visit a church.  He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near the driver got out and said, "I always park there!  You took my place!" The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down.  A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat!  You took my place!"  The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down.  Another member walked up to him and said, "That's where I always sit!  You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing.

Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change.  Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet.  Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?"
The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye,
"I took your place!"

FRUIT

Florida has abundant fruit trees, primarily citrus.  That fruit produces 90% of all the orange juice consumed in the U.S.A.. The trees that bear the fruit require loving and consistent tending and care.
Freezing nights, hurricanes, pestilence are impediments to healthy fruit.  Helping the trees to become healthy is the job of the grove keepers. It takes Work, without time off or vacations. The Gospel of John Jesus teaches us how we may bear much fruit for the Kingdom.

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who REMAIN in ME, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.  But if you remain in Me and My Words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great Joy to my Father."  John 15:5-8

"Fruit" is not limited to soul winning.  In  this chapter, answered prayer, joy and love are mention as fruit (15:7,11,12. Galatians 5:22-24 and 2 Peter 1:5-8 describe additional fruit; qualities of Christian character.

Remaining in Christ means (1) believing that He is God's Son (1Jn4:15)
(2) receiving Him as Savior and Lord (Jn.1:12,)
(3) doing what God says (1 John 3:24) and
(4) continuing to believe the Good News (1John 2:24)
and (5) relating in love to  the the community of believers, Christ's body (John15:12).

Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right.  But Jesus says that the ONLY way to live a truly good life is to stay close to Him, like a branch attached to the vine.  Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful.  Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ?   If not, you are missing a special gift He has for YOU.

When a vine produces "much fruit", God is GLORIFIED, daily He sent the sunshine and rain to make the crops grow, and constantly He nurtured each tiny plant and prepared it to blossom.  What a moment of glory for the Lord of the harvest when the harvest is brought into the barns, mature and ready for use! He made it all happen!  This farming analogy shows how God is Glorified when people come into a right relationship with Him and begin to :"produce much fruit" in their lives.

Want joy? Want Peace? Looking for Happiness?  All we need to do is the grow closer to the vine, JESUS and FOLLOW HIM.

HAPPY MARRIAGE KEY #2

How interesting it is that so few understand the keys to a happy marriage.  I believe and know by experience that the ONLY way to stay in God's will concerning our commitment to our spouse is to work at being faithful to each other in EVERY REGARD.

When My wife and I were married we vowed, before God, to love one another.  Specifically, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, remaining faithful to each other.  These are VOWS.  If vows are not really made in earnest, then our married life begins with a lie and whatever years we remain together are Mostly UPHILL with much difficulty.

Jesus taught us that to lust after another is adultery.  In this modern digital age pornography is one of the most pervasive evils that challenge marriages.  How many times have we heard, "no harm in looking just don't touch" Be assured that looking leads to touching.  Pornography makes that which God has made sacred, pure evil.  Married sexual activity is blessed by God.  Sexual activity outside of marriage between spouses, is not only forbidden but is the single most cause of divorce in this nation. Another precursor to infidelity is FLIRTING.  "Oh, flirting is fun and innocent".  Really???  Flirtation is an overt action that sends a signal that we are AVAILABLE.  Flirting sends a signal to our spouse that we are not happy in our relationship.  This is a source of deep hurt to the spouse and develops a feeling of inadequacy.

If any of this this appears to be a problem in a marriage, it may not be too late to begin again.  Look at marriage with the eyes of God.  Accept the responsibility we undertake when we commit to each other, and do it over.  This time make vows that you intend to keep regardless of the temptations that may befall you.

God our creator and Savior through His Son has created marriage to be ENJOYED in bed for the primary purpose of bringing to life new souls to worship, love, and seek to be with HIM.  The pleasure that accompanies procreation is intended to be ENJOYED BETWEEN SPOUSES ONLY.

THE KEY #2 IS TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.  REMEMBERING THAT LOVE IS NOT A FEELING BUT ACTION.

ONE KEY TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE.

APOLOGIZE!

Many arguments turn into causes of friction, tension and even worse over nothing.  When we disagree over anything it is because we believe our view is correct and so we defend our side vigorously.  I found many years ago that it costs NOTHING to apologize.  Even when I believe that I am absolutely in the right, it usually is over some trivial matter.  Forcing my view to an empty victory is destructive and sometimes can lead to serious rifts in a relationship.

If we just humble ourselves and realize that in any argument both parties are at fault to some degree.  Even if you’re sure that you are 100% in the right (which is never true) it costs nothing to apologize to your spouse.  Try it! It feels good and in retrospect it was over nothing of eternal value that was the root of the disagreement.  True love is being sensitive to the feelings of others and acting in accord with the love of God.

MODERN " MORALITY?"

As a mature adult I have experienced much in this life.  I have watched the gradual decay of morality in America.  This decay has been festering for the entire 78 years of my life. We are, today, living in a morass of moral filth that has come upon us so slowly and methodically that it is now almost universally accepted as healthy normative life.

When I look back at acceptable sexual practices from my childhood to today I am shocked by my own lack of awareness through the years of the corruption of human minds from God to Sin.  It has been the result of a lack of parental teaching and living for God.  As a parochial school student for 12 years of my formative education years, I was brought by my teachers and pastors and parents and Christian friends to be aware of my responsibility to do ALL things as to please our Lord.  Not to say that I was totally pure, I too have sinned.  I was totally aware of my sinfulness and had guilt leading to repentance and seeking a closer walk with God.  Why?; because I was given by God, through my parents, teachers Church that life without God as a focus, we are on the road to eternal loss.

It is true that we are saved solely by the Grace of Almighty God, it is also true that God expects us live according to the principles that He set forth for us live by.

It is with DEEP SADNESS that I see that the media, which is for the most part anti-Christ, sets the standards for modern day morality.  In nearly every case of gross immorality T.V., Movies, internet sites have and are creating an environment that promotes a freedom of thought and action that is totally SELFISH.  As a result the new attitude "winks" at sin as o.k. because it is personal and we should not judge.  Well, God is judging and as a matter of fact has already judged and declares that sin is UNACCEPTABLE in His sight.  He clearly defines righteousness and expects us to seek the same.

Our children's present and future lives need and must learn to depend on godly authority.  The daily news, where I reside, has a frightening flood of murders, shootings, rapes, robberies, hate crimes, and disregard for civil authority.  When I was a young person, I was taught and practiced great respect for the law.  A policeman was feared when we did something wrong, but at all other times we regarded them with great respect, as our friends and protectors. Not necessarily so today.

Solution?  God!!! He has entrusted those of us whom He has chosen to be His disciples, to teach, preach, and LIVE the GOSPEL.  

REASONS TO PRAISE GOD

Ever feel like you just can't find a reason to Praise of Lord?? As we have considered in past blogs, when in the doldrums Praise Him.  David in his psalm as recorded in #103 gives us plenty of things to reflect upon that are worthy of praise to the Highest Heaven.

Let us take this time to read and consider the MANY ways that God blesses us daily and even moment by moment.

Psalm 103 "Let all that I am praise the Lord;with my whole heart, I will praise His Holy Name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed  like the eagle's!

The Lord gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

He revealed His character to Moses
and His deeds to the people of Israel.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to anger and filled with unfailing love.

He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.

He does not punish us for all our sins;
He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
He has removed our sins as far from us
 as the east us from the west.

The Lord is like a father to his children
tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.
For He knows how weak we are;
He remembers we are only dust.
Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
The wind blows and we are gone--
as though we had never been here.
But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear Him."

David, a sinner saved by the grace of God, wrote these words centuries before the Advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the completion of  all that God has for us.  Not knowing what Jesus would have in store for all who fear the Lord and obey His commands.  Imagine the Praise that He would lift up to God had he seen the Great Love of God our Father that was to come through His gift of His Begotten Son Jesus.

All of the promises and praise for that which he understood he was actually prophesying of the day of REDEMPTION THROUGH JESUS.

Times tough?  Remember that God has placed all of the punishment due to us for our sins upon Jesus who willingly paid the price through His suffering and death and resurrection.

"HE HAS REMOVED OUR SINS AS FAR FROM US AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. If you were to draw a line to the east and the west, that line extending straight out, not following the curvature of the Earth, would go on to infinity.  God does not remember the sins that we have confessed and repented of, so let us not torture ourselves over sins that exist no more.

PRAISE HIM!! PRAISE HIM IN ALL THINGS!! PRAISE HIM UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES AND DWELL ON HIS GIFT OF EVERLASTING LIFE IN OUR GLORIFIED BODIES TO COME, IN THE PRESENCE OF PERFECT LOVE OF GOD OUR FATHER.

MALNUTRITION

Can you imagine how well your body, mind and life would fare if the only meal you had was one day each week, forever.  I am sure that our life would wither and eventually die of malnutrition!!!

When we Christians depend on our Sunday visit to Church for Spiritual nourishment and fail to partake of the Word of God each day we gradually fall into a dangerous condition that leads to spiritual death.

So many stories of divorce, sickness, fear, loneliness, hatred, addictions, etc. are a sign of spiritual malnutrition.  As we neglect to walk with our Lord day by day, moment  by moment we fall into a lethargy caused by lack of nourishment of our spirit. How can we hope to contend with the many trials of living in this world without the food that is so necessary to sustain our spiritual life!  The Bible, corporate worship, wise counsel by Holy Spirit filled pastors and teachers, loving Christian fellowship, and prayer are many ways that the Holy Spirit works  to build our spiritual strength, which leads to powerful faith and unspeakable joy in our Lord and His gift of life.

There is absolutely no excuse, in this nation, for anyone to die of spiritual malnutrition. The answer to ALL of life's problems is in Christ Jesus.  Knowing Him requires a daily diet of His food,  which is HIS WORD.  Jesus never promised a freedom from difficulties in this life, but He did promise to give us the strength and wisdom to endure and emerge victorious over life's trials.  When we focus on the promise of everlasting life with God, the joy of the Lord overcomes all sadness, despondency, fear, hatred, lack of patience and dependency on things rather than God's love.

We must seek Him and we will find JOY, PEACE, LOVE, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS, PATIENCE and the COMFORT that our Lord offers when we KNOW that we are saved and headed for perfect JOY in the presence of God for all eternity.

REAL LOVE

As Sis and I  mark our 56th years of a happy marriage,  it begs the question, why is this modern world awash in divorce and infidelity???  It is because there is a total misunderstanding of Love.  Everyone believes that love is important, but love is usually thought of as a FEELING. In reality, love is a choice and an action as 1 Cor. 13:4-7 shows.  God is the source of our love.  He loved us enough to sacrifice His Son for us. Jesus is our example of what it means to love; EVERYTHING He did was SUPREMELY loving.  The Holy Spirit gives us the power to love; He lives in our heart and makes us more and more like Christ.  God's love always involves A CHOICE AND AN ACTION.

John says, " God is Love, not Love is God."  Our world,with its shallow and selfish view of love, has turned these words around and contaminated our understanding of love.  The world thinks that love is what makes person FEEL good and that it is all right to sacrifice moral principles and others' rights in order to obtain such "love".  But that ISN'T real love; it is the EXACT OPPOSITE---selfishness .  And God is not that kind of "love". If we truly love GOD we will love as He does.

While being faithful to God and our spouses makes us feel good, it is not the feeling that we must seek but rather, the action that is right and holy.  When we are faithful to God's design for Holiness, which sometimes requires sacrifice, the earthly reward will be manifest.  The ETERNAL reward is everlasting BLISS in the presence of Almighty God our FATHER.  Salvation is FREE and does  not, in any way depend on our actions, our recognition of God's love in that GIFT is our faithfulness to HIS COMMANDS. Our relationship with our HEAVENLY FATHER, DEPENDS on love for HIM as exhibited by our Love for Him by our ACTION OF OBEDIENCE.  LOVE IS ACTION!!!

HAPPY DAY

Today,  April 27th, 2012, my wife and I celebrate our 56th wedding Anniversary.  We met on Dec. 16th 1955 and were married April 27, 1956.  This is such a blessing to me, and as expressed by Carmelita (Sis) my wife.  It has been a story book marriage. We made it through trials, mostly health and the normal tests of living, but never lost our love for each other.  Sis, always was and is now more than ever my true love.  She is the PERFECT WIFE,  SUPER MOM, AND NOW SUPER GRANDMA AND GREAT GRANDMA.  I give thanks to God our Father, through Jesus, His only begotten Son for this gift of the biblical wife.  We pray that each of you will look at your own lives and count the wonderful blessings that our Lord has and is bestowing upon you all.  No matter the circumstances, Jesus is with us always and everywhere.  We only need to call on His name for the joy of our Lord to overshadow any and all testings.  The tests are allowed in order to strengthen our Faith.  Last night I was moved to give Praise and Glory to God by recalling many of the blessings in my life and when I did the negatives totally disappeared.   We  Love You All and wish you a bright future and good health of Spirit, Mind Body and Soul.

HEALING

We speak much of physical healing, but little of spiritual healing.  It is well known that despondency greatly affects the human body, yet often the TOTAL focus is on germs, cells and a myriad of other microscopic monsters. Yes, it is necessary to identify, research and destroy those little critters.

In reading of the WORD of GOD, we can find much wisdom that can PREVENT and even treat the fundamental cause of many life threatening diseases. As we have studied over the past 4 months, we see how critical it is to obey the Word of GOD.   Knowing God's will for us is discovered clearly through the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.  However, the Old Testament lays the foundation for the New Covenant.  Proverbs is a good guide to living for our Lord now, in this time.

"Fear of the Lord lengthens one's life." Proverbs 10:27.
 "Those who fear the Lord are secure;. Prov.14:26.
 "Fear of the Lord is a Life Giving Fountain" Prov 14:27.
 "Better to have little, with fear of the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil" Prov 15:16.
  "For the despondent, every day brings trouble;for the happy heart, life is a continual feast" Prov15:15.

Fearing the Lord is KNOWING THAT HE IS GOD!!!. Fear of the Lord is listening for His "Voice" and obeying Him. We obey the knowledge that He imparts to us through the HOLY SPIRIT via study of His Word, listening to the Word through anointed preachers and teachers and TRUSTING IN JESUS. Trusting in Jesus is believing that He is the SON OF GOD, that He lived on this earth,  gave us the keys to KNOWING GOD. That we are saved from the fires of Hell and eternal damnation by His LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION from the dead. That He is seated at the right hand of God the Father and is coming back to remove all evil from this earth and establish His Kingdom forever with all believers reigning with Him.

How can we CHOOSE to live a despondent life when we have the promises of God our  FATHER?????

Choose Peace and Joy and Happiness by KNOWING HIM through His BLESSED HOLY WORD.

"FEAR OF THE LORD teaches wisdom, humility precedes honor." Prov. 15:33

MIRACULOUS CONVERSION

As we continue to read the conversion of St. Paul and then his activities from that time on, we see that Paul DID NOT dwell on the terrible sins that He committed against God.  Following Paul's conversion he immediately entered one of the most powerful Evangelistic ministries of all time.  He worked full time at winning souls and building churches.  He ACCEPTED God's forgiveness and moved on.  We must do the same if we are to live fruitful lives for Christ.  In doing so we can experience the peace that surpasses all understanding under ALL circumstances.   Please read the following WORD and see the POWERFUL  change that we too can experience by accepting God's love and forgiveness.  When we continue to condemn ourselves for things that are totally gone from the mind of God (Psalm 103) we place our selves in bondage and cannot effectively serve of Lord, nor enjoy true PEACE.

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.

FORGIVE YOURSELF

I know some people who spend much of their lives condemning themselves for sins that our Lord forgave.  Believing in Jesus for salvation and rejecting His sacrifice for our sins is harmful to; 1. Our relationship with our Father. 2. A complete waste of our lives as to doing good.  3. Can cause a destruction of our ability to forgive others.  4. Definitely leads to poor physical health due to living under a "cloud" of guilt.

Think of St. Paul who was guilty of murdering many Christians.  Suppose he failed to accept God's forgiveness!  Take the time to read the following scripture.  You are probably familiar with it, but it never hurts to re-read the word because it continues to reveal truths that we may have missed in the past.

         


April 21, 2012 - New International Version
Acts 9:1-25
Saul's Conversion
9:1-19pp -- Ac 22:3-16; 26:9-18
 1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6 "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. 11 The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight." 13 "Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name." 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord--Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.

UPSET?

Have you ever been faced with a situation where someone has done you serious harm?           Did you experience an initial desire to strike back?  The natural reaction might include a deep resentment that can lead to a long lasting grudge that could very well harm yourself.  Harboring grudges is always destructive to the well being of the one who is not willing to forgive.

On several occasions during my adult years I have faced such trying times. Before I met and embraced my Savior these occasions caused me to suffer from my dwelling on those hurts.  After I received Jesus, the Holy Spirit gave me a defense against my own weakness to repay evil with evil.  I first noticed that God had truly entered my life and gave me a spirit of forgiveness that was genuine.  My reaction to these  attacks was to show genuine love for my “enemies” by treating them with kindness and respect.  In the greatest test in my life those “enemies” are now my dear friends.  I did nothing more than to treat them with respect and a friendly attitude.  I take no credit for this because that was not my nature, it was a gift of grace from God through the Holy Spirit. 

Later as I studied the Word, I discovered a passage of scripture that goes like this; “ If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:20-21

When we live for Christ we sometimes will be “attacked” by some who simply do not understand our good intentions, then they “attack” us in many ways because of our Faith. We must rejoice in that type of suffering for it is foretold by Jesus that this would happen.  When Jesus said the we must take up our CROSS and follow Him, He wasn’t
referring to sickness and disease but rather the suffering that we would suffer for following Him.

May we then be glad when we are taken to task for doing good and LOVE OUR ENEMIES. In this way we are obeying Jesus. In this way some will be led to follow Jesus by our love them and sharing Jesus by example.

My reward for loving my enemies has been to witness those adversaries becoming my friends and returning my love, and in some cases becoming true Christians.

The following is a comment I received on the blog "A GREAT EXAMPLE". It is a fine expansion of that study. Please read and enjoy the wisdom expressed.

 We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty. ~Mother Teresa We all have giving hearts and want to be servants of Christ but sometimes feel that we are not capable because what we could do would not be enough. Please remember that serving can be in small offerings by showing love and kindness to those who need comforting. Love God first and foremost, care for yourself, your family and others. Always strive to be kind, generous and considerate to all you meet along the way and in doing so you will be the true example of Christ's love.     Sending you love and blessings.

A GREAT EXAMPLE

“When the Lord Jesus finished talking with them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place honor at God’s right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.” Mark 16:19-20 When Jesus ascended into heaven, His physical presence left the disciples (Acts 1:9) Jesus’ sitting at God’s right hand signifies the completion of His work, His authority as God, and His Coronation as King. Mark’s Gospel emphasizes Christ’s power as well as His servanthood. Jesus’ life and teaching turned the world upside down and continues to do so. The world sees power as a way to gain control over others. But Jesus, with all authority and power in heaven and earth, chose to Serve others. He held children in His arms, healed the sick, washed the disciples’ feet, and died for the sins of the world. Jesus’ followers today receive this same power to Serve. As believers, we are called to be servants of Christ. As Christ served, so we are to serve. A contemporary example of serving others is Mother Theresa. Forsaking personal possessions and personal comfort and all that the world offers. Placing herself in physical danger of contracting a myriad of diseases. Always giving Glory to God through Jesus’ love. Is she an extreme example? NO, not at all, she LIVED the Gospel. We need to emulate her as a true example of Christ’s Love. After all, isn’t our job to follow Jesus? Mother Theresa did.

CHALLENGED

During the decades from the Ascension of Jesus following His Resurrection, the Church, the body of Christ has been persecuted for believing in Jesus. Millions have died for the truth and are now in heaven with our Father. Today, we in America are facing the boldest challenge to living and proclaiming our Faith openly. We must not cave in to pressure to "water down" the Gospel. In reading the following scripture passage please note the emphasis on the "one and only way" to God. Some who are claiming to be true Christians have left the faith and are preaching some other way. Jesus warned of the many who would fall away from the truth. Also, their is an attempt by some in authority to cause the Church to depart from the truth and yield to pressure to abandon traditional faith. May we pray for thew Holy Spirit to give us the courage to REMAIN FAITHFUL TO JESUS, THE ONE AND ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN. Acts 4:1-22 Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. ' 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

OUR COMMISION

When Jesus was with His disciples following His Resurrection He gave them a commission that was to last for their lifetime. This command also applies to all His followers, including you and I. Mark 16:15-18 "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe. They will cast out demons in my name and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed." Do you ever feel that you do not have the skills or determination to be a witness for Christ? You must personally realize that Jesus rose from the dead and lives for you today. As you grow in your relationship with Christ, He will give you both the opportunities and the inner strength to tell His message. Just remember that your relationship with Him depends on your faithful obedience to learn His commands and FOLLOW them. May we, together by our lifestyle and personal witness be blessed to lead souls salvation.

HE'S ALIVE!

Matthew 28:1-20
The Resurrection
28:1-8pp -- Mk 16:1-8; Lk 24:1-10; Jn 20:1-8
1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see

YES, He's alive and as promised is seated at the right hand of our Father. He promised to be with us always and indeed He is. I know, not just believe, I know He lives. I have seen Him at my darkest hours and in times of joy. HE'S TRULY ALIVE!!!

Enjoy our new life in Christ and the promise of our own resurrection. He is in Glory. He IS Glory!! Hallelujah!!!

IT IS FINISHED!

hew 27:32-66
The Crucifixion
27:33-44pp -- Mk 15:22-32; Lk 23:33-43; Jn 19:17-24
32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. 38 Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself ! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!" 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself ! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' " 44 In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The Death of Jesus
27:45-56pp -- Mk 15:33-41; Lk 23:44-49; Jn 19:29-30
45 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ""Eloi, Eloi," "lama" "sabachthani?""--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him." 50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!" 55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.
The Burial of Jesus
27:57-61pp -- Mk 15:42-47; Lk 23:50-56; Jn 19:38-42
57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
The Guard at the Tomb
62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." 65 "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

BETRAYAL ( PLEASE TURN YOU SOUND UP)

Matthew 27:1-31
Judas Hangs Himself
1 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. 2 They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor. 3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." 7 So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, 10 and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."
Jesus Before Pilate
27:11-26pp -- Mk 15:2-15; Lk 23:2,3,18-25; Jn 18:29-19:16
11 Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. 12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge--to the great amazement of the governor. 15 Now it was the governor's custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" 18 For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him. 19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him." 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. 21 "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor. "Barabbas," they answered. 22 "What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked. They all answered, "Crucify him!" 23 "Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!" 24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" 25 All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!" 26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
27:27-31pp -- Mk 15:16-20
27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

HUMILIATION

Jesus Arrested
26:47-56pp -- Mk 14:43-50; Lk 22:47-53
47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" 55 At that time Jesus said to the crowd, "Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Before the Sanhedrin
26:57-68pp -- Mk 14:53-65; Jn 18:12,13,19-24
57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. 59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 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?"

The Beginning

26Matthew 26:1-25
Matthew 26:1-25 (New International Version)


The Plot Against Jesus
26:2-5pp -- Mk 14:1,2; Lk 22:1,2
1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 "As you know, the Passover is two days away--and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." 3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. 5 "But not during the Feast," they said, "or there may be a riot among the people."
Jesus Anointed at Bethany
26:6-13pp -- Mk 14:3-9 26:6-13Ref -- Lk 7:37,38; Jn 12:1-8
6 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. 8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9 "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." 10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
26:14-16pp -- Mk 14:10,11; Lk 22:3-6
14 Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests 15 and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

PALM SUNDAY

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey the people shouted: Matthew 21:6-9 "Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in Highest Heaven!"

Jesus was greeted in a manner that was appropriate. He was recognized as the Son of God, yet was soon to be tortured and killed by the people of that City. Religious leaders chose to destroy Him. Why? Because He preached Peace and Love in place of hypocritical religious practices. Jesus lived the love of God and laid down His life in a perfect sacrifice of love. Love for you and me and the whole world.

May we spend quality time meditating on the price of perfect love. During this coming week, begin each day with a picture of love that Jesus displayed for us by His Precious Blood being shed for us. Let us look at the precious children of God, our neighbors and family members for whom Jesus suffered and died and LOVE them.

Enough of selfish living! Enough of judging others by their appearance or church affiliation or gender. Enough of holding grudges and failure to forgive. We must stop acting as though Jesus' loving sacrifice was just a foot note in history.

Jesus LIVES. HE IS THE LIVING GOD, WITH US NOW IN SPIRIT, AND COMING SOON IN PERSON TO BRING THE BELIEVING FLOCK TO ETERNAL GLORY WITH HIM. JESUS IS GOD!!! LOVE HIM BY OBEYING HIM AND YOU WILL BE LOVING FATHER GOD.

GLORY TO GOD, NOW AND FOREVER!

The Hour is near

Matthew 26:36-39 "Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and He said, 'Sit here while I go over there to pray'. He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and He became anguished and distressed. He told them,, 'My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'

He went a little farther and bowed with His face to the ground, praying, 'My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine'." Mt.26:vs 42 "My Father! if this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, you will be done."

This is just a glimpse of the beginning of the suffering that Jesus endured for our sins, yours and mine. He was shown by the Father that which He would need to endure and as we read, He sought to avoid the immediate future by asking if there might be another way. When the request was denied, Jesus willingly accepted His role in the plan of salvation. Oh, how God loves us. THANK YOU JESUS.

A FEW MINUTES

As we approach the beginning of Holy Week which leads us to dwell on the love of God, we need to spend quality time with our Lord by meditating on His Word. One of the proclamations of Jesus that I found heavy in meaning is found in Matthew 20.

vs.17-19. "As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to Him. Listen He said," we're going up to Jerusalem where the Son of man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence Him to die. Then they will hand Him of over to the Romans to be mocked,flogged with a whip and crucified. But on the third day He will be raised from the dead." But the disciples did not accept and believe what He meant. They continued to argue over their position in Christ's Kingdom. ( See vs. 20-28.

What are we doing now in this generation? Are we arguing over which of our "religious" practices are the most favorable to God? "Should we not be sharing the Love of God and what He did to set us free from sin regardless of the Name of our "church" affiliation? Please take a little time to re-read the above cited scripture and allow the love of God pour through to our spirits. Then look at your brother/sister and see a child of God for whom Jesus died.

PREPARE

Do you remember when Palm Sunday was a Holy Day in the lives of believers? That Sunday was rather solemn as well as filled with excitement. We returned to our homes with a glow as we looked for a special location to place the palms we received at church. The palm fronds were a reminder of the first time in Jesus' presence on earth that He was recognized and honored as a King.

The believers who gathered along the road to Jerusalem spread their garments and tree branches on the road as a tribute, while Jesus road on a donkey's colt as a sign of His humility.

This was a time of deep reflection on our faith. A glorious day of celebration that would lead us to reflect on Jesus' passion, death and resurrection that would usher in the way of Salvation. A new life, everlasting, that would be purchased at the greatest price ever paid for the sins of the world. A time of Joy, sadness followed by the greatest joy of all time, the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead that guaranteed forgiveness and life everlasting in the Presence of Almighty God.

May we consider what tribute we would have paid on that road of triumphal entry!
And, how long would we be faithful to Him in His forthcoming torture and death that would soon follow?

Thank you Jesus for going forward on your assignment even as you knew of the price you would pay because of my sins!!!

Hallelujah King Jesus!!!!

CANCER UPDATE

Praise our Savior Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven. This is a new day that our Lord has made, we are rejoicing and are glad in it.

More good news from the doctors today; The new CT Scan shows that the tumors, all of them, continue to shrink (lungs, liver etc. The Prostate ALSO continues to respond to treatment. Hallelujah!!

This is a great time in my life. I have all of you praying for me and rejoicing with me and my loving family. Please remember that I consider each of you as part of my family and pray that each of you will continue to walk with our Lord in PEACE. HALLELUJAH!!!

Love in Christ,

Richard

Holiday?

Hello fellow believers in Christ.

As we look forward to Easter and the joy of that season on our calendar I find it sad that so few recognize the significance of Easter. This is the most important time in the life of Christians. The most important date in our lives. Without the Resurrection there is no life. Our faith is based on the Resurrection. Why then is there such expectation of the coming of the "Easter Bunny" and virtually No expectation of the Return of Jesus.

Christmas, in this age has become a huge commercial boon
in our society. Thoughts of toys and presents, 'Santa Claus' and material gain with debt that fuels these celebrations. We have taught our children that Christmas is the time of materialism and maybe, in second place, the birth of GOD COME IN THE FLESH TO REVEAL HIS LOVE FOR US AND EVERLASTING LIFE.

How is Easter any different? The Easter Bunny has become a symbol of materialism as well. Thousands of books honor the myth of the Easter Bunny. How many can we find that focus on the most important date in our lives? Books that highlight the "reason for the season"!

Oh Shaw Richard, there is nothing wrong with allowing our kids to have "innocent" fun. Actually, nothing at all provided that the "fun" doesn't come at the cost of obscuring the purpose of the celebration. May we pray to return to the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord and FOCUS ON JESUS, not only at Easter and Christmas but every single day of our lives. The Church adopted pagan rituals about Easter and brought them to conform with our Faith in Jesus. The symbol of the eggs, critters etc. Many of these symbols are easily usable to explain to children the incredible gift of life with God that the Resurrection of Jesus brings to mankind. This truly is a time to shout Allelujah! The Lord lives and will be back again to take us up through our own resurrection. Is there anything greater than that promise?

A NEW LIFE

As we approach the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ from the dead, it is good to reflect on our own resurrection day. In memory of the glorious Resurrection of our Savior we hold a particular day to Honor our Lord's Life, Death, and His being placed at the right hand of our Father in Heaven.

We are promised by Jesus that we too will rise again and reign with Him for all Eternity. We will be in the presence of our Heavenly Father, worshiping Him face to face. That alone, for me, is sufficient motivation to serve Him in this earthly life.

May we all spend quality time reflecting on our Father's love for us. He gave His only begotten Son to live and die for us, to redeem us from our sins and sinful nature that we inherited from Adam. That act of redemption came at a price that none of us can fathom. It is hurtful to ponder the pain that Father suffered as He watched His Son, Jesus, go through unimaginable suffering to pay for our sins, while He, Jesus, Himself was innocent of all sin.

His gift of redemption must not be taken lightly. Without Jesus there is no life. If we reject that priceless gift from God we will perish unto eternal damnation.

Receiving that priceless gift is not only a matter of confessing our Faith in Jesus but actually believing Who He is by following His teachings. Doing God's Will is truly a light in this world of much darkness. We are instantly rewarded when we obey Him. Our weaknesses and faults are covered by the Precious Blood of Jesus when we demonstrate of Love for Him by obedience to His Word. Our perspective of life in these bodies changes as we embrace Him by obeying His Word and putting the Word into practice. We become a beacon of light, guiding others to believe in the one and only way to God.

Let us sing Alleluia! with loud voices in Praise of God Almighty for we will all, who truly believe, be with Him for all eternity. No more sickness, no more death no more sin, only inexplicable joy forever and ever. PRAISE HIM NOW AND FOREVER!!!

Context

Have you ever been mentally challenged to understand
the Word of God? Some scriptures appear to contradict other scripture passages. This confusion can cause some to get a wrong message when not quoted in context. We need not look far to find evidence of whole congregations that preach incomplete messages from the Word of God.

One example of incomplete quotes from the Word that has caused many to "split" is the seeming disagreement between Paul and James concerning the role of works in God's plan of salvation. The importance of Faith and Works.

The often quote scripture Eph. 2:8-9 " For by Grace are you saved through Faith and that not of yourselves: it is the Gift of God" This passage is absolutely true but begs the question of why are we saved? The rest of that passage tells us, clearly and distinctly. Eph. 2-10 For we are His workmanship in Christ unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk them."

James 2 says"What good is it dear brother and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing and you say"Good-bye and have a good day, stay warm and eat well'--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Now someone may argue,'Some people have faith; others have good deeds,'But I say, 'How can you show me your faith if you don't have deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.

You say you have faith, for you believe there is One God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that Faith without good deeds is useless?"

Look at the confusion that is caused by quoting scripture out of context! Verse ten of Eph 2 clearly tells us how we are to live out the gift of faith while at the same time telling us in vs 8 and 9 that saving faith is a GIFT of GOD, NOT OF WORKS. AND, our Faith is manifested in our works, i.e. following Jesus. James and Paul are saying the same thing. Paul states the way to God and James expounds on the details of the way God wants us to live out that faith

Please Go to your Bible and continue reading the rest of Ephesians 2 and be blessed by the works of Saints that went before us. Many, today, are living out their faith and many are being blessed by those Good Deeds that also, simultaneously lead the lost to God.

Special Prayer For You

I offer these Word for you from Psalm 20.

"In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
May He send you help from His sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May He remember all your gifts
and look favorably on you burnt offerings.

May He grant your heart's desires
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. Amen!

Whatever your needs today, offer them up to our Lord by placing them at the foot of the CROSS. He does here your prayers and answers them. Trust that the answers will be evident in His Perfect Will.

God loves you and so do we.

ASSURANCE

This message today is a continuation of the previous blog on salvation. Many people that I have met have displayed some question as to how can we be sure of our salvation! One of the reasons for this insecurity is the mixed messages that we hear over TV and Radio and other communication methods. I would like those who are interested to go back to very beginning of these blogs and take a little time to read the messages that help us to have trust and faith in His Word. Then, as previously suggested, dig in to the Bible, while always asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten you with the TRUTH. If some of the teachings of Jesus and the writers of the New Testament are not clear to you, then by all means consult your pastor.

GOD ASSURES YOU THAT JESUS CHRIST HAS COME INTO YOUR LIFE.
John 14:20 "When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in the Father, and you are in me and I am in you."

YOU SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN
Colossians 2:13 "God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave ALL our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross."

1 John5:13 "I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may KNOW you have eternal life."

GOD LOVES YOU UNCONDITIONALLY.

No matter what else may be going on in your life, no matter what acceptance or rejection you may be facing from others, you can KNOW that God has completely accepted you and loves you UNCONDITIONALLY!!!

EPHESIANS 1:4-5 "Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be Holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His Family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure."

God CHOSE us and gave us His Grace to accept His Grace of salvation. It is up to each of us to TRUST His Word and be embraced by His Assurance of the forgiveness of our sins and EVERLASTING LIFE. HOW CAN ANYONE CHOOSE TO REJECT SUCH A GIFT? Apparently many do. Let us, together, by our faith and lifestyle lead others to the TRUTH. My heart weeps when I hear others reject Jesus who paid the price for their sins.

WE ARE BLESSED

Have you ever been unsure of your salvation? That is a legitimate concern for those who are seeking for peace with God. Jesus said,"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only few ever find it." Matthew 7:13-14.

The gate that leads to eternal life is called "narrow". This does not mean that it's difficult to become a Christian but that there is only One Way to eternal life with God and that only a few decide to walk that road. Believing in Jesus is the only way to Heaven because He alone died for our sins and made us right before God. Living His way may not be popular, but it is true and right. THANK GOD THERE IS ONE WAY!

AGAIN JESUS SAID,"I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the Gate . Those who come in through me WILL BE SAVED." JOHN 10:7-9.

Please remember from our previous studies that "we are saved by GRACE THROUGH FAITH AND THAT IS NOT OF OURSELVES, IT IS A GIFT OF GOD NOT OF WORKS LEST ANYONE COULD BOAST" EPHESIANS 2"8-9.

The intent of the "blog" is not to entertain but rather to encourage those of us who are seeking peace through God our Father, to read His Words and live them. This is the path for us who are true believers must follow. As your faith grows you become a disciple who is at peace through all trials and tribulations because Jesus is with us, just know that He is here with you personally and has His loving arms around you. AMEN!

Power

In the preceding message we were reminded to give praise to the Lord our God, never forgetting His love for the whole world. Genuine praise and worship of God returns to us peace and Joy!

38 years ago our Lord gave me a revelation of the POWER of Praise and worship. Each Wednesday night we had a prayer meeting in a small church building in Newark Delaware. The Lord allowed me to lead those meetings. We had a semi structured agenda that began with 30 or so minutes of Praise and Worship followed by a 30 minute "sermon". Testimonies by the faithful were invited and then a call to those in attendance to come forth for individual prayer and or salvation.

I tell you this as a preface to the Power of Praise. Without fail, every Wednesday found me a target of Satan to discourage me from going forward with the Service. Without exception, I would enter that church feeling lowly from the challenges of the day and the news in the world. Then without exception, within the first few minutes of the proceedings I was transformed from gloom to Joy. This was a weekly experience that kept me filled with joy for the week ahead. I experienced, first hand, the POWER of Praise.

"How joyful are those who fear the Lord--all who follow His ways." "That is the Lord's blessing for those who fear Him." Psalm 127 1,4.

There is a children's song that goes like this "The joy of the Lord is my strength." If you want Joy you have to Praise for it".

The name of Jesus is in itself perfect Praise. When we find ourselves unable to pray, I personally simply pray, JESUS. He is here with me and accepts my praise of His Name and returns that praise with JOY and Peace.

There is great power in His Name; There is awesome Power in corporate worship. When we are in the presence of Father in heaven we will not be alone. We will be giving Him True Worship along with multitudes of Saints who preceded us into His Kingdom. May we always and everywhere Praise His Holy name. Your joy in the Lord can be your way of evangelization. Leading people to Jesus by example is the most effective way to "preach" the gospel.

Let's go, let today be the beginning of CONTINUAL praise of His Holy Name. AMEN?

Reason to Praise

Do you sometimes find it difficult to give praise to our Lord? Here is a great help to find many reasons to give thanks. Psalm 103:1-6 "Let all that I am Praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his Holy Name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.

He forgives my sins and heals all my diseases.He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly."

Psalm 1038:8ff "The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love He will not constantly accuse us,no remain angry forever, He does not punish for all our sins;He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.

For He knows how weak we are; He remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone -- as though we had never been here.But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear Him.; His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to His covenant, of those who obey His commandments; The Lord has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything. Praise the Lord, everything He has created, everything in all His kingdom. Let all that I am praise the Lord.


David's praise focused on the good things God was doing for him. It's easy to complain about life, but David's list gives us plenty for which to praise God. He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems us from death, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and gives us righteousness and justice. We receive all of these without deserving any of them. No matter how difficult your life's journey, you can always count your blessings.

Follow the example of David and PRAISE OUR GOD NOW AND FOREVER FOR HIS LOVE IS EVERLASTING.