Monday, September 28, 2009

When God Is With Us!

Numbers; 21:34

(Then the LORD said to Moses, "Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, with all his people and his land; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon.)

All through the history of the people of Israel, when they were obeying God things went good for them and when they were disobedient to God things went bad. Many of the wars they fought in, they were outnumbered by their enemy but God was with them and gave them the victory. God would tell them "Don't fear this people for I have given them into your hand." Notice that God gave them the victory. There were times when they didn't listen to God and then they would be defeated because they thought they could do it on their own.

It's the same thing today. When we think we can do something on our own with out God, we are asking for defeat. I feel that is why our country is in decline as a super power. We have forgotten why we were victorious in battle against our enemies. We used to have God with us and He gave us the victories. Now we have we allowed our country to push God out of the way and we are suffering the consequences. We have turned away from our God and we are no longer being blessed. We have made laws to allow abominations in God's sight and we are in for trouble. We have forgotten our roots which made us a great country.

It's amazing how we can forget God so easily. When we are in trouble we call out to Him but when things are cozy and comfortable we seem to forget Him. I feel that is where our country is right now. When 9/11 happened, the churches were full of people looking for answers, but now that things have calmed down, there are fewer people looking to God. If you have spent anytime in your Bible, you know that without God we can do nothing. He is the vine and we are the branches. If we are cut from the vine, we will dry up and perish. We need to stay connected to God if we want to survive.

If you aren't connected to Jesus today, then ask Him to come into your heart and save you. He is the only way to have forgiveness. When you have eternal life in Jesus, the things going on in the world won't seem as scary. We are told in Scripture that this present world will end one day and I feel we are getting very close. So put your faith in Jesus. He is our Lord and Savior.

God Bless You!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Why Discipline!

Today in the news we hear of yet another child being beaten while riding a school bus. Not just your normal beating, but hit many times by another youth. Not only that, but others on the bus were encouraging him to continue the beating. Next, the attackers are arrested and put in juvenile court to receive a slap on their hand. What's wrong with our justice system? What if this child was your child? He's been beaten severely and all the attackers get is a slap on the hand. As a parent, you would be outraged.

Our society is becoming more violent every day. It's not just the adults doing this but our youth are just as violent. Why are we witnessing such a down turn in society? Well, God has told us to discipline our children if we love them. We have disobey God by not disciplining them and the result is we have a bunch hoodlums running around. They have no respect for the law or human life. Do I think we can reverse this trend, NO I don't. It's not that we don't want to reverse it but it has gotten totally out of control.

I really feel this is just a sign of the times. All of this was prophesied in the Bible and we are beginning to witness it. We have decided to obey man rather than God and now we reap the consequences. Some child therapist says don't spank you child because it can cause problems when they grow up. Now parents are afraid to discipline because they can be turned into the law and be arrested. God warned us of what will happen in the last days.
2Timothy; 3:1-4
( But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, )
The only thing we as Christian parents can do is obey God and pray for our children. Pray for their salvation and that they will grow up to be obedient to God. It's our only hope of reversing this trend of violence.

We are living in the last days. If you haven't given your life to Jesus, today is the day. Don't keep thinking you'll have another chance because you may not. Tell Jesus you're sorry for sinning against Him. Ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your life and save you. Jesus is your only hope!

God Bless You!

Monday, September 14, 2009

A Stiff-Necked People!

I'm sure you have heard the saying "The more things change, the more they remain the same". It is just as true today as when Moses was leading the people through the Wilderness. God would give them a command and they would disobey. Sound familiar? Today we are a stiff-necked people just like they were. We refuse to obey God just like they did. God says don't steal, don't commit adultery, don't kill, don't bear false witness and the list goes on. We kill the unborn babies, lie on the witness stand, commit adultery, steal from our employers and so forth. We are commanded not to have any other gods before God and we worship money, sports figures, movie stars, and on and on. We have placed everything in front of God and most don't even want Him around.

In America today we not only have corruption in main stream life but it spills over into our governing officials. This just shows us that anyone can fall into sin even if they are an elected official. God tells us "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". Some people who are put into a position of public trust cannot be trusted any more than anyone else. Whether it be politics or your in neighborhood schools. It's sad but true. Now I'm not saying that all public officials and teachers cannot be trusted, but that some have shown us that any of us can fall into temptation.

Whats the answer? We need to pray for our elected officials and people in a position of trust, that they remain faithful to God. If they don't know God, that they will come to know Him. He is the only one who can clean up this mess. Unfortunately, many don't believe so things just keep getting worse. As believers, we need to be examples to the rest of the world. Don't be mistaken, they are watching us. So lean on God's strength and power, not your own so you don't fall.
1Corinthians; 10:12-13
(Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.)

God Bless You!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Tell The Truth, The Whole Truth!

Matthew; 28:18-20
(And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen)
Notice that Jesus didn't say to water down the message so that it doesn't offend some people. He said to tell them everything that He commanded. The truth and nothing but the truth. There are a lot of different messages be given today so that everyone goes away feeling good. These type of half truths are leading many people to hell.

Jesus tells us that there is no other way to the Father except through Him. This might make some upset because they want to live their life their way and Jesus says you must come to Him to be forgiven. We are living in a world of political correctness where we must make sure we don't offend someone. They are not offended because of what we say as much as being upset by the message. They are being convicted of their sin and they don't like it. You can't have it both ways. Either you are on the road to heaven, or you are on the road to hell. There is no other roads to choose from.
Matthew; 7:13-14
("Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.)

I choose to teach the truth even if some people find it offensive. I will obey God not man.

God Bless You!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Is There Another Way?

I was reading a blog I follow and it is amazing that people refuse to believe the truth. It wasn't the Blogger, but a person she follows. God has provided us with a way to have forgiveness of sins, yet many refuse to accept the forgiveness. Why is that so? I believe it is hardness of heart along with pride. Many people have this false assumption that they can be good enough to make it to heaven. But God tells us that no one is righteous, no not one. We are all sinners and without forgiveness from God, we will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. Maybe you still don't believe this but God doesn't lie.
Romans; 6:23
(For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.)

So, is there another way to have forgiveness? NO! If there had been any other way, Jesus would not have had to die on the cross to pay for our sins. Jesus loves us so much that He doesn't want any of us to perish because of our sins. By dying on the cross, he paid the price for our sins (death), and now we can come to Him for forgiveness. Don't fall for the trap the world has set telling you that there are many ways to God.
John; 14:6
(Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.)

Come to Jesus today and have forgiveness.

God Bless You!

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Joy Over One Sinner Who Repents!

Luke; 15:7
(I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.)
Maybe you feel that no one cares about you. But here Jesus tells you that He wants to save you and if you repent of your sins, there will be joy in heaven. The angels will rejoice over your salvation. You are very important to God and He wants to welcome you into His family.

In the parable of the lost sheep, the Shepherd would leave the rest of the flock in fellow shepherds' hands and go in search of the lost sheep. Jesus left heaven and came to earth to search for the lost. Why did He do it? Because He loved us so much and He didn't want us to perish. He is the Great Shepherd and we are the sheep. All of us are lost and doomed to perish without accepting Him as Lord and Savior.
Matthew; 18:11
(For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost).

So, there is not only joy in heaven when you repent, but you'll have the joy of God in your heart. You will have eternal life in heaven with Jesus and will receive the joys of heaven also. There is no better joy than to know you are alive in Christ Jesus. You were once lost, but now you are saved.

God Bless You!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Rainbows, Why Are They There?

Rainbows...All of us have seen them and probably remarked how beautiful they are! Have you ever wondered why they show up after the rain? They happen because God places them there to remind Him of the covenant he made with man and all living things on the earth.
Genesis; 9:12-13
(And God said: "This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, for perpetual generations: I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.)

So you see this rainbow is brought on by God. Maybe you don't know the story of the flood, but God destroyed all living things except Noah and His three sons and their wives and two of every living thing. In this way, He was able to keep the species of every living thing that had the breath of life in it alive to repopulate the earth.
Genesis; 7:2-3
(You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of the earth.)

Why did God destroy the earth with the flood? It was because the people had become so evil in their heart. They had chosen not to obey God's commands and were in rebellion against Him. God would only put up with them for so long and then He said enough. Kind of reminds us of our world today, doesn't it? If God didn't allow evil to continue in Noah's day, why would He allow our present world to continue in evil? The answer is, He isn't going to!
2Peter; 3:5-7
(For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens of old, and the earth standing out of water and in water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.)

Men on the earth were destroyed because of wickedness then and men will be destroyed again for the same reason. Therefore, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless. How can you do this? Repent of your sins and ask Jesus for forgiveness. It's the only way!

God Bless You!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Are You Born Again?

Some people in the world think this is just a term that Christians use to separate them from the rest of the world. In fact, this does separate you from the rest of the world in that you are alive both physically and spiritually. The Bible is very specific on this in that you cannot be born again without putting you faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. At that point, the Holy Spirit dwells within you and you become alive spiritually. If you haven't done this, then you are not born again and are not part of the family of God. You must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah or Anointed One whom God sent into the world to be the Savior from sin.

Being part of the family of God is not something we deserve of something we gain by being of any certain race or culture. It isn't given to you because of the church you attend nor is it hereditary. It is given only by the direct act of God. It is the inner working of the Holy Spirit in our lives giving us new birth. He gives us a new heart and a new spirit and we become a new creation in Christ Jesus. Without His work, we are spiritually dead and there is nothing we can do to merit salvation.

When you are born again, you'll begin to change to be more like Christ. Your attitude will be different toward others because you'll have the love of God in you. You'll have eternal life given to you by God and you become a child of God. It doesn't get any better than that. Here we are a sinner deserving of death, and Jesus comes down to earth and dies in our place. Then He gives us eternal life which we don't deserve and welcomes us into His family. How great is that? All we have to do is believe in Him and ask for His forgiveness. Why do people reject so great a gift?

If you haven't already accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, do so today. He loves you and wants to forgive you but you must come to Him. Not because you have to but because want to.
John; 3:16
(For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.)
BELIEVES-To trust, rely on, and have faith in Him. Faith is not just a one time event, but an ongoing condition. Saving faith is a gift from God that He produces in a persons heart. Ask God to give you that faith and give your life to Jesus.

God Bless You!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

God Is Merciful!

1Chronicles; 16:34
(Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His mercy endures forever.)
Sometimes I'll hear someone say, "How can God allow that to happen?" Well, I would never try to answer for God why He does some things and doesn't do other things. All I do know is that God is faithful when we aren't, and that He loves me and is merciful to me. The Scriptures are full of God's grace and mercy which He has shown to individuals as well as whole nations. Take our nation the United States for example. Over the years, we have become more corrupt, more immoral, more wicked, and out right sinful, and it keeps getting worse. God has shown us grace and mercy by not destroying us for our wickedness.

Why does God allow this to go on when He has told us in His Word not to do these things? He is giving mankind every opportunity to repent and turn away from sin. God doesn't want anyone to perish but that all come to saving knowledge and be saved.
Lamentations; 3:22-24
(Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion" says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him".
Are you able to say that today? Do you put all your hope and trust in Jesus? If not, today is the day to turn away from sin and ask Jesus for forgiveness. He promises to forgive all who come to Him for forgiveness.

Start every day with a song of praise to our God for His great mercies. We are instructed to be merciful to others as God is merciful to us. So as we have been shown mercy from God, we need to show mercy to our fellow man.
Matthew; 5:7
(Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.)

God Bless You!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Accept Jesus As Your Lord And Savior!

Revelation; 13:8
(All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.)
This verse is speaking about the time when the beast (antichrist) is ruling on earth. His power comes from satan and he will cause all whose names haven't been written in the Book of Life to worship him. They will be required to have a mark on their forehead or right hand in order to buy or sell anything. It's going to be a terrible time on the earth for any one who has not come to Christ for Salvation as they will not be able to buy food or sell anything. They will be hunted down and will probably be martyred for their faith.

Maybe you say "I would never worship this beast no matter what". If you are not able to take a stand for Jesus today when all that might happen to you is a little ridicule, how will you be able to take a stand for Jesus during this time period when it will probably cost you your life? You don't have to take that chance if you will just come to Jesus for Salvation today. He is ready to forgive you of your sins and give you eternal life if you'll just come.

As the verse says, all who dwell on the earth will worship him whose names have not been written in the Book of Life. If you haven't been raptured out of here with the rest of the church, then you will go through this period of time. This beast is going to be given power to perform signs and wonders so that people will believe he is God. They will believe the lie and receive the mark of his name and thus be doomed for eternity. Don't put yourself in this period of time, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior today. If you don't, this is what the Scripture says.

Revelation; 14:9-11
(Then the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever received the mark of his name.)

God Bless You!