Scary thoughts. . . .

Having scary thoughts lately? Be holy . . . for God is holy. I have to remember this daily. I cannot agree with everything that the world does nor can I condone everything. There is much evil in the world today and much is disguised as childish, innocent, cartoonish and even fun! We must be discerning of spirits and careful what as to what we partake.

  . . . be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)

We really have to be aware of the tricks of Satan today. He can place scary thoughts in all of our minds . . . adults and children alike. Sin is covered up as innocent fun and portrayed to our children and even to us adults as such. We must try every spirit today. What seems like an innocent night of fun may just be opening doors to demonic powers. Let's protect ourselves and portray holiness and Godliness. Let the world see that we love our Savior and Lord more than the world!

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

Assurance every day . . . You are with me!

I have this assurance every day . . . No matter what is going on or who is doing what . . . God is with me and ain't nothing anyone else can do about it!

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.  And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:27-28)

When I feel alone, unheard, unnecessary, invisible in this world, I can take solace in knowing You are with me Lord! That is so comforting. When friends, family, co-workers and everyone I whom I know and sometimes count upon are not available, You are! When rejected and left to feel useless, You are the One to tell me how valuable I am to You. In a crazy, loud, ignorant, and selfish world, You are the voice I seek. Your presence is what I need. 

No one can take You from me. Help me to remember that today Lord!

Been hurt?

Been hurt before . . . by a friend, relative, co-worker, maybe even a family member . . . a parent? Forgiving those who hurt us is the key to happiness and inner peace. 

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15)

As my father turns 90 tomorrow, I read a great scripture this morning. Wouldn't you know that God knew too! My parents were old school for sure. Mom always had my back and was always there for me. Dad was more coach than anything else. I never remember hearing "I love you" from them, or even getting a hug. I am sure I had to have experienced that at least once, but I can't recall! I do however, recall the anger, screaming and actual fighting!  

Now that Mom has been gone for seven years, Dad is alone in senior living. It is a challenge to even visit, but I am trying to honor my father as we are instructed in scripture. I am also instructed to forgive . . . for my own peace of mind . . . and pray I do better! 

https://youtu.be/rlxFee1mRtE?si=94q_skWBdSPsJbal

So, Dad, I forgive you for not being what I wanted and needed . . . even to this day. I pray for your salvation more than anything. I desire His peace for us both!

Trusting God....or things?

Do we really trust God, or the things and people around us?  

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:4-5)

There are so many advice columns, self-help books, and lifestyle plans out today that it can get very confusing. Do this to lose weight . . . do that to rid yourself of pain . . . even students are overwhelmed with "easy" scholarship offers for college! Hey . . . just take one gummie a day and see the change in your life! Everyone has the answer to every problem yet we are still left frustrated and searching! 

There is really only one answer . . . trust God, not things! After all, He made us and should know what we need, how much and when. We must get connected and remain connected (John 15:5) for any self-help to occur. For my self to get better I need to be in tune with the One who made my self! 

Not simply a CHRISTmas verse . . .

It is not simply a CHRISTmas verse, but words we need to remember daily . . . God is with us, yes you and me, each and every day and all day. If we would only recognize it more often and bask in His presence. How would our daily lives be different?

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

For those if us who name the Name of Jesus as our Lord and Savior, it is a comforting reminder that as the world is falling apart, God is still God! He is in control and he is present with us. No need to panic when we hear the news, No need to fear when threats arise. It should simply cause us to invite more and more into a relationship with the King od kings before it is too late.

Rest in Him today . . . knowing He is ever present . . . not just at CHRISTmas, but for eternity!

Rest? What is rest?

What is rest anyway?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul . . . (Psalm 23: 1-3a)

 

None of really know what rest is today. Our world is so busy going here and there day after day after day, we believe that our routine is normal. We believe rest is a day whereby we do all the the things we could not get done on the normal days! God is telling us is much different!

The bible describes rest as quiet; repose; a state free from motion or disturbance; a state of reconciliation to God. I believe we have time to do this daily. It should be built into our daily, normal routine. Time to sit in quiet with our God and Father . . . time to be free from hustle and bustle . . . time to be one with our God and His Spirit . . . time to relax and recharge . . . Rest should not be a once in a while day thing, but a thing we do many times in a day!

Yes, we need to have that day of rest, but as Christ followers, we need to have daily times of rest throughout each day!

Oneness....

What does oneness look like . . . feel like . . . act like? What did Jesus have in mind when praying to the Father? It begins with me!

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:20-21)

I believe Jesus wanted all of His followers to be on the same page when it comes to representing Him to the world. It is obvious that He wanted us different, or we would not have such varying cultures. However, those differences, I believe, were meant to glorify God in one accord . . . oneness! 

As notes in a song, we are to blend into one community of worship. As an orchestra in a concert hall, the varying instruments come together in harmony. The many parts of a car engine combine to move the vehicle. We as a variety of languages and ethnicities should be so in tune to God and one another that the world sees our harmony of worship and lifestyles and wants what we have! 

How do we get to that point when so much is about me and not Jesus? Oneness starts with me!

Why do we do the things we do? Have we not been "called"?

Ever wonder . . . "why do we do the things we do"? What is our motivation? As believers, are we even being honest with ourselves? Have we not been called?

If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.(1 John 1:6-7)

I am determined more than ever to do my best to reach everyone with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ . . . especially my children, grandchildren and the young people under my influence. I do not believe my ministry, my education, nor my job are simply careers, but a calling. With each passing day, I am more convinced to more in tune with God the Holy Spirit and His Word so I can be more in tune with those around me. Many nights I finish the evening beat . . . worn out. It is more mentally and spiritually than physically too. It is the world we leave in . . . the one I live in . . . the one God has in to labor! I have been called . . . what about you?

Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. (Colossians 1:28-29)

Let's come clean!

Lord, forgive me for . . . .. What judge will forgive a crime if it is not known? Criminals are indicted, or accused of listed crimes before a judge. The crimes are made known! As we sit before our Holy Judge, we are to name our sins so they can be forgiven! We cannot simply say "forgive my sins". We need to be specific in order for God to forgive us and even bless us.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.   (1 John 1:8-10)

Let's come clean today. Be honest before God. Allow Him to do what He does best . . . grant mercy . . . apply grace . . . and bless His children . . . you and me!

Thank you Lord!

Challenged?

It is an understatement to say we live in a challenging world! Personal inward challenges . . . challenges within families . . . challenges at our jobs . . . challenges in our Nation and worldwide. Yet God still has us here today . . . to face even more challenges!

Whew! Take a breath! Listen to what Paul wrote. He knew a little bit about challenges!

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. ( 2 Corinthians 4:8-11)

As believers, we have the opportunity to honor God through every challenge we face. If you are like me, I fail a lot. I react in my strength way to many times and have to backtrack and repent. I keep reminding myself that the disappointments, the failures, the pain . . . it is all so I can realize that Jesus too went through these things and much worse, yet He endured. All things could be worse....just look at Israel! I have to surrender to Him!

If we are just a little bit aware of the world around us, we can see the bible unfolding before our very eyes. The things I have been reading, seeing and hearing lately . . . I . . . we all need to be more diligent to see God at work and seize the opportunities before us. It is truly not about you and me, but Jesus! 

Paul said it best:we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. People need to see and feel Jesus like never before! These times are crucial!

The heart of an evangelist . . . my prayer!

Do you know your spiritual gift(s)? I discovered mine soon after being saved, thanks to the leadership and guidance of my home church and the leaders there. They taught me, discipled me, and challenged me to both discover the gifts and then to use them. It is an awesome thing to allow God to work in you and to be able to see the fruits of His work. However, it is also saddening to see so many fall by the wayside, ignoring God's voice and choosing the world. So I continue to pray and ask God to use me until He uses me up.

Paul's words are my heart today . . . for my children and grandchildren, for the students I teach, and for anyone whom God leads toward me:

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)

Have Your way Lord!

Live out HIS-tory in real time!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1: 3-4)

There are a LOT of things going on in our world today . . . within our families, schools, churches, neighborhoods, country and the world! Many are panicking. More are worried. Yet we who know Christ must understand the times we live in today and be ready to bring comfort and understanding to those around us.

As God reassures us of His will and His protection, we too can in turn assure others that He is still in control. We as believers know how the story ends . . . eternity with Him! We know HIS-tory and we must live it our in real time!

Be still for a bit!

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10)

There is so much going on in this world. So much so that most people do not  even realize the dangers. Why? Well, there is a lot going on in our personal lives too!

While we may not see or experience all the dangers some do day after day, we all have our threats, worries, and issues daily. Many simply freak out when challenged. Some act as if nothing is going on. Still others turn to artificial means of coping . . . drugs, alcohol, sex, and other forms of escape. However, the issues and problems are still there! Be still for a bit.

So what do we do? We trust God and His process. We read His Word and encourage fellow believers to stay in the fight. We show those who do not know Him that He is real and His plan will come to fruition . . . by our actions others may just come to Christ! 

You and I need hope. Lost people need hope. It does not lie in weapons, science, money or politics. Hope is in Christ Jesus! Just be still for a bit. Breathe . . . trust God.

How does Jesus see us?

But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ—the Anointed); when that One comes, He will tell us everything [we need to know].” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you, am He (the Messiah).” (John 4: 23-26)

In John 4 we read of Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman in the middle of the day at the well. She had a past that she was ashamed of and trying to hide. She was not proud of herself or what the other ladies of the town thought about her. Yet Jesus knew all about her . . . even told her ( John 4:17-19) yet He still cared for her . . . her eternal soul.

Why do we care so much about what others think about us? Why do we worry so much what they will say or what they will do? It only matters what Jesus says about us! 

How does Jesus see us? He knew all about the woman and her lifestyle and choices, yet He offered her forgiveness and eternal life. He knows all about us too! May we all come to appreciate what Jesus offers us . . . just how much He loves each of us and walk in that reality daily!

All the stuff does not really matter.

Do not be fooled by this world and the things in it. It will pass away soon enough. What God wants for us and provides is all we really need! All the stuff does not really matter. Even what we receive from God on this earth is only for a time. What really matters is HIM . . . the One who provides the stuff!

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning (James 1:16-17)

God indeed blesses His people. But what He gives us is for a purpose. These things are not to be idolized or worshipped. We are to worship the Provider, not what He provides. Enjoy them, but do not cling to them. All we take to glory with us is our soul!

I got this!

 

Reaching those not like me . . .

 So, as CHRISTians, how do we celebrate a day to honor our original peoples here in North America? It is simple to me, I can pray about how I can reach them and others not like me! 

On this day when we celebrate indigenous people groups her in America, we can "pray for God to lead you to those who deeply care about the spiritual condition of the Native people on your campus or in your area. Pray for common ground and to build trust with those of good reputation within the traditional Native community, as well as with Native believers". (https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/leadership-training/starting-a-ministry/launching/nations.html)

While on this day we celebrate a special people group, we should always be searching out others to win for Christ. If God's Word is truly to be honored, then we must be obedient to the Gospel call to go to all nations . . . all peoples.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . .(Matthew 28:19)and make earth look like heaven: After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9)

Are we ever ready?

Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.  So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:3-12)

Are we ever ready to accept Jesus? Are we ever good enough? When is the right time to ask Him to save us?

The answer is. . . Never and right now! The woman caught in adultery was exposed to Jesus in the middle of her sin, yet she spoke with Him and Jesus forgave her. The leaders of the Temple were too caught . . . yet they walked away still in sin.

Today is the day . . . ask Jesus to save you!

https://youtu.be/4tzBTcCfBOA?si=kUxcwGETkgiQIKZ3

So what? I got Jesus . . . don't need nobody else!

So what? 

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength . . . (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

So what you got a lot of stuff? I may not have the newest car or the biggest house. I may not have as much money as you. Maybe I am wearing clothes from Goodwill and you got all the latest Gucci, Prada, and Luis Vuitton! You may have more things than me, but you probably have more problems that me too!

When it all comes down to it, how are all those things going to help you? How will they help you when facing Jesus . . . and we all will one day?

So what, you may ask? This is what . . . I got Jesus . . . don't need nobody else!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxxgvZGuBSS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

We are never alone!

Never go it alone! Jesus never intended for His followers to be alone. He stayed close by when He was on the earth and He keeps His promise to be with us now, in the Person of the Holy Spirit! We are never alone!

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. (John 14:15-19)

Jesus had to go to the cross so we could be forgiven. He had to go back to His Father so He could make it possible to be with every believer all the time! His gift of the Holy Spirit enables every believer to have 24/7 access to Him all the time!

When He was on the earth, people could only access His presence when He was physically in their presence. Not so with us today. He gives His Spirit to live within every believer. Let's take advantage of that gift and dwell with Him more often! We are never alone!

Be more thankful and less bitter

This world can make one bitter, depressed, and almost lifeless. Left to oneself, the future  . . . even the present can be simply a negative experience. Yet we have hope! We can indeed be more thankful and less bitter . . . less negative.

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5: 17-21)

As in the song Lift Every Voice and also in Revelation 18:3, we must be careful not to become drunk with the wine of this world! As we drink the kool-aid the world offers, we can easily become caught up in the negative chatter and hopelessness of others.

Yes, there is a physical drunkenness from which we all must be on guard. There is also spiritual drunkenness too! We must often turn off the chatter. Watch less of the news. Focus more upon the things of God!

Be more thankful to Him and thus less bitter concerning the things we experience in this world. Thank God!!!!

A child of God?

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name . . . (John 1:12)

What if we could pick our families? What kind of family would you pick? Would they be from a certain country . . . rich and famous . . . tall parents . . . athletic . . . political giants . . . royalty? But a child of God?

Well, the fact is we can pick our Father! God gives us a choice in life. We have the ability to choose the God of the universe as our Father and receive the right to be called His child and spend eternity with Him in His Kingdom!

Choose wisely . . . time is of the essence!