Living now

 

Living TRUTH

 

Why was Jesus baptized?????

 

Are we willing to give from our needs?

 

Believe . . . live . . . be blessed!

 

Living the CHRISTian life . . . or not?

 

Believe and live

 

Living for Christ...

 

Not ashamed....

 

It is nothing we have done....

What in the world?

 https://youtu.be/TD2f0kOBYLY

Struggling as a "Kingdom Citizen"?

 

Living as a "Kingdom" citizen

Waiting for the next big story?

Terrorism . . . natural disasters . . . gun violence . . . Covid scares . . . what next? How else will those in the media world continue to focus upon fear-inducing subject matter. Many today are so focused upon the news that we are living in fear every minute of the day . . . almost waiting for the next big story.

Yet we who trust in the Lord and His promises . . . we who know the future . . . we can rest in Him and know He is still in control. We have read the prophecies. We know what is going to happen to the world, those who trust in its promises, yet we also know what our future holds. 

Rather than seeing the world as doom and disaster, we see the things non-believers cannot. We see sun bursting upon the horizon in the morning and the soothing beauty of a sunset. We hear the calls of the grackles and sweet melodies of the sparrows. We observe nature and see God still at work . . . providing and protecting for even the smallest of creatures. 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled; Though the mountains shake with its swelling. (Psalm 46: 1-3)

We have eyes to see and ears to hear the things of God. We also have the duty to share this Good News rather than spread the propaganda of the media! So what is the next big story?

Stop trying so hard!

We can never make up for what God has done for us. We can never out-do Him or out-give Him. So stop trying so hard!

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son . . . (Romans 8:1-3)

What Jesus has done for us on the cross is enough. We cannot do any more to obtain God's forgiveness but accept it and walk in it. I once thought I had to be right before God could forgive me. I was constantly trying to be perfect so God would finally accept me. It was frustrating. It was insane!!!!

Then someone introduced me to the words in the Bible so I could understand. Yes, I was a sinner, but only Christ's sacrifice on the cross and is overcoming the grave could save me from myself. I had to admit it and accept it for what it was!

It is His grace and mercy, not my efforts to reach Him. He reached out to me . . . . and He is reaching out to you! Will you admit your sin and accept His sacrifice for your eternal life?

Romans 3:23 Romans 5:8 Romans 6:23 Romans 10:9-10 1 John 1:9

That you may know . . . just in case you have doubts.

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:9-13)

There are times when we all have doubts concerning God and His promises. It is quite normal in this crazy world. We experience so much turmoil, trials, and tribulations. It must have been the same during John's day from his writings above.

So, just in case you have any doubts today, think back on what you know. Even those in Jesus' day had some doubts (Mark 9:24). If you have repented of your sinful nature and sincerely confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you indeed have eternal life. 

Keep believing. Keep trusting. Keep living. Believe it and live it out . . . so others may know as well!

Why do we not read and believe the scriptures?

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people  . . . By the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God . . . (Luke 1: 76-78)

Zacharias, husband of Elizabeth and father of the newborn John (the Baptist), can now speak! He prophesies over his son John. He will be a prophet of God announcing the coming of the Messiah. The Jewish people now can look forward to their redemption. 

Again I wonder, why did they not know the Messiah when He came? Did they not read and believe the scriptures?

The same can be said of the world today. Why do so many not recognize the Messiah? Why do we not read and believe the scriptures?

You see, as in John's day, many heard him declare the Messiah is coming and even read the scriptures . . . the prophecies. They were unfolding right before their very eyes! Yet they did not believe. Today we can read the scriptures and see prophecies (Daniel, Matthew 24, Revelation) unfolding before our very eyes. Yet many chose to ignore and not believe.

How many will miss Messiah when He returns? What about you and me? Are we prepared? Do we read the scriptures and believe them?

Advent/CHRISTmas 2022: So what do we do with this verse?

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Ok . . . we know this verse well. Immanuel . . . God with us. So what do we do with this verse? 

Do we memorize it? Do we write it down in our journals? Do we make it a screen saver on our phones? How 'bout making a t-shirt?

What about cherishing it daily and living like it really happened and is still happening within each believer today?

So what do we do with this verse: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Live it out!!!!

Sharing Christ-Part V: How do I share Christ?

 As we go through the days leading up to Thanksgiving, I am preparing myself and Lord willing, my students to be looking forward to not only food, football, and family, but also helping someone find Christ! I have discussed the what, when, and why, but how do I share Christ? 

Regardless of what some may say, there is no set process or procedure. While we do in fact have a handbook . . . God's Word . . . there is no cookie-cutter outline or plan. One cannot predict what circumstance will occur or what people one may encounter. I believe openness and willingness is the key!

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. (Colossians 4:2-4)

We must be open to how, when and where the Lord leads us. We must also be open to whom He leads us. As Paul writes above, we also must be in prayer constantly about sharing the Gospel. Finally, we must be willing to share, not embarrassed or timid. 

Sharing the Gospel is not a one day event or a short term trip . . . It is a life style! The way I live shares Christ!

Sharing Christ (Part I) . . . Now what?

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. (2 Timothy 1:7-8)

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am compelled to write and focus upon what we do once we are saved. I must first ask this: Why do people desire to be saved in the first place?

For some, the obvious answer is, "I do not want to go to hell!"  That's an obvious answer! One discovers the separation between God and sin, realizes that sin indeed separates one from God, and they desire to be rescued from that destiny. 

Now what?

Once saved, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit from Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He died upon the cross and rose from the grave to conquer sin and death. He gave the Holy Spirit as a guide and counselor, teacher and comforter for His followers (Acts 2). His Spirit seals us as His own for eternity.

All true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, who have been effectually called have been “sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 1:13-14), are being guarded through faith by God’s power (1 Pet. 1:3-5), will be glorified (Rom. 8:29-30), and can never perish or be snatched from the Father’s hand (Jn. 10:28-29).

So do not hide your relationship with Christ. Live it! Don't simply sit on it and wait to die to enjoy it. No . . . live it out loud for others to see and experience with you!