He Is

^"They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."
Revelations 17: 14 NIV

There are many theories about the interpretation of Revelation and when Christians might be raptured out. Regardless of who is right about the timing, no one disagrees about certain things.  We will be with God at some point in the process, we will remain with God for all eternity, and God wins!

As this verse says, He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings! Without any other explanation, it prophetically proclaims that He will triumph and the reason is just because "He is!"

When you begin to question what is going on in the world, never fear that God will triumph! Do not be concerned where Christians will end up. Do not worry about what others say. God can and God will always be the victor in any situation simply because "He is!"

Rejoice in knowing that God simply "is" and that is more than enough!

Now Boarding . . .

“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”   

 (Revelation 16: 15,  NIV)

 

If we knew someone was going to break into our home or business on a certain night, wouldn't we stay awake in order to protect ourselves or our property?  Because, after all, a thief will not send a written notice stating he's on his way.  Scripture tells us that Jesus will return to this Earth like a thief in the night.  Jesus won't get on a loudspeaker days in advance and warn us to be ready.  His Word has already done that.  The Bible has already told us that He will return, but we just don't know when. 

 

If you have ever traveled via airlines, you know there can be problems and delays.  Over the Christmas holidays, this happened to many travelers in the northeast.  When this happens, you may be placed on standby, which means you must be available to "stand by" for when the plane is ready to take off.  You can't be gone to the shopping mall when the call comes to board the plane. You have to be there at the airport gate, ready to go.  

 

So it is with our spiritual journey.  Christ has died, giving us a ticket into Heaven.  We can either choose to accept or reject it.  No time or date are printed on the ticket.  We must be on standby if we want to board a "one-way" trip to Heaven.  We can't fall asleep in the terminal when the delay seems longer than expected.  We may not hear the call.  Be alert---be ready.  Christ will one day return!   

 

"You know very well that the day the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief. So we should not be like other people who are sleeping, but we should be alert and have self-control."

 (1 Thessalonians 5: 2, 6, New Century Version)

It's Your Choice!

A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.  And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”    

(Revelation 14: 9-11, NIV)

Heaven is real.  Hell is real.  There are some religions that choose to believe that a loving God would not have created such a place of torment.  But, according to the scriptures above, such a place exists.

The following footnote was taken from the Life Application Bible:

"The ultimate result of sin is unending separation from God.  Because human beings are created in God's image with an inborn thirst for fellowship with him, separation from God will be the ultimate torment and misery.  Sin always brings misery, but in this life, we can choose to repent and restore our relationship with God.  In eternity, there will no longer be opportunity for repentance.  If in this life we choose to be independent of God, in the next life, we will be separated from him forever.  Nobody is forced to choose eternal separation from God, and nobody suffers this fate by accident.  Jesus invites all of us to open the door of our hearts to him.  If we do this, we will enjoy everlasting fellowship with him."

Just as Heaven is forever, so is Hell.  For those who have chosen to accept Jesus Christ and have a relationship with him, will get to spend eternity in Heaven.  For those who reject Christ's invitation and choose to follow Satan, an eternal damnation is awaiting in Hell.  Seems a harsh reality, but we have a choice.  Heaven or Hell?  Jesus Christ or Satan?   I choose Christ!    

BATTLE TANKS AND ATTACK HELICOPTERS

Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains.  They called to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hid us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!  For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”   Revelation 6: 15, 16, 17  NIV

I, like most everyone else I know, have much difficulty deciphering exactly the real meaning from a lot of the Book of Revelation.  I do know that it is a revealing of events that for the most part would not unfold for thousands of years. 

This Revelation was given to John in the first century sometime after Jesus had already ascended to the right hand of His Father.  I can just imagine the difficulty John had in describing these futuristic events and scenes.  John having never seen a weapon of greater proportions than a catapult, having never seen anything fly but birds, having never seen a tidal way, a massive earthquake, a supersonic and huge meteor crashing to earth or into the sea, a hurricane or a catastrophic volcanic eruption, would truly have had to struggle to describe fighter jets, supersonic bombers, rocket launches, intercontinental ballistic missiles, atomic bombs, battle tanks and attack helicopters with an array of guns and missiles.  We take for granted the power and destruction caused by all natural disasters for we see them daily on our TV’s and computer screens from around the globe, but a first century citizen like John would have had none of these modern advantages. 

The one thing I am sure of is, that in the “last days”, John is telling us that men, all men, will know the truth which is that God is pouring out His judgment upon mankind.  In the above scripture, it is plain that the folks knew from whom they were hiding, and they chose not to repent.  Later on in 13:20 & 21, we find that following many more judgments, “The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood---idols that cannot see or hear or walk.  Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts."

C. S. Lewis wrote in his book, “The Great Divorce”, that Christians that had already passed on and were in regions of Heaven looked back at their lives on earth as the beginnings of Heaven and that those folks who had already passed on and were in regions of Hell looked back at their lives on earth as the beginnings of Hell.  The same lives, the same earth, the same opportunities and so on but with two completely different life visions. 

Father God, Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, help us to examine our lives according to your Word.  If there are some who find that their lives seem to be the beginnings of Hell, then call them to you Father through Christ Jesus and lead them to repentance.  And, for those of us who find that our lives are the beginnings of Heaven, help us to realize that our robes are only white because they have been washed in the Precious Blood of Jesus.  I ask these things and give You the praise for them in the name of Jesus.  Amen and so be it.  Amen and so be it.

Holy, Holy, Holy!

. . . Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:8 NIV)

Can you imagine continuously giving our God praise? I mean, we meet at church services and praise God with all we have, but these living creatures NEVER stopped praising God by saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy!" I believe when we meet God we will never be able to stop praising Him either because He is the almighty one, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords! Just reading and talking about God gets something stirring in my body, and I just want to let others experience His goodness!

The twenty-four elders fall down and cast their crowns before the throne to acknowledge that their authority comes from the one on the throne and that He is worthy to receive glory, honor, and praise! God is worthy of all the praise, forever and ever, because it was He who created us and all things! For that, we should all continuously be thankful!

As the Christmas season comes to a close, I pray we all draw closer to Him. If you've been through a near-death experience like me, and many of you also, then you understand how quickily life can change! I thank God everyday for sparing me and allowing me to live my life out by witnessing to others the joy and peace that comes with living for Christ! Without Him, we are NOTHING, but with Him, we are EVERYTHING!

I pray blessings on each of you today and everyday. I pray for our church, our pastor and his family, and for all those who need to encounter Christ! Have a wonderful week. . .

Merry Christmas!

"This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”     Luke 2:12 NIV

This is not today's reading. However, it is Christmas Day, and I know no more fitting verse!

I pray that you have received the most amazing gift this year, which is the gift of HIM! It is not about the presents.  It is about celebrating what we have in Him, sharing love with our family and friends, and enjoying all of our blessings!

Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas Faith

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

It's Christmas Eve! Tomorrow, we will celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! It happened long ago, and we can no longer go to see the baby lying in a manger. While He was probably not born at this exact time of year, this is when we choose to remember that moment. Even though none of us can physically see baby Jesus right now, there is still something about this season.

In this season, Christians and non-Christians alike take the time to share one of Jesus' commands---to love one another. It is the time of year when emotions reach an all time high. People are either extremely happy or extremely unhappy, and it all stems from the abundance of lack of love in their lives.

The spirit of love is everywhere in this season, but it is up to each human to choose to be a carrier of this spirit and to pass it on to others. It is those that we do not reach out to who feel the sadness of the loss of love. And, even though we do not see what is happening in the spiritual realm, I have faith that many spiritual battles are fought at this time of year.

I read today that there is a new word among the contemporary culture called xmax. It celebrates the total lack of mentioning the baby Jesus at Christmas and rather celebrating xmax. No, I don't mean to say xmas. It is truly xmax, and it is meant to totally disassociate itself from the original word Christmas. However, it doesn't matter what people call it. If they are taking time to be more generous, to share love with their neighbor, and to be more kind, then they are celebrating the spirit of Christmas whether they acknowledge it or not.

Truly, the most vital things that happen in our lives are things that we do not physically see. They are simply things that we have faith in. Our beliefs are rooted deep in our core. The evidence of our Savior is never more evident than at Christmas. We don't have to physically see Him to see the evidence of Him all around us.

This Christmas, as Christians, have faith that, no matter your physical situation right now, you have already received the most precious gifts! They are all the ones that you can not see, and yet they are the things that have the most impact on your life!

Perfect People

"But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time.  For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy."  

 (Hebrews 10: 12a, 14, NLT)

It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people.  

(The Message)

Nobody's perfect, save only one---Jesus Christ.  Even in his humanity, He did not sin.  We, as humans, are not perfect.  Never have been, never will be---in our own flesh.  But, through Christ's death and resurrection, believers are made perfect in God's sight.    

Day in, day out, year after year, the priests in the Old Testament would offer animal sacrifices in atonement for sins.  They would use a lamb or young calf, without spot or blemish, to offer as a sacrifice.  In the New Testament, Jesus became that perfect sacrifice, once and for all.  No longer is there a need to sacrifice animals on a regular basis.  Jesus paid the ultimate price.  Jesus was the perfect lamb.  His blood atoned for all sin, now and forevermore.  

God is not finished with us yet.  He is progressively cleansing and setting us apart to be used for His glory.  By applying Scriptures to our lives and by accepting discipline and guidance, we are being made holy.   

  



Know the Feeling

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."  

(Hebrews 4: 14-15, NIV)

To empathize means to "understand and share the feelings of another".  You have either experienced the same feelings yourself, or you have the capability to put yourselves into that person's situation.  You must be able to empathize in order to be an effective counselor.  Sympathy, on the other hand, is feeling sorry or pity for the other person, but not truly understanding what they are feeling.  

Jesus is able to empathize with how we feel because He has experienced the same feelings.  When Jesus came out of the wilderness after a 40-day fast, Satan tried to tempt Him three times.  But, Jesus did not give in to the temptations.  When Lazarus died, Jesus wept.  Jesus became angry in the temple with the moneychangers.  Jesus had emotions.  He had feelings.  Yet, in the face of temptation, He did not sin.

Support groups are formed when like-minded people come together for one goal or purpose.  They are going through similar situations, so they know how the other person is actually feeling.  In like manner, they are able to offer encouragement and support to others.  It's hard to tell another person "I know how you feel" when you really don't know how they feel because you have never been through that same situation.  You can offer sympathy, but not empathy. 

So, run to Jesus when you're hurt or angry.  Cry out to Him in the face of temptation.  After all, He knows how you feel. 

THE BIG BANG THEORY

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things , and through whom He made the universe.  Hebrews 1:1 and 2 NIV

Paul says, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible”.  Hebrews 11:2 NIV

The scientific community says, “Approximately 13.7 billion years ago, the entirety of our universe was compressed into the confines of an atomic nucleus.  Known as a singularity, this is the moment before creation when space and time did not exist.  According to the prevailing cosmological models that explain our universe, an ineffable explosion, trillions of degrees in temperature….created not only fundamental subatomic particles and, thus, matter and energy, but space and time itself”.

Nearly 1,900 years before Einstein formulated his Theory of Relativity and during a time when scholars of the day were still debating whether the Earth was flat or round, Paul already knew what the scientific community is just now trying to describe in scientific jargon – The Big Bang Theory.

Both the statement made by Paul and the scientific community are saying the same thing.  In the phrase,"ineffable explosion", the word ineffable in most dictionaries is defined as, “too great or intense to be expressed in words”.   Since there is no natural phenomenon that has ever been observed with the magnitude needed or which can be theorized to produce an explosion of the magnitude needed to create the framework for the entire known natural universe, then the scientific community’s Big Bang Theory is a most incomplete theory. 

A complete and credible theory is one that can produce a supposition for all assumptions.  Paul’s theory, which we believe by faith, is a complete and credible theory.  Since, by implication, it states that there is no known natural phenomenon that can produce an explosion of the magnitude needed to create the framework for the entire known natural universe, then the explosion must have been catalyzed supernaturally.  In other words, and as Paul said, God did it through His Living Word, Jesus.

Father God, Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, help us to ask, seek, and knock so we will gain more understanding of You.  Fill us with Your knowledge and Your wisdom so we can stand ready to daily raise a standard before a world of unbelievers.  In the name of Jesus, we ask these things and give You the praise for them.  Amen and so be it.  Amen and so be it.             

Set The Standard!!

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--- bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. (2 Peter 2:1-2 NIV)

Do you know someone who you have come in contact with who constantly denies God? If you have, this can cause some discomfort to the conversation. I once read a quote about an atheist that I thought was so true. It read like this: "It's harder to prove that God isn't real than to prove that he is!" If you think about that, then it has a lot of truth to it.  Look around at the universe, the stars, etc, and you'll quickly understand that the so-called "big bang theory" could never have made such an awesome world. Just believe He is who He says he is!

Sadly enough, people fall into the trap of believing someone when they talk about why God isn't real. Instead of standing up and giving every reason we know as to why God is real, many just sit and listen to their list of why God isn't real. Take for example the subject of being homosexual. More so every day, I hear many people buying into the lie that God made them that way for a reason, so they don't have to change and will be judged lightly on that subject. The more shocking thing that I have discovered is that it's more Christians than anyone who are beginning to believe this man-made lie.

I challenge everyone, including myself, to begin to stand up for what we believe. Sure, people may have different opinions, but if they do not believe in what the Bible states, then they need to be set straight. Instead of listening to why someone thinks God isn't real, we need to intervene with why God is! Remember, it's not the culture who dictates the church, but it should be the church who dictates the culture!

Beauty is Only Skin-Deep

^"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."    *** 

(1 Peter 3: 3-4, NIV)

The phrase "beauty is only skin-deep" means that physical beauty is superficial.  We can "paint" our faces and "do up" our hair,  all in an attempt to make ourselves look better.  And, in most cases, it works.  You may see on TV where photo shots are taken of celebrities out in public without their makeup.  The media thinks this is newsworthy.  So what?  We all have to take our makeup off  sometime.  Their skin needs a breather, too!

Growing up in a very legalistic, religious environment, we girls were not allowed to wear pants (only under a dress), use makeup or cut our hair beyond a certain point.  There are several denominations that will literally take this verse to mean that women's hair can not be cut or jewelry can not be worn.  What this verse really means is that your inner beauty should be more important than your outer beauty.  If your heart is ugly, it doesn't matter what you do to the outside, you're just not going to be a very pretty person.

There are individuals who may never win a beauty contest based on outward appearances, but their kindness and personality take over when you're around them.  You see their inner beauty.  You can often tell a person's mood by their facial countenance.  Are you meek?  Are you gentle?  All these things are important to God---not if your face is on the cover of a magazine. 

God made our bodies---He likes what we look like.  However, we are responsible for taking care of them.  But, more importantly, we're responsible for what our heart and soul look like.  Take care of the inside---the beauty will shine to the outside! 

***The above Scripture was taken from Sunday, Dec. 19 designated reading.

Strength in Grace

¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2: 11-14 NIV

It is often said that "you don't get good to get God, you get God to get good." So many times, people hold back on their decision to receive salvation because they think they are not yet good enough. This verse shows us that it is the grace of God that teaches us to say no to the things we once desired.

Being saved is a learning process. The first step is accepting Christ. The rest of our lives should be spent learning from the Holy Spirit and striving to remain pure. This happens in steps and levels. With every accomplishment, God will ask a little more of us. He doesn't expect everyone to be at the same point at the same time. God may be asking me to give up something that He has not yet asked a new Christian to give up. It is through the edifying and building up of our Spirit that we gain the strength to do more and more for the Lord. This takes time.

The important thing is that every day a Christian is striving to do all they can for that particular day to please the Lord. Each of us are running a race, but it is not the exact same race. Keep looking to the Lord who has redeemed us and remain eager to do good!

Don't Worry --- Be Happy!

"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."   (Phillipians 4: 6-7, The Message) 

The following is an excerpt from "Come Thirsty" by Max Lucado:

“When was the last time you solved a problem by worrying about it?  Imagine someone saying, ‘I got behind in my bills, so I resolved to worry my way out of debt.  And you know, it worked!  A few sleepless nights, a day of puking and hand wringing.  I yelled at my kids and took some pills, and—glory to worry—money appeared on my desk.’  It doesn’t happen!  Worry changes nothing.  You don’t add one day to your life or one bit of life to your day by worrying.  Your anxiety earns you heartburn, nothing more . . . ”  

 

What Would Jesus Do?

"I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart." 

(Philemon 1: 10-12, NLT)

(Life Application Bible):  "Philemon is a letter written by Paul in about A.D. 60 while he was under house arrest in Rome. Onesimus was a domestic slave who belonged to Philemon, a wealthy man and a member of the church in Colosse.  Onesimus had run away from Philemon and had made his way to Rome where he met Paul, who apparently led him to Christ.  Paul convinced Onesimus that running from his problems wouldn't solve them, and he persuaded Onesimus to return to his master.  Paul wrote this letter to Philemon to ask him to be reconciled to his runaway slave."

It's always nice when someone puts a good word in for us.  As a master, Philemon had the legal right to kill Onesimus because he had run away.  Since Onesimus had become a Christian, Paul wanted Philemon to forgive Onesimus and accept him back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.  Because Paul was an elder and apostle, he could have ordered Philemon to deal kindly with Onesimus.  But, instead, Paul wanted to appeal to Philemon's Christian beliefs and have him act in a manner of forgiveness and heartfelt obedience.  

When dealing with people and situations, we must strive to act in a manner worthy of Christ's calling.  Remember the "WWJD" bracelets?  What would Jesus do in this situation?  He would forgive and accept Onesimus just as He forgives and accepts us.  The past is the past.  We are a "new creation" in Christ.  We are no longer slaves to sin, but joint heirs with Jesus! 

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”?  Colossians 2:20, 21 NIV

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,

Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.   Colossians 3:1- 3 NIV

We Christians need to understand exactly who we are in Christ Jesus.  We are dead to the spiritual world system.  We are now, Children of God.

We Christians need to understand exactly what we are in Christ Jesus.  Prior to the Born Again experience, we were a “mind and body with a spirit”.  Now we are a “spirit with a mind and body”.

We Christians need to understand exactly when we are in Christ Jesus.  We are in Christ Jesus when we accept the sacrifice He made for us, for we were raised with Him.

We Christians need to understand exactly where we are in Christ Jesus.  Our lives (we) are now hidden with Christ in God. 

We Christians need to understand exactly why we are in Christ Jesus.  We are in Christ Jesus because there is no other name or way by which man can be saved and we were called.

So, since our entire selves, “our who, what, when, where, and why” are in Christ Jesus, we should begin to act like it.  You see, God tells us to “Put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature” and to “Clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” and to “Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts” and to “Be thankful” and to “Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom”.  He knows that these are the tools we must use to establish our reborn spirits in a position of dominance over our minds and bodies.

Father God, Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, help us to “whatever we do, whether in word or deed, to do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to You Father God through Him”.  In the name of Jesus we ask it and give you the thanks for it.  Amen and so be it.  Amen and so be it.  

We Are All In This Together

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, baring with one another in love. Make ever effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:2-6 NIV)

Just as it says in verse 4 that there is one body and one Spirit, I think this should give believers reason to join together in hopes of serving the same God. I'm tired of every church acting like we are all against each other and thinking that, just because we don't have the same type of worship or preaching, we are against one another. If the churches would quit battling against each other and focus on the harvest, I believe we as Christians would be more effective.

It seems like the greatest battle of Christians these days is other believers. I know for me, many people always want to compare churches and see how they conduct service versus how my church does. If something doesn't sound right to them, then they automatically think that church is different and don't want to give it a chance. If we would all keep the mindset of Mark 9:40 that "whoever is not against us is for us", then we would get beyond a church and focus on the real meaning of living for Christ.

I personally want to quit thinking in terms of a church and think in the mindset of "The Body of Christ!" We as Christians need to all work together and, more so, as this world seems to be getting worse and worse. The unchurched are searching for Christ, and more than they want a church, they want a relationship! We as church people put a hindrance on this as, more than we promote Christ, we try to persuade them to come to our church and tell why it's better than others! I just want everyone to find a church and get involved, no matter which church they choose as long as they preach the truth!!

Even In A Storm . . .

³¹ Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” ³² So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away. Acts 27: 31-32 NIV

Let's begin with some background. Saul was a wicked man who persecuted Christians. One day, while traveling on a road called Damascus, he literally met God and was instantly converted. From that point on, he was known as Paul. He was a new person. While following God's directions for his life, Paul became a prisoner. Several prisoners were being transported by ship and they had met up with a large storm.

Paul was visited by an angel of the Lord on the ship who assured him that everyone on the ship would be saved. However, the ship would have to be destroyed. In other words, the tragedy of a shipwreck was going to be inevitable, but God would save them all.

Paul tried to tell the people on the ship what God has promised them. Yet, they became fearful and started trying to lower the lifeboat to escape the ship. It is at that time which Paul informed them, that if they did not stay on the ship with him, that they would die. The men then cut the ropes of the lifeboat and let it go.

Let's summarize where Paul is right now. He met God. He was converted. God gave him some directions. He followed them. Shortly after, he found himself in a bad situation. God promised him that he would protect him even though he had to endure the tragedy. And finally, the last thing they had to do was to get rid of their lifeboat and later on they even threw over their food supply.

We are not promised that we will not have to endure difficult times. However, if we remain steadfast to what God has asked us to do, then it is entirely possible that we can come out of the difficult times unscathed. Unfortunately, the most difficult part of keeping this type of faith is often cutting our lifeboat and throwing out our food supply. In other words, once we resign to stop trying to save ourselves with our own earthly means and just let go, that is when God will step in and do what we can not do.

It isn't always an easy thing to do, but if God promises that He will take care of you, then He will. We just have to stop trying to do it on our own and let God be God.

Thank You

"I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus."    (Philemon 1: 4-5 NIV)

As we near the end of the year, it is common to reflect upon those in our lives who have blessed us throughout the year. This could be someone at church such as a teacher, praise team member, or the pastor. It could be someone in your family who has blessed you in some way. Or, it may be a friend that God has graciously put in your path.

It is wonderful to have Christian connections because they are uplifting. Spending time or conversing with someone else who loves the Lord can be a great encouragement on an otherwise discouraging day.

Most of all, God has given us the ability to pray for one another as we all travel our own paths in this life. Today, take the time to pray for someone who has blessed you. Let them know how much they have meant to you this year. It can be as simple as a phone call or a handwritten note saying "thank you!"

To the many Christians who have blessed my life this year and in years past, I pray for you often and wish even more blessings on you for the upcoming year. I thank God for your presence in my life and pray I can also be of encouragement to you one day.

I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas!

When in Rome . . .

"There are four men with us who have made a vow.  Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law."   

  (Acts 21:  23b-24, NIV)

Heard the phrase, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do?"  That's what Paul is having to do here in Jerusalem.  Paul has come to preach, but is being told that many believe he has given up his Jewish traditions.  Paul is a Jew, but after his Damascus Road experience, he is preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.  He is now a Jewish Christian, not having to live by the law of Moses.  But, Paul does not want to offend any of the Jewish people, so he is willing to sacrifice some things and do what they ask.  He wants to leave an open door for sharing the gospel.

When travelling to foreign countries on various mission projects, I have found that it is necessary to follow their traditions if it does not cause you to commit sinful behavior.  Just because we may not be accustomed to doing a particular thing does not mean we cannot respect that sect of people and go along with their traditions, especially while on their territory.  Once you leave yourself  open to them, hopefully they, in turn, will be open to what you have to share with them.  That is what Paul was wanting to accomplish.

Even in America, churches will focus on their doctrine and traditions, thus alienating a large group of people who may not believe in the same manner.  Often churches will split over disagreements about minor issues.  That's when we need to look at WHO unites us instead of those things that divide us.  Let's come together for the common good---for the sake of the gospel. 

May I Help You?

 "Be sure to welcome our friend Phoebe in the way of the Master, with all the generous hospitality we Christians are famous for. I heartily endorse both her and her work. She's a key representative of the church at Cenchrea. Help her out in whatever she asks. She deserves anything you can do for her. She's helped many a person, including me."   

(Romans 16: 1-2, The Message)

Phoebe was a helper and servant in the church.  She financially supported Paul in his ministry.  Even then, women played a key role within the church body.  Today, we find that many women are still fulfilling important roles in the church.  Both men and women are needed in order to advance Christ's kingdom. 

If you're currently not serving within a church, ask yourself "Why not?"  There is a place and a purpose for each of us. Regardless of the talents or abilities you think you possess, you have a role to play and a purpose to fulfill.  Each of us are important.  Each of us are special. 

Also, recognize and thank those who are serving.  Often times, volunteers may feel like they get overlooked or may not be appreciated.  Help each other.  Encourage one another.  Remember, we're  all in this together!  

All for One---One for All.   

IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE

….and everything that does not come from faith is sin.  Romans 14:23 NIV

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1 NIV

So, since the Biblical definition of faith is, “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”, then by substituting the definition of faith for the word faith, we can begin to see what God is trying to communicate to us.

….and everything that does not come from our being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see is sin. 

Sinners are those who have not accepted Christ by faith because, “they are not sure of what they hope for and are not certain of what they do not see”.  A sinner is not necessarily a person who does only bad things; a sinner is a person who has no faith in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  No matter how many good deeds an unsaved person performs, he can never please God for without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.  Hebrews 11:6     

Children of God are those who have accepted Christ by faith because, “they are sure of what they hope for and are certain of what they do not see”.  A Christian is not necessarily a person who does only good things; a Christian is a person who has faith in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  Even though he may think things, say things, and do things that do not match up to the perfection of Jesus, because of his “assurance of things hoped for and certainty of things unseen”, he like Abram believed the Lord, and God credited it to him as righteousness.  Genesis 15:6 NIV

Father God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, help us to believe “that You exist and that You reward those who earnestly seek you".  Thank you for the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  Thank you for saving me by faith and thank You for continuing to reveal Yourself to those who do not yet call you Father.  In the Name of Jesus we ask these things and give You the praise.  Amen and so be it.  Amen and so be it.    

There is More in Store

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. (Romans 8:18-21, NIV).

There are wonderful blessings in store for us as we read through the Bible. I love reading Romans chapter 8, as there is some great stuff going on in these verses and it gives us great power over the things of this world, if we are willing to accept. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (verse 31). That one verse should give us all the confidence we need in God. God is for us! God is for me, and God is for you; therefore, NOTHING that matters can be against us! We are always led to victory because God is for us.

Basically Paul is saying that, "If God be for us, what difference does it make if anyone else is against us? Some may doubt the authority of this statement, but the way I see it, God has already fulfilled this condition, and if God said it, then He meant it! It goes on in verse 32 to say that God gave up his Son for us all, and God will graciously give us all things!

Verses 37-39 of Romans chapter 8 tell us that we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. I'm not sure about anyone else, but for God to tell me that I'm more than a conqueror makes me feel pretty important and feel like I have power. The power that we need is in Christ and in Him alone---we can be more than conquerors! We just need to live this thing out and realize that someone greater is in control. We just have to obey!

Accept Him - Thank Him

²¹ But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. ²² This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, ²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵ God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— ²⁶ he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:21-26 NIV

Now, look at the Message version of these verses which is just an updated version of the verses in story form, according to the author.

^21-24But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.

^25-26God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured. This is not only clear, but it's now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.

Romans 3:21-26 Message Bible

What we have been given from God is undeserved, unwarranted, and impossible to earn. Yet, we have still been given this wonderful opportunity! Even though everyone of us have sinned, He still gives us the chance to make things right. He did so by offering the ultimate sacrifice, the blood of his own Son on the cross.

What we can not do on our own, He makes available to us freely! So many times, people struggle with being "good enough" to accept Christ.

The Bible clearly tells us that no one is good enough. The change in our hearts comes after we accept Christ and allow Him to work in us. It does not come before we accept Him because that would be accomplished by our own efforts. That is not possible. Only God can change a man's heart.

Step 1: Accept Christ through salvation

Step 2: Allow Him to work in your life and heart

If you are interested in learning more about salvation, click on this link:

http://www.livingwaters.com/good/

If you have already accepted Christ as your Savior, rejoice in the most wonderful gift you could have ever have been given! Thank Him for all He has done!

A Little Encouragement

 "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith."     Romans 1:11-12 NIV

I have friends both near and far that I share a Christian faith with. Social networking and email has made it easier to keep the communication lines open with those who are far away. In the day that Paul wrote this, he actually wrote a letter. I have to say that it has been some time since I wrote a letter that wasn't sent electronically. In whatever form you are most comfortable with, we should always take time to encourage one another along the way.

God places people in our lives for a purpose, and sometimes that purpose is simply so that we can encourage each other. Encouragement often takes no more than a line or two sent randomly. A smile, a kind word, and a hug can go a long way when reaching out to a fellow Christian brother or sister.

Remember to uplift our brothers and sisters in Christ through encouragement. And, most of all, don't forget to pray for each other. We all have something to offer one another. Trust God today to lead you in helping someone else in some way.

Out With the Trash

"Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."   

(2 Corinthians 7: 1, NIV)

When we purify ourselves, we turn away from sin, and turn our hearts towards God.  Paul says "Let's turn from everything that contaminates our body and spirit.  One definition for contaminate is "to make impure or unclean by contact or mixture."  Are we doing all we can to stay away from impurities or uncleanliness? 

Let's look at our bodies.  Are we filling them with junk food?  Are we taking care of them as though they are a "temple" unto the Lord?  I'm guilty of this myself.  Over the past few years, I have gained weight --- more padding than I need.  As a result, I don't have the energy level that I once had.  I don't like the way I look in the mirror which, in turn, affects my self-esteem.  Most of my eating has been stress-related or fast food on the go.  The past two weeks I have made a concerted effort to lose weight again.  Not only for my physical health, but for my mind and spirit.

Now, let's look at our spirit-man.  Are we feeding it with healthy books, media and conversation?  Or, does it receive a steady diet of TV shows filled with sexual connotations, violence  and ungodly principles?  Are we participating in workplace gossip?  Garbage in will produce garbage out.  And, who or what we're around will affect our inner man. 

None of us will ever achieve perfection, but let's strive to live a lifestyle pleasing to the Lord, renewing our mind, body and spirit daily. 

Freedom

^"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."   

(2 Corinthians 3: 17, NIV)

 ~ ~  Listen and worship  ~ ~