Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Seven Things Which Destroy A Nation!
1. Politics Without Principles
2. Pleasure Without Conscience
3. Wealth Without Work
4. Knowledge Without Character
5. Business Without Morality
6. Science Without Humanity
7. Worship Without Sacrifice
2. Pleasure Without Conscience
3. Wealth Without Work
4. Knowledge Without Character
5. Business Without Morality
6. Science Without Humanity
7. Worship Without Sacrifice
Sunday, December 26, 2010
JOB: The Question Of Spiritual Warfare
Please consider with me the plight of a man named Job.
Job 1 (Amplified Bible)
1. THERE WAS a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who [reverently] feared God and abstained from and shunned evil [because it was wrong].
2. And there were born to him seven sons and three daughters.
3. He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very great body of servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the East.
4. His sons used to go and feast in the house of each on his day (birthday) in turn, and they invited their three sisters to eat and drink with them.(A)
5. And when the days of their feasting were over, Job sent for them to purify and hallow them, and rose up early in the morning and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed or disowned God in their hearts. Thus did Job at all [such] times.
6. Now there was a day when the sons (the angels) of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan (the adversary and accuser) also came among them.(B)
7. And the Lord said to Satan, From where did you come? Then Satan answered the Lord, From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.
8. And the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who [reverently] fears God and abstains from and shuns evil [because it is wrong]?
9. Then Satan answered the Lord, Does Job [reverently] fear God for nothing?
10. Have You not put a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have conferred prosperity and happiness upon him in the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11. But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has, and he will curse You to Your face.
12. And the Lord said to Satan (the adversary and the accuser), Behold, all that he has is in your power, only upon the man himself put not forth your hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.
13. And there was a day when [Job's] sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house [on his birthday],
14. And there came a messenger to Job and said, The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,
15. And the Sabeans swooped down upon them and took away [the animals]. Indeed, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.
16. While he was yet speaking, there came also another and said, The fire of God (lightning) has fallen from the heavens and has burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.
17. While he was yet speaking, there came also another and said, The Chaldeans divided into three bands and made a raid upon the camels and have taken them away, yes, and have slain the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.
18. While he was yet speaking, there came also another and said, Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,
19. And behold, there came a great [whirlwind] from the desert, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.
20. Then Job arose and rent his robe and shaved his head and fell down upon the ground and worshiped
21. And said, Naked (without possessions) came I [into this world] from my mother's womb, and naked (without possessions) shall I depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed (praised and magnified in worship) be the name of the Lord!
22. In all this Job sinned not nor charged God foolishly.
Job 2
1. AGAIN THERE was a day when the sons of God [the angels] came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan (the adversary and the accuser) came also among them to present himself before the Lord.
2. And the Lord said to Satan, From where do you come? And Satan (the adversary and the accuser) answered the Lord, From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.
3. And the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who [reverently] fears God and abstains from and shuns all evil [because it is wrong]? And still he holds fast his integrity, although you moved Me against him to destroy him without cause.
4. Then Satan answered the Lord, Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has will he give for his life.
5. But put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse and renounce You to Your face.
6. And the Lord said to Satan, Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.
7. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord and smote Job with loathsome and painful sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
8. And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself, and he sat [down] among the ashes.
9. Then his wife said to him, Do you still hold fast your blameless uprightness? Renounce God and die!
10. But he said to her, You speak as one of the impious and foolish women would speak. What? Shall we accept [only] good at the hand of God and shall we not accept [also] misfortune and what is of a bad nature? In [spite of] all this, Job did not sin with his lips.
Some of us know this story well, but what does it really depict? It depicts what goes in heaven with every single Christian. Satan goes before God and asks for permission to deal with them.
If I were God ( and Thank God I am NOT ) I would not allow satan to come into heaven, let alone stand before my throne. But God does. Why? Because HE has the ultimate control not satan!
As mentioned before, Satan had to ask permission to touch Job's possessions, then his family,and finally him. But, God was very specific in letting Satan know that he could touch Job's body, but he was NOT allowed to take Job's life. Why? Because that power belonged to the Lord God Almighty!
Why am I writing this? Satan knows we as Christians are living in his territory, because he is the prince and the power of the air ( which is the first heaven - where the birds fly ). Here satan has power over governments and municipalities, etc. Most are corrupt and becoming worse due to world wide Godlessness. So satan uses these vast resources to ambush and attack God's saints. If he can't destroy them out right, he will wear them out so they are too tired to fight, too tired to go on.
When situations happen like that you as a believer must realize that it's not the people or person who is doing the act, they are satanically motivated to do it. Remember, satan is a disembodied spirit that needs someone to allow him to use them. Unforntunatelly, there are many who have no clue and are "usurped" by him in order to accomplish his task. Once the deed is done, he leaves them alone.
Unlike God who respects man's sovereingty and will not just take over. Satan "shanghi's" man's will by enticing him with something pretty or his desires. Power, money, prestige, etc. But, God dosen't use these tactics on man. Even though God is not a man, He is a GENTLEMAN!
I've said all of this to encourage my fellow believers to continue to trust God even though He may have you in the "firey furnace". Remember He is in there with you. Trust Him to fight the battle. He will not lose, because the VICTORY HAS ALREADY BEEN WON!
And just like with Job, God will only allow certain encounters with people and circumstances to happen to you. If it is not His will, it will not happen! If it is His will, It will happen! Whatever it is, like the old hymn says: "It is well with my ( your ) soul."
Blessed Be!
Job 1 (Amplified Bible)
1. THERE WAS a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who [reverently] feared God and abstained from and shunned evil [because it was wrong].
2. And there were born to him seven sons and three daughters.
3. He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very great body of servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the East.
4. His sons used to go and feast in the house of each on his day (birthday) in turn, and they invited their three sisters to eat and drink with them.(A)
5. And when the days of their feasting were over, Job sent for them to purify and hallow them, and rose up early in the morning and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed or disowned God in their hearts. Thus did Job at all [such] times.
6. Now there was a day when the sons (the angels) of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan (the adversary and accuser) also came among them.(B)
7. And the Lord said to Satan, From where did you come? Then Satan answered the Lord, From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.
8. And the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who [reverently] fears God and abstains from and shuns evil [because it is wrong]?
9. Then Satan answered the Lord, Does Job [reverently] fear God for nothing?
10. Have You not put a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have conferred prosperity and happiness upon him in the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11. But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has, and he will curse You to Your face.
12. And the Lord said to Satan (the adversary and the accuser), Behold, all that he has is in your power, only upon the man himself put not forth your hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.
13. And there was a day when [Job's] sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house [on his birthday],
14. And there came a messenger to Job and said, The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,
15. And the Sabeans swooped down upon them and took away [the animals]. Indeed, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.
16. While he was yet speaking, there came also another and said, The fire of God (lightning) has fallen from the heavens and has burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.
17. While he was yet speaking, there came also another and said, The Chaldeans divided into three bands and made a raid upon the camels and have taken them away, yes, and have slain the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.
18. While he was yet speaking, there came also another and said, Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house,
19. And behold, there came a great [whirlwind] from the desert, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.
20. Then Job arose and rent his robe and shaved his head and fell down upon the ground and worshiped
21. And said, Naked (without possessions) came I [into this world] from my mother's womb, and naked (without possessions) shall I depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed (praised and magnified in worship) be the name of the Lord!
22. In all this Job sinned not nor charged God foolishly.
Job 2
1. AGAIN THERE was a day when the sons of God [the angels] came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan (the adversary and the accuser) came also among them to present himself before the Lord.
2. And the Lord said to Satan, From where do you come? And Satan (the adversary and the accuser) answered the Lord, From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.
3. And the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who [reverently] fears God and abstains from and shuns all evil [because it is wrong]? And still he holds fast his integrity, although you moved Me against him to destroy him without cause.
4. Then Satan answered the Lord, Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has will he give for his life.
5. But put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse and renounce You to Your face.
6. And the Lord said to Satan, Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.
7. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord and smote Job with loathsome and painful sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
8. And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself, and he sat [down] among the ashes.
9. Then his wife said to him, Do you still hold fast your blameless uprightness? Renounce God and die!
10. But he said to her, You speak as one of the impious and foolish women would speak. What? Shall we accept [only] good at the hand of God and shall we not accept [also] misfortune and what is of a bad nature? In [spite of] all this, Job did not sin with his lips.
Some of us know this story well, but what does it really depict? It depicts what goes in heaven with every single Christian. Satan goes before God and asks for permission to deal with them.
If I were God ( and Thank God I am NOT ) I would not allow satan to come into heaven, let alone stand before my throne. But God does. Why? Because HE has the ultimate control not satan!
As mentioned before, Satan had to ask permission to touch Job's possessions, then his family,and finally him. But, God was very specific in letting Satan know that he could touch Job's body, but he was NOT allowed to take Job's life. Why? Because that power belonged to the Lord God Almighty!
Why am I writing this? Satan knows we as Christians are living in his territory, because he is the prince and the power of the air ( which is the first heaven - where the birds fly ). Here satan has power over governments and municipalities, etc. Most are corrupt and becoming worse due to world wide Godlessness. So satan uses these vast resources to ambush and attack God's saints. If he can't destroy them out right, he will wear them out so they are too tired to fight, too tired to go on.
When situations happen like that you as a believer must realize that it's not the people or person who is doing the act, they are satanically motivated to do it. Remember, satan is a disembodied spirit that needs someone to allow him to use them. Unforntunatelly, there are many who have no clue and are "usurped" by him in order to accomplish his task. Once the deed is done, he leaves them alone.
Unlike God who respects man's sovereingty and will not just take over. Satan "shanghi's" man's will by enticing him with something pretty or his desires. Power, money, prestige, etc. But, God dosen't use these tactics on man. Even though God is not a man, He is a GENTLEMAN!
I've said all of this to encourage my fellow believers to continue to trust God even though He may have you in the "firey furnace". Remember He is in there with you. Trust Him to fight the battle. He will not lose, because the VICTORY HAS ALREADY BEEN WON!
And just like with Job, God will only allow certain encounters with people and circumstances to happen to you. If it is not His will, it will not happen! If it is His will, It will happen! Whatever it is, like the old hymn says: "It is well with my ( your ) soul."
Blessed Be!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
O Holy Night!
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need—to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need—to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Law Of Contrast
The Law of Contrast? What is that?
This law is very simple and it can also be called The Law of Opposites which simply says if there is HOT, there must be COLD. If there is an UP, there must be a DOWN. If there is SWEET, there must be a SOUR or BITTER. If there is JOY, there must be SORROW. If there is PLEASURE, there must be PAIN. If there is an EAST, there must be a WEST. If there is a North, there must be a SOUTH.
There are a lot more contrasts, but in order to save time and spare your poor eyes, I will stop there. but you get the picture, right? What picture? Plainly, if there is a HEAVEN, there must be a HELL. If GOD exists, there must be a SATAN!
Who was Satan? He used to be God's highest angel and was the guardian of God's throne! However according to Isaiah 14:13-15 ( Amplified Bible )
13. And you said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit upon the mount of assembly in the uttermost north.
14. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.
15. Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol (Hades), to the innermost recesses of the pit (the region of the dead).
Here is Satan making bold statements and rebelling against God! He was thrown out of Heaven along with one third of the angels who followed him in mutiny. He was cast out of the third heaven ( the dwelling place of God ) into the first heaven ( which is the sky/atmosphere above us ). As a result he is the ruler of "principalities and powers" here on Earth.
2 Peter 2:4 ( Amplified Bible )
Hell was created by God to imprison Satan and his demonic host forever.
For God did not [even] spare angels that sinned, but cast them into hell, delivering them to be kept there in pits of gloom till the judgment and their doom.
Why? Because God will not allow evil to dwell in His Holy presence. But according to the Word of God, Hell's mouth has been expanded/enlarged to include those who refuse to accept Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior for their sins.
God was utterly serious when He sent Jesus Christ to die for mankind's sins. Our Savior did not hang on the cross for a joke. God knew that mankind was in a spiritual race for either eternal Life or eternal death, and He was not willing that ANY should perish! Why? Because when you die, your race is over! There are NO do overs!
If you spend your entire life rejecting Christ ( or the existence of God ), once you shut your eyes in death, there is no amount of praying and novenas that will get you into heaven. Why? Because Jesus said. "I am the way, the truth and the light, no man commeth to the Father except by me." Period! Dot!
God demanded a "Perfect Sacrifice" for sin, not lighting candles, chanting, worry beads, burning incense, killing chickens, etc. I'll let you read it for yourself.
Isaiah 64:6 ( King James Version )
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
So, I'm saying plainly. If you don't believe in Jesus Christ, you are automatically enrolled in Satan's kingdom. That is until you a conscience decision, and come to the conclusion that you are a sinner, and that you need Jesus Christ as your propitiation/substitute, and give yourself to Him. Only then will you change sides and be like a baseball player who slides home and the umpire waves "SAFE" over him or her. Only this SAFE will be for ETERNITY!
Don't you want to be SAFE today?
This law is very simple and it can also be called The Law of Opposites which simply says if there is HOT, there must be COLD. If there is an UP, there must be a DOWN. If there is SWEET, there must be a SOUR or BITTER. If there is JOY, there must be SORROW. If there is PLEASURE, there must be PAIN. If there is an EAST, there must be a WEST. If there is a North, there must be a SOUTH.
There are a lot more contrasts, but in order to save time and spare your poor eyes, I will stop there. but you get the picture, right? What picture? Plainly, if there is a HEAVEN, there must be a HELL. If GOD exists, there must be a SATAN!
Who was Satan? He used to be God's highest angel and was the guardian of God's throne! However according to Isaiah 14:13-15 ( Amplified Bible )
13. And you said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit upon the mount of assembly in the uttermost north.
14. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.
15. Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol (Hades), to the innermost recesses of the pit (the region of the dead).
Here is Satan making bold statements and rebelling against God! He was thrown out of Heaven along with one third of the angels who followed him in mutiny. He was cast out of the third heaven ( the dwelling place of God ) into the first heaven ( which is the sky/atmosphere above us ). As a result he is the ruler of "principalities and powers" here on Earth.
2 Peter 2:4 ( Amplified Bible )
Hell was created by God to imprison Satan and his demonic host forever.
For God did not [even] spare angels that sinned, but cast them into hell, delivering them to be kept there in pits of gloom till the judgment and their doom.
Why? Because God will not allow evil to dwell in His Holy presence. But according to the Word of God, Hell's mouth has been expanded/enlarged to include those who refuse to accept Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior for their sins.
God was utterly serious when He sent Jesus Christ to die for mankind's sins. Our Savior did not hang on the cross for a joke. God knew that mankind was in a spiritual race for either eternal Life or eternal death, and He was not willing that ANY should perish! Why? Because when you die, your race is over! There are NO do overs!
If you spend your entire life rejecting Christ ( or the existence of God ), once you shut your eyes in death, there is no amount of praying and novenas that will get you into heaven. Why? Because Jesus said. "I am the way, the truth and the light, no man commeth to the Father except by me." Period! Dot!
God demanded a "Perfect Sacrifice" for sin, not lighting candles, chanting, worry beads, burning incense, killing chickens, etc. I'll let you read it for yourself.
Isaiah 64:6 ( King James Version )
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
So, I'm saying plainly. If you don't believe in Jesus Christ, you are automatically enrolled in Satan's kingdom. That is until you a conscience decision, and come to the conclusion that you are a sinner, and that you need Jesus Christ as your propitiation/substitute, and give yourself to Him. Only then will you change sides and be like a baseball player who slides home and the umpire waves "SAFE" over him or her. Only this SAFE will be for ETERNITY!
Don't you want to be SAFE today?
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
My Answers 2 Previous Questions
Remember those "stupid" statements folks made to me when I was a newly born-again Christian? I kind of look back and shake my head at the audacity of Satan, who pulled out all stops to attack one of Christ's lambs. Now, I can stand up and answer them. It took 30 plus years of being in the “fiery furnace” in order to do so.
Well, here goes!
“It's only a fad. It will wear off one day.” said by a supervisor, when I told her ( way back when ) that I had just gotten “saved”.
My Answer: 38 years later my faith is still strong! If not it has been made stronger by trials! I hold my Savor's hand a lot longer now!
“Are you going to be a Pastor or a Preacher? Why are you going to church so much?” asked another person.
My Answer: The Bible says; “Forsake not to assemble yourselves after the manner of some. Do it the much more AS YOU SEE THE WICKED DAY APPROACHETH!
“Why is your church so far away? Surely there is one right there in the neighborhood where you live.” said another.
My Answer: Just as you would travel many miles to the BEST Chinese restaurant, or the Best Italian restaurant, I've done so with my church! I've been to many other ministries, but God led me to where I am, and there I will stay.
“Are you giving all of your money to that Pastor?” was yet another query.
My Answer: That's personal between me and my God.
“Does your church give you a tax statement? Do you know what they are doing with all of the money you give them?” Obviously this was an accountant.
My Answer: Just like the prior question, that is between me and My Heavenly Father. Plus, I don't want the government knowing how much I donate to the Kingdom of God.
“Do you believe every word he ( the Pastor ) says? He's only a man you know.” was another stinging comment.
My Answer: Yes, my pastor is a man, but he is An Anointed Man of God through whom God speaks.
“You need to get a hobby.” suggested yet another.
My Answer: If it will take me away from serving my Master, it's not worth it. I was called to redeem the time, not waste it.
“You need to get out more. Kick up your heels and enjoy life.” was another quip.
My Answer: And how will that help to reach a dying world for Christ?
“You need a boyfriend.” totally out of left field.
My Answer: If he does not know Jesus Christ and not consistently under the Word Of God and have a laid down life, I'm NOT interested.
“You need to go back to school and make something of yourself.”
My Answer: I'm already part of a Chosen Generation, A Holy Nation, A Royal Priesthood, A Peculiar People, a Citizen of Heaven, what more can I want?
“You need to fix yourself up and maybe someone will take an interest in you.”
My Answer: Someone already has! His name is Jesus! And pssst! I didn't need to fix myself up!
"I know some nice guys. You want me to hook you up?"
My Answer: Be not unevenly yoked with unbelievers. . . .
“You need to get a life.”
My Answer: I have an AFTERLIFE! \o/ \o/ \o/
“You'll never amount to anything.”
My Answer: I'm already a child of the KING of the universe!
“You are going to die and leave this world dirt poor and unnoticed.”
My Answer: But, I have treasures in Heaven!
“My God! They've turned you into a Eunuch. No man, no children, no nothing!”
My Answer: I have LEARNED to be content with my lot.
“You are all alone.”
My Answer: The Bible says of Jesus; He will NEVER leave or forsake me! He will stick closer to me than a brother, and He HAS!
“You are an old maid.”
My Answer: In your eyes. But to Jesus I am HIS BRIDE! And His Bride is spotless and without wrinkle, because He has washed her with His blood!
I know these are only a few answers to a few crazy statements I've been confronted with in my Christian life. Not all of them are as easy to answer as these. And as mentioned before, there are times, the Spirit of God leads me NOT to answer. There is as much wisdom in NOT answering as there is to answer.
A good example of this is when Jesus confronted the Pharasies and Sadducees in the temple.
That is why the Bible admonishes us to:
2 Timothy 2:15 (King James Version)
- Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
This is an admonishment to Pastors, but believers are accountable to it also. Yes, we are responsible to speak words of victory and encouragement into the atmosphere, to build ourselves up, build up others, and to defeat the enemy.
Just as the dark forces are so bold in attacking, we should also be bold in striking back. After all, this is WARFARE! Now, that is if we are led to do so. If not, we will be like the nation of Israel who were told to go into the Promised Land and they refused.
God told the Nation Of Israel not to go, after they had refused. Why? Because His power and protection was no longer behind them. Why? Because they were rebellious and refused to obey Him! Now, they decided to pick up and go. Well, they sure 'nuff got beat back across the river, post haste!
Lesson: The spirit of God ( Holy Spirit ) and the power of God must be behind everything you say or do, or you will be “beat down” by the enemy! The only way to stay filled with the spirit of God is to stay humble, stay bowed down before God, realizing you can't do anything without Him.
Thank You Lord for bringing me to this point. \o/
Go Forth in Christ!
P.S. I pray this blog entry has been a source of encouragement to someone. If so, I would love to hear from you if you are one of my twitter followers. Please DM me. :+}!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
God's ( CHRISTmas ) Gift 2 Mankind!
The CHRISTmas story starts out like this:
Luke 2 (New International Version, ©2010)
The Birth of Jesus
1. In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
2. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3. And everyone went to their own town to register.
4. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
5. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
6. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
7. and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
11. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
12. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14. “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
17. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
18. and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
22. When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
23. (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]),
24. and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c]
25. Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
27. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
28. Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29. “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.
30. For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31. which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32. a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
33. The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
34. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
35. so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36. There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37. and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
38. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.
40. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
This was God's Gift To Mankind!
Why was The Son Of God born under the most humble circumstances? There wasn't even a decent place for Mary to have baby Jesus! She had him in a stable, among the horses, cows, and donkeys then, wrapped and laid Him in a bed of hay. Joseph and Mary didn't quite understand what had happened yet, as the Bible said "Mary pondered these things". But, God had performed a miracle!
What miracle? Jesus was born to die. Approximately 33 years later he would die the most “cursed death” on a cross. Why? In order to be the substitute and propitiation for sin! Never has that happened before and never will it ever occur again!
Now, man does NOT have to suffer the wages of sin, which is death. Not only physical death ( of the flesh and blood body ) but spiritual death ( which is ETERNAL SEPARATION FROM GOD! ). God made man with an eternal spirit and depending on his decision ( ops, there goes that word again . . . . .) here in this life, it will determine WHERE he/she will spend eternity.
Since Jesus bore EVERY sin on the cross! I mean EVERY sin you can possibly think of Jesus took upon His own sinless body! Why would a totally innocent man do this? So that mankind would be freed from sin's horrible grasp. That's if If we want to be freed.
Why do I say, if we want to be freed? Because God also gave man a gift of his own "personal sovereignty". In short, that means man has the right to make his/her own decision(s) without interference from God. God will not force you to say yes to Him if you don't want to.
That means you can be reading this and knowing you aught to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, but reject it for some such reason. God will not use coercion you to get say yes. Why? Because He wants man to WILLINGLY come to Him. He does not want robots and slaves.
That means you can be reading this and knowing you aught to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, but reject it for some such reason. God will not use coercion you to get say yes. Why? Because He wants man to WILLINGLY come to Him. He does not want robots and slaves.
If you would say yes, all you need to do is realize “Yes, I am a sinner”. As the bible says: “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” And make John 3:16 a reality in your life by accepting Jesus Christ into your life as Your Personal Savior from sin. There is no other substitute and will be no other!
There is room at the cross for more. . . . .
John 3:16 (New International Version, ©2010)
16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Fool Hath Said . . . . . . . .
THERE IS NO GOD. . . . . . . . .
The Bible says:
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God”. Psalm 14:1A, ( King James Version ). I did not say that, folks! That was the one and only Most High God calling you a “fool” for failing to believe that He exists!
“THE [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, There is no God.” Psalm 14:1A ( Amplified Version ). Here God calls you an empty-headed fool!
Why? Everything you own and have has been given to you by God and yet you deny Him!
He blessed you with life, yet you deny He exists. He blessed you with food, yet you deny He exists. He blessed you with a home, yet you deny He exists. He blessed you with a job, or jobless benefits to help you, yet you deny He exists. He blessed you with a family, yet you deny He exists. He blessed you with sight, with hearing, with a steady heartbeat, etc. The list can go on and on. After all, how do you think you got any of those things?
They were given to you by God! God created you in your mother's womb and put everything here that you would need to survive. Notice I said NEED, not WANT. Wants are those extra things that we really don't need, which wind up being clutter in the junk drawer or in the basement closet, after a while.
Why does God call you a fool? He plainly put things before your face to show you that He exists. Take space and how the Milky Way Galaxy is set up. Number one, world renown astrologers and astronomers agree that we are merely one of "billions" of galaxies out there! If so, WHO put all of that out there?
Who precisely hung each of the planets of our Milky Way Galaxy in place and told them to stay in their places? Ever wonder why the Sun is so far away from us? Did you know if it was tilted forward one fraction of an inch, we would all burn to a crisp? Yet we do not. Why? Clearly someone very intelligent and very powerful put all of this together and put it all into motion. And everything maintains order unless He tells them to move.
Now down to Earth. Ever wonder about the rain? The Bible says:
“That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45 ( King James Version )
“To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike].” Matthew 5:45 ( Amplified Bible )
Why does God do that? Because the unbelievers ( the unjust ) get cold and hungry just like ( the just ) Christians. So God sends the sunshine down upon us all. Because without sunshine, this planet would turn into a giant ice ball and we would quickly die off. Why? We could not stand the cold and we would have nothing to eat or drink! You see how merciful God has been to you even though you refuse to believe in Him?
Think of that the next time you eat a salad and consider the rain coming down to water the soil so you can have your endive, and green leaf lettuce. Or for grass to grow for the cow can eat and give milk so you can have cheese on your nachos. Or for grain to grow so you can have bread.
Ever wonder how some athletes are so talented? Some pitchers have been clocked at throwing a ball at 95 miles per hour! How did that happen? God blessed that particular athlete with that talent! Sure there are coaches who recognized the talent and worked with the person to hone the talent, but it was God, who gave the increase.
And whatever you are talented with, painting, photography, writing, computers, math, science, music, singing, etc. Whatever they are, those talents were given to you by God, because He knew they would be needed by you and others around you. Psssst! The real purpose of these talents are to glorify His Kingdom, but you can not do that without first turning your life over to Christ.
Likewise, God gave His Only Begotten Son. Why? Though Human Beings ares a talented and creative, but, he was not ( and would never be ) talented and creative enough to pay for the wages of sin.
The wages of sin is death and they had to be paid by a perfect and spotless lamb. Not like the lambs of Old Testament fame, where crooked high priests brought the lame, blind, spotted and lambs with broken legs before a Most Holy God. God's only Son saw the need and said: “Prepare me a body.” and The Bible further says:
The wages of sin is death and they had to be paid by a perfect and spotless lamb. Not like the lambs of Old Testament fame, where crooked high priests brought the lame, blind, spotted and lambs with broken legs before a Most Holy God. God's only Son saw the need and said: “Prepare me a body.” and The Bible further says:
John 1 (Amplified Bible)
1. IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word ([a]Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [b]Himself.(A)
2. He was present originally with God.
3. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.
4. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.
5. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].
6. There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.(B)
7. This man came to witness, that he might testify of the Light, that all men might believe in it [adhere to it, trust it, and rely upon it] through him.
8. He was not the Light himself, but came that he might bear witness regarding the Light.
9. There it was--the true Light [was then] coming into the world [the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light] that illumines every person.(C)
10. He came into the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him [did not know Him].
11. He came to that which belonged to Him [to His own--His domain, creation, things, world], and they who were His own did not receive Him and did not welcome Him.
12. But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.
13. Who owe their birth neither to [c]bloods nor to the will of the flesh [that of physical impulse] nor to the will of man [that of a natural father], but to God. [They are born of God!]
14. And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.
Jesus Christ a sinless man, came down from heaven, to live among and die for His creation. Because He knew they so desperately needed a Savior from their sins.
He GAVE His all for you. Won't you come to Him? There is room at the cross for more. . . . . . . . .
Saturday, December 18, 2010
My Testimony - How I Came To Christ
How I Came To Christ & My Continued Walk With Him
My new life started New Year's Eve 1979. I was at a friend's house getting high ( yes, getting "high" on alcohol and marijuana ) and watching the New York City, Times Square Ball drop, on television in her living room with a bunch of other young ladies.
I don't recall what time it happened, but during the course of said night, a voice spoke to me and told me "Next year, you will not be here". I know you may not believe it, but I know now that was the voice of God. How did I know that? I was stoned, and right after I heard those words, I became STONE COLD SOBER!. No matter how much I smoked or drank afterwards, I could not get high again! The only thing I could do then was excuse myself and go home early, because I really didn't know what happened!
On Easter Day, I was in yet another friend's living room watching an evangelical broadcast. I was drawn to this particular program because I had just read the book "There's A New World Coming" by Harrold Lindsey. It was based on Revelations, and it had scared the stewbeans out of me!
Now, here was the author on television telling everyone about his book, about how Revelations was going to come to past, and how to take refuge in Christ. Right there I received Christ right in my friend's living room! So, Easter Day 1980 became my spiritual birthday. New Year's Eve 1981 was spent in church with fellow believers!
I have walked with the Lord ever since. Sometimes it was a fervent walk and sometimes I walked away, rather tried to walk away. Those times when I thought I had gotten away, He sought me and brought me right back.
The bible says What so ever God does, He does forever. I was just kidding myself, thinking I was going to get away. God is like the Royal Canadian Mounties, He always gets His man, or woman. So great is His love for me and us. He is not willing that any should perish. That means you reading this.
It has not, repeat it has not been all sweetness and light. There has and will be devastating trials and tribulations. There has been (and will be) loss, pain and suffering. I still sin (and will continue to, while I live on this Earth) and encounter (and will continue to, encounter while I continue to live on this Earth) those who also sin.
But through it all, God, The Creator of The Universe, has been with me! He says in His Word I will never leave you nor forsake you . And I am a friend that sticks closer than a brother and I believe it, because He had proven this to me numerous times.
When I received Jesus Christ as my Savior, to paraphrase the words of Hillary Clinton, "light did not shine down from heaven and a celestial choir did not sing." Lighning did not flash, thunder did not roll, and the Earth did not shake. I had simply changed sides. I was formally dead to God, living in sin and in the Kingdom of Darkness. Upon me receiving Christ, I was now alive to God, given a new life, and had joined the Kingdom of Light!
How did I do this? It was already done through the provision of the cross! Christ did all of the work by dying on the cross in my stead. You see the Bible states that "The wages of sin is death", and "All men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.. There was nothing on this Earth that I could've done to satisfy God.
There aren't enough old ladies to assist across the street. There are not enough charities to give to, or volunteer for. Save the Whales, save the Bald Eagle, the Spotted Owl, Fight Homelessness, Fight Hunger, Fight Crime, Teenage Pregenacy, etc.
All of these magnanimous deeds, are worthless to merit favor with God, or earn a place in heaven. To God human mortality / rightousness is filthy rags. Man would have to be perfect in order to satisfy Him, and man cannot be perfect because he was born in sin and shaped iniquity!
That means because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden, sin entered mankind through the genes and chromasones. So that every man born there after was born in sin. Sin created a great gulf between man and God. Where man used to commune with God, he was now separated from God.
But, God is created a provision through His Son Jesus Christ. By sending Him down to be born of a woman, live on the Earth for approximately 33 years, and dwell among the very human beings who put Him to death on the cross.
Jesus Christ came to be the substitute. He would die for the sins of the world. He would take sin on His own sinless body, in order that those who freely accept what He has done and be freed forever from the penalty of death, and eternal separation from God. To be Born Again !
Man now has a means of being placed back in his proper order. A right relationship with God! In the beginning of Genesis, it talks about how Adam would meet God in the cool of the evening in the Garden of Eden.
Can you imagine what that was like? Meeting God? Walking and talking with Him face to face? I know what that's like now because I have a personal relationship with God! I can walk with Him and talk with Him just like Adam! Just like God intended me to do! Now, you can have the very same thing!
You see, God made man to believe, to worship and to have a relationship with Him. Not to flounder about in confusion, pain and suffering, with no hope, then to die and go into eternal damnation.
That fate was never meant for man. The bible says God is not willing that any should perish. That means you, yes you! The mere fact that you are reading this proves God's tremendous love for you. He is telling you that He has a better life for you. All you have to do is accept what Christ has done in your stead.
When I came to Christ I was no means a goody-two shoes. I had problems and many problem areas, and still do. Neither was I down and out and in the depths of the abyss. God doesn't care what state you are in. There is no such thing as a sin (or sins ) too bad for God. God is not a respecter of persons, so the moral, good, and law abiding person can come too. As the song says: "There's room at the cross for one more . . . . .".
You see, according to God, sin is sin. Whether they are small sins or big sins. Sin is sin. And all sin is separation from God, and all men have sinned and fallen short of the glroy of God! The only way back to Him is through His Son, Jesus Christ. That's it.
I can't show you what I believe, nor can I make you believe. God has given you your own personal right to choose. This is called: your sovereignty. It is your right to choose to say no, or to say yes. God can't make you change your mind in that area. You wouldn't be a human being if you were forced to believe in Him. You would be a robot. God wants you to love Him freely and willingly.
I can only share what I believe, and pray that these few words that I've shared will stir your heart to ask Jesus to become your Savior.
You can do so by saying this short prayer:
Lord I know, I am a sinner. I know that Jesus Christ died for my sins and I accept what He has done on the cross for me, in my stead. Amen.
If you have said this sincerely from the heart, you now are a member of the Kingdom of Light! You are a Christian! Welcome to the family!
One of your first responsiblities is to find a bible believing ministry (church) to attend on a regular basis. Why? Because you need the covering, encouragement and prayers of other believers. You also need to be taught, to learn about salvation and what's next in this new Christian life.
A helpful website to check out is: http://www.ggwo.org
It's listed as Greater Grace World Outreach which is based in Baltimore Maryland, but has ministries all over the world. Perhaps they will be able to recommend a church home close to your home or home town. They also webcast sermons and services, and you can download podcasts ( for a nominal membership fee ), and contact someone, if you need prayer, or wish to talk.
May God Bless & Keep You !
Note: This piece was originally written and posted on another site 03/10/2008
My new life started New Year's Eve 1979. I was at a friend's house getting high ( yes, getting "high" on alcohol and marijuana ) and watching the New York City, Times Square Ball drop, on television in her living room with a bunch of other young ladies.
I don't recall what time it happened, but during the course of said night, a voice spoke to me and told me "Next year, you will not be here". I know you may not believe it, but I know now that was the voice of God. How did I know that? I was stoned, and right after I heard those words, I became STONE COLD SOBER!. No matter how much I smoked or drank afterwards, I could not get high again! The only thing I could do then was excuse myself and go home early, because I really didn't know what happened!
On Easter Day, I was in yet another friend's living room watching an evangelical broadcast. I was drawn to this particular program because I had just read the book "There's A New World Coming" by Harrold Lindsey. It was based on Revelations, and it had scared the stewbeans out of me!
Now, here was the author on television telling everyone about his book, about how Revelations was going to come to past, and how to take refuge in Christ. Right there I received Christ right in my friend's living room! So, Easter Day 1980 became my spiritual birthday. New Year's Eve 1981 was spent in church with fellow believers!
I have walked with the Lord ever since. Sometimes it was a fervent walk and sometimes I walked away, rather tried to walk away. Those times when I thought I had gotten away, He sought me and brought me right back.
The bible says What so ever God does, He does forever. I was just kidding myself, thinking I was going to get away. God is like the Royal Canadian Mounties, He always gets His man, or woman. So great is His love for me and us. He is not willing that any should perish. That means you reading this.
It has not, repeat it has not been all sweetness and light. There has and will be devastating trials and tribulations. There has been (and will be) loss, pain and suffering. I still sin (and will continue to, while I live on this Earth) and encounter (and will continue to, encounter while I continue to live on this Earth) those who also sin.
But through it all, God, The Creator of The Universe, has been with me! He says in His Word I will never leave you nor forsake you . And I am a friend that sticks closer than a brother and I believe it, because He had proven this to me numerous times.
When I received Jesus Christ as my Savior, to paraphrase the words of Hillary Clinton, "light did not shine down from heaven and a celestial choir did not sing." Lighning did not flash, thunder did not roll, and the Earth did not shake. I had simply changed sides. I was formally dead to God, living in sin and in the Kingdom of Darkness. Upon me receiving Christ, I was now alive to God, given a new life, and had joined the Kingdom of Light!
How did I do this? It was already done through the provision of the cross! Christ did all of the work by dying on the cross in my stead. You see the Bible states that "The wages of sin is death", and "All men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.. There was nothing on this Earth that I could've done to satisfy God.
There aren't enough old ladies to assist across the street. There are not enough charities to give to, or volunteer for. Save the Whales, save the Bald Eagle, the Spotted Owl, Fight Homelessness, Fight Hunger, Fight Crime, Teenage Pregenacy, etc.
All of these magnanimous deeds, are worthless to merit favor with God, or earn a place in heaven. To God human mortality / rightousness is filthy rags. Man would have to be perfect in order to satisfy Him, and man cannot be perfect because he was born in sin and shaped iniquity!
That means because of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden, sin entered mankind through the genes and chromasones. So that every man born there after was born in sin. Sin created a great gulf between man and God. Where man used to commune with God, he was now separated from God.
But, God is created a provision through His Son Jesus Christ. By sending Him down to be born of a woman, live on the Earth for approximately 33 years, and dwell among the very human beings who put Him to death on the cross.
Jesus Christ came to be the substitute. He would die for the sins of the world. He would take sin on His own sinless body, in order that those who freely accept what He has done and be freed forever from the penalty of death, and eternal separation from God. To be Born Again !
Man now has a means of being placed back in his proper order. A right relationship with God! In the beginning of Genesis, it talks about how Adam would meet God in the cool of the evening in the Garden of Eden.
Can you imagine what that was like? Meeting God? Walking and talking with Him face to face? I know what that's like now because I have a personal relationship with God! I can walk with Him and talk with Him just like Adam! Just like God intended me to do! Now, you can have the very same thing!
You see, God made man to believe, to worship and to have a relationship with Him. Not to flounder about in confusion, pain and suffering, with no hope, then to die and go into eternal damnation.
That fate was never meant for man. The bible says God is not willing that any should perish. That means you, yes you! The mere fact that you are reading this proves God's tremendous love for you. He is telling you that He has a better life for you. All you have to do is accept what Christ has done in your stead.
When I came to Christ I was no means a goody-two shoes. I had problems and many problem areas, and still do. Neither was I down and out and in the depths of the abyss. God doesn't care what state you are in. There is no such thing as a sin (or sins ) too bad for God. God is not a respecter of persons, so the moral, good, and law abiding person can come too. As the song says: "There's room at the cross for one more . . . . .".
You see, according to God, sin is sin. Whether they are small sins or big sins. Sin is sin. And all sin is separation from God, and all men have sinned and fallen short of the glroy of God! The only way back to Him is through His Son, Jesus Christ. That's it.
I can't show you what I believe, nor can I make you believe. God has given you your own personal right to choose. This is called: your sovereignty. It is your right to choose to say no, or to say yes. God can't make you change your mind in that area. You wouldn't be a human being if you were forced to believe in Him. You would be a robot. God wants you to love Him freely and willingly.
I can only share what I believe, and pray that these few words that I've shared will stir your heart to ask Jesus to become your Savior.
You can do so by saying this short prayer:
Lord I know, I am a sinner. I know that Jesus Christ died for my sins and I accept what He has done on the cross for me, in my stead. Amen.
If you have said this sincerely from the heart, you now are a member of the Kingdom of Light! You are a Christian! Welcome to the family!
One of your first responsiblities is to find a bible believing ministry (church) to attend on a regular basis. Why? Because you need the covering, encouragement and prayers of other believers. You also need to be taught, to learn about salvation and what's next in this new Christian life.
A helpful website to check out is: http://www.ggwo.org
It's listed as Greater Grace World Outreach which is based in Baltimore Maryland, but has ministries all over the world. Perhaps they will be able to recommend a church home close to your home or home town. They also webcast sermons and services, and you can download podcasts ( for a nominal membership fee ), and contact someone, if you need prayer, or wish to talk.
May God Bless & Keep You !
Note: This piece was originally written and posted on another site 03/10/2008
Take Heed How You Hear
A Testimony Of A Sort . . . . . . & Encouragement
In my thirty plus years of walking with The Lord, I've been given tons of “bad advise”. These admonitions came from co-workers, supervisors, associates and friends and yea, even mine own family.
Statements were made to the affect of:
“It's only a fad. It will wear off one day.” said by a supervisor, when I told her ( way back when ) that I had just gotten “saved”
“Are you going to be a Pastor or a Preacher? Why are you going to church so much?” asked another person.
“Why is your church so far away? Surely there is one right there in the neighborhood where you live.” said another.
“Are you giving all of your money to that Pastor?” was yet another query.
“Does your church give you a tax statement? Do you know what they are doing with all of the money you give them?” Obviously this was an accountant.
“Do you believe every word he ( the Pastor ) says? He's only a man you know.” was another stinging comment.
“You need to get a hobby.” suggested yet another.
“You need to get out more. Kick up your heels and enjoy life.” was another quip.
“You need a boyfriend.” totally out of left field.
“You need to go back to school and make something of yourself.”
“You need to fix yourself up and maybe someone will take an interest in you.”
"I know some nice guys. You want me to hook you up?"
“You need to get a life.”
“You'll never amount to anything.”
“You are going to die and leave this world dirt poor and unnoticed.”
“My God! They've turned you into a Eunuch. No man, no children, no nothing!”
“You are all alone.”
“You are an old maid.”
And there are countless such comments that I can't remember right now. All of them were not good and definitely not encouraging. Back then I was a baby Christian and didn't know how to defend myself. So, I took the full brunt of the slung stones and arrow jabs and stabs and suffered tremendously. What made it even harder to bear was that fact that many of these statements were said by "loved ones". . . . .
Of course I knew absolutely nothing about the SPIRITUAL WARFARE that was going on behind the scenes! And that I was supposed to be armed and ready to do battle, take back territory, and stand my ground!
Ephesians 6:11-13 (Amplified Bible)
11. Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotism, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
13. Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
Now, I not only know how to recognize “spiritual warfare” but how to answer those statements. And how answer them according to The Holy Spirit's leading. Yes, there are many times where The Holy Spirit tells me to be like my Heavenly Master. To be silent before my accusers, ones who ridicule, and ones to seek to start pointless arguments.
Indeed there were times when Jesus simply ignored His verbal antagonists. Why? Because He discerned that they really weren't looking for answers. They were just looking to entrap and ensnare Him in foolishness.
On the other hand there are times when He leads me to “come out swinging”! This only comes from a solid relationship with God and being under The Word Of God, and fellowship with my local church/assembly/with other believers on a consistent basis. For worship, fellowship, encouragement and prayer.
Ephesians 5:15-17 (Amplified Bible)
15. Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),
16. Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.
17. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.
The Word of God is what produces understanding ( “the underpinning” ) and the armor for the Christian. Nothing else. The Word Of God also clues you into what Satan is up to and what pitfalls to avoid. Believers literally have to be equipped like those soldiers in Iraq & Afghanistan!
Yes, the battle is THAT intense! Satan intends not only to put you out of the race, but KILL you! It is is only by God's grace and mercy that he does not! Why? Because God is the Author and Finisher of Life and He holds your life in HIS hands! You leave here because GOD says so, not because Satan wants you to be gone!
Back to the subject.
Receiving, believing and digesting The Word of God ( yes, even the “hard sayings” and the “bitter” parts ) will produce the manifestation of Christ in you. That's why you are here. So, the non-believes can look at you like a mirror, and see a reflection of Jesus Christ. Nothing else but Jesus.
Then you will be like the early church, where the non-believers called the believers in Christ, “Christ – tins” because they looked like little Christs or little Jesus'.
Go Forth In Christ
Friday, December 17, 2010
An Open Letter 2 Atheists
Just as recently as ten years ago, Atheists would not dare to be so open and public about their proclamations. Going so far at to post a huge sign on the New Jersey side of the Lincoln Tunnel ( NYC )which portray the The Three Wise Men with the star in the distance with the words, “You know this is a myth.” Millions of people see this sign on their commute into New York City per day.
To counter the affect of this sign, a Christian organization also put up a huge sign on the New York side of the Lincoln Tunnel. So that millions of people will see there is hope in Jesus Christ.
My response to this? If Atheists, who are deniers of the existence of God, can so boldy go forth and proclaim their so-called doctrine of disbelief, so can we Christians who believe in the One and True God of the Universe!
Let me ask you a couple of questions:
1. Are you willing to die for your faith or “lack of faith” in God? The ultimate true test of one's faith is lay one's life down in the name of it? Will you?
2. You say that you don't believe in God, what gives you hope? How do you live day by day under crushing adversity without the supernatural empowerment of God and His presence to comfort you?
3. What is your hope for eternity? Where are you going when you die? If you don't believe God exists and refuse to believe on Jesus Christs death to pay for your sins, there is nowhere else for you to go except that place there the room temperature is stuck at a million degrees and you can never get a glass of water, EVER!
Now, lets start at the very beginning. Everything has a maker. A chair has a maker, either it is Chipendale or Lazy Boy or Ikea, but it still has someone who created/designed and made it. The same goes for a table, a computer, an i-pod, a car, a boat, a bridge, etc. Can you see where I'm coming from, all of those things had makers.
So, who made you? Obviously it had to be 1. Someone very powerful, 2. Someone very intelligent. Scientists and doctors to this day are still trying to unravel the mysteries of the Human body. So intricately and wonderfully made were we. The Bible says Psalm 139:13-16 ( Amplified Bible )
13. For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb.
14. I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.
15. My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery].
16. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.
Right there this pointing out that we as Human Beings did not evolve from a non-intelligent glob of jelly, nor did we crawl up from the depths of the sea on to dry land, or descend from apes ( however much they look like us and act like us ). God made us! God made you!
Satan would have you to believe that the universe came into being by way of a great explosion. But, since when has an explosion created life? Every time we've heard about explosions on the news there are always fatalities. Especially very large ones. . . . . . .
Let's see what Genesis says:
Genesis 1:1 (Amplified Bible)
1. IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth.
This is a picture of God at work. Note, there was NO explosion!
As you read further down you will see that He continues to create until there was a perfect habitation for His final creation to live in. Then in Genesis 1:26 (Amplified Bible).
26. God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth.
During the creation process God spoke things into being by saying “Let there be . . . . ." But God personally came down from heaven and made the first man with his hands out of “the dust of the Earth”, which means the “red clay” like a potter making a pot! Then God breathed into Adam and he became “a living soul”. That's how mankind came into being friends! Not from some microbe which took billions of years to evolve into an intelligent Human Being!
Another question I want to ask. How can you say that there is no God when you enjoy His bounty every day, every minute of your life? Every time you take a breath, that is God's blessing. Every time your heart beats, that's Gods blessing. You have a place to live, that's God's blessing. You have a job, that is Gods blessing. You have food to eat, that's Gods blessing. You are healthy, that is a blessing from God. You are blessing with a spouse and children, that too is a blessing from God. You have and warm clothing, that is a blessing from God.
Why have I said all of this? Because the bible says:
1 Corinthians 10:26 (Amplified Bible)
26. For the [whole] earth is the Lord's and everything that is in it.
That means YOU TOO belong to Him, even though you deny Him!
I often wonder to myself upon meeting and seeing God on Judgment Day what would the Atheist do? I kind of think it would be like that old M&M's Christmas commercial where Santa Claus and the M&M meet each other for the first time. They both say “He's real!” and faint at the same time.
Only on Judgment Day, God WILL NOT FAINT! You will because you blew it!
You had been blessed with however many years on this Earth to put away your God denying foolishness, realize you are a sinner and need Jesus Christ as your personal Savior! When you die and finally met God in judgment, it would be too late to say “Ops!”. And there will definitely not be any do overs! Then there will be no excuses either!
God will show you all of the times you rejected Christ. When people spoke to you on the street, on the bus or train, when someone handed you a tract, when a co-worker invited you to church, etc. God will show you the very day, hour and minute of every encounter, so you will not be able to say, no one told me.
He will also show you the times you went out of your way to harass, intimidate, and attack Christians. As God did not send His people to you to be subject to your attack! He sent them to you with an invitation because He loves you! Can't you see how much He loves you?
I can talk until I'm blue in the face, but unless you make a personal choice to believe on Him Whom God Has Sent, my words won't make a hill of beans.
As I've stated many times before God will not overstep the the boundry lines of the personal sovereignty He blessed all man with, which is personal choice. He will not force you to make a decision in His favor even though you might step into hell fire with the very next step. Why wont He force you? Because He wants you to WILLINGLY love and obey Him. He does not want slaves or robots.
If you chose to disbelieve, God still loves you and will continue sending people to you to tell you The Good News. Why? Because He Loves You!
John 3:16 (Amplified Bible)
16. For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)