I am on a long journey home. Sometimes my journey is joyful and my burdens light. Sometimes my journey seems endless and wearisome. But at times I can see home in that heavenly place in the distance. I remember that eternal home and rest that I have been promised. And I push on.
My journey has had many blessed moments. Time spent with friends and family… Holding a child… Comforting an animal in need… Reading to my daughter… Walking in a quiet wood… Fellowshipping with spirit filled people… Spirit filled times communing with Jesus alone... Being filled with the Holy Ghost… Worldly successes… These give me the strength to journey onward through those tribulations that Satan uses to hinder me. The death of loved ones… Divorce… Illness… Loss on a job… Friends who turn away… Changes in lifestyle…
No matter the obstacles or successes, the journey goes on. No matter whether I achieve riches or poverty or middle class status, my journey continues. No matter whether I fail miserably or accomplish great things, I must go on until I reach my day of reckoning with Jesus. It is there that I will be judged by the only judgment that matters, God’s. My heavenly home with Him is the only one that I really desire anymore. I pray that I am found fit to remain in His kingdom and not told that He doesn’t know me and to depart.
There are times when I would like to just lay where I have fallen and I would guess that there are many who do give up. But eventually, I feel the need to get up and continue pulling at me. When I first started out on my walk with Jesus, I prayed that He would do whatever it took to save me or get me to that heavenly place: drag me, push me, pull me, carry me… I believe that spiritual calling is the pull I feel to continue my journey.
I want to encourage you to continue your heavenly journey. I know the road is long and fraught with obstacles and sometimes lonely, but just remember that you are never really alone. Jesus is there and waiting for you to open the door. Don’t give up! There is too much to gain to lose and no destination worth stopping at along the way. Even if you have gotten lost or fallen down or burdened with a load of baggage, it is never too late to step back onto the narrow way that leads to your heavenly home.
May God bless you with a beacon in the darkness and a helping hand along the way…
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Good morning! My apologies, I have not been posting faithfully in some time. Life has a way of taking over when you have the least amount of time and energy, doesn’t it?
I would like to share a few verses in Psalm 1:1-3 with you this morning.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, not standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Wow! Those three little verses are a whole lesson unto themselves. God’s word is always illuminating, but sometimes He just cuts right to the heart of the matter.
He is calling for us to stand apart from that which is ungodly. In this day and time that we live, this is often difficult. All you have to do is open your eyes or turn on your TV or look out your window or step out your door to be confronted by the ungodly. The examples of this reality are so numerous and insinuating that we are all touched by it.
We are hustling off every day to make a living for our families. We are so busy and overworked and stressed that we don’t even realize that we are part of that ungodly number. We fume and rant while stuck in rush hour traffic. We gripe and complain about our home life, spouse, children, in-laws, co-workers, and neighbors to anyone and everyone who will listen.
Have you weighed the words coming out of your own mouth recently? Are those words of life and goodness or ones of anger, exhaustion, and frustration?
Have you considered your personal impact on the people and world around you? Are you a living example of Christ’s love? Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?
Meditate on God’s word. You will be delighted at how good it is. The Holy Bible is a road map for your life. But if you don’t read the map, how are you going to find your way?
Are you depending on the man standing behind a pulpit to tell you? Or your parents? Or the reporter on the evening news?
Read it for yourself. Think about how it. Meditate. Absorb it. Try it out. Discuss it with your family. Discuss it with your friends. Apply it to your life.
Jesus is able to work in our lives when we open the door. He is able to bless us. He is able to preserve our lives. He can bring prosperity. And most importantly, Jesus can change the world through you and me.
Please, consider the Word today!
I would like to share a few verses in Psalm 1:1-3 with you this morning.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, not standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Wow! Those three little verses are a whole lesson unto themselves. God’s word is always illuminating, but sometimes He just cuts right to the heart of the matter.
He is calling for us to stand apart from that which is ungodly. In this day and time that we live, this is often difficult. All you have to do is open your eyes or turn on your TV or look out your window or step out your door to be confronted by the ungodly. The examples of this reality are so numerous and insinuating that we are all touched by it.
We are hustling off every day to make a living for our families. We are so busy and overworked and stressed that we don’t even realize that we are part of that ungodly number. We fume and rant while stuck in rush hour traffic. We gripe and complain about our home life, spouse, children, in-laws, co-workers, and neighbors to anyone and everyone who will listen.
Have you weighed the words coming out of your own mouth recently? Are those words of life and goodness or ones of anger, exhaustion, and frustration?
Have you considered your personal impact on the people and world around you? Are you a living example of Christ’s love? Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?
Meditate on God’s word. You will be delighted at how good it is. The Holy Bible is a road map for your life. But if you don’t read the map, how are you going to find your way?
Are you depending on the man standing behind a pulpit to tell you? Or your parents? Or the reporter on the evening news?
Read it for yourself. Think about how it. Meditate. Absorb it. Try it out. Discuss it with your family. Discuss it with your friends. Apply it to your life.
Jesus is able to work in our lives when we open the door. He is able to bless us. He is able to preserve our lives. He can bring prosperity. And most importantly, Jesus can change the world through you and me.
Please, consider the Word today!
Be Strong...
Satan is working overtime, People! He is trying to make as many people as possible to stumble and fall. Once he has you down, it is so incredibly hard to break his hold and to get back up on your feet again. And sometimes, you remain weak after a fall – susceptible to further ploys of Satan.
Let’s not let Satan have any hold on us if at all possible! The stronger that we can be spiritually, the better our ability to withstand Satan’s attacks will be. There are plenty of ways that we can exercise our faith and gain strength.
Here are just a few of my favorite ways to grow and gain strength in the Spirit:
o Prayer – Tell Jesus EVERYTHING! He wants to talk with you.
o Read your Bible – How can you be a Christian if you don’t know who Christ is?
o Study the Word – Read it, consider it, meditate on it, discuss it…
o Apply what you learn – Faith without works is dead. Live what you believe.
Faith was imputed to Abraham as righteousness. I can only hope to be a friend to God as Abraham, but his example of walking and talking with the Lord is one we can all follow.
These things may not seem like much, but mighty oaks grow from a tiny acorn. May God bless your works and make them to grow and prosper. Have a blessed day!
Let’s not let Satan have any hold on us if at all possible! The stronger that we can be spiritually, the better our ability to withstand Satan’s attacks will be. There are plenty of ways that we can exercise our faith and gain strength.
Here are just a few of my favorite ways to grow and gain strength in the Spirit:
o Prayer – Tell Jesus EVERYTHING! He wants to talk with you.
o Read your Bible – How can you be a Christian if you don’t know who Christ is?
o Study the Word – Read it, consider it, meditate on it, discuss it…
o Apply what you learn – Faith without works is dead. Live what you believe.
Faith was imputed to Abraham as righteousness. I can only hope to be a friend to God as Abraham, but his example of walking and talking with the Lord is one we can all follow.
These things may not seem like much, but mighty oaks grow from a tiny acorn. May God bless your works and make them to grow and prosper. Have a blessed day!
I AM STILL HERE...
Wow! I can’t believe it is May already. This year has been so hectic that time has just evaporated in a haze.
I don’t usually blog about my personal life on here. The purpose of this particular blog is to share the gospel. It isn’t for me to whine about my problems or to brag about my triumphs. However, since I haven’t blogged for the last couple of months I am going to share some of my highs and my lows. My life is my witness and testimony of God’s glory.
Let me see if I can do this in some semblance of chronological order.
• My beautiful child has a variety of medical issues and we had to spend a couple of days in the city for testing back in March. Praise God! The test turned out normal. We did a little shopping and overall had a good time.
• The next week I had to go back to the city for a conference for two days. Praise God! I learned some valuable information, visited with some interesting people, and had a safe and uneventful trip.
• The next week was Spring Break. My beautiful child had to have surgery. Praise God! She came through the surgery fine and is doing better.
• The Lord blessed me with another birthday.
• My oldest sister finally got the call for her transplant. Praise God and praying for His will! She was so excited and ready for a new lease on life.
• The transplant went ok, but complications arose. My sister was unconscious and on a ventilator and in critical condition. Praise God! He brought her through the surgery.
• I got sick at the hospital and had to go home. I couldn’t risk making my sister ill or the rest of our family. Praise God! Her daughters and husband were able to stay at the hospital with my sister the whole time. It was hard on them, but Jesus was with them.
• I was terribly ill and it turned into pneumonia. Praise God! He gave me the strength to keep going and finally brought me to a doctor who changed my medicine and I am a better now. Thank you, Jesus!
• My mother caught the same bug that made me ill. Being elderly, she just couldn’t shake it and had to be hospitalized. Praise God! She got some rest and IV medicines that helped her.
• My sister did not improve after nearly a month and finally the doctors said that they had done everything that they could. I checked Mom out of the hospital and we made the drive to the city to say goodbye. Praise God! He gave her the strength to get through this horrible heartbreak of losing another child. He blessed us with the comfort of knowing that my sister had come to know Jesus during her long illness and had prayed and left it in His hands before she went into surgery. He gave my nieces and her husband the strength and will to take care of my sister until the end.
• In all the trips to the city, being ill, and lack of sleep, Jesus kept His mighty hand upon us and was with us wherever we went. We were safe. We never got lost. We helped others find their way. I had enough vacation to cover my time off. Our church families prayed for us throughout this whole ordeal and lifted us in God’s sight. People pitched in and helped. Folks brought food, sent flowers and plants, and came to visit with Mom. An unexpected friend came and sat with me through the whole memorial service. We were just so blessed! I thank God for providing for us in this time of need when we couldn’t even think clearly.
• Our area and areas above us that drain through our area have had unusually heavy rains this spring. The levees have broken in numerous spots. Flooding has been wide spread. Roads are still closed. A multitude of people have lost their homes and most of their possessions. And most tragically many have lost their lives, including one lady that I knew and worked with. Our hearts are burdened and heavy, but God is still with us. For all the damage and tragedy, there are blessing and rays of light. Thank you Jesus! We live in the hills and our home was spared. My office was one of the very few that were not flooded on our campus. And even though they had to be evacuated, my BIL and SIL’s home that was in a badly flooded area only had a very little water damage. Praising God for His mercy and grace and praying for those who have been affected by this flooding.
This is not a comprehensive list of my highs and lows by any means, but this may give you some idea of the turmoil that has kept me from blogging recently. I hope that it highlights why we need Jesus in our lives, but in case it isn’t clear for you, I will try to explain.
First and foremost, I could never survive all that this world has to throw at me without Jesus. Before I found Him, any of these events would have ground me into the dust or driven me mad, much less all of them and more. Jesus is my rock. Jesus is my strong tower. Jesus is my life preserver. Jesus is my lifeguard.
Second, it rains on the just and on the unjust. There is not a single person on this planet that doesn’t need Jesus. It doesn’t matter how big or small, rich or poor, ill or healthy, young or old that you may be. Trials and tribulations and death come upon us all. You need to have that relationship with Jesus before trials and tribulations hit you and you need Him, because He knows those that are His. And you better be prepared to meet God, because you never know when that meeting may occur.
I pray that you will be lifted up and encouraged by the evidence of God’s mercy and grace in my life. I pray that you will want a relationship with the one, true, living God, too. And I pray that you will lift of your hands and praise Him and give thanks for all that He does with me. Have a blessed day!
I don’t usually blog about my personal life on here. The purpose of this particular blog is to share the gospel. It isn’t for me to whine about my problems or to brag about my triumphs. However, since I haven’t blogged for the last couple of months I am going to share some of my highs and my lows. My life is my witness and testimony of God’s glory.
Let me see if I can do this in some semblance of chronological order.
• My beautiful child has a variety of medical issues and we had to spend a couple of days in the city for testing back in March. Praise God! The test turned out normal. We did a little shopping and overall had a good time.
• The next week I had to go back to the city for a conference for two days. Praise God! I learned some valuable information, visited with some interesting people, and had a safe and uneventful trip.
• The next week was Spring Break. My beautiful child had to have surgery. Praise God! She came through the surgery fine and is doing better.
• The Lord blessed me with another birthday.
• My oldest sister finally got the call for her transplant. Praise God and praying for His will! She was so excited and ready for a new lease on life.
• The transplant went ok, but complications arose. My sister was unconscious and on a ventilator and in critical condition. Praise God! He brought her through the surgery.
• I got sick at the hospital and had to go home. I couldn’t risk making my sister ill or the rest of our family. Praise God! Her daughters and husband were able to stay at the hospital with my sister the whole time. It was hard on them, but Jesus was with them.
• I was terribly ill and it turned into pneumonia. Praise God! He gave me the strength to keep going and finally brought me to a doctor who changed my medicine and I am a better now. Thank you, Jesus!
• My mother caught the same bug that made me ill. Being elderly, she just couldn’t shake it and had to be hospitalized. Praise God! She got some rest and IV medicines that helped her.
• My sister did not improve after nearly a month and finally the doctors said that they had done everything that they could. I checked Mom out of the hospital and we made the drive to the city to say goodbye. Praise God! He gave her the strength to get through this horrible heartbreak of losing another child. He blessed us with the comfort of knowing that my sister had come to know Jesus during her long illness and had prayed and left it in His hands before she went into surgery. He gave my nieces and her husband the strength and will to take care of my sister until the end.
• In all the trips to the city, being ill, and lack of sleep, Jesus kept His mighty hand upon us and was with us wherever we went. We were safe. We never got lost. We helped others find their way. I had enough vacation to cover my time off. Our church families prayed for us throughout this whole ordeal and lifted us in God’s sight. People pitched in and helped. Folks brought food, sent flowers and plants, and came to visit with Mom. An unexpected friend came and sat with me through the whole memorial service. We were just so blessed! I thank God for providing for us in this time of need when we couldn’t even think clearly.
• Our area and areas above us that drain through our area have had unusually heavy rains this spring. The levees have broken in numerous spots. Flooding has been wide spread. Roads are still closed. A multitude of people have lost their homes and most of their possessions. And most tragically many have lost their lives, including one lady that I knew and worked with. Our hearts are burdened and heavy, but God is still with us. For all the damage and tragedy, there are blessing and rays of light. Thank you Jesus! We live in the hills and our home was spared. My office was one of the very few that were not flooded on our campus. And even though they had to be evacuated, my BIL and SIL’s home that was in a badly flooded area only had a very little water damage. Praising God for His mercy and grace and praying for those who have been affected by this flooding.
This is not a comprehensive list of my highs and lows by any means, but this may give you some idea of the turmoil that has kept me from blogging recently. I hope that it highlights why we need Jesus in our lives, but in case it isn’t clear for you, I will try to explain.
First and foremost, I could never survive all that this world has to throw at me without Jesus. Before I found Him, any of these events would have ground me into the dust or driven me mad, much less all of them and more. Jesus is my rock. Jesus is my strong tower. Jesus is my life preserver. Jesus is my lifeguard.
Second, it rains on the just and on the unjust. There is not a single person on this planet that doesn’t need Jesus. It doesn’t matter how big or small, rich or poor, ill or healthy, young or old that you may be. Trials and tribulations and death come upon us all. You need to have that relationship with Jesus before trials and tribulations hit you and you need Him, because He knows those that are His. And you better be prepared to meet God, because you never know when that meeting may occur.
I pray that you will be lifted up and encouraged by the evidence of God’s mercy and grace in my life. I pray that you will want a relationship with the one, true, living God, too. And I pray that you will lift of your hands and praise Him and give thanks for all that He does with me. Have a blessed day!
AN ENCOURAGING WORD...
Wow! I am so tired and it seems to be a perpetual condition anymore. It isn't just a physical exhaustion, but a mental fatigue as well. I am afraid that my batteries are just not being fully recharged like they should. Anyone else feel this way?
I'll bet that there is and I want to share with you a message that Paul shared with the Corinthians.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9
Every time that I read this I remember who is there holding me up when the waves are crashing in. God loves me and doesn't want me to fail! When I seek God, everything else becomes manageable. My troubles don't disappear, but with Christ all things are possible. Those mountains just don't feel as insurmountable when I can feel God by my side.
God loves you and doesn't want you to fail either! I pray that you will seek God's kingdom and let Him lift you up today, too.
I'll bet that there is and I want to share with you a message that Paul shared with the Corinthians.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9
Every time that I read this I remember who is there holding me up when the waves are crashing in. God loves me and doesn't want me to fail! When I seek God, everything else becomes manageable. My troubles don't disappear, but with Christ all things are possible. Those mountains just don't feel as insurmountable when I can feel God by my side.
God loves you and doesn't want you to fail either! I pray that you will seek God's kingdom and let Him lift you up today, too.
Brick By Brick....
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 2 Peter
Who says God doesn't speak to us? He is giving us some pretty clear instructions right here in 2 Peter.
Does it seem too overwhelming?
Just take it one step at a time. Add one brick at a time to your temple.
If we are faithful and diligent as God tells us to be, soon we will start to see a difference, not just in our selves, but the world around us as His light reflects from our lives into the darkenss that surrounds us.
We will never be perfect in this world, but we must strive for that which is good and righteous. Jesus gave us the example to follow. We just have to stick to the plan.
I pray God will bless your efforts daily that you may increase and glorify Him who makes all things possible. Have a blessed day!
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 2 Peter
Who says God doesn't speak to us? He is giving us some pretty clear instructions right here in 2 Peter.
Does it seem too overwhelming?
Just take it one step at a time. Add one brick at a time to your temple.
If we are faithful and diligent as God tells us to be, soon we will start to see a difference, not just in our selves, but the world around us as His light reflects from our lives into the darkenss that surrounds us.
We will never be perfect in this world, but we must strive for that which is good and righteous. Jesus gave us the example to follow. We just have to stick to the plan.
I pray God will bless your efforts daily that you may increase and glorify Him who makes all things possible. Have a blessed day!
The Words of Life…
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white rainment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Revelations 3:18-22
God's word is alive and so vibrant! I pray that you will take a moment (or more) to ponder God's instructions and let His Spirit lead you today. Have a beautiful day!
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white rainment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Revelations 3:18-22
God's word is alive and so vibrant! I pray that you will take a moment (or more) to ponder God's instructions and let His Spirit lead you today. Have a beautiful day!
Swift Passage of Time...
WOW… Where has this year gone? I can’t believe how fast time is passing. And no, I don’t think that it is just because I am getting older. Lol.
The Bible says that God will shorten the days for the elect’s sake. I believe that we are seeing this happen; just one of those signs that everyone is so desperately seeking, but obliviously missing.
It has been a tough year. My daughter got engaged (sniff). Work has been overwhelming (sigh). A dear friend went home to the Lord (weeping). My mother’s health is slipping rapidly (more weeping). I’ve been sick again (cough). And battles aplenty scattered in between. My stress level is up all over and Satan is striving to destroy all he can.
But you know, there have been rays of light mixed in with the darkness…
o I witnessed a miracle of 33 men in Chile being rescued from a rock tomb after being buried for near 3 months.
o I survived another nasty bout with bronchitis, again.
o My baby found a man that she wants to marry.
o I am expecting my first great-great niece around my birthday next year.
o My daughter and I survived and walked away from a roll-over car wreck with minimal injuries.
I am thankful that God is faithful and always there to help us carry any burden. I love that about Him.
I pray that you will let Him help you carry those burdens, too. Have a blessed day!
The Bible says that God will shorten the days for the elect’s sake. I believe that we are seeing this happen; just one of those signs that everyone is so desperately seeking, but obliviously missing.
It has been a tough year. My daughter got engaged (sniff). Work has been overwhelming (sigh). A dear friend went home to the Lord (weeping). My mother’s health is slipping rapidly (more weeping). I’ve been sick again (cough). And battles aplenty scattered in between. My stress level is up all over and Satan is striving to destroy all he can.
But you know, there have been rays of light mixed in with the darkness…
o I witnessed a miracle of 33 men in Chile being rescued from a rock tomb after being buried for near 3 months.
o I survived another nasty bout with bronchitis, again.
o My baby found a man that she wants to marry.
o I am expecting my first great-great niece around my birthday next year.
o My daughter and I survived and walked away from a roll-over car wreck with minimal injuries.
I am thankful that God is faithful and always there to help us carry any burden. I love that about Him.
I pray that you will let Him help you carry those burdens, too. Have a blessed day!
Bereaved...
I lost a dear friend a few days ago. I am saddened and grieved by the loss, but I am comforted by the fact that she had a relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
She suffered a lot pain at the end of a battle with cancer, but she continued to cry out to Jesus and pray. I can only hope to do the same when my time comes. Her family is wounded by the loss of such a dear soul. Please, take a moment to pray for them.
Her husband writes and sings songs for the Lord. One of his songs is called "Too Much To Gain To Lose". It is one that I love and is so true. We have another loved one waiting for us over there. There is less and less of interest to me in this world, but more and more in God's Kingdom that beckons to me.
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36
I pray that the Lord will beckon each of you to share in His Kingdom. May God be with us all.
She suffered a lot pain at the end of a battle with cancer, but she continued to cry out to Jesus and pray. I can only hope to do the same when my time comes. Her family is wounded by the loss of such a dear soul. Please, take a moment to pray for them.
Her husband writes and sings songs for the Lord. One of his songs is called "Too Much To Gain To Lose". It is one that I love and is so true. We have another loved one waiting for us over there. There is less and less of interest to me in this world, but more and more in God's Kingdom that beckons to me.
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John 3:36
I pray that the Lord will beckon each of you to share in His Kingdom. May God be with us all.
...let him hear...
"... He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 14:35
Jesus used this particular phrase many times in his teaching. I just love it!
How much do we hear in a days time? How much of it do we retain?
If you are like me, most of it goes in one ear and out the other without pause between. And a lot of it probably should never have entered to begin with.
But there are some words...teachings that we need to hold on to. We need to let them sink deep inside and take root to grow to produce fruits of the spirit. The words that Jesus taught are food for the spirit and balm for the soul; manna from above if you will.
Please, take a few moments out of your day to read a few verses from the Bible. Ponder them... Remember them... Apply them...
May God bless you with wisdom and understanding of His word. Have a blessed day!
Jesus used this particular phrase many times in his teaching. I just love it!
How much do we hear in a days time? How much of it do we retain?
If you are like me, most of it goes in one ear and out the other without pause between. And a lot of it probably should never have entered to begin with.
But there are some words...teachings that we need to hold on to. We need to let them sink deep inside and take root to grow to produce fruits of the spirit. The words that Jesus taught are food for the spirit and balm for the soul; manna from above if you will.
Please, take a few moments out of your day to read a few verses from the Bible. Ponder them... Remember them... Apply them...
May God bless you with wisdom and understanding of His word. Have a blessed day!
Failing hearts...
For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
--Luke 21:22-27 (KJV)
I am not a doomsday prophet, but I do not relish the prospect of people being lost and cast into hell. I am grieved at the very notion of the pain and suffering that lost souls will have to endure in the end. I am appalled at the loss of the beautiful world that the Lord has made. And I see the end approaching as has been foretold in His word. That is why I must blog on the very subject of the end of the world.
This world is going to be destroyed by fire and brimstone according to the Bible. Whether this happens today or a thousand years from today, it is already done. The BIG picture is already framed. We must accept this truth and deal with our circumstances. The small details must be added to the canvas.
I can’t save anyone no matter how much I would like to. I do not have that power or authority. It belongs to God who assumed a human form named Jesus.
God, in His human form – Jesus, walked among us and taught His truth to all who would listen. Jesus left a written record of His teaching, His instruction, His truth in the words of the New Testament of the Holy Bible. Jesus showed us that there was so much more to life than just these flesh covered bones. He died on a cross and was raised by His Holy Spirit to live again as an example to us of the life that we can have with Him. If you would have Jesus save you, please, read the Bible and learn to apply it to your life.
I do not know the hour or the day that He will return, but He is coming. I don’t know the means of the end, but I believe the words that He left for us. I am no doomsday prophet, but I preach Christ crucified, risen, and returning. I pray that each of us will be prepared and ready to meet Him joyfully, not fearfully.
May the Lord bless you with the clarity of mind to understand His word and enjoy another beautiful day!
But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
--Luke 21:22-27 (KJV)
I am not a doomsday prophet, but I do not relish the prospect of people being lost and cast into hell. I am grieved at the very notion of the pain and suffering that lost souls will have to endure in the end. I am appalled at the loss of the beautiful world that the Lord has made. And I see the end approaching as has been foretold in His word. That is why I must blog on the very subject of the end of the world.
This world is going to be destroyed by fire and brimstone according to the Bible. Whether this happens today or a thousand years from today, it is already done. The BIG picture is already framed. We must accept this truth and deal with our circumstances. The small details must be added to the canvas.
I can’t save anyone no matter how much I would like to. I do not have that power or authority. It belongs to God who assumed a human form named Jesus.
God, in His human form – Jesus, walked among us and taught His truth to all who would listen. Jesus left a written record of His teaching, His instruction, His truth in the words of the New Testament of the Holy Bible. Jesus showed us that there was so much more to life than just these flesh covered bones. He died on a cross and was raised by His Holy Spirit to live again as an example to us of the life that we can have with Him. If you would have Jesus save you, please, read the Bible and learn to apply it to your life.
I do not know the hour or the day that He will return, but He is coming. I don’t know the means of the end, but I believe the words that He left for us. I am no doomsday prophet, but I preach Christ crucified, risen, and returning. I pray that each of us will be prepared and ready to meet Him joyfully, not fearfully.
May the Lord bless you with the clarity of mind to understand His word and enjoy another beautiful day!
Who knows the hour and the day?
And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is some for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe... Revelation 14:15
The harvest is great and it is upon us. The time of your harvest or mine may be any day, but there is a great harvest coming if we linger that long and we do not want to miss it. Jesus is coming back for you and me.
Are you ready?
Have you accepted Jesus?
Have you followed Jesus' examples?
Have you repented of your sins?
Have you been baptized in Jesus' name?
Have you determined to obey his teaching?
Are you seeking Jesus daily?
If you aren't, then please, please, consider the alternative. No one wants to spend an eternity in Hell in torment.
If you know the truth, Jesus is working in your life. Jesus is calling you. He is knocking. Let Him in. If you make that first step then He will walk with you the rest of your life. You will never be alone again. Jesus loves you and is trying to save you. Please, don't turn Him away.
The harvest is great and it is upon us. The time of your harvest or mine may be any day, but there is a great harvest coming if we linger that long and we do not want to miss it. Jesus is coming back for you and me.
Are you ready?
Have you accepted Jesus?
Have you followed Jesus' examples?
Have you repented of your sins?
Have you been baptized in Jesus' name?
Have you determined to obey his teaching?
Are you seeking Jesus daily?
If you aren't, then please, please, consider the alternative. No one wants to spend an eternity in Hell in torment.
If you know the truth, Jesus is working in your life. Jesus is calling you. He is knocking. Let Him in. If you make that first step then He will walk with you the rest of your life. You will never be alone again. Jesus loves you and is trying to save you. Please, don't turn Him away.
Final Call...
Matthew 11:29
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
How long will Jesus continue to issue His invitation?
How long will He tolerate the evils that He calls abominations in the Bible that are so widespread in our world today?
How many times will He call you before He turns you over to a reprobate mind?
How many times will He answer your prayers and protect you when you aren't following after Him?
At what point did Sodom and Gomorrah cross the line?
These questions strike fear into my heart - fear of the Lord. I think that every person that has heard the truth of God's salavation plan should have this fear. The Bible tells that this world's end is coming. Are we going to be ready when that day dawns?
Are you a gambler?
If you haven't made yourself ready according to the Bible (not yourself), you are gambling that today isn't the day that the Lord is returning.
You are gambling that you won't have an accident and lose your life on your way to work.
You are gambling that the doctor won't tell you that you have some terminal disease at that appointment today.
You are gambling that the Lord isn't going to say enough is enough and I am through with them today.
I would say the odds against you are going up everyday.
Jesus Christ is going to appear one of these fine days to take His bride home. Please, examine your life to see if you are ready. If you aren't in order with scriptures, please, take the time and make the effort to make yourself right in His eyes (yours and mine don't count).
Don't keep gambling with your soul.
May God open your heart and mind to His truth and make your path straight to Heaven. Have a blessed day!
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
How long will Jesus continue to issue His invitation?
How long will He tolerate the evils that He calls abominations in the Bible that are so widespread in our world today?
How many times will He call you before He turns you over to a reprobate mind?
How many times will He answer your prayers and protect you when you aren't following after Him?
At what point did Sodom and Gomorrah cross the line?
These questions strike fear into my heart - fear of the Lord. I think that every person that has heard the truth of God's salavation plan should have this fear. The Bible tells that this world's end is coming. Are we going to be ready when that day dawns?
Are you a gambler?
If you haven't made yourself ready according to the Bible (not yourself), you are gambling that today isn't the day that the Lord is returning.
You are gambling that you won't have an accident and lose your life on your way to work.
You are gambling that the doctor won't tell you that you have some terminal disease at that appointment today.
You are gambling that the Lord isn't going to say enough is enough and I am through with them today.
I would say the odds against you are going up everyday.
Jesus Christ is going to appear one of these fine days to take His bride home. Please, examine your life to see if you are ready. If you aren't in order with scriptures, please, take the time and make the effort to make yourself right in His eyes (yours and mine don't count).
Don't keep gambling with your soul.
May God open your heart and mind to His truth and make your path straight to Heaven. Have a blessed day!
Eye Opening Words ...
Friends, Psalm 139 is an eye opener and such wonderful instruction if we will just open our hearts and minds to God. Please, consider His words and weigh the full impact of what He is saying here.
PSALM 139 (KJV)
O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; thou understandest my thought afar off.
Thou compasseth my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Nothing is hidden from God. It doesn't matter where you go or what you do, God knows.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
My substance was not hid from thee when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfected; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
Where ever you are God is there, too. You cannot hide. You cannot runaway. Whether you accept Him or not, He is still GOD. He is your creator and you cannot escape the truth. You are His! He knew you before you were even born. On the earth or in heaven or in hell, you are still His child and you will be reckoned with in the end.
Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? And am I not grieved with those that rise up against thee?
I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
PSALM 139 (KJV)
O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; thou understandest my thought afar off.
Thou compasseth my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Nothing is hidden from God. It doesn't matter where you go or what you do, God knows.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
My substance was not hid from thee when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfected; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
Where ever you are God is there, too. You cannot hide. You cannot runaway. Whether you accept Him or not, He is still GOD. He is your creator and you cannot escape the truth. You are His! He knew you before you were even born. On the earth or in heaven or in hell, you are still His child and you will be reckoned with in the end.
Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? And am I not grieved with those that rise up against thee?
I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
Perhaps it is time to ask yourself where it is that you stand.
Matthew 12:30
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
We need to be clear about where we stand. Are we going to stand with God in that final battle that is to come or are we going to be those hewn down on the battle field? Is God going to say "Well done! Enter in." Or is He going to tell you to depart because He never knew you?
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
We have hardened our hearts and deafened our ears to God's voice. We fill our lives with non-stop activity from daylight to way after dark. We fill our day with the TV, the radio, our spouse, our children, our job, our friends, our home, and yes, even our church. And we wonder why we aren't hearing God speak to us!?
God's thought are continually in our minds; if only, we will slow down and listen for it. It is like a rare and precious gem buried in the earth. You may move a lot of dirt, but you will not find it with a backhoe or a bulldozer. You must carefully consider His word and quietly sift through your thoughts to find His precious voice speaking to your heart.
Jesus left His word for us to read, because most of the time, we will never listen for that small still voice calling us or guiding us. But God wants us to hear and to read and to know that He is here and He loves us.
Sin is what separates us from God. We allow it to come between us and our Lord. It hardens our hearts and deafens our ears when we can't admit the truth that we have done something wrong. We try to fill that empty place that God should fill with the things of the world that will never suffice. It makes us bitter and angry and sad and scared and hurt and sick.
But God doesn't want us to be separated from Him for any reason. He knows your sins. He knows what is in your heart. He knows what comes out your mouth. And He came to earth and lived as a man and his name was Jesus. He lived among us and taught and ultimately paid the price for our sins on the cross at Calvary. HE KNOWS!
Jesus doesn't care where you have been. Jesus doesn't care what you have done in the past. He wants you to do something so simple and so easy that the children even did it when He walked this earth. He wants you to come to Him. He wants you to seek Him. He wants you to believe in Him. He wants you to confess your sins to Him and ask for forgiveness.
When you do these small, simple things, Jesus can do great things! He will wash those sins into the sea of forgetfullness. He will fill you with His Holy Spirit. He will write your name Book of Life. He will save your soul! He will bless you and your family. He will give you strength. He will even move mountains if we believe! Yes, Jesus can do great things.
Won't you let Him do great things for you today? Have a blessed and glorious day in our Lord Jesus Christ!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)