Just Stuff Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

A lot of us have been "purging" lately, getting rid of stuff. It may have been brought on by a move, it could be due to a change in residents in your home (kids move out,  parents move in) or it could be just the need to clear away some of the clutter. To me, less is best. You see, I hate cleaning house. Fortunately, I also hate a dirty house so I do clean it regularly. To me, less is best because that's less I have to clean! 

Jesus tells us not to store up treasures here on earth because it's all perishable. Instead, we should store up those treasures in Heaven. How do we do that? By what we do with what we have been given. 

Has God blessed you financially? Who can you bless with your resources? Has God blessed you with a talent you can use to bless others? The gift of teaching or hospitality or discernment? Then use those gifts in ministry. 

Matthew 6 NLT says:
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

After all, it is just stuff anyway. 

Blessings, Cecilia

Who else will join me?

Acts11:25 And Barnabas left for Tarsus to search for Saul; 26 and when he
found him, he brought him back to Antioch. For an entire year they met
[with others] in the church and instructed large numbers; and it was in
Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

I am a Christian first and above all else. I am a father, son, brother,

friend, I am a mechanic by trade, I have been a student. All these other

things may help identify me to others, but my true identity is in Christ.

For many what they do for work, hobbies, who they are in the world is what

drives them. For the Christian, we are to be driven by the love that we

have been given by God and to share that love with others. The Fruit of the

Holy Spirit is a way that people can tell who a person belongs to. To have

a Love for others, an unselfish care and concern is primary. Joy is the one

that I struggle with due to circumstances of life. I also believe that

people confuse happiness with Joy. Christians are to have an inner Peace.

Patience is not just the ability to wait, but how we behave while we are

waiting. Kindness has a lot to do with understanding how to treat others.

Goodness is an action towards others in giving. Faithfulness is unto God

and others, without cheating, lying or disrespect. Gentleness is living

humble before all. I believe that Self-Control is last because that is the

one that many struggle with and is so hard to maintain. I know that I have

areas of my life that are not glorifying to God, but with the help of Holy

Spirit and the love of Jesus I will continue to strive to finish my race

well. Who else will join me?

Douglas 

1 Thessalonians 2 Could we be as bold?

14For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, 15who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men, 16hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them.

Guzik commentary:
Here Paul revealed what offended the religious persecutors of the Thessalonians so much. They were outraged that Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jews. This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins.

But wrath has come upon them to the uttermost: Paul comforted the Thessalonians by assuring them that God would indeed take care of their persecutors. When Christians forget this, they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others.

http://biblehub.com/commentaries/guzik/1_thessalonians/2.htm

Brethren, we must be careful we don't become like the Jews in this text. You must be an imitator of Jesus Christ displaying His love for all.
Do you remember what He said on the cross? Father forgive them....
If you curse them, will you not share in their curse? As David Guzik states: "they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others."

Paul proudly displayed his stripes, stoning' and beatings for Jesus.
Could we be as bold as Paul?

Blessings, David

"It came to pass"

Phil4:6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything
[every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with
thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And
the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which
transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

Are you a worrier or a Warrior? Prayer Warrior that is. The Bible has

simple instruction on how to deal with the things of life. Prayer is

powerful. Many times we bet caught up in the drama of life, the chaos that

other people bring into our lives. In EVERY situation we are to pray with

thanksgiving and make SPECIFIC request. Sometimes it seems as though we are

flooded with everything in the world at one time. Financial difficulties,

problem in relationships past and present, loneliness, decisions about

school, how to handle children, being a single parent, and so many other

"things". Peace is something that I believe we all long for. We can have

the peace which transcends all understanding, because we have a God that

knows all things. We do not know what the future holds but we can know who

holds the future in His hands. My favorite phrase in the Bible is, "It came

to pass". Every time I read it I underline it. Everything that we go

through will come to pass one way or another. If we pray about it, we can

have the peace that will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus as well.

Douglas 

He Already Knows. Matthew 6:5-13

Teaching about Prayer and Fasting

5 "When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

7 "When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! 9 Pray like this:

Our Father in heaven,

may your name be kept holy.

10 May your Kingdom come soon.

May your will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us today the food we need,

12 and forgive us our sins,

as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,

but rescue us from the evil one.

14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

16 "And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Do you pray regularly? What do you pray? Do you recite prayers you have learned in church or Sunday school? What exactly is prayer? 

To me, prayer is a conversation between me and God. When we have a conversation with someone, we don't rely on scripts. We speak from the heart, we talk about common interests, we encourage and receive encouragement. It's the same when we have a conversation with God.  

When Jesus died on the cross and the veil was torn in two from top to bottom, the barrier between us and God was removed. We no longer have to go to a high priest with our petitions. Jesus is our High Priest. 

We Don't have to be wordy, we don't have to use flowery words or flattery. We don't have to ramble on and on, we just have to talk. God knows what in our heart before we ever say it. So those times when we don't know what to say? We don't have to say anything. He already knows. 

18b And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Blessings, Cecilia

1 Thessalonians 2 the Word has changed the world!

13And we continually thank God that in receiving the word of God from us, you did not accept it as the word of men, but as the true word of God. And this is the word which is now at work in you who believe.

Thanking God in everything.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Paul was thankful, "that in receiving the word of God from us, you did not accept it as the word of men, but as the true word of God."

At our church we are in a series studying Paul and his first mission trip. Paul was the one who's words bring it all together for me. His past sins against the church, his conversion, his seclusion, his acceptance, his ministry, his suffering, and his death for Christ.

If only we could follow in his footsteps. Remember, "this is the word which is now at work in you who believe." Yes it's the same word that was in Paul that is in us who believe. It hasn't changed, but the Word has changed the world!

Blessings, David

This is the day the Lord has made!

There are many days that impact our lives, birthdays, anniversary's, and
holidays. These days can bring happiness and sadness. Happiness as families
are brought together. Sadness on birthdays of lost loved ones, anniversary
dates of broken marriages, and holidays celebrated without family nearby
and together. My encouragement to all is to remember, Psalms118:24 "This is
the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." To all the
brokenhearted, God is with you and will strengthen you. My prayer for all
is that you will feel His presence when do not feel the presence of those
that you love. God bless you my friends.

Douglas 

Matthew 6:1-4 NLT Keep it a secret!

Matthew 6:1-4 NLT

Teaching about Giving to the Needy

1 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Do you give to the needy for the pat on the back from people or God? If it's from people, that is all the reward you will get. Personally, I'd rather get my reward in Heaven when I see God. 

I've made the mistake of giving and telling someone what I did for that pat on the back. The joy of giving was short lived. It's so much more satisfying to give and keep it a secret. Not only does it bless the receiver, it warms your heart for days, and I'm sure it makes God smile. 

Have a blessed Sunday! And please pray for Carter. Two year old victim of day care worker child abuse. My cousins Great grandson. 18 days in NICU and 5 procedures to remove blood clots from his brain. The last 24 hours have been rough for the family. Prognosis guarded. 

Thank you! Cecilia

1 Thessalonians 2 Walk in a manner worthy of God

9Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed. 11For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. 12We encouraged you and comforted you as we urged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.

What? They worked and earned their own way paying for food and lodging while proclaiming the Gospel?
Yes, that is how mission trips work, they go into a community working night and day so that they would not be a burden to anyone while they proclaimed to them the gospel of God.
Their conduct as yours must be holy, righteous and blameless among all witnesses and God. For how can someone teach the gospel if he or she is a fraud full of deceit?

Walk in a manner worthy of God, who is calling you to His kingdom and glory!

What is God leading you to do today? To a mission trip? To help the orphans and widows? You can start in your own community. Find a local outreach helping in Jesus name. God will bless you for your efforts.

Blessings, David

Do everything in the name Lord Jesus

Col3:17 Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do
everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving
thanks to God the Father through Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Please help us to hold Your

name as holy. Help us, Your children to live our lives to glorify You and

live for Your kingdom. Show us Your will for each of our lives and help us

to do Your will on Earth as we know that it is done in heaven. Please

provide for the needs of Your saints. There are many that are suffering all

over this world. there are many that are sick, dying, hungry, thirsty, lost

and broken. Help us to keep our eyes open to those in need so that we can

be Your hands and feet. We are so sorry that we sin against You everyday.

We are thankful that You have forgiven us our sins. We thank You for Jesus.

That He paid our debt. For many of us, we have resentment and bitterness

because of what has been done to us, give us the ability to forgive others.

Please help us avoid the temptation to sin. Put a hedge of protection

around us from the enemy. Heavenly Father, Yours is the kingdom and the

power and the glory that we long for, that we long to see. Please fill us

with Holy Spirit so that we can do the work that we need to do to further

Your kingdom. Help us to do EVERYTHING as representatives of the Lord Jesus

and have no compromise in our lives. In Jesus name, and all of God's people

said, AMEN.

Douglas 

Warts And All. Matthew 5:43-48

Matthew 5:43-48

Teaching about Love for Enemies

43 "You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies!  Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Leviticus 19:18 "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

It's easy to love those who love you back. It's harder to love those who treat you spiteful. 

Years ago, I was at the local Wal-Mart with my son. It was shortly before Easter. I don't remember what transpired or why but the cashier was very rude to us. I did not retaliate with rudeness, I completed the transaction and left but it bothered me. Now, I understand some people just have bad days, I've had plenty myself. 

Our church always did a big Easter celebration and printed out flyers to invite the community. I went back to that Wal-Mart, flyer in hand and waited in that cashier's line. When I got to her I said to her "I was in the other day with my son and you were very rude to us. I just wanted to invite you to this event our church is having." I handed her the flyer and left. I pray I made a difference . 

Who is it in your life that is hard to love? The grumpy neighbor? That rude cashier? Maybe it's a certain family member? Love them like Jesus loves you because he does, warts and all. 

Blessings, Cecilia

1 Thessalonians 2 you have become beloved!

7On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. 8We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.

Brethren when we share the Gospel we must be like a nursing mother caring for children. If you breathe fire and brimstone how many souls will you draw to Jesus Christ? Remember, in love and out of love. Share the Gospel and the Holy Spirit will do the rest.
And when you share do you not use your testimony? Then you are sharing your life also, making converts to Christ and gaining brothers and sisters. How can you not become close to your family in Christ?
And yes, you have become beloved to me as well!

Blessings, David

Are you going through stuff?

Everyone goes through "stuff" everyday that draws us closer to God or
further away. Sometimes the drama and chaos of everyday life gets
overwhelming. Sometimes I loose focus on what I know God has for me to do
because of someone else's actions and behavior. I read, So, you have
$86,400 in your account, and someone steals $10 from you, would you be
upset and throw the rest of the $86,390 away in hopes of getting back at
the person who took your $10? Or move right on and live? RIGHT! move right
on and live? See, we have 86,400 seconds in every day, so don't let
someone's negative10 seconds (comment, words, post, action or article) ruin
the rest of the 86,390! Don't sweat the small stuff, life is bigger than
that.

- Michael Sloggett. Kind David said a simple prayer and it is one rthat
speaks to my heart ,
Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Remember,
what some else does is between them and God. How we respond to what they do
is between us and God.

Douglas 

Go Bless Them. Matthew 5:38-42

Matthew 5:38-42

Eye for Eye

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’  39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Verse 38 refers to Exodus 21:23-25 which states "But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, stripe for stripe."

Aren't you glad we are not bound under that law today? We would all walk around maimed. Now, verses 39-41 talks about when someone asks something us us, giving more then they ask. I don't think Jesus expects us to physically give away everything we have. I think these verses speaks more about not retaliating when someone does something to us. 

I do believe Jesus expects us to give to others in our abundance. And if we are just getting by financially, you can always find a way to give of your time. 

Have you ever lent someone something and never gotten it back? I have. Usually it was a book. I've lent a lot of books out and never seen them again. My policy now is to recommend the book and leave it to them to get it and read it. If it's something I think would really benefit the person, and really hope they will read it,
I buy them a copy. When it comes to money, I never lend money. If someone asks and I can afford it, I gift it to them. If I can't gift it, I don't give it. If we give someone something with no expectation of receiving it back, we have no hard feelings. 

Whether it's turning the other cheek (not retaliating) or giving of our abundance (or time) Jesus blesses us so we can bless others. What do you have in abundance today? Look around you. Who can be blessed through you today? Now go bless them!

Blessings, Cecilia

1 Thessalonians 2 Which fire 🔥 will you choose?

Paul's Ministry
1You yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not in vain. 2As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak the gospel of God to you.
3For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery. 4Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts. 5As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! 6Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.

You too have been entrusted with the Gospel. When we come to Christ and accept Him as our Lord and Savior we have an obligation to Him for His grace. You have a testimony, you were living in sin and destined to die spiritually.
So what is your obligation to God for your salvation? To live a life like Jesus Christ, in love. You become His living testimony of salvation. Friends knew the old you and if you change your ways they will see a new you, that is in Christ.
Will you use your testimony to lead another soul to Jesus Christ? You have a personal story to tell.

Be humble as Paul, pray that the Holy Spirit give you the words, read and understand His word, that is the Bible. Be prepared as you will face opposition just as Paul did because people are comfortable in their sin and Satan opposes Christ.

You have a choice, be on fire for Christ or be on fire 🔥 in hell.
Which fire will you choose?

Blessings, David

1 Thessalonians 1 What will you say (report) about me?

I sent an incorrect title yesterday, I used the reference title instead of 1 Thessalonians

7As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything further. 9For they themselves report what kind of welcome you gave us, and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God 10and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.

As believers in Jesus Christ we are instructed to spread the gospel. With today's technology you can spread it throughout the world without leaving your home.
Mark 16:15 NKJV
“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'”

I pray our Father uses this study to reach someone.
I am not perfect as my title yesterday shows, I am a sinner, no different than anyone else but the Lord knows my heart as He knows yours.

What kind of report will others say about you? What kind of report will you say about me?

The idols of this world can be entrapping, they lure you in and become addictive. But you can turn from them or use them for His Kingdom.

I recall a pastors son who went to the Lord at an early age of 24. He lived for Jesus. He used technology to bring others to Jesus. At his life celebration I estimated about 1200 people in attendance. Some we from overseas and others from around the country. They gave a wonderful testimony (report) about this man and how he spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

May we be bold for Christ and spread the Gospel while we wait on Jesus.

Blessings, David

Dangerous Territory. Matthew 5:33-37

Teaching about Vows

33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.’  34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is His footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

We have all made promises we couldn't keep. It's not a good habit. Kids are the most hurt by our broken promises, not only do they no longer trust you, they learn to not trust anyone. As adults when someone breaks a promise to us, we shrug it off and don't take that person at their word again. 

Jesus tells us to not even make a vow or promise, in actuality, we don't own or control anything we could possibly swear by.  I've tried to live by that teaching for years now. And when people make a promise to me, I accept it with a grain of salt. 

The word's vow or promise also reminds me of the previous scripture on divorce. If we had a godly ceremony, we vowed (promised) in the sight of God, to be with that person "till death do us part". Yet, according to the polls I quoted yesterday, not everyone keeps that promise. I wonder how many people recite those vows with the hidden intention of leaving if it doesn't work out to their satisfaction. 

So as verse 37 says "Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’" is best, anything more and we are treading in dangerous territory. 

Blessings, Cecilia

1 Thessalonians's 1 Knock, Knock!

Berean Study Bible
Greetings to the Thessalonians
(2 Thessalonians 1:1-2; Philemon 1:1-3)
1Paul, Silvanus, a and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace to you. b
2We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers 3and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4Brothers who are beloved by God, we know that He has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake. 6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.

It's interesting how Paul starts his letters. If you look up the references above you will read similar greetings.
Today people email and text verses mailing letters. But how do we greet one another?
Do we relay blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ? Do we wish peace, work of faith, labor of love, thanking God for you (them)?
Or are you worried that you will be labeled a Jesus freak? I would wear that label with honor!

Do you believe what Paul states, God has chosen you? He had to draw you to Himself because He knew your heart. He saw something in you!

Verse 5 bears repeating, let it sink in!
"5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction".
Did you hear the Gospel knocking on your door?
Will you let it into your heart?
It will make you complete!

Receive the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering!
Yes we all will suffer on this earth, but wouldn't you rather have His joy in your suffering?

Knock, knock!

Blessings, David

Thank You Jesus For My Marriage. Matthew 5:31-32

Matthew 5:31-32

Teaching about Divorce

31 "You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ 32 But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.

Deuteronomy 24:1-5

"Suppose a man marries a woman but she does not please him. Having discovered something wrong with her, he writes her a letter of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house."

In Jesus's day, the Jewish officials had taken the lose interpretation of Deuteronomy 24:1 "but she does not please him" to mean a man could divorce his wife for any reason, even if she burnt his breakfast. Jesus is telling the people that is not what God intended when He gave this law. He explains divorcing for any reason, other than infidelity, is a sin. 

How the whole world could benefit from that teaching today. I tried to find statistics on marriage and divorce rates and this is what I found. In the mid 1990's the Census Bureau in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control who had tracked marriage and divorce rates stopped this practice due to budget restraints. 

Since then, marriage and divorce rates are based on poles taken by independent groups. We all know how inaccurate poles can be. Here is what the poles report. 1 out of 2 marriages end in divorce. That's 50%, one half, out of 6.9 marriages in 2015, 3.2 ended up divorced. In addition, contrary to recent articles, Christian divorces are not higher then non Christian divorces. According to the poles, regular church goers who place God at the center of their marriage, are 35% less likely to divorce. Interesting, Jewish marriages were found to have a 3% divorce rate. 

All the statistics aside, in my opinion, divorce is acceptable to so many today because people have just gotten lazy. Working for something is viewed as not worth the effort. It's easier to just give up and move on. We no longer care about hard work and marriage is hard work. 

I believe divorce is also acceptable in the case of abuse. No woman or man should be forced to stay in a abusive marriage. If spouses are treating each other in a Biblical manner, abuse would not happen. 

Ephesians 5:33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Did you catch that? One little word, MUST.  Its a command to love and respect, not an option. If you are following Gods command, you are not abusing your spouse.

This August David and I will be married 34 years. It has not always been easy and at times we've felt like giving up. But we didn't. It's been hard work and it's been worth it. I wouldn't have preferred my life spent with anyone else. 

Thank You Jesus for my marriage. 

Blessings, Cecilia

Everyone struggles, even you!

Prov 3:5 Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways
know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths
straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

STRUGGLING is my answer to a simple question. How are you doing? I believe

that everyone struggles and yet there are not many that are not honest

enough to say it. Throughout scripture we see people that struggled to be

obedient to God's word and trust in Him. The Israelite's struggled with

fear. David struggled with lust. People that walked with Jesus struggled

believing His words. Trusting in the Lord Jesus is not always easy. When we

see a family member or friend dying of cancer, many people struggle. When

people are in financial hardship there are struggles. Knowing that many are

called and yet few are chosen, I struggle with not wishing for any to

perish but for all to come to repentance. Whatever your struggle, know that

God is with you, and you can trust Him. If God takes you to it, He will

take you through it. MARANATHA - come quickly Lord Jesus.

Douglas 

Colossians 4 You too can be effective!

Sharing This Letter
16After this letter has been read among you, make sure that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”
18This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.
Remember my chains.
Grace be with you.  a

a 18 BYZ and TR include Amen.

Share the letter, greetings, remember my chains and complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.

How many of us, if we were in Paul's position could or would we share the Gospel as he did? I don't think I could have. But we need to remember God gives us different spiritual gifts and Paul was unique with his background and knowledge of the Old Testament.
How many souls did he touch while in chains? How many souls did he encourage while in chains? We may find out someday when we meet him in heaven.

Whatever your circumstances are, you too can be effective for the Kingdom of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, surrender to Him and hang on for the ride. We may not lead as many souls to Christ as Paul did, or comfort or encourage as many Paul but if we lead just one person with the Good News to God and salvation, the angles will still rejoice out loud at that moment!
Blessings, David

Luke 15:10English Standard Version (ESV)
10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Stop, Look and Listen. Matthew 5:27-30

Matthew 5:27-30

Teaching about Adultery

27 "You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

This is one of those misunderstood passages of the Bible. Jesus's point here is sacrifice. He is not literally telling us to physically mutilate our bodies if we sin. As Christians, when we recognize what we are doing is wrong, we need to stop and repent. Then we need to take steps to not do it again. 

Whatever it is that you are doing that is not bringing glory to God needs to stop. Is it a roving eye? Divert your eyes from what temps you.  Is it your language? Listen to the words you use. Is it the things you do with your hands? Put them in your pocket.

It's sacrificing our old ways, our old habits, our old speech to the ways, habits and speech of God. Just stop, look and listen to yourself then look and listen to Jesus. 

Blessings, Cecilia 

Mission Trips

Acts8:26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go
toward the south along the road...27 So he arose and went. And behold, a
man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the
Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem
to worship, 28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading
Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and
overtake this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the
prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

MISSIONS TRIPS can happen in everyday life if we keep our hearts open to

the Lord's leading. There have been many times that just by saying to

someone "God bless you", can give you an opportunity to pray with someone

or to share about Jesus. Yesterday, I was having lunch with a new friend

and as we were leaving a woman picked up our trays and as I said "God bless

you" she responded with "God bless you". I asked if there was something

that I could pray for her about, her response was "the happiness of her

family", so I prayed with her right then and there in the restaurant.

Yesterday afternoon, Tyenna, my 17 month old grand-daughter dropped my

daughters phone in the dog's water. During this missions trip, I was able

to pray with a member of the Geek Squad about her parents traveling mercy.

After that, called Apple Care and talked to Callie. Was able to encourage

her in the Word, let her know how much Jesus loves her, and reassure her it

is not about "religion", it is about a relationship with the One True

Living God. As God directed Philip to share with the Ethiopian eunuch, God

will direct his children today if we are willing to listen and to obey.

Douglas 

Colossians 4 What ministry do you participate in?

7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. 8I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about us, and that he may encourage your hearts. 9With him I am sending Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
10My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him. 11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God. 13For I testify about him that he goes to great pains for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.
15Greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house.

In this scripture Paul had five Jews who where his fellow workers for the kingdom, who were a comfort to him.

Then there was Epaphras, Luke the physician and a woman named Nympha.

Paul had an outreach ministry that made converts for the Kingdom and some of those became supporters of Paul's ministry spreading the Good News.

"Dr. Luke is only mentioned by name three times in Paul’s epistles (Col. 4:14; Philemon 24; 2 Tim. 4:11), although he might be hinted at on several other occasions. When he wrote his gospel and the book of Acts, he did not mention his name at all (Acts 1:1), nor did he mention his brother Titus. Dr. Luke was a humble person and he did not want to call attention to himself or his family, but rather, he wanted to point people to the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in His Church."

http://www.biblearchaeology.org/post/2014/01/23/Luke-The-Physician-with-Medicine-for-the-Souls.aspx

May we follow Paul and Dr Luke's examples of ministry for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessings, David

Thank you!

Exodus 17:12 But Moses’ hands were heavy and grew weary. So [the other men]
took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held
up his hands, one on one side and one on the other side; so his hands were
steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua mowed down and
disabled Amalek and his people with the sword.

THANK YOU to all those that have prayed for me and are continuing to pray

for me in the midst of the battles that I am facing. The Israelites were in

a battle with the Amalekites. Moses, Aaron and Hur were on top of a hill

watching. When Moses held his hands up Israel would be winning and when his

hands came down the enemy would be winning. Moses had friends that helped

him and held up his hands until sunset and Israel was the victor. It is an

honor and privilege to have brothers and sisters in Christ come along side

of me and give me support. People from all over the world are ministering

to me as I continue to minister to others. All through my life I have felt

that I am nothing special. I believe that God has given me a purpose, to

encourage the brethren, strengthen the saints, to bring hope to the

captives, and this is why the battle is fierce. Spiritual battles are never

easy but they are worth the fight. Remember, we are NOT fighting for

victory, we are fighting FROM victory. In simple terms of what I am going

through, I am just a beggar showing other beggars where to find bread. John

6:35 Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never

be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies

on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).

Douglas 

Overwhelmed!

Hebrews 12:3 Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous
opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it
all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or
exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.

Recently it seems as though I am going from one battle to the next without

any time to rest in between. I understand that I am not the only one going

through this. There have been battles of health, mental, emotional,

financial, battles of purity of mind, body and spirit, challenges at work.

The more that I do to encourage others, the more I feel attacked. There was

one word that came to mind yesterday as I was going through my day,

OVERWHELMED. As I step back and look at who I am living for and why, it

gives me strength to endure. As I was reading, I came across Hebrews 12:3,

and it all came into perspective. I need to think about Jesus and what He

went through and compare that to what I am going through, does not even

come close. I have been renewed by the Word of God and will continue to

renew others. There have been many times that I have shared parts of my

life with others and after they hear of my past, I hear the response that

they are glad they are not me. I share my struggles and I share my past,

not to glorify myself in any way. My desire is to glorify my God for

getting me through it all and never leaving me. If you are being attacked

by the enemy, take heart, you are not alone. If you do not feel attacked,

evaluate your life and see if you are working for God's kingdom or your own.

Douglas 

Fake people!

Matt15:8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with
their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

FAKE people are everywhere and one of the easiest places to find one is on

FACEBOOK. They "Friend request" you and start messaging you, make comments

on your post like they really care, and then, wait for it, wait for it,

BAM, "I need money". For many, you can tell by their profile. Hypocrite is

an acting term, hypocrisy comes from the Greek ὑυπόκρισις (hypokrisis),

which means "jealous", "play-acting", "acting out", I heard of a high

schooler that I know, in life she is quiet and reserved, she is also an

actor that takes on a whole other set of characteristics when on stage.

Their are many even in the church that do this. I have seen people dedicate

their children to the Lord and not be dedicated themselves. They are on the

stage, the Pastor praying over their child and the father is rolling his

eyes. This is not new. Matthew wrote the words if Isaiah, about speaking it

and not living it. LET THIS BE NOT SO for people that say that they belong

to God. You either are a child of God, or you are not. Stop playing around,

Choose God today, Choose life.

Douglas 

I prayed for you!

Eph3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that
He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be
strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ
may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded
in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width
and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes
knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

I prayed for YOU, specifically all who will read this. 2028 "friends" on

FACEBOOK, 80 on the distribution list, all by name, out loud, one by one. I

prayed for all who will read these words in different groups, in a blanket

prayer. I have prayed for those associated with you. The situations that

you are going through, your financial difficulties, for our God to provide

for your needs in every way. Nothing and nobody will ever convince me that

prayer does not work. If it were not for prayer, I believe that I would not

be alive today. I have also seen answered prayer from others. Some of those

prayers I barely remember praying and yet the impact was so great that

those that I prayed for years ago have told me that they have been praying

for me ever since. It is an honor and privilege for me to pray for others.

The prayer in Ephesians is my prayer for all who read this. Jesus loves you

and I love you too.

Douglas 

Justified in Anger? Matthew 5:21-26 NLT

Matthew 5:21-25 NLT

Teaching About Anger

²¹ “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' ²² But I say, if you are even angry with someone,  you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

²³ “So if you are presenting a sacrifice  at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, ²⁴ leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

²⁵ “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. ²⁶ And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

How many times have you thought "I'm not a bad person, I've never KILLED anyone"? We measure good and bad with the worst crime we can think of and justify ourselves against murderers. 

Here Jesus tells of if we are angry with someone we are committing murder in our heart. You know that bitterness you are hanging onto? That unforgiveness you refuse to extend? That, in Jesus' eyes, makes you a murderer. 

Why is it so hard to forgive others? I think it's because we feel justified to be angry. Someone said something or did something to us and we believe we are justified by our anger. But Jesus repeatedly tells us to forgive. 

Interestingly justified in the dictionary means "having, done for, or marked by a good or legitimate reason" as in "the doctors were justified in treating her". But in the Bible justified means to be "declared or made righteous in the sight of God".

So if we are justified in our anger, we cannot be justified in the sight of God. Which would you rather hold on to? Your anger or God?

Blessings, Cecilia

Verse 21 refers to  Exodus 20:13 "You must not murder" and Deuteronomy 5:17"You must not murder"

Colossians 4 How do you communicate?

Fellow Workers
1Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, 3as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should.
5Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Be thoughtful, be watchful, be prayerful, be proclaiming the mystery of Christ, declare it clearly, act wisely, speak graciously, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Wise words from Paul. But what does he mean, seasoned with salt?

Guzik commentary:
iii. "In classical writers 'salt' expressed the wit with which conversation was flavoured." (Peake) "Grace and salt (wit, sense) make an ideal combination." (Robertson)

b. That you may know how you ought to answer each one: Paul believed that Christians would answerothers from Biblical truth, and that they would work at knowing how to communicate those answers to those who are outside.

http://biblehub.com/commentaries/guzik/colossians/4.htm

How do you communicate to those who are outside?

Blessings, David

A Church Full. Matthew 5:17-20 NLT

Matthew 5:17-20 NLT

Teaching about the Law

17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

20 "But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

I am a Christian but I am not perfect. Everyday I think things I shouldn't think, say things I shouldn't say and do things I shouldn't do. But I try. Every day I try to live better then the day before. I try to catch the things I shouldn't think and turn my thoughts around. I try to stop myself from saying the things I shouldn't say and I try to not do the things I shouldn't do. It's an ongoing process. 

Someone recently said to me they don't go to church because the church is full of hypocrites. I wanted to respond "Then by all means, don't go, they don't need another one." I bit my tongue . I don't see the church as full of hypocrites. I see the church full of imperfect people serving an perfect God. I see the church full of injured, ailing people needing healing from Jesus. I see the church full of people hurting and suffering from the sins of this world who have found the answer to a better way of life. That way is Jesus. 

Blessings, Cecilia

Colossians 3 Are you His or a hypocrite?

Christian Households
18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
21Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.
22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.
23Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, 24because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

No favoritism from our Father in heaven! What a wonderful thing.
We see in this scripture how we are to act, how a Christian home is to be.

I had heard second hand that a relative refuses to go to church because it is full of hypocrites.
Brethren, the world is watching you and how will they know you are His? They will know if you practice this scripture!

The relative misses the main point of why people go to church. They go because they are sinners. A church is a hospital for sinners. A source of physical therapy where we learn the heal and to become more like Christ. But we need to do our homework, to put into practice what we learned.
If you don't, how will the world know you are His? The world will only see a hypocrite.

Are you His or a hypocrite?

Blessings, David

Shine Your Light. Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

14 "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 

Do you keep your faith in Christ hidden? Do you keep it to yourself because you are afraid of ridicule from family, friends or coworkers? This is hiding your light under a basket. 

If you're hiding your light, you are trying to cling to the world. You cannot truly light the way for others if you are walking in darkness. You need to shed your insecurities in who you are in Christ, let the world see who you are and walk boldly forward for Him. 

Take the first step, the next will be easier. The more you shine your light, the more you step forward in faith, the easier it gets. 

Blessings, Cecilia

Colossians 3 in the name of Lord Jesus

16Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Do you read the Book of Life, that is the Bible? If not, how can the word of Christ richly dwell in you?
For you have to read it to gain understanding to teach or admonish one another with all wisdom.

Do you participate in worship, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs? If you don't, how can your heart display gratitude towards God? You don't have to carry a tune or have a good voice, God looks at the heart and its gratitude.

Do you do everything in word or deed in the name of our Lord Jesus? Try it and you will be blessed. Give thanks to God the Father through Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is your intercessor.
Romans 8:34 Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.

Blessings, David

A tasteless life. Matthew 4:13 NLT

Matthew 4:13 NLT
"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. "

Salt is used to preserve meat, enhance flavor in food and melt ice on walkways and roads. We use it to soften water and tenderise meat. In ancient days is was also used to pay wages coining the phrase "worth his salt". It's an important nutrient in our diet and helps our electrolytes stay in balance. Without salt, our body cannot function correctly and we cannot think straight.

As salt, we are preserved by God, set apart by Him and given a purpose for His kingdom. If we are not fulfilling our purpose we are of no use. As salt, we should be spreading the Gospel. God created us to love Him, live for Him and tell the world about Him. 

To me, life without Jesus would be very tasteless. 

Blessings, Cecilia

Colossians 3 Is your light bright or dark?

12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.

At a recent funeral for a mother of a friend a letter was read from a catholic sister (nun) who was unable to attend. The person reading the letter warned everyone that it was from her and not from him and certain people in the crowd chuckled. Later the friend told me when she was visiting her mother and walking in the door the "sister" was walking out the door and the sister commented, (paraphrasing),
Speaking of Satan here she is.
My first thought, was she putting on love?

Brethren, you are His light. When you walk into a room do you brighten it up or darken it?

If we are outspoken and throw barbs how will our God view us? If people know that we proclaim Jesus, will our actions be putting on His love, or will He call us hypocrites, white washed tombs?

I pray that you, "as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

Blessings, David

Colossians 3 Put on your new self!

Putting on the New Self
1Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your (a) life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.(b) 7When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. 8But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth.
9Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.

Your new self vs your old self.
Paul said; Romans 7: 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do.
This illustrates the eternal struggle with our sinful self and the Holy Spirit within us.
One consultation is if Paul, an apostle had these struggles that we too are no different than he was.
Continue to press on towards the eternal goal, that is, striving to be like Jesus. Turn from evil things and desires of this world, and display the love of Jesus in our words and deeds. Be renewed in His image!

Dear Heavenly Father I lift up all those reading this devotional, please help us be more like Your Son in our words, deeds and thoughts. Help us put aside such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language.
In Jesus name I pray.

Blessings, David

Peace Be With You. Matthew 5:1-12 NLT

Matthew 5:1-12 NLT

The Sermon on the Mount

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

3 "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him,

for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

4 God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 God blesses those who are humble,

for they will inherit the whole earth.

6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,

for they will be satisfied.

7 God blesses those who are merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

for they will see God.

9 God blesses those who work for peace,

for they will be called the children of God.

10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,

for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

God wants to bless us. He wants to provide for our needs. He wants us to feel safe and loved. He wants us to know peace that can only come from a relationship with Him. The kind of peace we have when we fully trust and rely on Him. 

Have you experienced that peace? Maybe it's always with you, maybe you always feel it. Once in a while I get anxious about something that is happening around me but I think for the most part, I am good at letting go and letting God handle things. 

When my dad was in the hospital four years ago dying of heart failure I felt that peace. As the doctors struggled to keep him alive and my family struggled with letting him go, I trusted God was in control. Even though my dad would not survive, I felt that peace only God can provide. 

Wherever you go, whatever you do today, may His peace be with you. 

Blessings, Cecilia

Colossians 2 How do you practice Christianity?

20If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations: 21“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!”? 22These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23Such restrictions indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-prescribed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body; but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Legalism.... we all know what Jesus thought of the Scribes and Pharisee's. He called them white washed tombs.

Legalism can't save you, only the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ can save you. Don't add legalism to His gift, unless you desire condemnation.

David Guzik says: Self-imposed religion is man reaching to God, trying to justify himself by keeping a list of rules. Christianity is God reaching down to man in love through Christ.

How do you practice Christianity?

Blessings, David

Colossians 2 he loses connection to the head

16Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a festival, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. 17These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ. 18Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen. Such a man is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind, 19and he loses connection to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows as God causes it to grow.

Man always try's to qualify things including salvation. You must go to church on the sabbath, you can't eat this or that, you have to wear certain color clothing, can't have zippers. These are just a few but you get the picture. Remember salvation is free, don't put a price on it. Accept the gift and move on.

Man also try's to lift himself to lofty positions by claiming he saw this or that, is closer to God and has all knowledge. 

If he has no humility, run!

We are all sinners. Listening to someone who is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind can be dangerous, especially when he pops! 

Remember what this verse says; "he loses connection to the head"....

May our Lord bless you and give you discernment.

In Jesus name I pray.

Blessings, David 

God has a purpose for your life!

Phil1:21 For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to
live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity]. 22 If,
however, it is to be life here and I am to go on living, this will mean
useful and productive service for me; so I do not know which to choose [if
I am given that choice]. 23 But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have
the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far
better;24 yet to remain in my body is more necessary and essential for your
sake.

People Now, Heaven Later. Whenever we have 2 choices, one often seems

better than the other. There are some people, who more than anything else,

want to be in the presence of Jesus right now. Many are living in this

tension between heaven and earth. It seems at times easier to withdraw from

this sinful fallen world and the messiness of ministering to people, than

enduring through it. To give up before our time would defeat God's ultimate

purpose for us continuing to live.There is someone or a group of someones

with whom God wants "YOU" to share the gospel and invest your life and time

into for the kingdom. If your heart is still beating, then God still has a

purpose for your life. It is still “more necessary” for someone else, that

you remain. If your chief desire is to be with Jesus, pray about who you

would like to show the way to heaven to. Pray today for God’s purpose to be

revealed in your life. We each must understand, that as long as we are

living, God has a purpose for each of us on this earth. Maranatha - Come

Quickly Lord Jesus!

Colossians 2 Your sins are nailed to the cross!

 11In Him you were also circumcised in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. 12And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.
13When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses, 14having canceled the debt ascribed to us in the decrees that stood against us. He took it away, nailing it to the cross! 15And having disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Circumcision was a requirement from God to be performed on the Jewish people, setting them apart from the rest of the world as a sign that they were His. (The one true God)

Christ performs a Spiritual circumcision when we become saved.
When we are baptized it symbolizes to the world we are dead in our sins, (under water-buried) and out of the water (born again) new in Christ.

So who or what "decrees that stood against us"? Our sins, Satan shouts them from the mountain tops!
Jesus has taken your sins "nailing it to the cross!"
Don't let Satan convince you otherwise!

Jesus "disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them,"!!!!!!!

Rejoice brethren as you are forgiven by the grace of Christ Jesus!

Blessings, David

Before I formed you in the womb....

Jer 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I
sanctified you... Ps139:13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me
in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and
wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very
well.

ABORTION is only a choice for the "PERSON" having the abortion, it is not a

choice for the "PERSON" being aborted. I want everyone who has been

involved in abortion to understand that there is grace, God's undeserved

favor, and forgiveness for you if you confess and ask for forgiveness. You

can experience peace and know that God loves you. And more importantly come

to understand that God loves the little children. For those who are staunch

in pro-choice, there will be judgement from God Almighty against you. I am

going to say some things that might offend, and yet it is a reality. I sat

and watched the worldwide counter for abortion and was sad as I watched the

numbers grow, about 1 every second. Since 1980 worldwide, approximately

1,444,470,550 and counting. US Abortion Clock.org. Having an abortion does

not make you un-pregnant, it makes you the parent of a dead child. It is

sad to see thousands of woman march together for the right to kill their

own babies. I know very few people that wish that they were never born.

Abortion is not new, in the Bible, in the Old Testament, people sacrificed

to Molech, a false God. Images of Molech were made of bronze, and their

outstretched arms were heated red-hot. Living children were then placed

into the idol’s hands and died there or were rolled into a fire pit below.

Many sacrificed to be able to have more pleasure. Live without the

responsibility to there own actions. These same sacrifices are done today,

just in a nice and clean room, a "clinic". We must pray and also share the

love of Jesus to all those involved in this wicked practice.

Douglas 

The Great Physician Matthew 4:23-25

Matthew 4:23-25

Jesus Heals the Multitudes

23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed—and He healed them. 

25The large crowds that followed Him came from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. 

And He healed them. He healed them all. Only Jesus has the power to heal them all. 

When we need healing we go to a doctor. If it's a serious problem, we end up with multiple doctors. Cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, neurologist, oncologist, the list goes on. One google search stated there are as many as 120 different specialties in the medical field. The short lists showed 30-45. 

Only Jesus can heal them all. He is the great physician. 

Why does he physically heal some and not others? I don't know. But I trust Him to know what's best. If we aren't healed in this life, we can rejoice in the knowledge we will be completely healed in the next. 

Blessings, Cecilia 

Colossians 2 Are you bringing judgment upon yourself?

Alive in Christ
6Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, 7rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. 9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form. 10And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

What does it mean to be alive in Christ?
Very simply, do others see Christ in you?
When you meet someone for the first time, do they say you have been with Jesus?

Be careful Christian, be on guard of human tradition and the spiritual forces trying to lead you astray.
In our nation today we are seeing protests, resistance, violence coming from the political side that lost. They are acting like little children that haven't been taught the word "no", and throwing a tantrum.
Christian, Satan is doing the same thing, he's throwing a tantrum because he lost, he knows how he will end and is trying to drag anyone with him he can.

The Bible is clear on how we are to act towards government and our president.
◄ Romans 13 ►
Berean Study Bible
Submission to Authorities
(1 Peter 2:13-20)
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. 2Consequently, the one who resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

I pray you are not bringing judgement upon yourself.

Blessings, David