FACETIME!

FACETIME with Jesus is coming to soon, we do not know the day or the hour,
nevertheless it is coming. Are you ready today, at this very moment to see
Him face to face? *2Cor5:10 For we [believers will be called to account
and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one
may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that
is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals,
motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities]..*
Everyone will stand before God and give testimony. Acquitted or condemned
and sentenced, which will it be? Every action, word, and deed will be
judged. *Matt12:36 But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have
to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. 37 For
by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified
and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words [rejecting Me] you
will be condemned and sentenced.”* Many are living their lives without a
care in the world, not thinking about working out their own salvation with
fear and trembling. I am far from perfect, there are things that I do that
I know are not pleasing to the Lord. I also do not use what God has given
me completely for Him. I want to change that, I want to be more
Christ-like, more Christian than ever before. Knowing Jesus personally will
get you to heaven. I want more than to "get to heaven", I want to hear,
"Well done good and faithful servant".

Douglas 

Because of Abraham's Faith Genesis 17:15-22 NLT

Sometimes I'm a little slow, I can admit it. I have always questioned (in my mind) how Old Testament people get to heaven. Will they go at the rapture when the dead arise or are their spirits already there having gone at the time of their death? If it takes faith in Christ and Christ hadn't suffered on the cross yet, how could they already be in heaven? Did they go at the resurrection of Jesus? Did they go into an abyss of nothingness until then? 

You can see my confusion. 

Well, recently while doing this study of Genesis, it clicked. I finally understand the verse in Romans 5 verse 22 "And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous." Other translations say "it was credited to him as righteousness.”  

Because of Abraham's faith, God's grace granted him eternal salvation even though Christ had not died for the sins of the world yet. Because of Abraham's faith, God gave him "credit". He got a "pass" to go to heaven when he died. 

It's our faith that guarantees us a place in heaven too. I think it's a little easier for us to get there then it was in the Old Testament time. We have something a little more tangible to hold on to. Jesus Christ. For us, salvation is achieved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. 

Romans 4:20-22 NLT 

20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.  21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.  22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.  

Genesis 17:15-22 NLT 

15 Then God said to Abraham, “Regarding Sarai, your wife—her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah.   16 And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants.” 

17 Then Abraham bowed down to the ground, but he laughed to himself in disbelief. “How could I become a father at the age of 100?” he thought. “And how can Sarah have a baby when she is ninety years old?” 18 So Abraham said to God, “May Ishmael live under your special blessing!” 

19 But God replied, “No—Sarah, your wife, will give birth to a son for you. You will name him Isaac, and I will confirm my covenant with him and his descendants as an everlasting covenant.  20 As for Ishmael, I will bless him also, just as you have asked. I will make him extremely fruitful and multiply his descendants. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.  21 But my covenant will be confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah about this time next year.”   22 When God had finished speaking, he left Abraham. 

Blessings, Cecilia

1 John 2- Who is the liar?

22Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son. 23No one who denies the Son can have the Father; whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.

We've all heard of the Holy Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In our study of "The End Time Battles" we learned there is a unholy trinity, not three persons in one, but three that come together to destroy Israel. They are Satan, antichrist and the false prophet. I've studied the Bible and know that Jesus wins! 

All of you take note for it is written;

"No one who denies the Son can have the Father"!

When we are judged; How will God react to those who rejected His Son?

When people reject Jesus as the  Christ they are also rejecting the Father as it was the Father that sent the Son.

Who is the liar?

Blessings, David 

I am also a man (sinner)!

I was sharing with a friend a while back some of the struggles that I am
having and asked if this has changed the way that they look at me, the way
that they see me as a person, as a "Christian"? Their response was, "It's
nice to know that you are human". There are so many people that look to
leaders as something perfect, someone to be praised. The Apostle Peter
walked into Cornelius' house and was greeted with worship. *Acts10:25 As
Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and
worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am
also a man.”* There were also contentions in the Corinthian church.
*1Cor1:12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am
of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ
divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of
Paul?* The body of Christ is made up by men, who are sinners saved by grace
as the rest of us. Brethren, may we strive to live a life that glorifies
our God, worship the only One that deserves it, Jesus, and be filled with
Holy Spirit as to not walk in the flesh. Heavenly Father, thank You for
looking deeper in us than what others see, and for seeing our potential to
glorify You in spite of who we are or what we have done. Please help Your
children to trust that You want us just as that we are today and have a
plan to mold us, change us, transform us into the people we need to be so
You can use us for Your kingdom. Help us to trust You and Your plan for our
lives. Help others to see Jesus' reflection in us. Help all who read this
to understand that You have a plan and purpose for their lives as well. In
Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Douglas 

1 John 2- What will you do with it?

20You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.a 21I have not written you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you have it, and because no lie comes from the truth. 

This idea of anointing – literally, to be blessed with oil – was said to be the reason behind one of the punishments given to John in persecution. The Roman emperor Domitian cast John in a boiling vat of oil, as if to say, “Here is a real anointing.” John emerged from the vat of boiling oil unharmed, because he was anointed indeed.

(Guzik)

But what is the truth? 

John 14:6 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Now that you have knowledge of the truth, what will you do with it?

Blessings, David 

1 John 2- "That this is the last hour"?

18Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. 19They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

Yesterday I sent out the link for the "End Time Battles" which explains the antichrist coming onto the scene.

In these verses John touches on the subject. 

Are you living your life as if Jesus could return at any moment?

"That this is the last hour"?

Go deeper;

David Guzik commentary 1 John 2 

https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-john-2/

Blessings, David 

TESTIMONY!

TESTIMONY - "A public recounting of a religious conversion or experience".
Everything that people experience, good and bad, have power if used
correctly to further the kingdom of God. Our testimonies are all different
and yet have the same ability to bring honor and glory to God. It is
wriiten in ^Daniel 4:2 I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders
that the Most High God has worked for me.3 How great are His signs, And how
mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion
is from generation to generation.* My life has been full of challenges
because of the choices that I have made, I was a drunk, sexually immoral,
drug addict, liar, thief, adulterer, blasphemer, covetous, divorced, etc. I
think you all get my point. Chief of all sinners. I like what is written in
*Rev12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of
their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.* I am at
that point where I do not love my own life to death. The most important
part of my life is, SAVED by grace and shown the love of Jesus at 36 years
old. My life still has challenges due to what I have done and the
consequences that I am still dealing with. I declare to all who read this,
Jesus is alive and active. No matter what you have done, no matter where
you are today, God has a plan for your life. My friends and brethren, if
there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. You are in my
thoughts and prayers, Jesus loves you and I do too!

Douglas 

What Does THAT Mean? Genesis 17:1-8 NLT

When I was little I was called Cece. My sister still calls me that. I also have a niece named after me and she is called Cece. When I was a young adult I was called Cec (pronounced Cease). I went by this until just a few years ago when I was tired of the "cease fire" and "cease to exist" jokes. When I worked at Gospel Rescue Mission I was called " Miss Cece". Working with children Cece is easy for them to say and remember. I'm leaning toward Cece again. 

God has many names. Too numerous to list here. Maybe I'll do a devotion just on the name's for God. In verse 1 of Genesis 17 He is called  El-Shaddai. Here are some translations I found. 

Kidner: “A traditional analysis of the name is ‘God (el) who (sa) is sufficient (day).”

Clarks: “El shaddai, I am God all-sufficient; from shadah, to shed, to pour out. I am that God who pours out blessings, who gives them richly, abundantly, continually.”

Barnhouse: "the Hebrew word shad means “chest” or “breast.” It may have in mind the strength of a man’s chest (God Almighty) or the comfort and nourishment of a woman’s breast (God of Tender Care)."

Leupold: "Shaddai comes from the root shadad, which means “to display power.”

Guzik: "We do know the Septuagint translates the word with the Greek pantokrator “Almighty,” the “One who has His hand on everything.”

In verse 5 of Chapter 17 God changed Abram’s name from Abram (father of many) to Abraham (father of many nations). Although the many nations isn't something Abraham will see in his lifetime, two nations were spawned during Abrahams life. The Jewish nation from his son Isaac and the Muslim nation from Ishmael. 

God also promised Abraham and his descendants the land of Israel. Not just the little nation we know as Israel today but the entire land from the Euphrates River south to the land of Egypt. It was east to west from the Mediterranean Sea to the River Jordan. Today the land of Israel is much smaller than God intended. 

One other point I want to make. Verse 1 states "the LORD appeared to him". I believe this is a Christophany, an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. I believe this for one simple reasons.  John 1:18 "No one has ever seen God." 

Genesis 17:1-8 NLT

Abram Is Named Abraham 

1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.  2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” 

3 At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, 4 “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations!  5 What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham,  for you will be the father of many nations.  6 I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them! 

7 “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants  after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you.  8 And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.” 

Blessings, Cecilia

1 John 2- Do you have the love ❤️?

Do Not Love This World

15Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

"At the same time, even at their best the rewards that come from this world last only as long as we live. The problem is that though we gain prestige, status, honor, and comfort of this world, we lose the prestige, status, honor, and comfort of heaven". (Guzik)

He who does the will of God abides forever: This stands in strong contrast to the passing world. Because some things are forever, it is much wiser to invest our lives into that which cannot be lost: doing the will of God. (Guzik)

Do "you" have the love of the Father in you?

Blessings, David 

God cleans His own fish!

God cleans His own fish. There are many people around us that are very good
actors. I try hard not to pretend that things are going great when they are
not. And lately, it seems that I am following the old saying, "Fake it till
you make it". From the outside, it seems that all is well, but on the
inside, what is going on in my mind and heart is a scrambled mess. The
emotional scars, the "baggage" that I can't seem to put away, seems to
haunt me everyday. I know that every part of my past, my brokenness,
loneliness and sin, has made me who I am today. Becoming a Christian has
truly been life changing. I take the words written in the Bible seriously,
I look at *2Cor5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.*
and know that those words were written for me. The challenge is that
sometimes it is a process that takes longer than I want. A new creation
takes time. The Fruit of the Spirit is a full basket, and yet to have it
all, seems to be a life long challenge. *Gal5:22 But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control...*. I think self-control is at
the end for a reason, for me it is the most challenging. I fight to
remember the written words *Phil4:13 I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me...* John Travis Newton wrote - “I am not what I ought to be,
I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world;
but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am
what I am”. And my hope is believing will all that I am, that I am His.

Douglas 

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves. Genesis 16:1-16 NLT

"God helps those who help themselves. 

This is stated nowhere in the Bible. In fact, the opposite is stated over and over. 

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. (Proverbs 28:26)

You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall. (Isaiah 25:4)

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly… God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6,8)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Abram went to Egypt for food and left with excess baggage, a slave girl named Hagar. Maybe if he hadn't gone where God had not directed him to go, he wouldn't have been tempted to help himself fulfill God's promise. God had told Abram in Genesis 15:5 "Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” 

Abram's impatience put in motion a whole new set of problems that are still felt to this day. God's timing is perfect, it's best to not force Him to hurry up. 

Genesis 16:1-16 NLT

The Birth of Ishmael

1 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, “The LORD has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal. 3 So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife. (This happened ten years after Abram had settled in the land of Canaan.)

4 So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she’s pregnant she treats me with contempt. The LORD will show who’s wrong—you or me!”

6 Abram replied, “Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away.

7 The angel of the LORD found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. 8 The angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

“I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai,” she replied.

9 The angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.” 10 Then he added, “I will give you more descendants than you can count.”

11 And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the LORD has heard your cry of distress. 12 This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.”

13 Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the LORD, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” 14 So that well was named Beer-lahai-roi (which means “well of the Living One who sees me”). It can still be found between Kadesh and Bered.

15 So Hagar gave Abram a son, and Abram named him Ishmael.16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Ishmael was born.

Blessings, Cecilia

1 John 2- What is your maturity level in Christ?

12I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven through His name.
13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning.
I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.
14I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning.
I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

In these verses John is referring to maturity level of spirituality. An infant in Christ Jesus is just as saved as a father or adult because your sins have been forgiven through His name.

Do you consider yourself as an infant, child, young man or father in Christ?
Are you making an effort to mature in the faith of Jesus Christ?
Maturity comes with time and knowledge by reading the bible, attending bible studies, studying sermons, reviewing commentary, prayer, faith etc.

What is your maturity level in Christ?

Blessings, David

Choices!

Choices are made everyday that we may not see the consequences of right
away or maybe even for years. Choices to do certain things or not to do
things, not only affect our life but the lives of those around us, those
that we love and care about, and more importantly our relationship with
God. Some of those choices, at the time seem right and later on, when time
passes, we realize how wrong those choices actually were. Priorities for
some come easy, while others, because of past issues, addictive traits or
characteristic problems have hard times processing how to do things in a
way that pleases everyone, especially God. Our God is more patient and
understanding than anyone on earth. God's choice, His heart is to spend
eternity with us, and because of that, His chooses to wait patiently for
all that will to come to repentance. It is written in *2Peter3:8
Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that
with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is
like one day. 9 The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act]
and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is
[extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for
all to come to repentance.* Dear heavenly Father, please help us, Your
children, to walk in purity of mind, body and spirit. Give us the ability
to stand in the midst of the battle, and when we fall, help us to get up,
dust ourselves off and get back to work for Your kingdom. Help us to
minister to the lost and the broken. May all that you have called come to
repentance. In Jesus precious and powerful name, amen.

Douglas 

The Cookie Monster. Proverbs 25:7b-8 NIV

She bought a magazine and a small pack of cookies and sat at a crowded airport lunch counter.  

To her disbelief, the man next to her opened her package of cookies and ate one! She pulled the package closer to herself and took one. She couldn't believe it, the man was actually smiling! She flipped open her magazine and slowly ate her cookie. 

A few minutes later, it happened again! He took a cookie from her pack, smiling as he did so. 

Indignant, she shoved the remaining cookies into her purse, got up, and left.  

When she looked back, she couldn't believe the man was chuckling to himself. 

Thirty minutes later when her plane took off, she reached into her purse for the cookies, proud of how restrained she'd been with the cookie thief.  

But instead of one package of cookies, she found two identical packages, one opened and one unopened.  

To her horror she realized she'd just stolen cookies from the smiling man at the counter. He was the one who'd shown incredible restraint, not her.  

This story illustrates a good point: We need to get our facts straight before judging ourselves or others. 

Unknown Author

Proverbs 25:7b-8 NIV

7b What you have seen with your eyes 8 do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?

Blessings, Cecilia

1 John 2- Are you in light or darkness?

7Beloved, I am not writing you a new commandment, but an old one, which you have had from the beginning. This commandment is the message you have heard. 8Then again, I am also writing you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining. 

9If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. 10Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. 11But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Sometimes it is easy to think, “Following Jesus would be easy if it weren’t for all the Christians.” And many, many Christians live as the walking wounded, crippled by the scars other Christians have inflicted on them. Yet this measure still stands. If we can’t love each other, then we have no way to claim a real love for God. Our relationship with God can be measured by our love for other Christians. (Guzik)

Hate is the evidence of blindness to the light of God. Love is the evidence that sight has been given to the blind. This is the miracle of the new birth. This is the true light that is already shining. This is the fountain of love in every believer. (Piper)

Are you in light or darkness?

Blessings, David 

REVIVAL!

REVIVAL - the growth of something or an increase in the activity of
something after a long period of no growth or activity (merriam-webster).
It seems as we look around at our society that we see more of the
reflection of the world than we do of Christ. The people that go to church,
enjoy the time there and yet, when many leave the building, many also
appear to leave their love and devotion to Jesus behind. Brethren, REVIVAL
needs to start with the children of God. It is written in *Acts 2:17 ‘And
it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of
My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your
young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My
menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.* Many of these signs are coming to pass. Heavenly
Father, please give Your children boldness to preach the Gospel. REVIVE a
spirit in us of love for the lost and broken, compassion for the dying.
Pour out Your Spirit on us to help us further Your kingdom, in Jesus
precious and powerful name, amen. I want to see such a great revival that
the devil prays for the rapture!

Douglas 

God Is a Promise Keeper. Genesis 15:18 NLT

God Is a Promise Keeper
by Gary Oliver

I grew up in Southern California and my favorite activity was swimming. There was only one time I had to be rescued. When I was in ninth grade I went with some friends to Tamarack State Park near Oceanside, California, for a day of body surfing. The waves were great that day. I decided to swim a little farther from shore in the hopes of catching some larger waves.

I was so intent on catching the waves I didn't notice that the waves were beginning to break in a pattern that can produce rip tides. As I was swimming farther out. I dove underneath a wave that wad breaking right in front of me. Rather than immediately coming back up to the surface, I felt tremendous pressure pushing my body back down and pulling me out to sea. I had no idea what was happening. My feet touched the bottom, I tried to push myself up but couldn't. I was almost out of air and I panicked. I also prayed.

I forgot what I said to God but obviously He heard me. Suddenly I found myself on the surface of the water. I was exhausted and afraid it would happen again. I heard a voice shouting to me. I turned towards the voice to see a lifeguard throwing a life preserver and hung on for dear life. With the rope in one hand the lifeguard pulled me in.

When I made it to shore I was a bit embarrassed, but most of all I was grateful. The lifeguard said he had been watching me. He could see there was rip tide condition and knew I wasn't aware of it. Before I had gone under he was already swimming towards me to warn me and, if necessary, rescue me.

Over the years I've realized that living the Christian life is a lot like the experience I had that day. Even though I wasn't aware of it, the lifeguard had his eyes on me and knew I was moving into dangerous water. He was in the water before I needed him-just in case.

God is our lifeguard...God's promises are life preserves. They keep the soul from sinking into the sea of discouragement...

When your perspective becomes distorted and your problems begin to consume your entire field of vision, you need a perspective preserver. When it feels like God has deserted you and you begin to get discouraged, you will find that God's promises will always pull you out and bring you back to safety.

Genesis 15:18 NLT

18 So the LORD made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River—

Blessings, Cecilia

Saved By Faith. Genesis 15:6 NLT

We are saved by faith, not by works.

"When Abram put his trust in God, specifically in God’s promise to him (descendants leading to the Messiah), God credited this belief to Abram’s account as righteousness.

There are essentially two types of righteousness: righteousness we accomplish by our own efforts, and righteousness accounted to us by the work of God when we believe.

Since none of us can be good enough to accomplish perfect righteousness, we must have God’s righteousness accounted to us by doing just what Abram did: he believed in the Lord.

God’s accounting is not pretending. God does not account to us a pretended righteousness, but a real one in Jesus Christ. " David Guzik

For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” ( Romans 4:1-3)

It's not by works:

Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. ( Romans 4:9-10)

It's not by believing God exists, but by believing God's word:

And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead ( Romans 4:19-24).

Believing God and His promises:

Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?; just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.( Galatians 3:5-7)

Genesis 15:6 NLT

6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith.

Blessings, Cecilia

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-righteousness-700695

1 John 2- Do you abide in Him?

3By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. 4If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him: 6Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.

Many people claim to be Christian but their actions are louder than their words. When we lived and drove in a big city it was hard not to curse at other drivers. When I became "born again " I had to break this habit of sinning. One day asked my pastor if he cursed in his mind (silently) at other drivers when driving around town. He replied; all the time! I've now graduated to the word idiot, but it's still not how Jesus would respond. We all have to work on keeping His word so the love of God can be perfected in us. We must make an effort to walk as Jesus walked.

Is there something in your life that you need to change?
Do you abide in Him?

Blessings, David

God has a plan!

Have you ever had one of those days when everything you thought, said and
did, worked out great and you knew in your heart that it pleased God, then
a short time later, did the complete opposite? David was a boy chosen by
God to be king. A man after God's own heart who would do mighty deeds. He
slayed Goliath, *1Sam17:49 David put his hand into his bag and took out a
stone and slung it, and it struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone
penetrated his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.* David fought
many battles victoriously, he was a warrior. But David was also a sinner.
He committed adultery and murder, *2Sam11:4 Then David sent messengers to
get her (Bathsheba). She came to him, and he slept with her...* For many we
can go from a mountaintop experience one moment and then end up laying in a
valley, broken and defeated the next, all because we took our focus off of
Jesus and His plans for us. Brethren, no matter where you are at today,
remember that God has a plan for your life, a purpose for your pain, and a
promise of forgiveness for your sin. May we put our past behind us, rise
and continue in the battle for the kingdom, and know that we will be
victorious! Closing thought, I read the end of the book, The Devil loses!

Douglas 

1 John 2- Would we not sin?

John 2
Berean Study Bible
Jesus Our Advocate
1My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours alone, but also for the sins of the whole world.

"We have an Advocate: God’s desire is that you may not sin. Yet if we do, there is provision made – an Advocate, a defense lawyer on our side. Our Advocate is Jesus Christ Himself." (Guzik)

Propitiation or atoning;
“The word implies that Christ has, as our sin-offering, reconciled God and us by nothing else but by His voluntary death as a sacrifice: has by this averted God’s wrath from us.” (Alford)

Sin is sin and sin affects our relationship with God, but I think there is a difference from outwardly and inwardly sinning. "Outwardly" (spills over-outward appearance) affects yourself and others, "inwardly" affects yourself but can eventually consume you so badly it spills-flows outward for all to see.
If we could only SEE how our "outwardly" sin turns others from Chirst!
The world would call us a hypocrite!
Would we not sin?

Blessings, David

It Takes A Relationship. Genesis 15:1-6 NLT

One Sunday at Youth Group the Pastor asked the  boys "Do you believe God exists?" The boys all enthusiastically answered "Yes, yes we believe God exists." The Pastor asked "Does that mean you're going to Heaven? " The boys thought a moment, looked at each other for reassurance and said "Yes, we're going to Heaven" with a nod in agreement. 

The Pastor asked "Does Satan believe God exists?" " Yes, Satan knows God exists." the boys replied. "Is Satan going to Heaven? " the Pastor asked "No, no he's not." Stated the boys. 

The Pastor told the boys "Then it takes more then just believing God exists to go to Heaven, doesn't it." 

It takes a relationship that can only be achieved through the blood of Jesus Christ. 

James 2:19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.

The faith that made Abram righteous wasn’t so much believing  in God (as we usually speak of believing in God), as it was  believing God. Those who only believe  in God (in the sense of believing He exists) are merely on the same level as demons. David Guzik

Genesis 15:1-6  NLT 

The LORD’s Covenant Promise to Abram 

1 Some time later, the LORD spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” 

2 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign LORD, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth.  3 You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” 

4 Then the LORD said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.”  5 Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” 

6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. 

Blessings, Cecilia

1 John 1- Are you a sinner or a liar?

8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us. 

“Our deceitful heart reveals an almost Satanic shrewdness in self-deception . . . If you say you have no sin you have achieved a fearful success, you have put out your own eyes, and perverted your own reason!” (Spurgeon)

“The text means just this – Treat God truthfully, and he will treat you truthfully. Make no pretensions before God, but lay bare your soul, let him see it as it is, and then he will be faithful and just to forgive you your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” (Spurgeon)

Are you a sinner or a liar?

Blessings, David 

Malchizedek. Genesis 14:18-20 NLT

Earlier in chapter 14, Abrams nephew Lot had been captured by an invading force. The invading force was comprised of four kings and their armies, probably a large number of men. Abram assembled 318 of his servants, to go to battle against them and free Lot. 318 men against 4 armies. 

Now, I'm sure these 318 men were trained in warfare, they weren't just farm hands. Abram had some knowledge of warfare too, he divided his army and attacked for two sides during the night. Good move. He also had God on his side. Lot and the people were freed and the "spoils" from Sodom retrieved. After returning home, Abram meets Malchizedek. 

Malchizedek, the king of Salem, aka Jerusalem, priest of God Most High. Now, kings could not be priests and priests could not be kings. Except Malchizedek. Malchizedek means "King of Righteousness". 

Hebrews 7:3 states "There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God." Some believe, as I do, this is another "Christophany", Jesus appearing on earth in the Old Testament. I say another, because I believe the first was in the Garden of Eden when God walked with Adam and Eve. Since no one has ever seen God, God in human form, Jesus, walked in the Garden with Adam and Eve. 

Now here's the best part of Chapter 14. Look what Malchizedek brings when he blesses Abram, bread and wine. Malchizedek brings communion. This is long before the first Passover and even longer before the Last Supper where the act of communion was first instituted. If I could go back to any event in history for an experience of my choice it would be to this moment, to receive communion from Jesus Himself. How awesome would THAT be! And the very FIRST communion at that! 

Genesis 14:18-20 NLT

Melchizedek Blesses Abram

18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High,  brought Abram some bread and wine.  19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: 

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.” 

Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. 

Blessings, Cecilia

Are you walking in His footsteps?

Walking in the Light
(John 8:12-30)

5And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7Butb if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

A good definition of God is, “God is the only infinite, eternal, and unchangeable spirit, the perfect being in whom all things begin, and continue, and end.” Another way of saying that God is perfect is to say that God is light. (Guzik)

Many Christians are not aware of their true condition. They know they are saved, and have experienced conversion and have repented at some time in their life. Yet they do not live in true fellowship with God. (Guzik)

“Observe, yet again, that in the verse there is no hint given of any emotions, feelings, or attainments, as co-operating with the blood to take away sin. Christ took the sins of his people and was punished for those sins as if he had been himself a sinner, and so sin is taken away from us; but in no sense, degree, shape or form, is sin removed by attainments, emotions, feelings or experiences.” (Spurgeon)

John is explaining that we need to have fellowship with Him, we need to walk in His light. In other words we need people around us to see Him in us by our actions and words.

Since Jesus took your sins upon Himself and paid the penalty, you need to make an effort to walk in His footsteps, to let others see Jesus in you.

Are you walking in His footsteps?

Blessings, David 

1 John 1- Where is your fellowship?

1 John 1

Berean Study Bible

The Word of Life
(Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-23)

1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life. 2And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write these things so that oura joy may be complete.

Eye witness account from John! 

He heard, he saw, he gazed upon, he touched with his own hands!

The movie, "The Case For Christ" examined evidence trying to prove Christ didn't exist. When evidence proved otherwise, he tried to prove he didn't die on the cross. When evidence proved otherwise, he tried to prove there was no  resurrection. But there were 500 witnesses of Jesus walking the earth after His death on the cross. At the end of his case study the atheist became a born again believer.

"we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you".

Do you believe this eyewitness account of John?

John is "proclaiming" so that you also may have;

"fellowship with us"! 

"And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ."

Where is your fellowship?

Blessings, David 

Promises, Promises. Genesis 13:14-18 NLT

When we were kids, we probably made promises we thought we could keep. "I promise we will always be friends." As young adults we promised to love "for better or worse" in our marriage vows. Yet, when things get tough, many cut and run which is evident in the high divorce rate. As an "older adult", I've learned not to put stock in promises. Is that being cynical? No, I think it's just being realistic. We can't control the future so we shouldn't make promises. 

God always keeps His promises. Only He can control the future. He promised Abram the land of Canaan "to you and your descendants as a permanent possession." And He told Abram "And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted!" Abram's  many descendants still possess that land today. 

What was Abrams response? "There he built another altar to the LORD." 

Thank you Lord for Your promises. Thank you Lord for keeping Your promises. Thank you Lord for being in control. Control my steps today Lord so I can honor you. In Jesus name, amen. 

Genesis 13:14-18 NLT

14 After Lot had gone, the LORD said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west.  15 I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants  as a permanent possession.  16 And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted!  17 Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.” 

18 So Abram moved his camp to Hebron and settled near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. There he built another altar to the LORD. 

Blessings, Cecilia