Galatians 5 Do you walk in the Spirit?

25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

We live by the Spirit through Jesus Christ. But walking by the Spirit is not easy as it goes against our human nature that you had since birth. And if you came to Christ later in life, old habits become harder to break. Rely on Jesus to transform your heart and a transformed heart is what helps you walk by the Spirit. Remember that Jesus looks into the heart of man.

26Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
I repeat this verse but highlighted not.
Not boastful. Not challenging one another. Not envying one another.
These are human traits and the Galatians were good at them so Paul reminds and advises them do away with them.

What about you? Do you walk by the Spirit? Are you boastful? Do you challenge and envy people?

Let me put it this way. How many people do you know who claim to be Christians but don't act like it? They don't walk in the Spirit.

Examine yourself. Do others believe you are a Christian by your actions?
You are Gods ambassador, so behave like one!

Blessings, David

May we be Heavenly minded

Ps17:15 As for me, I shall see Your face in righteousness; I will be
[fully] satisfied when I awake [to find myself] seeing Your likeness.
Matt5:8 “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the
pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character],
for they will see God.

Have you ever really thought about what it will be like when you see Jesus

face to face? There is a song by Mercy Me that has in its lyrics thoughts

of what it might be like: "Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be

still Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall Will I sing

hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all". A few years ago I developed a

tumor in my neck. It ended up being the size of a peach before it was

removed. I was on the operating table and this song was on the radio. I

knew that whatever happened, I was going to be ok. I was excited that in

the next moment I might see Jesus and concerned as well. I have heard

people say that they do not want to go to heaven "yet", that there is so

much more "stuff" they want to do here. For those that think that way, it

seems as if you have no real understanding of what heaven is all about. I

am ready to go today. I want to be with my Jesus. I also understand that

there is so much more to do for the kingdom here. May we be heavenly minded

and earthly good to the glory of God, in Jesus name, amen.

Douglas 

God's Not Done With You Yet 1 King 19:1-18

1 Kings 19 (NKJV) Elijah Escapes from Jezebel And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” 5 Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 8 So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” God’s Revelation to Elijah 11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” 15 Then the Lord said to him: “Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. 16 Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. 17 It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. 18 Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” You have had enough. You just want to give up. You're done, finished, "over it". Time to throw in the towel, move on. We've all been there, many times. Have you ever prayed "Lord, take me now, I don't want to go on!"? Well, I'll admit it, I have. It's been a few years since I was at that point but I have. Pure misery, that's where you are when you pray for death. It's nothing to be ashamed of, Elijah was one of the greatest prophets in the Bible and he prayed for death. But then, he heard God's still small voice. Sometimes God has to bring us to the brink to get us to be quiet enough to hear him. What he told me that day was that in my weakness, He is strong. What He told me that day was that He never gives us more than we can handle. What He told me that day was to get up and keep moving forward, He would make a way. And I did. And He did. And He will for you. Trust Him. Listen to Him. He's a good Father and a good Father never leads his children astray. Blessings, Cecilia

Galatians 5 Which group do you belong to?

18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these.

fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness, self-control;

Examine your heart this morning, which group do you belong to?
Do you want to inherit the kingdom of God?
We all struggle with the flesh verses the Spirit within us. Pray that the Spirit wins against your flesh.
Dear Heavenly Father, help us fight the flesh in thought and deed. Give us the will to win over it, through Your Helper, the Holy Spirit. Help us crucify the flesh.
In Jesus name I pray.
Blessings, David

We have found the Messiah!

John1:40 One of the two who heard John *speak,* and followed Him, was
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and
said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ).
42 And he brought him to Jesus.

I remember my first real encounter with Jesus. It was not in a church, it

was not at a revival. I met Jesus, Father's Day 2000 in my children's

bedroom. I was all alone, it was just me and Him. From that day forward, my

desire has been to know Him more and make Him known to all that I come in

contact with. I look at so many people in the Scriptures and want to be

like them. I look at Paul and want his boldness. I look at Barnabas and

want to encourage. I look at Andrew, and see a man who had an experience

with the Christ and was bringing everyone he met to meet Him. There are

many people who profess Christ and tell no one about Him. There is talk of

sports, a job, money, politics, of a spouse or grandchildren without

hesitation and yet the mention of Jesus is far from their lips. Brethren,

“We have found the Messiah” and the world, our world needs to know, they

need to meet Him.

Douglas 

He is not wishing that any should perish!

Ez18:23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” says the Lord
God, “rather than that he should turn [away] from his [malevolent] acts and
live? 2Peter3:9 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.

 Fidel Castro is dead! There are many that are celebrating his death. The

sad part is, there is a good possibility, that another soul has been lost

to the devil and ended up in hell. There are many that think only certain

types of people should be allowed to go to heaven. Only good people.

Reality check, according to the scriptures there is no one that deserves to

go to heaven. (ref. Romans 3:10, 3:23) There are definitely wicked people

in our world, people that do very bad things, but, who is anyone that they

should rejoice in the death of the wicked, if God does not rejoice in it?

God has also said, that vengeance is His, and that He is not wishing for

ANY to perish, but for ALL to come to repentance. Brethren, prayer is the

most powerful tool that we have to help save souls. I believe that if we

prayed more to God and complained less to each other, lives will be

changes. I also think, that for those that make it to heaven, they will be

amazed of who is there and probably a little more amazed of who isn't.

Douglas 

We Can Go Our Own Way. 2 Samuel 13:1-22

2 Samuel 13:1-22 (NKJV) Amnon and Tamar After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. 2 Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin. And it was improper for Amnon to do anything to her. 3 But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Now Jonadab was a very crafty man. 4 And he said to him, “Why are you, the king’s son, becoming thinner day after day? Will you not tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” 5 So Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Please let my sister Tamar come and give me food, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.’” 6 Then Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill; and when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, “Please let Tamar my sister come and make a couple of cakes for me in my sight, that I may eat from her hand.” 7 And David sent home to Tamar, saying, “Now go to your brother Amnon’s house, and prepare food for him.” 8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house; and he was lying down. Then she took flour and kneaded it, made cakes in his sight, and baked the cakes. 9 And she took the pan and placed them out before him, but he refused to eat. Then Amnon said, “Have everyone go out from me.” And they all went out from him. 10 Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the bedroom, that I may eat from your hand.” And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them to Amnon her brother in the bedroom. 11 Now when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” 12 But she answered him, “No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing! 13 And I, where could I take my shame? And as for you, you would be like one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you.” 14 However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her. 15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Arise, be gone!” 16 So she said to him, “No, indeed! This evil of sending me away is worse than the other that you did to me.” But he would not listen to her. 17 Then he called his servant who attended him, and said, “Here! Put this woman out, away from me, and bolt the door behind her.” 18 Now she had on a robe of many colors, for the king’s virgin daughters wore such apparel. And his servant put her out and bolted the door behind her. 19 Then Tamar put ashes on her head, and tore her robe of many colors that was on her, and laid her hand on her head and went away crying bitterly. 20 And Absalom her brother said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this thing to heart.” So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. 21 But when King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. 22 And Absalom spoke to his brother Amnon neither good nor bad. For Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar. This is one of those tragic stories in the Bible where things only get worse because of unwillingness to do the right thing. Amnon loves Tamar his half sister. Instead of going to his father and asking for her hand in marriage, he forces himself on her. Then he throws her out like trash.  When David finds out he does not execute justice, he turns a blind eye. Because of Davids inaction, hatred builds in Absalom, Tamar's full brother and Amnons half brother. Two years later Absalom kills Amnon and has to flee. Absalom, so angry at David for not handling things to begin with, later tries to overthrow David and winds up dead.  So much turmoil in one family . So much hatred between members. All could have been avoided if just one person had done what is right.  It's amazing how quickly life can get out of control when we try to go our own way. Oftentimes doing what is right is not necessarily easy, but the reward is so much greater.  Blessings, Cecilia

Galatians 5 You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

13For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 15But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

The devil made me do it. This phrase was made popular by an actor. The devil can't make you do anything. He can only entice you.
But your flesh can control you it you allow it.
The battle of the flesh and Spirit is constant, which one wins is up to you.
Will you try to walk in the Spirit today? Will you love your neighbor as yourself?
When you catch the flesh taking over, pray! And continue to pray until the Spirit gains control!

Holy Spirit help us control our fleshly desires and fill us with the love of Christ.

Blessings, David

Galatians 5 Be strong in the faith!

7You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. 9A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. 10I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.11But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished. 12I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.

False teachers, we have all heard them. You must do this or that to be saved. And to be truly saved you must......

Salvation is simply believing in Jesus Christ. Believe He died on the cross for your sins, rose from the dead on the third day.

Acts 16:31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Don't be led astray by false teachers. "but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment,".

Lesson: run your race well obeying the Truth in Jesus Christ. Don't let false teachers led you astray.
Be strong in the faith!

Blessings, David

Waiting For God. 1 Samuel 13:1-14

1 Samuel 13:1-14 (NKJV) Saul’s Unlawful Sacrifice 13 Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel,[a] 2 Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the mountains of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent away, every man to his tent. 3 And Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!” 4 Now all Israel heard it said that Saul had attacked a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel had also become an abomination to the Philistines. And the people were called together to Saul at Gilgal. 5 Then the Philistines gathered together to fight with Israel, thirty[b] thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude. And they came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth Aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger (for the people were distressed), then the people hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits. 7 And some of the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8 Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering. 10 Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. 11 And Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, 12 then I said, ‘The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord.’ Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.” 13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” Have you ever thought God was directing you on a certain path only to find out that wasn't where He was leading you? I've made that mistake . What about knowing you're on the right path and sure where you are headed but God is taking too long and you take it into your own hands and try to speed things along? We saw Abraham do that in our Wednesday study.  When we try to get ahead of God and hurry things along, it never turns out good. In fact, disastrous things can happen. Saul lost his kingship by not waiting for God.  Whatever  God is accomplishing in your life today, wait for God. Practice patience and He will reward you. Whatever He is doing, if you do it in His timing, the end result will be so much better then you could ever imagine.  Blessings, Cecilia

I am more concerned with holiness before God

Ps119:1 Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not
sin against You. Luke6:45...and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what
is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks
from the overflow of his heart. Eph5:4 Let there be no filthiness and silly
talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not
appropriate [for believers]

Omniscient - having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or

understanding;perceiving all things. God knows all things that we think,

see's all things that we do, hears all things that we say, and reads all

things that we post and share. Before I start, I want all to know that I am

working on my own planks before looking at your specks. There are many

things that I have done in the past, will most likely do today and will

probably do in the future that will displease God, but I am working

diligently on those things. I have seen people who say that they are

devoted to Jesus that sometimes just loose it, while others, seem as if it

is not a problem praising God one moment and the next, putting something

out there that is obscene and vulgar. In Psalms, Luke, Ephesians, etc. it

is made clear that this should not be. I am more concerned with holiness

before God than feelings.

Brethren, we are to hold each other accountable.

Douglas 

Galatians 5 Have faith working through love!

Walk by the Spirit

      1It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
      2Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law. 4You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

Paul makes it pretty clear for those who choose the yoke of the law that you must follow the whole law, and nothing but the law!
Likewise for those that claim you must attend church on the sabbath, you must be baptized to be saved.
Christ will be of no benefit to you, you have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified in another way, you have fallen from grace!
Why does man add requirements to Christ? Pride? Self righteousness? Don't fall into Satan's snare!
Be free, through the Spirit, by faith,
and wait for the hope of righteousness!
Grab hold of Christ Jesus, and faith working through love.

Blessings, David

Provisions Ruth 2:4-18

Ruth 2:4-18New King James Version (NKJV) 4 Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you!” And they answered him, “The Lord bless you!” 5 Then Boaz said to his servant who was in charge of the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” 6 So the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered and said, “It is the young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. 7 And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house.” 8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “You will listen, my daughter, will you not? Do not go to glean in another field, nor go from here, but stay close by my young women. 9 Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Have I not commanded the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink from what the young men have drawn.” 10 So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” 11 And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. 12 The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” 13 Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.” 14 Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, “Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your piece of bread in the vinegar.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed parched grain to her; and she ate and was satisfied, and kept some back. 15 And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her.” 17 So she gleaned in the field until evening, and beat out what she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley. 18 Then she took it up and went into the city, and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned. So she brought out and gave to her what she had kept back after she had been satisfied. We have all struggled to make ends meet at one time or another in our life. Even before I was a Christian I saw God's provisions. Shortly after we moved to Arizona, David had opened his own automotive repair and restoration business. He specialized in early Mustangs. I remember one particular month when he had a completed Mustang to sell. With no savings to fall back on and a house payment coming due, it was getting a little stressful wondering how we would make that bill. And then God came through. With days to spare, the car sold. The Lord had provided. Maybe your situation is a little more dire. Maybe it's not having enough food for your family, not being able to supply heat to keep warm or not even having a home to live in. Trust in Jesus, have faith in His provisions, relief is coming soon. Blessings, Cecilia

Ask God and wait upon the answer!

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or
circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone
generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually
undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable
[and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is
unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile].

There are many decisions that we make every day that we need God's wisdom

to help us in making the correct choice. At times I have gotten impatient

and went ahead and did something without clear vision and direction from

the Lord. I have heard people say that, "they know what they need to do and

God needs to get on board". There are many people in relationships, that

wanted a spouse, and did not wait on the Lord. For those that are still

waiting, I would like to share something I read. It is better to wait long

than to marry wrong. No matter what our future holds, we must ask and trust

in the one that holds the future in His hands. No matter what decision you

need to make, schooling, a job, a relationship, etc. the wisdom from above

is greater than any earthly wisdom. May we trust in the God who is from

everlasting to everlasting. Not be self serving, and ask God and wait upon

the answer.

Douglas 

Galatians 4 Are you truly free or a bond slave?

      21Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law? 22For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. 23But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.24This is allegorically speaking, for these women are two covenants: one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. 25Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.
27For it is written,
            “REJOICE, BARREN WOMAN WHO DOES NOT BEAR;
            BREAK FORTH AND SHOUT, YOU WHO ARE NOT IN LABOR;
            FOR MORE NUMEROUS ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE
            THAN OF THE ONE WHO HAS A HUSBAND.”

28And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also.
30But what does the Scripture say?
            “CAST OUT THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON,
            FOR THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN.”

31So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman.

Whom shall you be, bond or free? Paul was a very smart man as he uses history and then associates it with the requirements of the law vs freedom with Jesus Christ. So if you are one of those who states;
You need to attend church on the sabbath....
Or you need to be baptized to be saved....
Can you not see you are a bond slave?
DO NOT add requirements to Gods free gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ!

Before I was "born again" I had a friend that was a Christian. His wife went to Jesus. A legalist persuaded him that he wasn't going to church on the sabbath, he wasn't referring to God by the proper name. I honestly don't know if they turned him from Jesus Christ. He talked as he was studying under law.
I wonder how God will judge people who persuade Christians to turn from Jesus Christ?
Paul was harsh with them and called them false apostles and teachers.
Are you truly free or a bond slave?

Blessings, David

Thanksgiving is a matter of the heart.

Job1:21...“Naked (without possessions) I came [into this world] from my mother’s womb, And naked I will return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 2:10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the [spiritually] foolish women speaks [ignorant and oblivious to God’s will]. Shall we indeed accept [only] good from God and not [also] accept adversity *and* disaster?”...

 Thanksgiving is a matter of the heart. There are many on this day that will feel lost and abandoned. Some have broken hearts, broken families, and broken lives. To be thankful in times of adversity is not easy. Job, seemed like he had everything he ever needed for physical well being. He had a large family that he loved, wealth, and prosperity. In one moment of time, almost all was gone. God's will for our lives, sometimes is not what we may have expected. We can look at Job as an example of what it is like to praise God for what He has given and what He has taken away. There are many that may never experience the severe loss that breaks you. Then there are some that know it all to well. Friends, I want you to know that Jesus loves you no matter where you are at and what you are going through, and I love you too.

 Douglas

Galatians 4 Have you been legalistic?

16So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?17They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. 18But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. 19My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you— 20but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

The legalists were continuing to pursue the Galatians. They wanted to bring them in into a super group alienated from the Gentiles because of their intellect. They were pushing the Law and circumcision as a requirement of salvation.
Paul would keep at it until Jesus Christ was formed in them. Until they accepted the free gift of salvation without any forms of legalism as a requirement. Until then Paul expresses that he is perplexed with them.

Has this ever happened with you? Someone tells you you must attend church on the sabbath, or be baptized to be truly saved.

We know how Jesus reacted to the legalists while he was on earth. I wonder how He will deal with them when Judgement comes?

May we all accept His free gift of Salvation without any legalistic bondage.
May you also have a blessed thanksgiving.

Blessings, David

Promises. Genesis 22:1-19

Genesis 22 (NKJV) Abraham’s Faith Confirmed 1 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad[a] and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” 6 So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. 7 But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” 12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide;[b] as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” 15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba. Chapter 22 starts out " Now it came to pass after these things" so we need to look back and see what happened before "these things". Way back in chapter 15, God told Abraham “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Abraham waited 25 years for that promise to be fulfilled. Now, God wanted him to sacrifice that son!?! But Abraham had unwavering faith in God and knew God could not fulfill that promise if Isaac were dead. He trusted God with his own sons life. Do you have that kind of faith in God? Do you trust God completely? Do you have the patience to wait 25 years for God to answer your prayers? I prayed for 15 years for my husband to have a relationship with Jesus. God answered that prayer. I believe God's promises. He has told us in Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." I cling to this promise applying it to our son Jesus. Even if it doesn't happen in my lifetime, I still believe we planted the seeds as God instructed. We did our part, I trust God to fulfill his promise. Do you? Blessings, Cecilia

Galatians 4 How is your spiritual blessing?

 12I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong; 13but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; 14and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself. 15Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 

The Galatians were being led astray, they originally had a heart for Jesus like you and I when we first came to Christ. What causes the fire for Jesus to be doused? Satan uses everything at his disposal to bring us down!

Paul referred to his illness with his eyes and how the Galatians would have gladly given him their own eyes and how they accepted his condition. 

I recall while serving as a chaplain at a veterans home, a particular veteran whom because of his illness and bodily condition I wasn't comfortable visiting him. The Lord made me stronger when I was weak! I prayed and the Lord gave me courage and strength. It took time, as it started going to his bedside and silently praying for him. Later as time passed I was able to accept his condition and read and pray out loud for him and his family.

May we be not led astray, and our blessing stay strong, and no mater what our condition or theirs be able to receive or preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Blessings, David 

Be God's Genesis 1:26-31

Genesis 1:26-31 (NKJV) 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. We are created in the image of God. Think about that! What does God look like? Lots of times we think of our perception of Jesus when we think about what God looks like but a physical description of God is impossible because scripture tells us in John 1:18a "No one has seen God at any time." So let's see what we do know about God. God is love 1 John 1:8. God is trustworthy, He keeps His promises Deuteronomy 7:9. God is mighty and faithful Psalm 89:8. He is always with us Joshua 1:9. Deuteronomy 32:4 tells us "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He". God Is light 1 John 1:5. So if we are made in God's image, that must make us pretty special to God don't you think? God made us to be love because He made us out of love. He made us to be mighty because He is mighty. God wants us to be faithful to Him because He is faithful to us. God wants us to be trustworthy, seek justice, righteousness and walk with Him always. God made us perfect because He made us in His image. Did you get that? You are perfect. God made you perfect. God made you in His perfect image. God made you the way you are and loves you as you are. Stop trying to be someone you are not. Be the perfect image of God that He created you to be. Be love. Be light. Be God's. Blessings, Cecilia

Give glory to God for what He has given you!

John10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I
came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the
full, till it overflows].

Thanksgiving is one day that is set apart in the year to give thanks for

the many blessings that we have received. There have been times throughout

my life that I have gotten tunnel vision. The only things that I have been

able to see is the pain and misery in my life and the lives of others.

Jesus came, that we may have and enjoy life. I look at my life and know

that I do not have everything I want, but I do have everything I need. My

house is not huge, and yet, it is so full of love, the love of my family. I

may not have a spouse, but I have so many people, family and friends that

truly love me. I may not be rich, but I have a roof over my head, clothes

to wear and food to eat. I am getting older, wake up with aches and pains

and yet I am still able to walk and do things that need to be done. I do

not have a shiny new truck, but I am thankful that mine gets me where I

need to go. I am done letting the enemy take away my joy. Today, I vow to

count my blessings everyday, give glory to God for all the He has given me,

and rejoice even more for my salvation in and through Jesus Christ.

Douglas 

Galatians 4 Are you mortal?

8However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. 9But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? 10You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.

Are you a slave to the world and its possessions? It is natural for us to gravitate back towards the world which surrounds us, desiring this or that. We have to be spiritual minded and focused on Jesus and His teachings.
"You observe days and months and seasons and years." As the world turns, the sun rises and the sun sets. We grow older, our parents die and we become mortal, our friends die and we drudge onward. Are you prepared to meet your maker? Are you holding on to the Promise?
Wake up before you go the way of those before you! Cast aside the things of this world and stay focused on the prize!
Don't let your life be in vain, serve Jesus before its too late. Our life is but a whisper.

Blessings, David

Dispelling Division 3 John 1:1-14

3 John 1:1-14
The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,
who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.
Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;
but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name. 
Division in the church. Have you ever experienced it? Thankfully I haven't. It can destroy good churches. 
Diotrephes was a person causing division in the early church. He traveled from church to church spreading heresy and dividing churches with false doctrine. John was warning the church to not be fooled by this man. 
We probably all know that one person who likes to stir things up. They aren't content unless they create chaos. They live for the drama. Just as the early Christians were hospitable to Diotrephes, we can be hospitable to our own drama king or queen. We should not however, be like them. John tells them "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good." 
Next time you're around that drama maker, turn to the One True Maker and imitate Him. 
Blessings, Cecilia 

Are you surrendering to His will?

1Sam15:22...“Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and
sacrifices As in obedience to the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is
better than sacrifice, And to heed [is better] than the fat of rams.

What have you given up for the Lord that was really worth anything? God has

clearly spoken that obedience is what He desires. There are many scriptures

that show what His desires are. Do not forsake the gathering of the saints.

Why is it that 2 hours at church seems like a drudgery and yet a 2 hour

movie doesn't seem like a long enough time to relax. When it is better to

give than to receive, why is $20 so easy to spend at the mall and yet so

hard to put in the offering at church? There have been times in my life

that I did not put God first. My desire, is to be obedient to the God who

is the Creator of all things. Brethren, we must understand that what we

sacrifice to God needs to be our own desires and surrender to His will. Not

our will, but His will be done, in Jesus name, amen.

Douglas 

It was the chicken!

Gen1:24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures
according to (limited to, consistent with) their kind: livestock, crawling
things, and wild animals of the earth according to their kinds”; and it was
so [because He had spoken them into creation]. Ps 100:3 Know and fully
recognize with gratitude that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has
made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]. We are His people and the sheep
of His pasture.

What came first, the chicken or the egg? It truly is a matter of faith of

which one you choose. Why is it that some Christian's take a strong stand

for their faith and others do not, or why are some strongly convicted in

obedience to God's word and the next one, not so much? For the believer, it

comes down to, did you add Jesus to your life or did you submit to His

Lordship? Brethren, we cannot loose perspective of who God is and what He

has done. We must trust in the words of the Bible, "In the beginning God".

Many believe the evolution fairy tale. I put my faith in Jesus Christ, who

came down from heaven, lived, was crucified, died and was buried. On the

third day He rose again as was foretold in the scriptures. I listen to the

lyrics from the song, "The Stand" by Michael w. Smith - "I'll stand with

arms high and heart abandoned In awe of the one who gave it all I'll stand

my soul Lord to you surrender All I am is yours." Who will stand with me?

Closing thought, it was the CHICKEN!!!

Douglas 

Galatians 4 Heir through God!

1Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, 2but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. 3So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. 4But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,5so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

Born a slave under bondage to the things of the world. God sent forth His Son, who redeemed us with His body and blood so we could receive the adoption as sons (and daughters).
Now you have the Spirit of His Son in your heart!
You are no longer a slave to this dying world but an adopted son and daughter of our Heavenly Father! Rejoice for you are now an heir through God!

An important distinction, heirs in this world can have their rights and possessions stolen.
But a heir through God, His seal has been placed on you and Satan can't steal, destroy or take that away!
Blessings, David

Galatians 3 Claim your inheritance!

23But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.24Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.25But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.


We are all (adopted) sons (& daughters) of God through faith in Jesus Christ. We are ALL one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to the promise.

Unlike an earthly inheritance, with earthly goods no one can steal or take this inheritance from you.
Claim your inheritance in Christ Jesus today!

Blessings, David

Walk in purity of mind, body and spirit.

Phil2:12 So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my
instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more
in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it,
bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with
awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical
self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the
name of Christ].

COMPROMISE - a change that makes something worse and that is not done for a

good reason - Merriam-Webster. I have been a Christian for a little over 16

years. Throughout my walk there have been many things that I have done that

I know did not please God. Some of those, I may not have known were wrong

at the time I did them, and others, I knew without a doubt displeased God

and would bring shame to my Jesus. My flesh and selfish pride, led me to do

what I wanted to do. We all will have to give an account for what we did

while here on earth. God desires purity from His children. An occasional

cuss word or innuendo, looking at something you are not suppose to, may

seem like nothing to those around you, but to God it is offensive.

Brethren, may our desire be, to walk in purity of mind, body, and spirit,

in Jesus name, amen.

Douglas 

Discernment. 1 John 5:18-21

1 John 5 Knowing the True—Rejecting the False 18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. As John is wrapping up this letter, he is reminding us to not be swayed by ungodly theology. How do we discern what it true and what is heresy? We learn the word of God. We know what our Bible says. We question what we hear that doesn't line up with what we already know. We also do research but check several sources. Read commentaries, they can be quite useful in understanding the meaning of scripture.  Why do you suppose John finished this letter reminding to stay away from idols? Maybe it is because it is so easy to have idols and not even know it. Anything that we give more attention to then we give to God is an idol. What are possible idols in your life?  Blessings, Cecilia

Galatians 3 The Seed, The Lamb of God

19Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one. 21Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. 22But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

The Law was given because of mans transgressions (sin) "until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made."
The seed was Jesus Christ.
And since the Law cannot impart life "eternal everlasting life" we needed Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world.
Read more about the Lamb of God and the Good News here:
http://www.goodnewsarticles.com/Aug02-2.htm

Blessings, David

The Lord is my Shepherd. Is He yours?

Ps23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I
shall not want.2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside
the still and quiet waters.3 He refreshes and restores my soul (life);He
leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Ps 91:1 He who
dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the
shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].2 I will say of
the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with
great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? I have asked people how

long that they have been a Christian and why, and have heard many different

responses. Some people come to Jesus because their life fell apart, some

needed something more, others saw the relationship in a family member or a

friend, and some even say that they were born into it. No matter what the

reason, it needs to be personal, intimate, you and Jesus. In the Psalms, it

is "my", "my Shepherd", "He restores my soul", "He is my refuge and

fortress". If anyone who reads this does not understand what it means to

know God personally, please contact me. When the day comes to stand before

Jesus face to face, you do not want to hear, "I never knew you; depart from

Me [you are banished from My presence]"

Douglas 

Moment by Moment. 1 John 5:14-17

1 John 5 Confidence and Compassion in Prayer 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death. Before I became a Christian my prayer life was rather deplorable. I only prayed for others in church on Sunday. My "prayer time" consisted of repetitious memorized chants, for lack of a better description.  Most of the one sided conversations I had with God were bargaining attempts to get what I wanted, like I really had anything to offer Him that He didn't already have.  Or so I thought.  What God really wanted from me, and you, is a surrendered heart. Once we trust God to be Master of our lives, once we submit completely to Him, our prayers change, our needs change and our heart will change.  Submitting doesn't stop at surrender, it's a continual, daily, sometimes moment by moment process.  Lord, help us submit to you today. Walk beside us through this day, carry us when we need it, in Your Name we pray, Amen.  Blessings, Cecilia

Galatians 3 God had a plan!

15Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it.16Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. 17What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.


God made a promise to Abraham and nothing would break it. His seed was referring to Jesus Christ. Isn't that cool? God had a plan from the beginning!
The Law was later added because of transgressions and it doesn't invalidate the promise to Abraham.
When God makes a promise nothing can change it, its forever.

Stay tuned tomorrow, promise by faith.
Blessings, David

God says, I know your deeds. Will you have time to repent?

Rev3:15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold (invigorating,
refreshing) nor hot (healing, therapeutic); I wish that you were cold or
hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot
nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust]19
Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I rebuke and discipline [showing
them their faults and instructing them]; so be enthusiastic and repent
[change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior—seek
God’s will].

LUKEWARM Christian. Have you ever evaluated your life to see what you are

passionate about, really looked at it? I have looked at my own life and

seen that I have not always put my relationship with Jesus where it needs

to be. For many, they put more energy and emotion into sports teams,

politicians, music and the world around them, than they do with the Creator

of all things. My life is busy, There are times when i spend only a few

minutes here and there throughout the day in scripture and prayer. I DO NOT

want to be lukewarm, my desire is to focus on things with eternal value..

Brethren, may Holy Spirit burn inside of us so strongly, that we can not do

anything but PRAISE God with all that we are and live for Him whole

heartily. When the end of your life comes, what will you regret when you

stand face to face with Jesus? Will you regret, not working more, watching

more T.V., spending time with your hobbies, etc., or will it be that you

didn't "change your inner self—your old way of thinking, your sinful

behavior" and seek God's will?

Douglas 

Galatians 3 How can I obtain faith?

10For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.” 11Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”12However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM.” 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”— 14in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Brethren, have you in your lifetime broken one of the Ten Commandments? I have!

What then are we to do because it is written we are cursed?
Verse 11 bears repeating; 11Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

We can't be justified by the Law in Gods eyes, BUT “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”
Since the Law is not faith, how do we obtain it?
Christ became our curse, He redeemed us by hanging on the tree in our place.

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."—Romans 10:17.

How can I obtain faith?
Read Charles Spurgeon lengthy sermon here:
http://www.romans45.org/spurgeon/sermons/1031.htm

Blessings, David

Do you have a storm in your life?

Mark4:35... He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side [of the Sea
of Galilee].” 37 And a fierce windstorm began to blow, and waves were
breaking over the boat, so that it was already being swamped. 38 But Jesus
was in the stern, asleep... And they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do
You not care that we are about to die?” 39 And He got up and [sternly]
rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still (muzzled)!” And the
wind died down [as if it had grown weary] and there was [at once] a great
calm [a perfect peacefulness].

Jesus never said to the disciples that we are going to go half way and

sink. Jesus said, "Let us go over to the other side". One thing that we can

know for sure, is that everyone will have a storm or two in there lives. It

seems that some, live in them more than others. As the disciples were in

the boat, and the waves were crashing, these experienced fishermen feared

for their lives. Jesus was asleep. When the disciples thought it was the

end, they cried out to Jesus, and Jesus awoke and rebuked the waves. No

matter what storm you are facing, death of a loved one, divorce, addiction,

sickness, a heavy burden, etc. Jesus is able to get you through it all.

Trust in Jesus to say to your storm at the perfect time, "Hush, be still",

and I pray that you experience a great calm and a perfect peacefulness from

God.

Douglas 

Water and Blood. 1 John 5:6-13

The Certainty of God’s Witness 6 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. As I read these verses I thought about water and blood. Jesus was born out of water just as we all are in amniotic fluid when our mothers carries us 9 months in the womb. It is our first experience in this life, surrounded by water, the first experience we have as we begin growth.  With birth there is also a time of blood for the mother. This blood is also a cleansing for the mother. So, we, like Jesus, are born of water and blood.  Water is mentioned many times in the Bible and used in many ways. There was the cleansing of the earth in the time of Noah with the flood. There was water from a rock in the desert as the Israelites wondered 40 years. John the Baptist baptized with water and there was the Samaritan woman at the well where Jesus introduced us to "living water". The first blood sacrifice involved  Adam and Eve. When they ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil their eyes were opened. God sacrificed animals and used their pelts to make clothing for Adam and Eve. It was a blood sacrifice for Adam and Eves sin. Blood sacrifices are also mentioned throughout the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Ezekiel. It is also mentioned in Hebrews.  Jesus was the last blood sacrifice. He bled for the sins of all mankind. Isn't it interesting that after His death, as He hung on the cross, a Roman soldier pierced His side and out flowed water and blood? I find it a fitting ending of a perfect life, born of water and blood, to die a sinless death of water and blood.  Blessings, Cecilia

Galatians 3 Are you blessed?

6Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.7Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. 8The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.” 9So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.

Do you believe God?
Are you blessed with Abraham, the believer? If you are of the faith then you are a son of Abraham and you have been made righteous with the blood of Jesus Christ. You too are blessed.
Do you know an unbeliever? Pray that the Lord softens their heart and draws them closer. Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them AND continue to pray. One day if the Lord wills it, they too may become a son of Abraham and be blessed.

Blessings, David

God has us where we need to be.

Phil4:12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and
I also know how to enjoy abundance *and* live in prosperity. In any and
every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether
well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
1Thes5:18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful
*and* continually give thanks *to God*; for this is the will of God for you
in Christ Jesus.

There have been many times throughout my life, before Christ and in Christ,

that I have tried to figure out what is going on. Things just don't seem to

go my way. There are struggles that I face that at times are overwhelming.

I see others and the lives that they have, and from the outside, it seems

as if they got it all together, they seem to be truly blessed in every

aspect of their life. I look at the Apostle Paul and see a man with a lot

of similarities of my own life. Good times, bad times. As I look to his

writings, to his example, through it all he was thankful. Many people that

I know are facing battles, with a job, trying to find their future, whether

with school, a relationship, family, housing, just in general, life.

Brethren, may we be continually thankful above all, and realize that our

God has us where we need to be for His purpose and not ours.

Douglas 

Burdensome Restrictions. 1 John 5:1-5

1 John 5 (NKJV) Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? His commandments are not burdensome. It's easier to follow God's commands than deal with the trouble we get into when we don't follow God's commands. By the time Jesus walked the earth, the religious Jewish leaders had distorted God commandments and added so many restrictions, it was impossible for anyone to keep their laws. This elevated the Jewish leaders in their own minds to be superior to everyone else. Instead of being spiritual leaders, they had become judge, jury and executioner, snubbing all the Jews as unworthy. That Is why Jesus was so hard on them. Do your religious leaders place burdensome restrictions on you? Do you have to go to confession before you can receive communion? Must you be baptized to be saved? Attend service a certain day? These are not commandments of God and they are not biblical. If your church (or religion) places burdensome restrictions on you, find a church that teaches the Bible. The Bible is the religion of Jesus. Blessings, Cecilia

Galatians 3 Are you foolish?

1You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

How would you like to go to church one Sunday and have your pastor begin with this scripture referring to you?
Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
The Galatians were returning to the Law, making it a requirement of salvation.
Some do it in our age also. Examples are;
You must go to church on the sabbath.
You must be baptized to be saved.

May your salvation be by faith and faith alone. May you shine the light of Jesus Christ everywhere you go!
Blessings, David

You Have Won An All Expense Paid Vacation! 1 John 2:20-21

Obedience by Faith 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. You have won an all expense paid vacation. You can go to the place of your dreams for one week. Always dreamed of a cruise? You got it! A week traveling Europe? Okay! A ski vacation in the Swiss Alps? Enjoy! Or you can spend a three day weekend somewhere local. Here in Michigan that might be Traverse City, Mackinac Island or Houghton Lake. Still, all expense paid. Here's the choice you have to make between the two trips. The week anywhere in the world? It has to be with the one person you dislike the most. The irritating inlaw, that horrible coworker, the annoying neighbor. The three day weekend? Anyone you want! Your best friend, the person you love the most. You'd choose the local three day weekend over your dream vacation wouldn't you? But Jesus wants to give us more then that dream vacation. He wants to give us that dream afterlife. We may end up spending eternity with that person we dislike the most. Maybe we should work on having a better relationship with them now. Blessings, Cecilia

Seek first the kingdom of God!

Matt6:31 Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy,
distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to
drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’33 But first and most importantly
seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of
doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these
things will be given to you also. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for
tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

There are many people all over the world that are stressed out about what

tomorrow will bring or live in the regrets of yesterday. For most of us, we

have enough, enough food, water, and probably way to much clothing. I do

understand that in some places on earth, there are people dying due to

starvation, thirst and being stuck without clothing and normal necessities.

For those we must pray. Brethren, for the rest of us, we must not become

distracted and loose focus on what God has spoken so clearly in His word.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. May TODAY be the day

that we look to do the will of the Father to help further the kingdom, by

the power of Holy Spirit, in Jesus precious and powerful name, amen.

Douglas 

Galatians 2 Did Jesus die needlessly for you?

18“For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19“For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. 20“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

Paul was giving a reflection of his life before and after he came to Christ.
Brethren just as Paul did, the things of the world must die in us if we fully serve our new master Jesus Christ. Do you live by faith?
Do you let go the things of the world and let Jesus live in you?
If not then Jesus died needlessly!

Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

Romans 13:13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.

Do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
Replace "Law" with any sinful act you continue to do after coming to Jesus Christ and reread this verse.
What then does the Holy Spirit say to you and lay on your heart?

Blessings, David

God has a calling for all His children.

John17: 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true
[supreme and sovereign] God, and [in the same manner know] Jesus [as the]
Christ whom You have sent. Rom8:28 And we know [with great confidence] that
God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together
[as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called
according to His plan and purpose.

God has a calling for ALL of His children. For many, they search for it all

of their lives. I have heard it said that there are 2 things that you

should not discuss, religion and politics. Recently there has been a lot of

political talk and still not so much religion. As a Christian, we are call

to spread the Gospel, the good news of Jesus, to the world that we live in.

I work at a gas station/repair shop, and the owner one day asked why I

don't do the "ministry thing" full time. I stated that I am, he is just

paying my bill. Brethren, showing the love of Jesus needs to be the primary

purpose for our lives in every area of it. No matter what situation you are

in, good or bad, know that God has a plan and a purpose for it all. Paul

was in prison, Daniel was in the lion's den, Moses was 80 when he started

ministry, and all of them affected others for the kingdom by how they

lived. May we have a similar impact on our worlds as well, and may a great

revival happen because of others seeing Jesus' reflection in us.

Douglas 

Galatians 2 Can Christ lead you to sin?

15“We are Jews by nature and not sinners from among the Gentiles; 16nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. 17“But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be!

Faith in Jesus Christ is what it's all about. Not who, when, where you were born for we ALL fall short and we ALL have sin. How then do we become justified? Not by the Law, not by works, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Can Christ tempt us or lead us to sin? Absolutely not! He cleanses you from sin.

Believe in Jesus Christ, allow Him to cleanse you and justify you.

Blessings, David

Jesus is my All in All!

Jer29:13 Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a
vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all
your heart.

Jesus is my All in All. There are many that look to other things to fulfill

them. People look to relationships, marriages, children, jobs, hobbies,

etc, to give them some feeling that will make them believe that they are

complete. Reality check, Jesus is the only one that will never let you

down. The major need that I have seen, that I have experienced in my own

life, is the need to feel loved and appreciated. As a new Christian, I

remember buying a CD by a guy named Eli, the title was, "The things I

prayed for". The thing I prayed for was to find someone that could love me

as much as I could love them. Some thing that I had never truly

experienced. I found that person in Jesus Christ. He loved me more. May we

set our hearts on Jesus, and experience the true love of God.

Douglas 

Because of Jesus. 1 John 4:17-19

The Consummation of Love 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us. What are you afraid of? Some fears are simple like the fear of spiders or snakes. Maybe they're a little bigger like the fear of heights or flying. We can have fear for our children's future, financial fears, fear events won't go in our favor. Real or imagined, our fears can keep us from a peaceful nights sleep. One fear we never need to have is the fear God doesn't love us. Even when we sin, even those that don't follow Him, He still loves. God is love. He is the very essence of love. God loves with every part of His being. It's who He is, it's why He created us, it's why He wants to bless us and it's why He sent His Son. God wants to spend eternity with you. That's why Jesus died on the cross for you. It was the only way He could bridge the gap between our unrighteousness and God's pure holiness. Because of Jesus, we don't have to fear damnation, we don't have to fear this life and we don't have to fear death. Because of Jesus. Blessings, Cecilia

Galatians 2 Peters rebuke!

11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.12For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. 13The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?

What did Peter do? God had already showed him everything was  clean and fit to eat. The Jews would not eat with Gentiles because they were considered unclean and their foods were unclean. Peter switched eating with the Gentiles and sat and ate with the Jews, pulling others along as if he put a rope or leash around their necks. How hypocritical this must have been to the Gentiles.

Paul got in Peters face and rebuked him! Publicly!

Brethren, sin takes a small foothold then spreads like wildfire! Don't let the world dictate over you as Peter did in this example and hold firmly to Jesus Christ and Christian belief's.

Blessings, David

Jesus Christ and the US Soldier!

John10:11 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own]
life for the sheep. 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the
Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit
of the sheep. 15:13 No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than
to lay down his own life for his friends.

The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who

must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. - Douglas

MacArthur. Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday,

observed annually on November 11, that honors military veterans; that is,

persons who served in the United States Armed Forces. Only two defining

forces have ever offered to die for you: Jesus Christ and the Soldier. One

died for your soul; the other for your freedom - unknown. As we remember

those that sacrificed a part of their own lives, may we thank them. May we

always remember, what Jesus did upon the cross. His sacrifice was to keep

everyone close to God and safe from harm.

Douglas 

Because of His Love. 1 John 4:12-16

1 John 4 Seeing God Through Love 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. When we surrender our lives to Jesus and invite Him into our hearts, God fills us with His Holy Spirit. Everywhere we go, every step we take from that day forward, the Holy Spirit is in us directing our steps, directing our actions, guiding us to make choices pleasing to God. The Holy Spirit also gives us understanding of God's Word. Do you remember reading the Bible before you were saved? You probably found it very confusing at times. After you surrender your life to Jesus, the Word became much less confusing, there was clarity. No, you didn't understand all of it immediately, no one does in this lifetime, but the Holy Spirit gives you insight. The Holy Spirit also fills us with God's love. That love helps us see others as God sees them. God created each and every one of us in love, with love, because of His love and we need to love eachother as He loves. Blessings, Cecilia