Perhaps the Pharisees had forgotten, maybe they were unaware. Maybe they hadn't put it all together yet. Jesus silences them once and for all by using scripture to answer the question of His identity.
Prophecy spoken:
Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.
Jesus was a descendant of David.
Isaiah 9: 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
Jeremiah 23:5 “For the time is coming,” says the LORD, “when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.
His entry into Jerusalem was predicted.
Zechariah 9:9Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.
And His death was predicated.
Zechariah 9:10 “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died. 11 The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem on that day will be like the great mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the valley of Megiddo.
Then, we see Prophecy fulfilled. His birth in Bethlehem.
Luke 1: 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
In Matthew 21 we saw His entry into Jerusalem fulfilled. Soon, we will see the scriptures of His death and resurrection fulfilled. Maybe, the Pharisees just needed to be reminded.
Matthew 22:41-46 NLT
Whose Son Is the Messiah?
41 Then, surrounded by the Pharisees, Jesus asked them a question: 42 “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose Son is He?”
They replied, “He is the son of David.”
43 Jesus responded, “Then why does David, speaking under the inspiration of the Spirit, call the Messiah ‘my Lord’? For David said,
44 'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at My right hand until I humble Your enemies beneath Your feet.’
45 Since David called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?”
46 No one could answer Him. And after that, no one dared to ask Him any more questions.
Blessings, Cecilia
Friday, June 30, 2017
Hebrews 12 Is your cord triple braided?
Hebrews 12
Berean Study Bible
The Call to Endurance (2 Timothy 2:1-13)
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Cloud of witnesses, who are yours?
Last night we went to a barbecue for a group from our church called Compassionate Recovery. It's a godly group of people from all walks of life in recovery from loss, alcohol, drugs, divorce, life struggles ect. We pray, eat, talk about life, study His word but most of all, witness to each other. I attend because I enjoy the fellowship and the friends I've met there.
If you don't meet with fellow Christians, how will you run with endurance, the race set out for you?
Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Satan loves us when we are alone as we are vulnerable. He starts with mind games that lead into temptation.
Fix your eyes on Jesus, fellowship with other Christians for a triple-braided cord so you will not easily be broken, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart!
Blessings, David
Berean Study Bible
The Call to Endurance (2 Timothy 2:1-13)
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Cloud of witnesses, who are yours?
Last night we went to a barbecue for a group from our church called Compassionate Recovery. It's a godly group of people from all walks of life in recovery from loss, alcohol, drugs, divorce, life struggles ect. We pray, eat, talk about life, study His word but most of all, witness to each other. I attend because I enjoy the fellowship and the friends I've met there.
If you don't meet with fellow Christians, how will you run with endurance, the race set out for you?
Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Satan loves us when we are alone as we are vulnerable. He starts with mind games that lead into temptation.
Fix your eyes on Jesus, fellowship with other Christians for a triple-braided cord so you will not easily be broken, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart!
Blessings, David
Thursday, June 29, 2017
God is with you through it all!
Who are you serving and why? Do you ever look at your life and only see the
bad, the problems and difficulties, and look at others and think that they
are so blessed? God blesses, and the devil also has the ability to bless as
well. *Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job...9 So
Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?10 Have
You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that
he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his
possessions have increased in the land.* When the devil propositioned
Jesus, *Matt 4:8 Again, the devil took Him (Jesus) up on an exceedingly
high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their
glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will
fall down and worship me.” We have all seen people better off and worse
off, physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. The heart of
the matter is the matter of the heart, and no matter what your situation
is, know that God is with you through it all, whether rich or poor. As long
as believers continue to worship God, the blessings will come in one form
or another, and the greatest blessing is having Jesus in our lives.
Brethren, may we all remember the words the Lord Jesus spoke, *Matt
4:10..."You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve"*..
bad, the problems and difficulties, and look at others and think that they
are so blessed? God blesses, and the devil also has the ability to bless as
well. *Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job...9 So
Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?10 Have
You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that
he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his
possessions have increased in the land.* When the devil propositioned
Jesus, *Matt 4:8 Again, the devil took Him (Jesus) up on an exceedingly
high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their
glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will
fall down and worship me.” We have all seen people better off and worse
off, physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. The heart of
the matter is the matter of the heart, and no matter what your situation
is, know that God is with you through it all, whether rich or poor. As long
as believers continue to worship God, the blessings will come in one form
or another, and the greatest blessing is having Jesus in our lives.
Brethren, may we all remember the words the Lord Jesus spoke, *Matt
4:10..."You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve"*..
Douglas
Perfect Love. Matthew 22:34-40 NLT
How do you react when someone verbally assaults you? Do you retaliate? Shoot back your own insuring barbs? Or do you respond with love, or maybe just silence.
Jesus had the three major religious and political groups plotting to destroy Him, trying to trip Him up so they would have an excuse to charge Him. How did He responded? He used their questions as teaching moments.
If we love God the way we should, with all our being, that love will overflow from us into every aspect of our lives.
No one is perfect, no one can love perfectly but the great thing is God knows that. Despite our imperfections God loves us perfectly anyway.
Matthew 22:34-40 NLT
The Most Important Commandment
34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees with His reply, they met together to question Him again. 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap Him with this question: 36“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Blessings, Cecilia
Jesus had the three major religious and political groups plotting to destroy Him, trying to trip Him up so they would have an excuse to charge Him. How did He responded? He used their questions as teaching moments.
If we love God the way we should, with all our being, that love will overflow from us into every aspect of our lives.
No one is perfect, no one can love perfectly but the great thing is God knows that. Despite our imperfections God loves us perfectly anyway.
Matthew 22:34-40 NLT
The Most Important Commandment
34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees with His reply, they met together to question Him again. 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap Him with this question: 36“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Blessings, Cecilia
Hebrews 11 - Will you stand firm in your Christian beliefs?
35Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
37They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. 38The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.
39These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. 40God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.
Suffered for their faith, the world can be cruel! Remember, they hated Him before they hated you. What kind of suffering are you enduring for your faith? Most of use won't come near to any of these sufferings. We may receive unkind words or gestures but the time is coming.
I read a story yesterday about a Ten Commandments monument that was erected and the next day a man that mowed it down with his car. Why? Because he believed in separation of church and state. This phrase has been twisted from its true meaning as our founders did not want a government instituted religion. But our government was founded on Christian values.
It is actually should be said like this, it's not freedom from religion but freedom of religion.
Will you stand firm in your Christian beliefs?
Blessings, David
37They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. 38The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.
39These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. 40God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.
Suffered for their faith, the world can be cruel! Remember, they hated Him before they hated you. What kind of suffering are you enduring for your faith? Most of use won't come near to any of these sufferings. We may receive unkind words or gestures but the time is coming.
I read a story yesterday about a Ten Commandments monument that was erected and the next day a man that mowed it down with his car. Why? Because he believed in separation of church and state. This phrase has been twisted from its true meaning as our founders did not want a government instituted religion. But our government was founded on Christian values.
It is actually should be said like this, it's not freedom from religion but freedom of religion.
Will you stand firm in your Christian beliefs?
Blessings, David
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Jesus is your best friend!
There have been many times when I have been tired, sad, broken, and lonely,
when it seemed like everyone was so busy with their own life, their own
problems, that they did not have time for me and mine. Friends that I
trusted in, that I loved and counted on, let me down. One day someone asked
me how I was doing, and I asked them, "do you really care?" and their
answer was, "no not really". Our human nature is call to people first and
not the Lord. God has put His promises in His word. *Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to
Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty
things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know
and understand and cannot distinguish.* He has spoken that "when" we call
to Him, He will answer. And wait, there is more. He will tell and show you
great and mighty things. He will help make you bold and confident with
renewed strength. *Psalms 138:3 On the day I called, You answered me; And
You made me bold and confident with [renewed] strength in my life.* The
heartbreak of life can always be healed by the power of God. May we always
remember that Jesus is the best friend we've always needed and He will
never let us down, no matter what we have done, He will be there.
when it seemed like everyone was so busy with their own life, their own
problems, that they did not have time for me and mine. Friends that I
trusted in, that I loved and counted on, let me down. One day someone asked
me how I was doing, and I asked them, "do you really care?" and their
answer was, "no not really". Our human nature is call to people first and
not the Lord. God has put His promises in His word. *Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to
Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty
things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know
and understand and cannot distinguish.* He has spoken that "when" we call
to Him, He will answer. And wait, there is more. He will tell and show you
great and mighty things. He will help make you bold and confident with
renewed strength. *Psalms 138:3 On the day I called, You answered me; And
You made me bold and confident with [renewed] strength in my life.* The
heartbreak of life can always be healed by the power of God. May we always
remember that Jesus is the best friend we've always needed and He will
never let us down, no matter what we have done, He will be there.
Douglas
Perfectly Equal. Matthew 22:23-33 NLT
When we die, we do not become angels. Angels are an entirely separate being. They have their own purpose. Verse 30 tells us we will be like the angels, not that we will become angels.
Angels carry out God’s judgment (2 Samuel 24:16-17) Angels serve God (Psalm 103:21) Angels praise God (Psalm 148:2) Angels are messengers (Daniel 4:17) Angels protect God’s people (Daniel 6:22) Angels do not marry (Matthew 22:30) Angels do not die (Luke 20:36) Angels will be judged by people (1 Corinthians 6:3) Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) Angels encourage Christians (Hebrews 1:14) Angels who sinned were thrown into hell (2 Peter 2:4) Angels are holy (Jude 1:14) Angels are in the presence of God (Revelation 4:8) Angels should not be worshiped (Revelation 22:8-9)
When we die, our relationships in Heaven will be perfect. We won't be linked together as husband, wife, parent, sibling, aunt or uncle. We will all be equal as children of God. That's the best relationship of all and the only one we need.
Matthew 22:23-33 NLT
Discussion about Resurrection
23 That same day Jesus was approached by some Sadducees—religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. They posed this question: 24 "Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies without children, his brother should marry the widow and have a child who will carry on the brother’s name.’ 25 Well, suppose there were seven brothers. The oldest one married and then died without children, so his brother married the widow. 26 But the second brother also died, and the third brother married her. This continued with all seven of them. 27 Last of all, the woman also died. 28 So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For all seven were married to her.”
29 Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. 30 For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven.
31 "But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead—haven’t you ever read about this in the Scriptures? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So He is the God of the living, not the dead.”
33 When the crowds heard Him, they were astounded at His teaching.
Blessings, Cecilia
Hebrews 11 - Who was your fisherman? 🎣
The Faith of Many
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
31By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.
32And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and obtained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.
Who was your fisherman? Matthew 4:19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
God touched your heart to draw you closer to Him. Your faith is in Jesus. But who taught you about Christ? Who led you to Him? Who was your fisherman? You bit the hook, but who reeled you in?
With me it is my wife Cecilia! Without her I would be lost in a dying world, living for worldly things. She tells everyone I had a drug problem! Not drugs, but dragging me into church, a bible teaching church. Then God used the preacher, He gave him the words to use to convict me of my sin, to repent and to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. The Faith of (David), I am ever grateful to Jesus Christ, I am grateful He sent Cecilia as my fisherman who hooked onto me and drug (reeled) me through the church door!
🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣 Who was your fisherman? 🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣
Blessings, David
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
31By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.
32And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and obtained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.
Who was your fisherman? Matthew 4:19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
God touched your heart to draw you closer to Him. Your faith is in Jesus. But who taught you about Christ? Who led you to Him? Who was your fisherman? You bit the hook, but who reeled you in?
With me it is my wife Cecilia! Without her I would be lost in a dying world, living for worldly things. She tells everyone I had a drug problem! Not drugs, but dragging me into church, a bible teaching church. Then God used the preacher, He gave him the words to use to convict me of my sin, to repent and to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. The Faith of (David), I am ever grateful to Jesus Christ, I am grateful He sent Cecilia as my fisherman who hooked onto me and drug (reeled) me through the church door!
🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣 Who was your fisherman? 🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣
Blessings, David
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Hebrews 11 - What was your cost?
27By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible. 28By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn.
29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.
What is the cost, "by faith"? Not easy words to embrace, as many pay a price in this world for it. Have you weighed your cost? Was is ridicule of coworkers, friends or family? Were you thrown out on the street?
Every year our church has spring break for the high school students. They load up the bus and drive to Florida to attend a high school Christian camp. They do fun things plus learn about Jesus. One of the students was a foreign exchange student. He was warned by his parents not to convert to Christianity. During this trip he gave his life to Jesus! What was his price? His parents disowned him! He was told he could not return home.
Even though I've never met this student I wish I could adopt him! Why? I believe it is because when we were led to adoption, it was our hope to raise a child for the Lord, to dedicate his life to Jesus. But our prodigal son, has left the Son for the world.
What was your cost "by faith"?
Blessings, David
29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.
What is the cost, "by faith"? Not easy words to embrace, as many pay a price in this world for it. Have you weighed your cost? Was is ridicule of coworkers, friends or family? Were you thrown out on the street?
Every year our church has spring break for the high school students. They load up the bus and drive to Florida to attend a high school Christian camp. They do fun things plus learn about Jesus. One of the students was a foreign exchange student. He was warned by his parents not to convert to Christianity. During this trip he gave his life to Jesus! What was his price? His parents disowned him! He was told he could not return home.
Even though I've never met this student I wish I could adopt him! Why? I believe it is because when we were led to adoption, it was our hope to raise a child for the Lord, to dedicate his life to Jesus. But our prodigal son, has left the Son for the world.
What was your cost "by faith"?
Blessings, David
Monday, June 26, 2017
Read Gods Word!
It is written throughout the scriptures many times that the Lord God spoke
to people in many different ways. *Ex 6:2 And God spoke to Moses...Job
42:7...after the Lord had spoken these words to Job...Mark 16:19 So then,
after the Lord had spoken to them...Joshua 1:1 After the death of Moses the
servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua...* As
believers, we need to desire to hear from God everyday in an intimate,
personal and life changing way. God speaks to His children today, through
His word, though His Spirit in prayer, and through His children. Sometimes
God will even use Facebook or other social media to help and guide, but we
must look to His Word, see His promises and be obedient to what He says and
then wait expectantly. God told Joshua in *Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law
shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and
night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.
For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good
success.* When we read God's Word, not if, our lives will change, and as we
live out what we believe, our world around us will change as well. May we
live out LOUD to the glory of the Lord Jesus, in His precious and powerful
name, amen!
to people in many different ways. *Ex 6:2 And God spoke to Moses...Job
42:7...after the Lord had spoken these words to Job...Mark 16:19 So then,
after the Lord had spoken to them...Joshua 1:1 After the death of Moses the
servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua...* As
believers, we need to desire to hear from God everyday in an intimate,
personal and life changing way. God speaks to His children today, through
His word, though His Spirit in prayer, and through His children. Sometimes
God will even use Facebook or other social media to help and guide, but we
must look to His Word, see His promises and be obedient to what He says and
then wait expectantly. God told Joshua in *Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law
shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and
night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.
For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good
success.* When we read God's Word, not if, our lives will change, and as we
live out what we believe, our world around us will change as well. May we
live out LOUD to the glory of the Lord Jesus, in His precious and powerful
name, amen!
Douglas
His Invitation. Matthew 22:1-14
Would you say "No" to an invitation to a wedding of royalty? Of course not! You would find a way to attend. There would be the transportation to consider and the proper clothing to buy but what if that was supplied also? Just imagine the fan fare! The flowers, the church, the banquet hall, all the dressed up people, it would be grand!
Now imagine that scene only 10 times grander, no 100 times grander or 1000 times! That's what Heaven will be like.
Why are you refusing His invitation?
Matthew 22:1-14
Parable of the Great Feast
1 Jesus also told them other parables. He said, 2 “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. 3 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!
4 “So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ 5 But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business.6 Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.
7“The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. 8 And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. 9 Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ 10 So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests.
11 “But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 12 ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. 13 Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Blessings, Cecilia
Now imagine that scene only 10 times grander, no 100 times grander or 1000 times! That's what Heaven will be like.
Why are you refusing His invitation?
Matthew 22:1-14
Parable of the Great Feast
1 Jesus also told them other parables. He said, 2 “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. 3 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come!
4 “So he sent other servants to tell them, ‘The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!’ 5 But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business.6 Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them.
7“The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. 8 And he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren’t worthy of the honor. 9 Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ 10 So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests.
11 “But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 12 ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. 13 Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Blessings, Cecilia
Hebrews 11 - Do you have that faith?
The Faith of Moses
23By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict.
24By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. 26He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.
"The reproach of Christ: Moses probably didn’t know it at the time, but this persecution he suffered put him in the company of Jesus – who suffered to set men free." (Guzik)
Faith in the free gift that sets you free. Do you have that faith?
Jesus – who suffered to set men free. He did all the work to set you free. Will you accept the freedom that He offers you today?
Charles Stanley explains; How to know God and accept Jesus Christ.
https://www.intouch.org/read/content/how-do-i-accept-jesus-as-my-savior
Blessings, David
23By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict.
24By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. 26He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.
"The reproach of Christ: Moses probably didn’t know it at the time, but this persecution he suffered put him in the company of Jesus – who suffered to set men free." (Guzik)
Faith in the free gift that sets you free. Do you have that faith?
Jesus – who suffered to set men free. He did all the work to set you free. Will you accept the freedom that He offers you today?
Charles Stanley explains; How to know God and accept Jesus Christ.
https://www.intouch.org/read/content/how-do-i-accept-jesus-as-my-savior
Blessings, David
Sunday, June 25, 2017
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished. Matthew 21:33-46 NLT
You've heard the expression "No good deed goes unpunished" ? Well, sometimes that is true. I know it's happened to me, it's probably happened to you too. Does that mean we should stop doing good for others? No, absolutely not. Could you imagine if God stopped blessing us because we continue to reject Him? I shudder to think.
If you read through the Old Testament, you will see Israel's faith was like a yoyo. They would follow God for a time, God would bless them, they would soon forget what God had done for them and turn from Him. They would then be disciplined by God, eventually turn back to God and be blessed. Soon, they would forget their blessings came from God and turn from Him again. It was a cycle repeated over and over.
Finally, God sent His son, to set things straight, once and for all and what did the religious leaders do? Tried to kill Him. They thought by killing the Son, they could claim the inheritance. They had lost the inheritance a long time ago and didn't realize it. Even when they were warned, they still didn't repent.
Matthew 21:33-46 NLT
Parable of the Evil Farmers
33 “Now listen to another story. A certain landowner planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country. 34 At the time of the grape harvest, he sent his servants to collect his share of the crop. 35 But the farmers grabbed his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. 36 So the landowner sent a larger group of his servants to collect for him, but the results were the same.
37 “Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’
38 “But when the tenant farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ 39 So they grabbed him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and murdered him.
40 “When the owner of the vineyard returns,” Jesus asked, “what do you think he will do to those farmers?”
41 The religious leaders replied, “He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest.”
42 Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures?
‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.
This is the LORD’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’
43 I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. 44 Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.”
45 When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. 46 They wanted to arrest Him, but they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus to be a prophet.
Blessings, Cecilia
If you read through the Old Testament, you will see Israel's faith was like a yoyo. They would follow God for a time, God would bless them, they would soon forget what God had done for them and turn from Him. They would then be disciplined by God, eventually turn back to God and be blessed. Soon, they would forget their blessings came from God and turn from Him again. It was a cycle repeated over and over.
Finally, God sent His son, to set things straight, once and for all and what did the religious leaders do? Tried to kill Him. They thought by killing the Son, they could claim the inheritance. They had lost the inheritance a long time ago and didn't realize it. Even when they were warned, they still didn't repent.
Matthew 21:33-46 NLT
Parable of the Evil Farmers
33 “Now listen to another story. A certain landowner planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country. 34 At the time of the grape harvest, he sent his servants to collect his share of the crop. 35 But the farmers grabbed his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. 36 So the landowner sent a larger group of his servants to collect for him, but the results were the same.
37 “Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’
38 “But when the tenant farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ 39 So they grabbed him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and murdered him.
40 “When the owner of the vineyard returns,” Jesus asked, “what do you think he will do to those farmers?”
41 The religious leaders replied, “He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest.”
42 Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures?
‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.
This is the LORD’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’
43 I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit. 44 Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.”
45 When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. 46 They wanted to arrest Him, but they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus to be a prophet.
Blessings, Cecilia
Hebrews 11 What about our faith will God most delight in?
The Faith of Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.
21By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
22By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.
i. “The Holy Spirit in this chapter selects out of good men’s lives the most brilliant instances of their faith. I should hardly have expected that he would have mentioned the dying scene of Joseph’s life as the most illustrious proof of his faith in God . . . Does not this tell us, dear brethren and sisters, that we are very poor judges of what God will most delight in?” (Spurgeon)
What will our faith say about us?
"Your faith", if a book was written about faith, what would be the last words inscribed about you?
Most importantly, what about our faith will God most delight in?
God said of David, Acts 13:22 "I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;..."
May God say that about you and delight in you also!
Blessings, David
20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.
21By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
22By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.
i. “The Holy Spirit in this chapter selects out of good men’s lives the most brilliant instances of their faith. I should hardly have expected that he would have mentioned the dying scene of Joseph’s life as the most illustrious proof of his faith in God . . . Does not this tell us, dear brethren and sisters, that we are very poor judges of what God will most delight in?” (Spurgeon)
What will our faith say about us?
"Your faith", if a book was written about faith, what would be the last words inscribed about you?
Most importantly, what about our faith will God most delight in?
God said of David, Acts 13:22 "I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;..."
May God say that about you and delight in you also!
Blessings, David
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Our God is not dead!
Devotion to God, an understanding of who He is, and what He is capable of,
can take an ordinary life and make it extraordinary. The God of the bible
was able to use a shepherd boy to take down a giant with boldness, *1 Sam
17:45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with
a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of
hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day
the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your
head from you.* God was able to take Daniel, a man of prayer, into a lions
den and out of it as well because Daniel was faithful, *Dan 6:10 Now when
Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper
room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees
three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God...* And God
made it possible to have a simple fisherman walk on water, *Matt 14:28 And
Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You
on the water.”29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of
the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.* There are many people who
read the scriptures, hear of the miracles and see the affects of faith,
that think that it is all well and good for those in the past, but that
stuff does not happen in today's world. Our God is NOT dead! Brethren, may
WE be a generation of people that stirs up revival, with the boldness of
David, the faithfulness of Daniel, the confidence of Peter, to the glory of
the Lord Jesus, and in His precious and powerful name we pray, amen.
can take an ordinary life and make it extraordinary. The God of the bible
was able to use a shepherd boy to take down a giant with boldness, *1 Sam
17:45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with
a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of
hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day
the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your
head from you.* God was able to take Daniel, a man of prayer, into a lions
den and out of it as well because Daniel was faithful, *Dan 6:10 Now when
Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper
room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees
three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God...* And God
made it possible to have a simple fisherman walk on water, *Matt 14:28 And
Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You
on the water.”29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of
the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.* There are many people who
read the scriptures, hear of the miracles and see the affects of faith,
that think that it is all well and good for those in the past, but that
stuff does not happen in today's world. Our God is NOT dead! Brethren, may
WE be a generation of people that stirs up revival, with the boldness of
David, the faithfulness of Daniel, the confidence of Peter, to the glory of
the Lord Jesus, and in His precious and powerful name we pray, amen.
Douglas
Hebrews 11 Are you being tested?
17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, 18even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”b 19Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death.
God was testing Abraham, He had told him to offer his son as a blood sacrifice. This was the son that God created through a miracle and the son God had promised many descendants from Abraham's seed. Abraham had put his trust in God and followed His instructions knowing God is good and ALWAYS keeps His promises!
After Cecilia and I became "born again" we read the book, (A Purpose Driven Life) by Rick Warren. We read it together, taking turns reading it out loud. Then while attending a service at Calvary Tucson the pastor "plugged" foster care for a local agency. While we were leaving Cecilia asked what I thought about foster care. I replied, I was actually thinking about adoption. She nearly hit the floor. He then sent us a 10 year old son named Jesus. Some of our friends thought were were nuts. It wasn't easy. We managed to make it six and a half years until Jesus became violent.
Jesus is our prodigal son, please pray for him.
We followed the leading of the Holy Spirit with adoption. We weren't perfect, we made mistakes, but most of all when we were tested we were faithful and I believe God has blessed us for our faithfulness.
Are you being tested today? Remember, He will never leave or forsake you, lean on Him for strength and understanding.
Blessings, David
God was testing Abraham, He had told him to offer his son as a blood sacrifice. This was the son that God created through a miracle and the son God had promised many descendants from Abraham's seed. Abraham had put his trust in God and followed His instructions knowing God is good and ALWAYS keeps His promises!
After Cecilia and I became "born again" we read the book, (A Purpose Driven Life) by Rick Warren. We read it together, taking turns reading it out loud. Then while attending a service at Calvary Tucson the pastor "plugged" foster care for a local agency. While we were leaving Cecilia asked what I thought about foster care. I replied, I was actually thinking about adoption. She nearly hit the floor. He then sent us a 10 year old son named Jesus. Some of our friends thought were were nuts. It wasn't easy. We managed to make it six and a half years until Jesus became violent.
Jesus is our prodigal son, please pray for him.
We followed the leading of the Holy Spirit with adoption. We weren't perfect, we made mistakes, but most of all when we were tested we were faithful and I believe God has blessed us for our faithfulness.
Are you being tested today? Remember, He will never leave or forsake you, lean on Him for strength and understanding.
Blessings, David
Friday, June 23, 2017
Get Up! Matthew 21:28-32 NLT
Who hasn't had their kid mouth off to them. I remember one time in particular with our son Jesus that is very similar to this parable Jesus told. He was given his usual Saturday chores and a time frame to get them done in. He did nothing, stayed in bed all morning and showed no sign of cooperating. Then a friend called and wanted to get together. He was up out of bed. David and I told him "After he got his chores done." Boy, did that kid move.
Later, a friend suggested next time I tell him "No, you didn't do what I asked when I asked." It was a missed learning opportunity. Lesson learned for me.
Here's what David Guzik says in reference to Jesus's parable:
There are many churchgoers that imitate the second son.
They admit that the Word of God is true.
· They intend to get serious about it someday.
· They talk about doing the Father’s work.
· They keep up the external appearance of religion, but their heart is not right with God.
· They think that words and promises are enough.
Charles Spurgeon explains it this way:
"The second son said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he went not; and these people do not go. They talk of repenting, but they do not repent. They speak of believing, but they never believe. They think of submitting to God, but they have not submitted themselves to him yet. They say it is time they broke up the fallow ground, and sought the Lord, but they do not seek him. It all ends in a mere promise.”
Isn't it time you got up and do as your Father has told you to do?
Matthew 21:28-32 NLT
Parable of the Two Sons
28 “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. 30 Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.
31 “Which of the two obeyed his father?”
They replied, “The first.”
Then Jesus explained His meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 32 For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.
Blessings, Cecilia
Later, a friend suggested next time I tell him "No, you didn't do what I asked when I asked." It was a missed learning opportunity. Lesson learned for me.
Here's what David Guzik says in reference to Jesus's parable:
There are many churchgoers that imitate the second son.
They admit that the Word of God is true.
· They intend to get serious about it someday.
· They talk about doing the Father’s work.
· They keep up the external appearance of religion, but their heart is not right with God.
· They think that words and promises are enough.
Charles Spurgeon explains it this way:
"The second son said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he went not; and these people do not go. They talk of repenting, but they do not repent. They speak of believing, but they never believe. They think of submitting to God, but they have not submitted themselves to him yet. They say it is time they broke up the fallow ground, and sought the Lord, but they do not seek him. It all ends in a mere promise.”
Isn't it time you got up and do as your Father has told you to do?
Matthew 21:28-32 NLT
Parable of the Two Sons
28 “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. 30 Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.
31 “Which of the two obeyed his father?”
They replied, “The first.”
Then Jesus explained His meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. 32 For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins.
Blessings, Cecilia
Will you be welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven?
Do you remember who you use to be before you came to an understanding of
who Jesus really is? Maybe you are an unbeliever and do not understand what
the death of Jesus upon the cross did for you and may not even care. There
is a list of people that will not be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven,
and i know that I was on that list more than once. *1 Cor 6:9 Do you not
know that the unrighteous will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom
of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters,
nor adulterers, nor effeminate [by perversion], nor those who participate
in homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor
revilers [whose words are used as weapons to abuse, insult, humiliate,
intimidate, or slander], nor swindlers will inherit or have any share in
the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you [before you believed]...*
There are times that I see that old "me" coming to life again and I become
fearful that my walk with Jesus is not as good as it should be. For all
those that stumble and fall through their Christian walk, you must
understand that the cleansing process is continual. *1 Cor 6:11..But you
were washed [by the atoning sacrifice of Christ], you were sanctified [set
apart for God, and made holy], you were justified [declared free of guilt]
in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God
[the source of the believer’s new life and changed behavior].* The Holy
Spirit is inside every believer and He is able to give new life and change
you from the inside out. We must give grace to the unbelievers that are
still living in the world and after the lust of the flesh, because, such
were some of us not to long ago. Jesus died on the cross for the world, all
because of love. May we show that love to all those who do not understand
it.
who Jesus really is? Maybe you are an unbeliever and do not understand what
the death of Jesus upon the cross did for you and may not even care. There
is a list of people that will not be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven,
and i know that I was on that list more than once. *1 Cor 6:9 Do you not
know that the unrighteous will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom
of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters,
nor adulterers, nor effeminate [by perversion], nor those who participate
in homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor
revilers [whose words are used as weapons to abuse, insult, humiliate,
intimidate, or slander], nor swindlers will inherit or have any share in
the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you [before you believed]...*
There are times that I see that old "me" coming to life again and I become
fearful that my walk with Jesus is not as good as it should be. For all
those that stumble and fall through their Christian walk, you must
understand that the cleansing process is continual. *1 Cor 6:11..But you
were washed [by the atoning sacrifice of Christ], you were sanctified [set
apart for God, and made holy], you were justified [declared free of guilt]
in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the [Holy] Spirit of our God
[the source of the believer’s new life and changed behavior].* The Holy
Spirit is inside every believer and He is able to give new life and change
you from the inside out. We must give grace to the unbelievers that are
still living in the world and after the lust of the flesh, because, such
were some of us not to long ago. Jesus died on the cross for the world, all
because of love. May we show that love to all those who do not understand
it.
Douglas
Hebrews 11 Is God ashamed to be called YOUR God?
13All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14Those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. 15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Those of us in Jesus Christ, our home, our citizenship is in heaven.
Earth is a temporary home and when we reach the end of our life here, then we go to our eternal home in heaven.
Are you longing for a better country?
I long for the heavenly one, I long for the heavenly city God has prepared for us!
I acknowledge that I am a stranger and exile on the earth!
i. We often consider the idea that we should not be ashamed of God, but we must also consider that we may make God ashamed of us. When we do not regard God and heaven and eternity as real, there can be a sense in which God is ashamed to be called our God. (Guzik)
Is God ashamed to be called YOUR God?
Blessings, David
Those of us in Jesus Christ, our home, our citizenship is in heaven.
Earth is a temporary home and when we reach the end of our life here, then we go to our eternal home in heaven.
Are you longing for a better country?
I long for the heavenly one, I long for the heavenly city God has prepared for us!
I acknowledge that I am a stranger and exile on the earth!
i. We often consider the idea that we should not be ashamed of God, but we must also consider that we may make God ashamed of us. When we do not regard God and heaven and eternity as real, there can be a sense in which God is ashamed to be called our God. (Guzik)
Is God ashamed to be called YOUR God?
Blessings, David
Thursday, June 22, 2017
The Bible
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you read the Word of
God? One word at a time. There are many different reasons as to why people
do not read the Bible. For some, they think it takes to long. In reality,
it takes approximately 72 hours to read the Bible, from front to back, out
loud, with and average reading speed. There are many that make time to read
the daily news, the sports page, the latest tabloid of the rich and famous,
and different books on hobbies, and neglect the Bible and its importance.
It says in *Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and full
of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper
than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul
and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow
[the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts
and intentions of the heart.* I read, "The Bible is the only book that when
you read it, the author is always there with you." Brethren, may we get
into the Word so that the Word can get into us, and then we will see our
lives and the lives of those around us change for eternity.
God? One word at a time. There are many different reasons as to why people
do not read the Bible. For some, they think it takes to long. In reality,
it takes approximately 72 hours to read the Bible, from front to back, out
loud, with and average reading speed. There are many that make time to read
the daily news, the sports page, the latest tabloid of the rich and famous,
and different books on hobbies, and neglect the Bible and its importance.
It says in *Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and full
of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper
than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul
and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow
[the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts
and intentions of the heart.* I read, "The Bible is the only book that when
you read it, the author is always there with you." Brethren, may we get
into the Word so that the Word can get into us, and then we will see our
lives and the lives of those around us change for eternity.
Douglas
What Gives You The Right? Matthew 21:23-27 NLT
How we love to judge people. We do it every day. We may not even realize we're doing it. A quick thought, a slight remark. Why do we do it? Does it benefit anyone? Does it benefit us? Maybe it makes us feel superior, better more "together". Does it benefit the person we are judging? Most of the time they don't know we are even noticing them. The guy on the street corner, the lady in the check out line, the run down house and it's occupants as we drive by.
What gives us the right to judge them? Isn't there really one who is worthy to judge? How will He judge me? How will He judge you? We pray it will be with compassion, we pray He will show mercy, we know it will be just.
Maybe, we should follow suite on the compassion and mercy part. Maybe next time we catch ourselves judging, we should pray for them (and ourselves) instead. Because, really, we do not have the right.
Matthew 21:23-27 NLT
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
23 When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to Him. They demanded, “By what authority are You doing all these things? Who gave You the right?”
24 “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. 25 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”
They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, He will ask us why we didn’t believe John. 26 But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet.” 27 So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”
And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things. "
Blessings, Cecilia
What gives us the right to judge them? Isn't there really one who is worthy to judge? How will He judge me? How will He judge you? We pray it will be with compassion, we pray He will show mercy, we know it will be just.
Maybe, we should follow suite on the compassion and mercy part. Maybe next time we catch ourselves judging, we should pray for them (and ourselves) instead. Because, really, we do not have the right.
Matthew 21:23-27 NLT
The Authority of Jesus Challenged
23 When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to Him. They demanded, “By what authority are You doing all these things? Who gave You the right?”
24 “I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,” Jesus replied. 25 “Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?”
They talked it over among themselves. “If we say it was from heaven, He will ask us why we didn’t believe John. 26 But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet.” 27 So they finally replied, “We don’t know.”
And Jesus responded, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things. "
Blessings, Cecilia
Hebrews 11 Would we have obeyed and went?
The Faith of Abraham and Sarah
(Genesis 15:1-7; Romans 4:1-12; Galatians 3:1-9; James 2:14-26)
8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. 9By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the opportune age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. 12And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
In 2015 after a visit with my older sister and younger brother in Michigan I longed to move back to my home state. We prayed about it and the Lord seemed to open doors. In July we closed on our new home in MI and in August we had listed for sale our Arizona home thinking we would sell it the following spring. But the Lord had better plans. He said move now! 58 hours after the listing went "live" we received a contract for purchase from friends we knew from our church. We didn't know they were looking and they didn't know we were selling. That particular Saturday night at church Cecilia mentioned to our friends were were selling our home and moving back to MI. She asked where our home was? Cecilia mentioned the two main cross streets. She asked where by the cross streets? She then asked, are we looking at your house tomorrow? Cecilia brought up the listing to show her. Yes they looked at it and purchased it.
God is like that, He is faithful and loving. They had been looking for a year. They wanted an older home with a large garage. Their realtor told them their house didn't exist.
We now live in the woods, in a small community, we attend a great church. Shortly after moving Cecilia's sister was diagnosed with cancer. She was there for her sister and went to the doctor and chemotherapy appointments. Her sister is now cancer free.
But how many of us would move like Abraham and Sarah, without knowing where he was going?
Would we have obeyed and went?
Blessings, David
8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. 9By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the opportune age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. 12And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
In 2015 after a visit with my older sister and younger brother in Michigan I longed to move back to my home state. We prayed about it and the Lord seemed to open doors. In July we closed on our new home in MI and in August we had listed for sale our Arizona home thinking we would sell it the following spring. But the Lord had better plans. He said move now! 58 hours after the listing went "live" we received a contract for purchase from friends we knew from our church. We didn't know they were looking and they didn't know we were selling. That particular Saturday night at church Cecilia mentioned to our friends were were selling our home and moving back to MI. She asked where our home was? Cecilia mentioned the two main cross streets. She asked where by the cross streets? She then asked, are we looking at your house tomorrow? Cecilia brought up the listing to show her. Yes they looked at it and purchased it.
God is like that, He is faithful and loving. They had been looking for a year. They wanted an older home with a large garage. Their realtor told them their house didn't exist.
We now live in the woods, in a small community, we attend a great church. Shortly after moving Cecilia's sister was diagnosed with cancer. She was there for her sister and went to the doctor and chemotherapy appointments. Her sister is now cancer free.
But how many of us would move like Abraham and Sarah, without knowing where he was going?
Would we have obeyed and went?
Blessings, David
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
You Call Yourself A Christian. Matthew 21:18-22 NLT
What does it mean to be a Christian? Does it mean you believe God exists? Satan and his demons know God exists, does that make them Christians?
Does being a Christian mean you were baptized as a child? John Wayne Gacy was raised Catholic, he was baptized as a child. Over a 10 year span, he is believed to have murdered 33 people.
Does being a Christian mean you go to church? Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than going into a garage makes you a car.
So what does it mean to be a Christian? To me, its a relationship with Jesus. It's trust and faith in the unseen. It's love beyond description. It's wanting to please our Heavenly Father above all others. It's a way of life, not a Sunday thing. It's trying to live a life pleasing to God. It's putting aside our wants for the wants of God.
It's a way of life seven days a week not just on Sunday. It's producing fruit, not just a show of leaves.
Matthew 21:18-22 NLT
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
18 In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, He was hungry, 19 and He noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then He said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.
20 The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”
21 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Blessings, Cecilia
Does being a Christian mean you were baptized as a child? John Wayne Gacy was raised Catholic, he was baptized as a child. Over a 10 year span, he is believed to have murdered 33 people.
Does being a Christian mean you go to church? Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than going into a garage makes you a car.
So what does it mean to be a Christian? To me, its a relationship with Jesus. It's trust and faith in the unseen. It's love beyond description. It's wanting to please our Heavenly Father above all others. It's a way of life, not a Sunday thing. It's trying to live a life pleasing to God. It's putting aside our wants for the wants of God.
It's a way of life seven days a week not just on Sunday. It's producing fruit, not just a show of leaves.
Matthew 21:18-22 NLT
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
18 In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, He was hungry, 19 and He noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then He said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up.
20 The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”
21 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Blessings, Cecilia
Bitter Roots Matthew 21:14-17 NLT
I've heard the excuse "The church is full of hypocrites, that's why I don't go". I always want to respond "Well then, by all means, don't go. We don't need another one!" But I bite my tongue, that wouldn't be very Christian.
The religious leaders of the time were hypocritical too. Here, Jesus chased out those that were making money off others misfortunes and what was the religious leaders response? They are indignant. I guess it was okay to deal crookedly with those who came to worship but it was not okay spread hope and healing.
And what about the children? They sang praise to Jesus! Yet because it was directed to the One they hated, it was deemed unacceptable.
When bitterness takes root and is allowed to grow, nothing seems to satisfy it. It ends up consuming your entire life.
Matthew 21:14-17 NLT
14 The blind and the lame came to Him in the Temple, and He healed them. 15 The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.”
But the leaders were indignant. 16 They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”
“Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’ ” 17 Then He returned to Bethany, where He stayed overnight.
Blessings, Cecilia
The religious leaders of the time were hypocritical too. Here, Jesus chased out those that were making money off others misfortunes and what was the religious leaders response? They are indignant. I guess it was okay to deal crookedly with those who came to worship but it was not okay spread hope and healing.
And what about the children? They sang praise to Jesus! Yet because it was directed to the One they hated, it was deemed unacceptable.
When bitterness takes root and is allowed to grow, nothing seems to satisfy it. It ends up consuming your entire life.
Matthew 21:14-17 NLT
14 The blind and the lame came to Him in the Temple, and He healed them. 15 The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.”
But the leaders were indignant. 16 They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”
“Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’ ” 17 Then He returned to Bethany, where He stayed overnight.
Blessings, Cecilia
Hebrews 11 Will your FAITH draw them to Christ?
The Faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah
4By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
5By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death. He could not be found, because God had taken him away.a For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
i. The writer to the Hebrews doesn’t say that it is difficult to please God without faith. He says that it is impossible.
c. He condemned the world: We shouldn’t think that Noah was a man who preached sermons of condemnation to the world. Instead, the mere conduct of the godly, without any preaching at all, can feel like condemnation to the world.
(Guzik)
This statement from David Guzik stands out to me, "the mere conduct of the godly, without any preaching at all, can feel like condemnation to the world."
The world can perceive this condemnation in two different ways. One would be hate the other could be curiosity.
The world is watching you. The curious world is waiting to see how you react.
Will you react as a loving Christian follower of Jesus Christ or will you react in the flesh?
Will the curious world call you a hypocrite or will your FAITH draw them to Christ?
Blessings, David
4By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
5By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death. He could not be found, because God had taken him away.a For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
i. The writer to the Hebrews doesn’t say that it is difficult to please God without faith. He says that it is impossible.
c. He condemned the world: We shouldn’t think that Noah was a man who preached sermons of condemnation to the world. Instead, the mere conduct of the godly, without any preaching at all, can feel like condemnation to the world.
(Guzik)
This statement from David Guzik stands out to me, "the mere conduct of the godly, without any preaching at all, can feel like condemnation to the world."
The world can perceive this condemnation in two different ways. One would be hate the other could be curiosity.
The world is watching you. The curious world is waiting to see how you react.
Will you react as a loving Christian follower of Jesus Christ or will you react in the flesh?
Will the curious world call you a hypocrite or will your FAITH draw them to Christ?
Blessings, David
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
He loves you beyond measure!
When it hurts to be alive. Over the past few years I have had a few friends
that have taken their own lives. My heart is broken. I feel that I did not
do enough. That I did not care enough. I should have paid closer attention.
I know the feelings and emotions of hurting to be alive. I know intimately
the desire for the pain to end as a non believer and also as an established
believer in the church. It’s very easy to quote a bible verse to a hurting
soul and trivialize the suffering they are going through. It’s very easy to
tell a depressed person to “just look on the bright side". But when we are
choking in a swamp of pain, grief, and heartache, we need more than
cliche's and quotations from some dead guy that tell us to "buck up". The
mind set of a person who is in severe depression is not rational. I have
heard it said by people that do not have a clue of the torment, "it is a
cowards way out", but to a person who is experiencing that despair, it is a
way to escape the pain. Even if we knew that our suffering was having some
fantastic spiritual impact on someone else—so what? At bottom, we are
selfish beings. Does God honestly care about how intensely we are hurting?
Does He care about how slow the seconds tick by? Does He understand how
impossible it is for us to work up any sincere gratitude or praise when our
souls are so completely drained? Yes, He does. And when we are crawling
through life, the last thing God is going to say to us is, “Get up and
dance.” As our Creator who sustains us, God is intimately involved in every
aspect of our lives. He remembers every detail of our lives and He
experiences our lives with us. We never go through anything alone.
Physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological—it was God who created all
the elements of our being and He is carefully managing the state that each
one is in at any given moment. In life, we despair when we can no longer
see any hope. But with God, we have something far greater than a mere hope.
We have rock solid truths. God is good. He loves us beyond measure.
Everything He allows to happen to us is for our spiritual best. If you do
not know God, know Jesus, please let me know. I will help you get to know
Him intimately. If you do, ask for His help. Brethren, please pray and ask
God to open your eyes to those who are hurting. Let them know that Jesus
loves them and that you love them too! And may we all remember, *Ps 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.*
Douglas
Righteous Anger. Matthew 21:12-13 NLT
Righteous Anger definition from Webster's "In some Christian doctrines, righteous anger is considered the only form of anger which is not sinful, e.g., when Jesus drove the money lenders out of the temple (Gospel of Matthew 21)."
John 2:13 says Jesus made a whip, then He cleared the temple. He didn't walk in and blow His top, He had to sit and craft a whip out of available material. Jesus had to use His hands to create an instrument of punishment.
Soon Jesus would have a similar instrument of punishment used against Him at the hands of the Roman soldiers. And His Temple, His body would be desecrated just as this building in Jerusalem was.
Matthew 21:12-13 NLT
Jesus Clears the Temple
12 Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. 13 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”
Blessings, Cecilia
John 2:13 says Jesus made a whip, then He cleared the temple. He didn't walk in and blow His top, He had to sit and craft a whip out of available material. Jesus had to use His hands to create an instrument of punishment.
Soon Jesus would have a similar instrument of punishment used against Him at the hands of the Roman soldiers. And His Temple, His body would be desecrated just as this building in Jerusalem was.
Matthew 21:12-13 NLT
Jesus Clears the Temple
12 Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. 13 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”
Blessings, Cecilia
Hebrews 11 Do you have faith and assurance?
Hebrews 11
Berean Study Bible
Faith and Assurance
1Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. 2This is why the ancients were commended.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed by God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
"faith is the “sense” that gives us evidence of the invisible, spiritual world." (Guzik)
“Physical eyesight produces a conviction or evidence of visible things; faith is the organ which enables people to see the invisible order.” (Bruce)
Gods command; Genesis 1: 3And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Faith and assurance, what does it mean to you? My faith is in Jesus Christ. I have assurance that His death on the cross was a sacrifice for my sins. I am assured I have eternal life!
When I hear a report that a 20 million year old fossil was found my first reaction is; yeah right! The bible is clear about God creating the earth. It seems to me scientists are trying to prove Him wrong!
Do you have faith and assurance?
Blessings, David
Berean Study Bible
Faith and Assurance
1Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. 2This is why the ancients were commended.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed by God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
"faith is the “sense” that gives us evidence of the invisible, spiritual world." (Guzik)
“Physical eyesight produces a conviction or evidence of visible things; faith is the organ which enables people to see the invisible order.” (Bruce)
Gods command; Genesis 1: 3And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Faith and assurance, what does it mean to you? My faith is in Jesus Christ. I have assurance that His death on the cross was a sacrifice for my sins. I am assured I have eternal life!
When I hear a report that a 20 million year old fossil was found my first reaction is; yeah right! The bible is clear about God creating the earth. It seems to me scientists are trying to prove Him wrong!
Do you have faith and assurance?
Blessings, David
Monday, June 19, 2017
Get Up!
Follow Hard, Finish Well, is something that many "Christian's" start off
trying to achieve and then throughout the course of their walk, they fall
away or just become complacent in their relationship with Jesus. The
Apostle Paul gave great encouragement to the believers that we should take
to heart. *1 Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run,
but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.* For
most of us, we will not affect "The World" like Billy Graham, Greg Laurie,
or some of the other great evangelist have in the past. One thing that I
know for sure, no one can affect my world as much as I can. And no one can
affect your world as much as you can. Paul knew that his time was short
here on earth and he made a statement that I want to be able to say as
well. *2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the
race, I have kept the faith.* I know what it is like to stumble and fall to
the point of disqualification. I also know the forgiveness of God. My
beloved brethren, no matter where you are at in your race, I want to
encourage you to keep going, and if you have stumbled or drifted of course,
"Get Up" and get back in the race.
trying to achieve and then throughout the course of their walk, they fall
away or just become complacent in their relationship with Jesus. The
Apostle Paul gave great encouragement to the believers that we should take
to heart. *1 Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run,
but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.* For
most of us, we will not affect "The World" like Billy Graham, Greg Laurie,
or some of the other great evangelist have in the past. One thing that I
know for sure, no one can affect my world as much as I can. And no one can
affect your world as much as you can. Paul knew that his time was short
here on earth and he made a statement that I want to be able to say as
well. *2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the
race, I have kept the faith.* I know what it is like to stumble and fall to
the point of disqualification. I also know the forgiveness of God. My
beloved brethren, no matter where you are at in your race, I want to
encourage you to keep going, and if you have stumbled or drifted of course,
"Get Up" and get back in the race.
Douglas
Hebrews 10 Do you trust God?
35So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. 36You need to persevere, so that after you have done God’s will, you will receive what He has promised. 37For,
“In just a very while little,
He who is coming will come and will not delay.
38But My righteous one will live by faith;
and if he shrinks back,
I will take no pleasure in him.”
39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
The early New Testament Christians were in danger of leaving Christianity and reverting back to Old Testament ways. Like them, we too are in danger of leaving Christianity for another god. The world wants to draw you back in chasing after material things.
As I look back at my life I realize how my grandfather left an impression on me. He was a simple man that led a simple life. He paid cash for everything. He built a small little two bedroom ranch house on ten acres with a 1-1/2 car garage. He took care of everything. He didn't go into debt. He didn't live beyond his means.
Today's society is different. The average household has $16k credit card debt! People want bigger houses, fancier cars, more adult toys. Why? Because they are living in the world for themselves instead of living for Christ.
If you can't manage your money based on your income seek help. Find a nonprofit agency that specializes in debt reduction and follow their plan.
Start with listening to the Dave Ramsey radio show. He gives advice on how to get off credit card addiction. I remember listening to him years ago and callers would call into the show with different methods of destroying credit cards. Some used blenders, paper shedders, lawn mowers ect. They played the audio of the credit card destruction!
Remember, Jesus is coming back. Look at the world around you if you need convincing.
Don't shrink back from your faith and allow yourself to be destroyed.
Don't chase after the world and all the lusts of it.
Seek God, seek Godly advice, pray for guidance in debt reduction and live within your means. Most of all, trust God with your finances.
Why is it that people trust God for some things but not their checkbook?
Are you tithing?
Blessings, David
“In just a very while little,
He who is coming will come and will not delay.
38But My righteous one will live by faith;
and if he shrinks back,
I will take no pleasure in him.”
39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
The early New Testament Christians were in danger of leaving Christianity and reverting back to Old Testament ways. Like them, we too are in danger of leaving Christianity for another god. The world wants to draw you back in chasing after material things.
As I look back at my life I realize how my grandfather left an impression on me. He was a simple man that led a simple life. He paid cash for everything. He built a small little two bedroom ranch house on ten acres with a 1-1/2 car garage. He took care of everything. He didn't go into debt. He didn't live beyond his means.
Today's society is different. The average household has $16k credit card debt! People want bigger houses, fancier cars, more adult toys. Why? Because they are living in the world for themselves instead of living for Christ.
If you can't manage your money based on your income seek help. Find a nonprofit agency that specializes in debt reduction and follow their plan.
Start with listening to the Dave Ramsey radio show. He gives advice on how to get off credit card addiction. I remember listening to him years ago and callers would call into the show with different methods of destroying credit cards. Some used blenders, paper shedders, lawn mowers ect. They played the audio of the credit card destruction!
Remember, Jesus is coming back. Look at the world around you if you need convincing.
Don't shrink back from your faith and allow yourself to be destroyed.
Don't chase after the world and all the lusts of it.
Seek God, seek Godly advice, pray for guidance in debt reduction and live within your means. Most of all, trust God with your finances.
Why is it that people trust God for some things but not their checkbook?
Are you tithing?
Blessings, David
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Happy Fathers Day!
"Happy Father's Day" brings out different emotions in people. For some they
had a great dad, one that was involved in every aspect of their life. Then
there are the rest of us. There were many dad's that were so busy making a
living that they forgot about making a life with their families. For some,
they suffer from not knowing their father's, due to one reason or another.
There are many of us whose father's have died and are no longer with us,
and we have sadness today. Before I came to know God as my Father, I felt
like I was missing something. As I read the scriptures, I learned how to be
the father to my children, and show love in a way that it was never shown
to me by my earthly father. I think of what Jesus went through for us and
what our heavenly Father did so that we can be His children and call Him
"Abba", "Daddy". *Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent
forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7
Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir
of God through Christ.* Happy Father's day, first and foremost to our
heavenly Father and to all those that are being a father to their own
children or the children of another. May we love them like Jesus would. God
bless.
Douglas
had a great dad, one that was involved in every aspect of their life. Then
there are the rest of us. There were many dad's that were so busy making a
living that they forgot about making a life with their families. For some,
they suffer from not knowing their father's, due to one reason or another.
There are many of us whose father's have died and are no longer with us,
and we have sadness today. Before I came to know God as my Father, I felt
like I was missing something. As I read the scriptures, I learned how to be
the father to my children, and show love in a way that it was never shown
to me by my earthly father. I think of what Jesus went through for us and
what our heavenly Father did so that we can be His children and call Him
"Abba", "Daddy". *Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent
forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7
Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir
of God through Christ.* Happy Father's day, first and foremost to our
heavenly Father and to all those that are being a father to their own
children or the children of another. May we love them like Jesus would. God
bless.
Douglas
Why The Uproar? Matthew 21:6-11 NLT
As I read this verse this morning, verse 10 popped out at me. The question "Why the uproar?" Came to mind along with this song from Third Day:
As I studied this verse, I looked up "uproar". The definition was not celebratory. I than looked at other translations of the same verse and the words used were "moved", "shaken", "stirred", "commotion" and "excitement". The laying down of clothing and palm branches was an act of praise, support and adoration. Yet, this is the same crowd, that in a few short days, would yell "crucify Him".
Where are you with Jesus? In support when He entered your life but soon part of the crowd denouncing Him? Let it not be so.
Matthew 21:6-11 NLT
6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to Him and threw their garments over the colt, and He sat on it.
8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of Him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around Him were shouting,
“Praise God for the Son of David!
Blessings on the One who comes in the name of the LORD!
Praise God in highest heaven!”
10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as He entered. “Who is this?” they asked.
11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Blessings, Cecilia
What have you built your life upon?
There are 100's of questions that we ask and are asked everyday. Many have
no eternal value. Then there are some, that Christian's need to deal with
in their hearts, in their very souls. Did you really count the cost of
following after Jesus? It says in *Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending
to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he
has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is
not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man
began to build and was not able to finish’? 33 So likewise, whoever of you
does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.* What have you
built your life upon? Have you truly forsaken all to be Jesus' disciple?
For me, these questions are not constant in my mind like I believe that
they should be. I have seen many come to Christ, or at least to church, all
excited and a little while later go back into the world and then have their
friends make fun of Jesus because their devotion was so short lived. There
are some that try to live in both worlds and think that it is ok, they are
comfortable. Brethren, we must take our relationship with Jesus seriously.
Our eternity depends on it. And think of the encouragement of the Apostle
Paul, *Phil 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as
in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling*
no eternal value. Then there are some, that Christian's need to deal with
in their hearts, in their very souls. Did you really count the cost of
following after Jesus? It says in *Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending
to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he
has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is
not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man
began to build and was not able to finish’? 33 So likewise, whoever of you
does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.* What have you
built your life upon? Have you truly forsaken all to be Jesus' disciple?
For me, these questions are not constant in my mind like I believe that
they should be. I have seen many come to Christ, or at least to church, all
excited and a little while later go back into the world and then have their
friends make fun of Jesus because their devotion was so short lived. There
are some that try to live in both worlds and think that it is ok, they are
comfortable. Brethren, we must take our relationship with Jesus seriously.
Our eternity depends on it. And think of the encouragement of the Apostle
Paul, *Phil 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as
in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling*
Douglas
Hebrews 10 Are you being persecuted?
32Remember the early days that you were in the light, when you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering. 33Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated. 34You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.
Remembering persecution. How many of us have really been "persecuted" for Christ?
Have you lost your family, your possessions or your head? Yes some in today's age are loosing everything including their heads for Christ. So if you are ridiculed by family, friends or fellow workers smile and receive it gladly because it's a small price to pay. Wear your ridicule proudly, smile at them for Christ because He also loves them like a father loves his own wayward children.
Remember your reward, eternal life in heaven!
Here is a link to an interesting article of Christian persecution in the United States. It's an older article so the stats have probably changed.
https://www.worthynews.com/1710-persecution-of-christians-growing-in-the-united-states
Blessings, David
Remembering persecution. How many of us have really been "persecuted" for Christ?
Have you lost your family, your possessions or your head? Yes some in today's age are loosing everything including their heads for Christ. So if you are ridiculed by family, friends or fellow workers smile and receive it gladly because it's a small price to pay. Wear your ridicule proudly, smile at them for Christ because He also loves them like a father loves his own wayward children.
Remember your reward, eternal life in heaven!
Here is a link to an interesting article of Christian persecution in the United States. It's an older article so the stats have probably changed.
https://www.worthynews.com/1710-persecution-of-christians-growing-in-the-united-states
Blessings, David
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Prophecy Fulfilled. Matthew 21:4-5
It starts with a hope, a yearning and curiosity. There has to be something greater, better, more powerful. What are your options? God, all the other false gods or nothing, emptiness, a void. The other false gods were never an option for me. It was God or nothing.
I started looking for answers. I started attending church, a good Bible teaching church. I started verifying what I was being told. When the pastor talked about the Dead Sea Scrolls, I had to know more.
Once I was convinced what is written in the Bible is true, it wasn't too much of a stretch to believe the whole Bible is true. Every word, from start to finish. Scripture tells us the Bible is the word of God. Scripture tells us God is truth and cannot lie.
That's why I find prophecy so fascinating. Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, God gave His people hope. It's like finding a treasure when you read prophecy in the Old Testament and then see it was fulfilled in the New Testament.
Here is more prophecy fulfilled. Zechariah lived 500 years before Jesus was born yet he prophesied the manner in which Jesus would enter Jerusalem.
Zechariah 9: 9 Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.
Matthew 21:1-7
4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,
5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’”
Blessings, Cecilia
I started looking for answers. I started attending church, a good Bible teaching church. I started verifying what I was being told. When the pastor talked about the Dead Sea Scrolls, I had to know more.
Once I was convinced what is written in the Bible is true, it wasn't too much of a stretch to believe the whole Bible is true. Every word, from start to finish. Scripture tells us the Bible is the word of God. Scripture tells us God is truth and cannot lie.
That's why I find prophecy so fascinating. Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, God gave His people hope. It's like finding a treasure when you read prophecy in the Old Testament and then see it was fulfilled in the New Testament.
Here is more prophecy fulfilled. Zechariah lived 500 years before Jesus was born yet he prophesied the manner in which Jesus would enter Jerusalem.
Zechariah 9: 9 Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.
Matthew 21:1-7
4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,
5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’”
Blessings, Cecilia
Hebrews 10 Have you resisted, refused and despised?
26If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and raging fire that will consume all adversaries. 28Anyone who rejected the Law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
30For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,”d and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”e 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
From David Guzik commentary;
ii. “It has nothing to do with backsliders in our common use of that term. A man may be overtaken in a fault, or he may deliberately go into sin, and yet neither renounce the Gospel, nor deny the Lord that bought him. His case is dreary and dangerous, but it is not hopeless.” (Clarke)
These verses in context are referring to the Jewish Christians who returned to the Law trampling on Christ's blood and what He did on the cross.
c. How much worse punishment: If someone does reject Jesus’ sacrifice, fearful judgment is certain, even more certain than it was under the Old Covenant.
iii. Insulted the Spirit of grace: We offend the Holy Spirit, whose purpose it is to present Jesus and His work to us (John 16:8-15) when we reject Jesus and His finished work on our behalf.
a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God: It is fearful indeed to one-day face the God you have rejected and offended so greatly. (Guzik)
i. “To fall into the hands of the Living God is, therefore, to have resisted His love, refused His salvation, despised the warnings of His Spirit, and to have persisted thus past the point where God can consistently show further grace.” (Newell)
Are you a backslider or have you resisted, refused and despised?
Blessings, David
30For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,”d and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”e 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
From David Guzik commentary;
ii. “It has nothing to do with backsliders in our common use of that term. A man may be overtaken in a fault, or he may deliberately go into sin, and yet neither renounce the Gospel, nor deny the Lord that bought him. His case is dreary and dangerous, but it is not hopeless.” (Clarke)
These verses in context are referring to the Jewish Christians who returned to the Law trampling on Christ's blood and what He did on the cross.
c. How much worse punishment: If someone does reject Jesus’ sacrifice, fearful judgment is certain, even more certain than it was under the Old Covenant.
iii. Insulted the Spirit of grace: We offend the Holy Spirit, whose purpose it is to present Jesus and His work to us (John 16:8-15) when we reject Jesus and His finished work on our behalf.
a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God: It is fearful indeed to one-day face the God you have rejected and offended so greatly. (Guzik)
i. “To fall into the hands of the Living God is, therefore, to have resisted His love, refused His salvation, despised the warnings of His Spirit, and to have persisted thus past the point where God can consistently show further grace.” (Newell)
Are you a backslider or have you resisted, refused and despised?
Blessings, David
Friday, June 16, 2017
Lying Lips 👄 !
"Liar"- synonyms: deceiver, fibber, perjurer, false witness, fabricator. It
is also a term that no one wants to be called and yet so many people do for
one reason or another. Sometimes, it it because of money, others it is
fear, and most of the time it is just so easy, it seems as the way of not
getting into trouble. What is your reputation, honor and integrity worth?
$600? $1000? There are many verses that deal with lying in the Bible,
*Leviticus 19:11 ‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one
another. Prov 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord...* As followers
of the Lord Jesus and children of the living God, even if our word is not
worth honoring, we MUST remember that we are His representatives here on
earth. To do the "right" thing is not always easy, but it is always best.
*Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old
man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in
knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is
neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian,
slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.*
is also a term that no one wants to be called and yet so many people do for
one reason or another. Sometimes, it it because of money, others it is
fear, and most of the time it is just so easy, it seems as the way of not
getting into trouble. What is your reputation, honor and integrity worth?
$600? $1000? There are many verses that deal with lying in the Bible,
*Leviticus 19:11 ‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one
another. Prov 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord...* As followers
of the Lord Jesus and children of the living God, even if our word is not
worth honoring, we MUST remember that we are His representatives here on
earth. To do the "right" thing is not always easy, but it is always best.
*Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old
man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in
knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is
neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian,
slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.*
Douglas
Broken. Matthew 21:1-5 NTL
I started riding horses when I was about 4. The first horse my family owned was named Peggy. She was no grand stallion or race horse. She was really nothing more than an old mare. She had a bad case of sway back from years of being ridden and unless you were headed back to the barn, she would only walk.....very slowly.
Peggy hadn't always been that way. At one time she must of been a frisky colt. I bet she kicked up her heals with the best of them. She had to be trained and taught. First she would have been walked on a lead to calm her down. She would have to get use to a humans touch. She would learn trust, the feel of a saddle and how to hold a bit comfortably in her mouth. Then she would get use to weight in the saddle. A little at first, then slowly increased. At last she would be broken.
God didn't come to earth in royal fashion. He didn't live in a castle or mansion. He didn't ride a beautiful stallion, He rode a donkeys colt. A poor man's transportation, a pack animal.
And yet, even the colt knew the cargo it carried was special. A young donkey, the most stubborn, uncooperative, unbroken animal around didn't refuse to be ridden, didn't shy from the Savior, didn't buck when the crowd's closed in.
Maybe we all should take a lesson from these young animals. Maybe we all should be broken.
Matthew 21:1-5 NTL
Jesus’ Triumphant Entry
1 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” He said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to Me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”
4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,
5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’”
Zechariah 9: 9 Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.
Blessings, Cecilia
Hebrews 10 Encourage one another!
23Let us hold resolutely to the hope we confess, for He who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. 25Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
We have two weekly "meetings" get togethers that we attend with people from our church. One is Sunday night, called Life Group. We meet at a home with other believers starting with a prayer, food, bible study on that day's sermon and then prayer requests. Our church publishes a page of life group questions for going deeper into the sermon. The church has many life groups so you can join anyone you wish. We enjoy the one we attend and have bonded with the friends we meet there. Everyone signs up for bringing food by the calendar and it ranges from desert to a full blown meal.
The second is called Compassionate Recovery. It's a group of people in recovery from death of a loved one, addictions from alcohol or drugs, gambling, or more importantly anyone with hurts, hang ups or habits. This group meets Thursday nights and starts with worship, a two page study given by our church counselor and then breaks up into two groups, women and men. At first I thought this group isn't for me but then I was told by someone they enjoyed when I attended. I asked, why? He said he enjoyed my input in the men's group. I gave this person a nickname, (Barnabas), "the encourager".
I've bonded with the men in the group and to be honest I wouldn't be attending if I didn't have a drug problem. You see, my wife drug me to church!
During summer break the group has BBQ's every three weeks or so. We had one last week and I almost canceled due to a big project but drug myself to it. I have to say we had a great time and I look forward to the next one!
So I have to ASK you! Do you spur one another on to love and good deeds?
Do you neglect meeting with one another?
Do you encourage one another?
Plug yourself into your church, get involved in extra activities with other believers.
If your church doesn't have Life Group's ask if you can start one!
Attend bible studies!
You never know, if you have a drug problem like I have you eventually may not have to drag yourself into the extra activities! You may even enjoy them!
Blessings, David
We have two weekly "meetings" get togethers that we attend with people from our church. One is Sunday night, called Life Group. We meet at a home with other believers starting with a prayer, food, bible study on that day's sermon and then prayer requests. Our church publishes a page of life group questions for going deeper into the sermon. The church has many life groups so you can join anyone you wish. We enjoy the one we attend and have bonded with the friends we meet there. Everyone signs up for bringing food by the calendar and it ranges from desert to a full blown meal.
The second is called Compassionate Recovery. It's a group of people in recovery from death of a loved one, addictions from alcohol or drugs, gambling, or more importantly anyone with hurts, hang ups or habits. This group meets Thursday nights and starts with worship, a two page study given by our church counselor and then breaks up into two groups, women and men. At first I thought this group isn't for me but then I was told by someone they enjoyed when I attended. I asked, why? He said he enjoyed my input in the men's group. I gave this person a nickname, (Barnabas), "the encourager".
I've bonded with the men in the group and to be honest I wouldn't be attending if I didn't have a drug problem. You see, my wife drug me to church!
During summer break the group has BBQ's every three weeks or so. We had one last week and I almost canceled due to a big project but drug myself to it. I have to say we had a great time and I look forward to the next one!
So I have to ASK you! Do you spur one another on to love and good deeds?
Do you neglect meeting with one another?
Do you encourage one another?
Plug yourself into your church, get involved in extra activities with other believers.
If your church doesn't have Life Group's ask if you can start one!
Attend bible studies!
You never know, if you have a drug problem like I have you eventually may not have to drag yourself into the extra activities! You may even enjoy them!
Blessings, David
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Hebrews 10 Have you settled the matter?
Call to Persevere
(Jude 1:17-23)
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, 21and since we have a high priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Washed with His blood. Jesus is the new way, our High Priest over the house of God. All you have to do is believe in Him and the sacrifice He made for you. Your sins and guilt were nailed to the cross with Him.
With a sincere heart confess your sins to Him today.
Rest in His assurance of faith with your inner self cleansed (heart sprinkled) and your outer self washed with pure water. You are fully cleansed and now are acceptable to God because of His Son Jesus washing you internally and externally.
You are white as snow.
Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Have you settled the matter?
Blessings, David
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, 21and since we have a high priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Washed with His blood. Jesus is the new way, our High Priest over the house of God. All you have to do is believe in Him and the sacrifice He made for you. Your sins and guilt were nailed to the cross with Him.
With a sincere heart confess your sins to Him today.
Rest in His assurance of faith with your inner self cleansed (heart sprinkled) and your outer self washed with pure water. You are fully cleansed and now are acceptable to God because of His Son Jesus washing you internally and externally.
You are white as snow.
Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Have you settled the matter?
Blessings, David
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
He will direct our paths!
My heart is heavy, not so much as to what I am dealing with, but about
what those that I love and care about are going through. I see marriages
struggling to make it. Families being destroyed due to drugs and alcohol.
Friends battling through health issues that have rocked their world. Many
people suffer through loneliness due to one reason or another. Children
have to deal with the life issues of their parents and are not being able
to enjoy just being a kid. There are many different ways people find to
help them make it through the day. Some look to the world while the
believer in the Lord Jesus is to look to the Word. I have a friend that
shared her "Bible verse" with me, *Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all
your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways
acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.* Trust - "reliance on the
integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing;
confidence". This can be a difficult to do if you do not know "who" you are
trust in. and the primary way we get to know the Lord is through His Word.
Brethren, may we get into His Word and have His Word get into us, and then
we can be confident on Who we acknowledge and as His word says, then, He
will direct our paths.
what those that I love and care about are going through. I see marriages
struggling to make it. Families being destroyed due to drugs and alcohol.
Friends battling through health issues that have rocked their world. Many
people suffer through loneliness due to one reason or another. Children
have to deal with the life issues of their parents and are not being able
to enjoy just being a kid. There are many different ways people find to
help them make it through the day. Some look to the world while the
believer in the Lord Jesus is to look to the Word. I have a friend that
shared her "Bible verse" with me, *Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all
your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways
acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.* Trust - "reliance on the
integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing;
confidence". This can be a difficult to do if you do not know "who" you are
trust in. and the primary way we get to know the Lord is through His Word.
Brethren, may we get into His Word and have His Word get into us, and then
we can be confident on Who we acknowledge and as His word says, then, He
will direct our paths.
Douglas
Behold the Man!
"Man of God", is the description given to a man that follows God in every
way, who obeys His commands with joy, who does not live for the things of
this life but for the things of eternity, who willingly serves his God in
giving freely of all his resources yet gladly suffers as a consequence of
his faith. (Got?.org) I think one of the best verse that explains this is,
*Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord
require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with
your God?* Many people strive after and battle to be a "Man of God" and
fail to achieve because of everything in the world around them that is a
distraction. The first part of that title is "Man". The struggle that I see
and deal with myself is putting aside the cares and concerns of the world
and staying focused on the ways of the Lord. Fear, disappointments, doubt
and shame are tactics that the enemy uses to help the children of God to
become discouraged and feel unworthy of the calling that God has placed
upon them. There are also many that are caught up in their own agendas so
much, that they forget about the Lord Jesus. When I deal with my crazy high
speed wobble of life, there is a verse that calms my spirit, *John 19:5
Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe.
And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!*
way, who obeys His commands with joy, who does not live for the things of
this life but for the things of eternity, who willingly serves his God in
giving freely of all his resources yet gladly suffers as a consequence of
his faith. (Got?.org) I think one of the best verse that explains this is,
*Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord
require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with
your God?* Many people strive after and battle to be a "Man of God" and
fail to achieve because of everything in the world around them that is a
distraction. The first part of that title is "Man". The struggle that I see
and deal with myself is putting aside the cares and concerns of the world
and staying focused on the ways of the Lord. Fear, disappointments, doubt
and shame are tactics that the enemy uses to help the children of God to
become discouraged and feel unworthy of the calling that God has placed
upon them. There are also many that are caught up in their own agendas so
much, that they forget about the Lord Jesus. When I deal with my crazy high
speed wobble of life, there is a verse that calms my spirit, *John 19:5
Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe.
And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!*
Douglas
Humble Your Heart. Matthew 20:20-28 NLT
I love to volunteer. I meet new people, have fun, get into places free and serve Jesus all at the same time! It feels good to do nice things for other people, people who are usually strangers. I don't do it for praise or acknowledgement, I do it because I love Jesus and this is one way I can show His love to others.
When I sign up to volunteer, it's not important what I do, I just want to be involved. (Except when it came to kids and dart guns, I drew the line there). I want whatever the activity is to be enjoyable for those attending and easier on the people organizing it. I want it to be a success.
It's not important what you do for Jesus, it just important you do something and do it for the right reasons. Check your motives, if your serving others for acclamation, recognition or rewards it's time to humble your heart.
Matthew 20:20-28 NLT
Jesus Teaches about Serving Others
20 Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. 21 “What is your request?” He asked.
She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”
22 But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?”
“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”
23 Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from My bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on My right or My left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones He has chosen.”
24 When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Blessings, Cecilia
Hebrews 10 Forget About It!
11Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. 13Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet, 14because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are sanctified.
15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says:
16“This is the covenant I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord.
I will put My Laws in their hearts
and inscribe them on their minds.”b
17Then he adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”c
18And where these have been forgiven, an offering for sin is no longer needed.
This Priest, notice it is not priest but Priest referring to Jesus Christ Himself!
Let's read this verse again; "12But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God."
ii. Spurgeon pointed out that the comma can be placed differently in the sentence, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. It is possible to translate, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins, forever sat down at the right hand of God. Either one is permitted and either one is correct, though the common translation is probably preferred. (Guzik)
"He has made perfect for all time those who are sanctified."
Sanctified
i. “What a glorious word! Those for whom Christ has died were perfected by his death. It does not mean that he made them perfect in characters so that they are no longer sinners, but that he made those for whom he died perfectly free from the guilt of sin. When Christ took their sins upon himself, sin remained no longer upon them, for it could not be in two places at one and the same time.” (Spurgeon)
c. The Holy Spirit also witnesses to us . . . says the Lord: In this passage, the writer to the Hebrews clearly shows that the Holy Spirit is the Lord, Yahweh of the Old Testament. When the Holy Spirit speaks, the Lord speaks. (Guzik)
Let this sink in!
Inner transformation; "I will put My Laws in their hearts and inscribe them on their minds.”"
Forgot about it!
iii. Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more: The new covenant offers complete forgiveness. The forgiveness is so complete that God can say that He doesn’t even remember our sins in light of the new covenant!
iv. The Christian must endeavor to do with their sin exactly what God has done: forget about it. As well, this reminds us that the believer is in no way on probation. Before God, past sin has no bearing on God’s present dealing. (Guzik)
ii. “The Christ who died on Calvary’s cross, will not have to die again for my new sins, or to offer a fresh atonement for any transgressions that I may yet commit. No; but, once for all, gathering up the whole mass of his people’s sins into one colossal burden, he took it upon his shoulders, and flung the whole of it into the sepulcher wherein once he slept, and there it is buried, never to be raised again to bear witness against the redeemed any more for ever.” (Spurgeon)
God is working in us (you) for inner transformation (heart change). Our sins and lawless deeds are remembered no more, forget about it (them).
Spurgeon says it best, "and there it is buried, never to be raised again to bear witness against the redeemed any more for ever.”"
Blessings, David
15The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First He says:
16“This is the covenant I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord.
I will put My Laws in their hearts
and inscribe them on their minds.”b
17Then he adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”c
18And where these have been forgiven, an offering for sin is no longer needed.
This Priest, notice it is not priest but Priest referring to Jesus Christ Himself!
Let's read this verse again; "12But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God."
ii. Spurgeon pointed out that the comma can be placed differently in the sentence, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. It is possible to translate, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins, forever sat down at the right hand of God. Either one is permitted and either one is correct, though the common translation is probably preferred. (Guzik)
"He has made perfect for all time those who are sanctified."
Sanctified
i. “What a glorious word! Those for whom Christ has died were perfected by his death. It does not mean that he made them perfect in characters so that they are no longer sinners, but that he made those for whom he died perfectly free from the guilt of sin. When Christ took their sins upon himself, sin remained no longer upon them, for it could not be in two places at one and the same time.” (Spurgeon)
c. The Holy Spirit also witnesses to us . . . says the Lord: In this passage, the writer to the Hebrews clearly shows that the Holy Spirit is the Lord, Yahweh of the Old Testament. When the Holy Spirit speaks, the Lord speaks. (Guzik)
Let this sink in!
Inner transformation; "I will put My Laws in their hearts and inscribe them on their minds.”"
Forgot about it!
iii. Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more: The new covenant offers complete forgiveness. The forgiveness is so complete that God can say that He doesn’t even remember our sins in light of the new covenant!
iv. The Christian must endeavor to do with their sin exactly what God has done: forget about it. As well, this reminds us that the believer is in no way on probation. Before God, past sin has no bearing on God’s present dealing. (Guzik)
ii. “The Christ who died on Calvary’s cross, will not have to die again for my new sins, or to offer a fresh atonement for any transgressions that I may yet commit. No; but, once for all, gathering up the whole mass of his people’s sins into one colossal burden, he took it upon his shoulders, and flung the whole of it into the sepulcher wherein once he slept, and there it is buried, never to be raised again to bear witness against the redeemed any more for ever.” (Spurgeon)
God is working in us (you) for inner transformation (heart change). Our sins and lawless deeds are remembered no more, forget about it (them).
Spurgeon says it best, "and there it is buried, never to be raised again to bear witness against the redeemed any more for ever.”"
Blessings, David
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