Sunday, March 31, 2024
HE IS LIVING!
HE IS ALIVE!
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
I Corinthians 15:3-4
And HE LIVES IN EACH BELIEVER!
20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
Thursday, April 06, 2023
FORGIVENESS
FORGIVENESS!
'But Jesus was saying (from the cross), "Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." ---- Luke 23:34
And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise." ---- Luke 23:43
These are 2 of the 7 sayings of Jesus from the cross. One is a prayer for forgiveness and the other is a pronouncement of forgiveness.
As we celebrate the resurrection, let's remember that this is only half the story. The cross was necessary! It brings forgiveness to all those who receive it!
Have you received His forgiveness? Then we have something to celebrate! Indeed, the tomb is EMPTY!
Thursday, February 23, 2023
HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED
HOW WILL YOU BE REMEMBERED?
2 Peter 1:12, 15
Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.
....
And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.
++++++++
Peter wrote to remind people of the Truth he had been sharing.
He wanted to be remembered for that ---
Will you be remembered for what you leave or for how you lived?
---------------
As usual I encourage you to read the Bible to get the full meaning. Read the context -- the entire chapter.
2 Peter 1:12, 15
Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.
....
And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.
++++++++
Peter wrote to remind people of the Truth he had been sharing.
He wanted to be remembered for that ---
Will you be remembered for what you leave or for how you lived?
---------------
As usual I encourage you to read the Bible to get the full meaning. Read the context -- the entire chapter.
Friday, February 10, 2023
My Refuge
MY REFUGE!
Psalm 62:5-8
My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken
On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, O people,
Psalm 62:5-8
My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken
On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, O people,
Pour out your heart before Him,
God is a refuge for us!
Saturday, January 28, 2023
KNOWING GOD'S WAY!
KNOWING GOD'S WAYS
Psalm 25:4-5
Make me know Your ways, O LORD:
Teach me Your path,
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.
++++++++++++
Here is a prayer for God to teach us. The main way He teaches us is through His Word. So along with this prayer, let us be students of His Word. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would bring to memory things we have been taught. For Him to bring them to mind, we must have stored them away through study.
Study the Word of God!
Psalm 25:4-5
Make me know Your ways, O LORD:
Teach me Your path,
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.
++++++++++++
Here is a prayer for God to teach us. The main way He teaches us is through His Word. So along with this prayer, let us be students of His Word. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would bring to memory things we have been taught. For Him to bring them to mind, we must have stored them away through study.
Study the Word of God!
Thursday, January 12, 2023
HOW TO KNOW GOD
HOW TO KNOW GOD?
John 1:1, 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
....
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
++++++++++++++++++
By using the phrase "in the beginning", John took us to the creation and the Creator.
He is talking about the eternality of Jesus!
Then in verses 14 & 18 he says that we know God through Jesus.
How do we know Him? Through His written word.
Read His word to know Him. The Old and New Testament tell about Him. 3 or 4 chapters a day will take you through the whole Bible in a year.
READ THE WORD!
John 1:1, 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
....
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
++++++++++++++++++
By using the phrase "in the beginning", John took us to the creation and the Creator.
He is talking about the eternality of Jesus!
Then in verses 14 & 18 he says that we know God through Jesus.
How do we know Him? Through His written word.
Read His word to know Him. The Old and New Testament tell about Him. 3 or 4 chapters a day will take you through the whole Bible in a year.
READ THE WORD!
Friday, January 06, 2023
NEW YEAR'S ENCOURAGEMENT
NEW YEAR'S ENCOURAGEMENT
Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right and of the throne of God."
++++++++++++++++
As we face the future, let us keep our focus on Jesus!
We don't know what is going to happen this year, but God knows!
Trust Him in the ups and downs of life!
And notice, it says that Jesus sat down! That means His job is complete! Trust Him!
Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right and of the throne of God."
++++++++++++++++
As we face the future, let us keep our focus on Jesus!
We don't know what is going to happen this year, but God knows!
Trust Him in the ups and downs of life!
And notice, it says that Jesus sat down! That means His job is complete! Trust Him!
Saturday, December 31, 2022
TRUSTING GOD
TRUSTING GOD IN THE NEW YEAR!
Joshua 1:8-9
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
+++++++++++++++
These words are some of God's instructions to Joshua as he is commissioned to replace Moses and lead the people into the promised land.
There are two things Joshua is reminded of: The word of God and the presence of God. Because of those he was to be strong and courageous.
These are encouraging words as we face the uncertainties of the new year of 2023. Remember God is with you!
Joshua 1:8-9
"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
+++++++++++++++
These words are some of God's instructions to Joshua as he is commissioned to replace Moses and lead the people into the promised land.
There are two things Joshua is reminded of: The word of God and the presence of God. Because of those he was to be strong and courageous.
These are encouraging words as we face the uncertainties of the new year of 2023. Remember God is with you!
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
JOY OF THE LORD
THE JOY OF THE LORD!
John 15:9-11
"Just as the Father has loved Me (Jesus), I have also loved you; abide in My love.
"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
++++++++++
Real joy comes from the LORD. It is more than happiness! Happiness depends on circumstances, which change!
Joy comes from God and being where He wants us.
Are you experiencing the joy of the LORD?
Then praise Him!
If not, seek Him!
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
SECURE HOPE
SECURE HOPE!
Hebrews 6:18-20
so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,
where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us.
+++++++++++++
Our hope is Jesus Christ!
He is the anchor!
This is sure! (not just wishful thinking)
Is that your faith?
Monday, November 14, 2022
LIFT UP JESUS!
John 3:14-15
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up;
So that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.
++++++++++++
Jesus was talking about His coming death (being lifted up).
He was lifted up (on the cross) so that those who look to (believe in) Him might have eternal life.
We too can lift Him up so others might be led to Him.
He was lifted up in death so that others might live. We can lift Him up in life so others might be made alive!
Monday, October 31, 2022
WAIT WITH HOPE
WAIT WITH HOPE!
Lamentations 3:24-26
24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I have hope in Him."
25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
26 It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the LORD.
+++++++++++++
As Jeremiah lamented the destruction of Jerusalem, he reminds us of hope.
Most of the prophets in the Old Testament bore messages of judgment and pain. But there was always a call for repentance and reconciliation. Hope was in God, not the circumstances!
Whatever problems you are facing today, wait for and hope in God's mercy and grace!
TRUST HIM!
Monday, October 24, 2022
COMPASSION
COMPASSION
Mark 6:34 (NASB)
When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.
++++++++++++
As Jesus looked on the crowds and felt compassion for them, so He looks on us and extends mercy and grace.
Out of His compassion for us He reaches out and provides for us.
As He has shown compassion to us, so we are to be compassionate toward one another, and even to those who we see as enemies!
Saturday, October 08, 2022
FAITH AND LOVE
FAITH AND LOVE!
I John 3: 23-24
This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.
The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.
++++++++++++++++
Belief in Jesus as Savior brings salvation.
But that is not the end! Belief/faith will be lived out by loving one another.
Believe, and Love -- by the power of God liven in you!
Saturday, October 01, 2022
GOD LETS US BE INVOLVED!
GOD LETS US BE INVOLVED!
John 21:9-10
So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread.
Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have now caught."
++++++
After the resurrection the apostles were at loose ends! One night some of them went fishing (that is what they knew how to do!). Here they have fished all night and caught nothing! Jesus came along and told them to cast the nets one more time and they caught many fish.
As they came ashore, Jesus invited them to breakfast. He already had fish cooking! He asked them to bring some of their fresh catch to add to His!
Jesus let the tired, depressed, apostles to share in the breakfast. He use some of their fish. He let them be involved!
How many times do we feel defeated and He comes along and gets us involved in what He is doing?
Friday, September 30, 2022
GOD'S PEACE
Thursday, September 29, 2022
GOD'S TIMING
GOD'S TIMING
John 11:5-6; 17
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed TWO days longer in the place where He was.
...
So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb FOUR days.
+++++++++
Why did Jesus wait 2 days before He went to Lazarus? If He had went immediately, Lazarus would still have been dead 2 days! Seemingly there was nothing Jesus could do! But, wait!
There was a current belief that a person's spirit lingered around the body for 3 days hoping to reenter. If Jesus had gone immediately and raised Lazarus after 2 days, people would not have believed Him. They would have said he was just in a coma or something!
But after 4 days there was no question. Jesus raised Lazarus from death.
Remember this when it seems God is not answering your prayers. His timing is perfect!
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
A BETTER QUESTION
John 9:1-3
As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth.
And His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?"
Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.
+++++++
Who sinned, this man or his parents? This question came from the common belief that bad things were punishment for sins.
We have this idea around today! Sometimes it is a result of sin. But usually it is because we live in a fallen world.
Sometimes we have the idea that if we can blame something/someone we can control it. Not usually!
A better question is to ask how God will work in the situation. How can God get glory out of bad? He either changes the situation or He changes our understanding.
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
WHO GETS THE ATTENTION?
John 3:30
John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease.
+++++++++
John had pointed to Jesus as the expected Messiah (Christ).
Many of John's followers began going to Jesus. Some of his disciples objected. But John said that is the way it should be.
We have various ministries in the church. But they all must point to Jesus. We must not draw attention to self.
He is the source of life! To Him be the glory!
Friday, September 23, 2022
Influence of the SMALL
Luke 13:20-21
And again He (Jesus) said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?
It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened."
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
UNTOUCHABLE?
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
CHURCH LEADERS
Ephesians 4:11-13 (HCSB)
11 And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,
13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ's fullness.
++++++++++++++++++
As God has given leaders for the church, pray for your pastor and other leaders. Then respond to God's leadership as you serve the Lord together.
Monday, December 21, 2020
WHEN ALL GOES AGAINST YOU!
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NASB)
17 Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food'
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls ---
18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
19 The LORD God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer's feet.
And He will make me walk on my high hills.
+++++++
Habakkuk is probably seldom read unless you are reading through the Bible in a year! But it ends with this great affirmation of faith. He was not happy about things that were happening in the nation! Indeed, God had announced judgment!
But he had learned to trust God, even in the difficult days. Have we learned that? Hopefully as we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, we realize that we can TRUST God regardless of what is happening.
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 19, 2020
GOD KNOWS!
"The LORD is good,
A stronghold in the day of trouble;
And He knows those who trust in Him."
---- Nahum 1:7
++++++++++++++++
Just wondering.
Does anyone read these posts?
Should I quit using up space here?
A stronghold in the day of trouble;
And He knows those who trust in Him."
---- Nahum 1:7
++++++++++++++++
Just wondering.
Does anyone read these posts?
Should I quit using up space here?
Thursday, December 17, 2020
GROW FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!
"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."
--- 2 Peter 3:18
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen."
--- 2 Peter 3:18
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
WHO NEEDS YOU TODAY?
"We know love by this, that He (Jesus) laid down His life for us;
and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
-------- I John 3:16
+++++++ Who needs your help today? Reach out.
and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
-------- I John 3:16
+++++++ Who needs your help today? Reach out.
Monday, December 14, 2020
I Need HIM!
"Let God be magnified."
But I am afflicted and needy;
Hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay.
---- Psalm 70:4-5
But I am afflicted and needy;
Hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay.
---- Psalm 70:4-5
Friday, December 11, 2020
LIFESTYLE
See that no one repays another with evil for evil,
but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
Rejoice always;
pray without ceasing;
In everything give thanks;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
--- I Thessalonians 5:15-18 (NASB)
but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
Rejoice always;
pray without ceasing;
In everything give thanks;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
--- I Thessalonians 5:15-18 (NASB)
Thursday, December 10, 2020
ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER!
"For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through
our Lord Jesus Christ,
"who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live
together with Him.
"Therefore comfort (encourage) each other and edify one another,
just as you also are doing.
---- I
Thessalonians 5:9-11 (NASB)
+++++++++++ This is both encouraging and challenging! All because
of what God has done for us!
our Lord Jesus Christ,
"who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live
together with Him.
"Therefore comfort (encourage) each other and edify one another,
just as you also are doing.
---- I
Thessalonians 5:9-11 (NASB)
+++++++++++ This is both encouraging and challenging! All because
of what God has done for us!
Wednesday, December 09, 2020
LIVING IN PEACE!
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you
were called in one body; andbe hankful.
"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom
teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
---- Colossians 3:15-16
were called in one body; andbe hankful.
"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom
teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
---- Colossians 3:15-16
