WORD WITH OUT RELIGION

Take heed to thyself. …

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These scriptures are from Deuteronomy 4,  I believe they are wisdom for us today…..I think it reads quite well also.

“But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day.

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;

But the Lord hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.

Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you,

For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

When thou shalt beget children, and children’s children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves,

And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the Lord shall lead you.

And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands,

But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

(For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.”

We must turn to God and be obedient,  Lord help us to know and love you.

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For where two or three are gathered together in my name,

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Matthew 18:20
King James Version (KJV)
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Do we really understand the power we have as Christians if we are truly together?  Spiritually together,  of one mind and heart in agreement.   Jesus,  God Himself is in our midst.

If God be for us, who can be against?

I bring this up because of a wonderful picture of this Scripture I found at: 
http://whiskedawaykenya.com

This young lady has a vidio of three Kenyon men, steeling a meal from between 6 and 15 Lions.
Without using their weapons.   We need to be watchful of lions.

1 Peter 5:8
King James Version (KJV)
 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:“

The Lord warns us that the devil is likened to a roaring lion…..seeking those he can devour.
He comes to kill, steel and destroy.  It seems impossible that we could steel from him.  These men from Kenya show us how it is done.

Ecclesiastes 4:12
King James Version (KJV)
“And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.“

One can prevail, ( to defeat an opponent especially in a long or difficult contest).

Two shall withstand,  ( : to not be harmed or affected by (something)
: to deal with (something, such as an attack or criticism) successfully).

Threefold cord not easily broken, ( violently separated into parts : shattered).

These three men walking in a line, scare off a pack of lions, walk up to the kill and cut off meat for their own use.  Walk away unmolested.   Wow. Well worth a visit and watch.

The point is as Christians,  alone we can prevail but it is a hard fight.  Two more easily withstands the attack, without much damage, three together is not easily defeated.  There is strength in the body of believers.

When the church was in one accord,  it was added to daily.  The Spirit of the Lord was present,  there was power, fear of the Lord. Miracles, signs and wonders.  The church needs this above all else.

I think we need to come together in one accord….heart, soul, mind and strength. ….bow down before the Lord and live out the Lords prayer,  not just repeat it.   Learn to Worship the King in Spirit and truth.

Lord help us to understand and welcome Your presence in our lives and church.

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Merry Christmas

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Is a Promise Delayed, a promise denied?

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Are you waiting to receive a promise from God?  Something you saw in the Word and claimed as your own?  A desire of your heart, you’re sure you received from God?

A ministry,  financial need, work, salvation for loved ones?

There are many things we hope and pray for, believe the Lord will give us, that stay just out of our reach.

This can seem cruel,  thoughtless, mean.  Why isn’t this need, want or promise fulfilled?

Am I desiring something that will hurt me or others?  No.  Is it a selfish,  I deserve it, I’m  so much holier than thou, thing?  No.

What is the problem?

Let us take a quick look at Joseph:

Psalm 105:17-22
King James Version (KJV)
“He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:  Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:

 Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.

 The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.   He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:  To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.”

The verse in the middle is the key:

“Until the time that his word came : the word of the Lord tried him. “

Joseph, in his youth, was given a prophetic dream, he told his brothers. …they showed him.  Bow down indeed.

Sold into slavery,  accused of rape, sentenced to prison. ……years pass…

Where was his faith?    Was he thinking,  am I crazy? Or my Lord promised.

What are you thinking, saying,  believing?

Until his dream came true….his brothers appeared before him and bowed.   That Word, (promise), tried his faith.  Every day of his life.

He believed God is and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

That is what we must do. 

1 Corinthians 1:9
King James Version (KJV)
“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Wait, Hope, Believe. ..God is faithful,  you will receive.

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

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How big is your God? 3

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I’ve thought and prayed about the post How big is your God?, 1 & 2  and the post Your God is too small!!!

” Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

To me this is a simple truth that I see played out in 5 different scriptures in the Old Testament and stated twice quite plainly in the New.

Now I am a born again believer who believes. “You must be born again. “

So what do we do with this biblical revelation?   Is the Word in this case unclear?  Is it possible that we missed the meaning.

Or is it possible that our Doctrinal beliefs are like the joke, we told as kids.  “If God can do anything,  can He make a rock so big He can’t lift it?”

Has God made it impossible for our loved ones who haven’t declared Christ, to be saved or if they choose to stay with us are they like Noahs family or the unbelieving spouse in Corinthians?   My God is as big as His Word….How big is your God?

I honestly don’t know about our families. …I do know what the Word plainly states.  In Revelation 21:4 it says:

” God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

If the Lord doesn’t save them…..He will wipe our tears and death, sorrow, crying and pain will be gone, they will have passed away.

Either we will see them in heaven or the Lord will be drying many tears.

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What is truth?

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Baptist truth, Muslim truth, conservative or liberal truth, Born Again or baby baptized?   The Grand Jury or protesters?   Evolution or Bible?

I love Jesus Christ,  have accepted Him as my Lord and Savior.   The Bible is my truth.  Yes, my concern is the last 7000 years.  Don’t know or care what was before Adam.  If anything.

The big fish, the Red Sea parting, the plagues,  the sun standing still, healings, miracles, signs and wonders.  All possible,  all history in my life.  I guess I am just ignorant.

Redemption in one Name above all others.  Salvation,  eternal life, peace, joy, comfort and yes Truth.

There is truth….it is in the Word,  it is the Word,  it is alive, available and looking for you, today.

Even unbelievers should be able to tell that wrong is now right, up is down and we the people are in a world of hurt.

We are no longer teaching our children respect for one another, the law,  morals, responsibility or giving them a work ethic.

We need to come back to the Lord,  Seek Him while He may be found.  Tomorrow is not promised to any of us.  Today if you will hear His voice,  harden not your hearts.

Ask Jesus to forgive you,  ask Him into your heart. …you will understand the peace that passes understanding,  joy unspeakable. ….

Jesus is alive, Jesus is the way, the truth. the life.

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The Filling Station / Sanctification

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Genesis 2:3
King James Version (KJV)
 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

To be Sanctified is to be set apart,  to be special, holy.  God made the seventh day, the Sabbath a holy day of rest.  A day to reflect on what was done before and enjoy the fruit of His labour.  (Walking with Adam and Eve in the garden).

This Walk, a relationship with man is the reason we were created.

Revelation 4:11
King James Version (KJV)
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

We were created to give God pleasure.   To be Holy, Acceptable and Perfect,  all things we have failed to be.  God saw our need, without His presence within us, we could never please Him, truly know and Worship Him.

He chose us, sets us apart,  made it possible for us to walk with Him.

2 Thessalonians 2:13
King James Version (KJV)
 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 

When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are Justified by His Grace.  Made sinless in Gods eyes.  “Just as if I’d never sinned”, Justified.  Then He gave us His Holy Spirit to do the work of Sanctification,  to set us apart,  to make us Holy.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
King James Version (KJV)
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:  That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

Romans 6:16
King James Version (KJV)
 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Leviticus 20:7
King James Version (KJV)
Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. 

1 Peter 1:15-16
King James Version (KJV)
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;   Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

God wants a Holy people,  when we don’t have time to pray, meditate,  let the Word of God work its way into our hearts,  minds and Spirit. We rob ourselves and God of His true pleasure.

Psalm 65:4
King James Version ( KJV )
Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.

God chose us, Justified and Sanctifies us as we allow.  He will cause us to approach Him, allow us to dwell in His courts, (the secret place of the Most High).

He promises those who dwelt there, (who walk with Him), that they will be satisfied with His goodness.  He gives us the desires of our hearts.

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Your God is too small!!!

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So many of us claim to believe that God is everywhere,  knows everything and can do anything.

Except, He doesn’t do signs and wonders anymore, no miracles or healings, (unless it might be His will this one time).

Heaven forbid He might talk to you personally or have a relationship with you. It’s ok to talk to Him but if He talks back, (your nuts). 

You talk in tongues?   See above.

We have His Word,  the Bible, He need not bother us with His presence any longer.  We can find out what He thinks and wants by reading His Word.

Except we don’t, or if we do, we choose what to believe.

We decide how we will worship, pray, praise….
We decide what is holy, sanctified, undefiled. ..
We decide who is saved, what sin is and who does it.

I have a few scriptures for your consideration:

Psalm 14:2
King James Version (KJV)
2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

Psalm 115:3
King James Version (KJV)
3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Psalm 2:4
King James Version (KJV)
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

Psalm 11:4
King James Version (KJV)
4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

Psalm 121:2
King James Version (KJV)
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Psalm 135:6
King James Version (KJV)
6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

Please realize,  the Lord is God.  He does what He wants, when He wants and how He wants.

Our job is to love, worship and obey.  To tell of His wonders.  To let God be God. 

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Blogging 101 – Digging for Roots

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In this week’s Weekly Writing Challenge, tell us about what makes you, you.

I was the spoiled rotten baby of three.  The youngest by 9 years.  I was loved, brought up as a Catholic, attended Church and Catechism weekly.

I was sure I’d be rich and famous.  Why?  I was me, isn’t that reason enough.   So here I am, wondering,  What Happened?

The things that make these 60 years worthwhile are:
1.  Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior 34 plus years
       Ago.
2.  Married to a stong, beautiful Christian woman, 30
       Years ago.
3.  Having a wonderful,  intelligent, lovely daughter,
       23 years ago.
4.   Finding my true vocation 20 years ago.  (Piano   
         Technition).
5.    Teaching and preaching the Word of God again
          After  25 years in the desert.

That is  what makes me, me.

If I would just listen and obey the Lord, no telling what I might have or might yet, become.          

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Photography 101 – My Treasure

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My Treasure is knowing God can take an old wreck like me and make me seaworthy by His Grace.
Thank you Jesus.

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Recognizing the Trinity in the Old Testament

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This post is a “Billism”, please remove your Denominational glasses,  open your heart and mind to the Holy Spirit and give me your respectful feedback.

As I study the Word I find that the Father, Son and Holy  Spirit are always in agreement but do not always react or speak in the same fashion.

For example,  their speach patterns are different:

The Lord telling Noah of the comming flood:

Genesis 6:3
King James Version (KJV)
And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

Genesis 6:6-9
King James Version (KJV)
And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.  And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.  But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.  These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

God telling Noah of the comming flood:

Genesis 6:11-14
King James Version (KJV)
The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.  And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.  And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.  Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

Differences highlighted:

Lord:
“Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast,”

God:
“God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.  Make thee an ark of gopher wood; “

The Lord is ready to destroy all flesh but Noah found grace (Salvation) in the eyes of the Lord. Why? Because Noah walked with God (Jesus), so God (Jesus) told Noah to build the ark the way to Salvation.

The Lord offered Salvation,  God (Jesus) provided the way.

This is one of the  times we see the Lord and God have different Natures:   

The word Lord in the Old Testament  is “Yahweh or Jehovah” which means Eternal One.   I believe Jehovah to be the Father.

The word for God in the Old Testament is “Elohim”,  which mean Creator,  Supreme ruler,  the word Lord in the New Testament is “Kuiros” and means  Supreme in Authority, Controller.   I firmly believe God in the Old Testament is the Jesus of the New.  John 1, Genesis 1.

If we look at Genesis 1, we find:

Genesis 1:3.4a
King James Version (KJV)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.  And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.  And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.. And God saw the light, that it was good:

God said it:

It was so:

It was good:

We find these three thoughts or statements repeatedly in Genesis 1.  

God (Jesus), created all that was created.

     How?

John 1:1-5
King James Version (KJV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John 1:14
King James Version (KJV)
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

I firmly believe that God is Jesus in the Old Testament and Jehovah is the Father.  

Why creation?

Revelation 4:11
King James Version (KJV)
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

The only reason we were created was for the Lords pleasure

Ezra 10:11
King James Version (KJV)
Now therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.

We must confess our sins and separate ourselves from non believing,  believers.

Psalm 35:27
King James Version (KJV)
Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

We must learn to shout (and sing) for joy….so people will know the Lord takes pleasure in the prosperity of the righeous.

Psalm 147:11
King James Version (KJV)
The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

We must have a reverential fear of, as well as the hope (belief) in His mercy.

Psalm 149:4
King James Version (KJV)
For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

He promises Salvation will beautify the meek.

Ezekiel 33:11
King James Version (KJV)
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

The Lord  God has no pleasure in condemning the wicked…He asks all to believe and be saved.

There are quite a few places we find the Lord and God speaking in one voice.    They are always in agreement so one voice makes sense also.

Haggai 1:8
King James Version (KJV)
Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord.

Quite simply, the Lord takes pleasure when we build up His Tabernacle (house).  When we lead people to the knowledge and acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior in their lives.

Lord help us to be willing and able vessels of your love and grace.

Please leave a note if you would like to explore the “Billism”  that the Father is Jehovah and Jesus is God in the Old Testament.

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The Bible: Believe it or Not

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Do you believe the Bible?   All of it or are there parts that, well just cannot be true?  The  Red Sea parting,  3 days in the  belly of a giant fish?  A talking donkey?  The Flood, burning bush, 3 surviving a fiery furnace,  a man in a lions den?

Fire from heaven, a flying chariot,  the blind seeing, the lame healed, a man walking on water?  Resurrection, Redemption, Sin, Forgiveness?   Signs and wonders,  miracles, prophecy,  speaking in tongues?

Let’s be real, these are all nice childrens stories. As adults, we know that uneducated people and children need this kind of thing to hold on to.  We know better, we understand  how a story can grow to biblical proportions.

So the Bible just gives us a moral code;  a direction we should walk, love thy neighbour, do unto others, cleanliness is next to Godliness.

If you don’t think some of these things happened but you believe in Gods saving Grace, you are a cafeteria Christian.  You just believe the things you understand or hope to be true.

Let God be true and man a lier. 

We must believe that God is:
Creator
Savior
Redeemer
Friend
Able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask think or even imagine.
God so loved the world,  He gave…..us everything.  All He had and was, all He would ever be.  To demonstrate His love and Grace,  to show us the way to the Peace that passes
understanding.

The story of the cross is foolishness to the unbelieving but the Power of God to believers.  We must learn to live the Good News so that others will desire to know Him.  We must be content in whatever situation we find ourselves.  

Show the world an victorious conqueror, peaceful, effective counselor of our God.  Lift Jesus up, as we are knocked down.

Love God, love one another. …seek His face.

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Are there Giants in the land?

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Are there Giants in your life?

Before I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior,  I was constantly fighting the Giants that had me enslaved.

Loneliness, alcoholism, fear, depression, ineptitude, lust, pride, nicotine, rejection and probably many I can’t name.

“There were giants in the earth in those days;”

Everywhere I looked, walked or worked. Everything I heard, read or spoke.  I was nothing, then the best.  I was brilliant then a dunce.  I was around people but always alone.

I lived in “the land of giants.”

There was no escape,  no relief, no hope.

Then I was introduced to Jesus.   Oh happy day, the Giants have gone away!!!

I wish….

I had accepted Jesus as my Lord…I experienced the Peace that passes understanding,  the Joy unspeakable and full of Glory,  the Comfort and Love of the Holy Spirit.

Life was great!!!  Until it wasn’t.

The Giants were creeping back. Those Christians that I prayed for and loved, rejected me…..  Nothing I did satisfied.  I was unsettled,  indecisive, confused.

How could this be?

Depression,  Rejection, Loneliness…. Worse than ever.
Why Lord?

Does any of this seem familiar?   Could it be your story?  Are you  enslaved by Giants?

Do you know Jesus as your Savior?

I know many Christians,  who claim Jesus as Savior,  even call Him Lord.  When He is not.

Are they really saved?   I think so, they believe and confess Jesus as Lord.

Will they be joyful,  victorious conquerors, peaceful, effective witnesses?   Not a chance.

How about you? Is He your Lord?  Are you walking with Him or hiding because of sin?

David the man after Gods heart,   long after defeating Goliath,  (the Giant), after becoming the legitimate King of Israel.  Found himself fighting and losing the battle to the Giants of pride, sexual sin and murder.

He had wondered from Gods side.  He was the king, his word was law, he had everything he wanted, needed or desired.

He had a visit from Nathan the Prophet. He was shown the condition of his heart.  He recognized his sin.

Now we see why he was a man after Gods heart.  He immediately repented, turned around, asked forgiveness.  A  man who Loves his Lord.  A man who knew forgiveness.

As a Christian for over 30 years I am sometimes convinced I’ve destroyed the Giants in my life.

Then when I’m fat, dumb, happy and satisfied: I am visited again. “The last  giant, He had a bed made of iron; it was over thirteen feet long and six feet wide!”

This Giant is bigger than the others because I’ve been hiding and feeding him.  Allowing this sin to be my real Lord.  The part of me I wouldn’t and couldn’t submit to my loving, forgiving Savior.

I repent, I confess, I turn from my wicked ways.  I pray Lord thank you for helping me to defeat yet again this Giant.

With Your help he becomes just a giant….With fastings and prayers,  as I submit to Your will, I become strong in Your might.  I defeat the giant.

I walk in victory with My Lord, Jesus Christ. I become the joyful,  victorious conqueror, peaceful, effective witness that my Lord calls all of us to be.

Have you destroyed the Giants in your life?  Jesus will show and strengthen you.

“Jesus is the way, the truth and the  life.”

Let Him Lord and Savior today.

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How big is your God? 2

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I have gotten a  variety of  responses on my “billism” ( A billism is something  in the word that may not be taught as written.)   in “How big is your God?”….Some found encouragement,  others seemed scandilized that I might suggest I believed this scripture as written:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

Can my household be saved without them personally accepting Jesus as Savior?   I don’t really know but the Word says in Acts 16 that if I believe, my house will be saved.   Are there 2 or 3 other scriptures that support this?

Hebrews: 11. 7.
“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.“

How about Abraham?

If we read Genesis 14 we find Abram hearing of Lot and his city being brought into slavery,  he then took his servants and saved Lot from that fate. 

This was Abrams love shown in the Natural world.

When the Lord said in Genesis 18:
“Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;   For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment;”

We find his love in action once again, in prayer for the whole city.  If you find 50, 40, 35,10 righteousness people.

Lot may or may not have been righteous, and except his wife, who looked back,  his family that went with him were saved. 

We do not know the families standing (were they righteous? ) with the Lord. We do know they were saved.

How about new Testament?   In 1 Corinthians 7 it says:

“ If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.   And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.    But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?   But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk.”

So the question is:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

Are my loved ones saved because I believe?   The answer is:

If I am as obedient as Noah was in the building the Ark and as loving as Abram in praying for my loved ones and Sanctified (set apart for God) as Paul implied.

I believe God either redeems them or erases them from our memories when we stand before Him.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.”

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Is there life inside?

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Does your Spirit have more life than these buildings?

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Blogging 101- 2+2=4 Simplified

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2+2=4 Simplified is simply:

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”

“Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”

So many reject the Wisdom, Understanding and Love of God. When the simple truth is:

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ”

This is my 2+2=4. How about you?

Blogging 101- Two plus two equals four: yes or no?

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We all know 2+2=4,  yet so many cannot see the simple truths. 

“Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.”

“It’s not necessary to be educated, to be intelligent.”

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”

“Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.  Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.”

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.  Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.”

“My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.”

“For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”

“I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.”

“Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.”

” Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”

So many reject the Wisdom,  Understanding and Love of God.  When the simple truth is: 

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ”

This is my 2+2=4. How about you?

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How big is your God?

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We all know that Jesus told Nicodemus that you must be born again. He also said do not marvel that I say you must be born again.

To be born again, we must believe in our hearts and confess with our  mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord.

This means we believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, died on the cross, and rose again and is sitting at the right hand of the Father to intercede  for us.

Peter says:
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

If you believe these simple statements then I can have fellowship with you as a Christian, as a child of God.

It is the Word of God, (Jesus is the Word), that saves us and lives and abides forever within us.

Now I have a “billism” for you:   A billism is something  in the word that may not be taught as written.

As a Christian I believe we must be born again.

We also find Paul answering the jailers question of  what must I do to be saved in this way:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

Here we have an added wrinkle. ..and thy house.  Where did this come from.  It is not new, Noahs family was saved and we have no knowledge of their faith.

In 1 Corinthians 7 it states:
“The unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?”

What happened to you must be born again?

When we look in Deuteronomy we find the Hebrews ordered not to destroy certain peoples:

“Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:   Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.

Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession.

” Thou art to pass over through Ar, the coast of Moab, this day:   And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession.”

We see instances of the Lord saving peoples because of the love of someone else.

So take heart if you have unsaved loved ones.  Take a page from Abrahams book.  Intercede on their behalf untill you have the peace that the Lord has heard you.

We have biblical evidence of that Gods love is bigger than our beliefs….it is as big as His Word.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

” According to your faith be it unto you.”

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Enough, go, possess the land:

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The people had spent two years in the desert.  They had crossed the red sea, built the Tabernacle of the Lord.  Heard the Law, been given the Ten Commandments.   Understood the promise of the Lord.   When the Lord spoke to them:

“Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount:   Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites,  Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them.”

The promise is for you, right now, you’ve waited long enough, go and possess the land.  So what did they do?  Go possess the land?

Of course not,  they sent in spies first, you know, to search out the way to go.   If they had only believed and obeyed the Lord,  they would have saved themselves 38 more years of getting nowhere fast.

He could be speaking to us today.  The promise is ours, right now, today, for whosoever will.  

We have been long enough in this world.  Go, separate yourselves from the masses,  possess the promise.

Begin eternity today, study the Word,  Pray, Praise learn to submit yourself to God, Worship.  Discover the Peace that passes understanding,  the Joy unspeakable and full of Glory,  find your refuge, your fortress, your God.  In Him can you trust.

The answers we need are found in the Creator (Elohim, Jesus),  not the creation.  Quit looking to people to save, help, provide or comfort you.

If Noah found grace (Salvation ) in the eyes of the Lord, (Jehovah, the Father),  if he was just and perfect in his generation,  it was because he walked with God.  (Elohim,  Jesus ).

We need to Walk with Jesus.  This is why we were Saved from sin and death.  It is what the Lord desires, a people who recognize and understand that He is.  

He is everything I desire. He is everything I need.  All I want is to know Him. To know He is and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

We must seek the Lord while He may be found.   

Set our face like flint towards the Lord.

Call upon Him while He is near.

He will answer and show us great and mighty things.

I am ready for some great and mighty things to happen.  If I could only conquer that evil heart of unbelief that kept the Hebrews from entering the promise.  That has kept me from praying and seeing the Power of God in my life and Church.

If we only believed,  Jesus said we could and would do mighty things.  That signs would follow.  There is something wrong with the way we believe.

The church,  Gods people are not victorious, conquerors,  the masters of our faith.   We don’t really believe the promise because we don’t have the relationship.

Know this:  He will keep us in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.   I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

The Lord had them 40 years in the wilderness: so thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

He is looking for the same things in us today:  Are we humble?  Has He proved us, do we know what is in our hearts?   Will we keep His commandments,  are we obedient children?

Lord help me to be the man you have called me to be.  I believe Lord,  help my unbelief.

 

 

 

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Jesus prayed for us:

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When Jesus taught us how to pray;   I believe he was showing us a prayer plan:  

Praise,
Acceptance of His will,
Tell Him your needs,
Ask forgiveness while acknowledging we need to forgive others,
Ask for help to be true, to deliver us from evil
Praise

Simple and simply lovely. ….

We take this teaching and turn it into a by rote prayer and it is beautiful but if we would learn the way of prayer instead of the prayer we would see more answers to our prayers.

In John 17 we find Jesus praying for us,  He prayed:

“I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”  
John 15:10-12
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

 John 16:24
“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

Much of the time we don’t believe God wants to answer our prayers.   Here He tells us He does and how to get the answer.  If we would abide in Him. Obey His will, love one another His joy will be within us.   We will receive positive answers to our prayers.

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”

We are in the world but we nedd to be separated from the evil.

 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

“The more holy a man is, the more humble, self-renouncing, self-abhorring, and the more sensitive to every sin he becomes, and the more closely he clings to Christ. The moral imperfections which cling to him he feels to be sins, which he laments and strives to overcome. Believers find that their life is a constant warfare, and they need to take the kingdom of heaven by storm, and watch while they pray. They are always subject to the constant chastisement of their Father’s loving hand, which can only be designed to correct their imperfections and to confirm their graces. And it has been notoriously the fact that the best Christians have been those who have been the least prone to claim the attainment of perfection for themselves.”, Hodge’s Outlines.

When we are sanctified we are set apart by the Holy Spirit, made over into worthy vessels for the Lords use.  We are sanctified when we read, accept and do the Word of the Lord.

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.  And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

 

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