Spirit of Christ Endures

All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: "He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him."  - Psalm 22:7-8              

It’s amazing to think that Psalm 22 was written centuries before Christ died on the Cross,  because many of its verses are teeming with prophecies about Jesus’ experiences at Calvary.  Today’s passage, for instance, is a prophecy about those who mocked Jesus at the foot of the  Cross. They added to His injuries by raging against Christ. As it states in both the psalm and the  Gospels, they hurled insults against Him culminating in a mocking accusation of “He trusts in  God; let God rescue Him!”


It must have tormented Jesus to hear those hurtful words from His own people. He had spent  three years trying to draw them closer to God through grace, love, and peace. But the mob  gathered at Calvary didn’t want to hear “All you need is love.” They didn’t want a Messiah who  forgave their enemies. They didn’t want a leader who brought about change through helping the  weak and healing the sick. They wanted a Christ who obliterated their enemies; they wanted a  Champion who would kick the Romans out of the Promised Land.


And so, when Jesus failed to live up to their expectations, they turned against Him and mocked  His powerlessness as He agonizingly died upon the Cross.


In some places and with other people, Christ and Christianity still face those torments. Atheists  despise us and blame Christianity for all of the wars in the last two thousand years. Advocates of  progressive change try to diminish our relevance and message by equating our Faith with other  religions. Or they mock our Faith by revising and rewriting history in order to exclude the influence  that Christianity has had upon Western Society and throughout the world.


But as long as Time exists and people remain on this planet, Christ’s words and ways will endure,  despite the challenges and criticisms of our Faith. The Cross did not end Jesus’ global ministry; it  actually began there. The Calvary mockers may have died 1900 years ago and turned to dust,  but the Spirit of Christ endures and His mission remains.

Thoughts On A Boiled Egg

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." - Psalm 51:17. (NIV).


One day recently, an egg I had boiled for my breakfast evoked my sense of awe. I wondered how anyone could behold the perfection of its shape, the beauty of its construction, and the promise of life within, and yet fail to see the hand of God the Creator at work.


The shell is so thin, yet of a consistent, precise thickness that protects the new life, or the nutritious food within. Yet it is only when the shell is broken from within by the emerging chick, or purposely broken from without to feed and sustain life, that its true value and usefulness can be appreciated. If left untouched, it eventually spoils and is cast aside.


The hatching chick must crack open the shell to enter its new world. I also need to break the resistance of my human self- sufficient "shell" by acknowledging my fallen nature and by inviting God's Holy Spirit into my heart to change me from within, so that I can enter the new world of His Spirit. God stands at the door of our
hearts, awaiting our response. Inviting God's Holy Spirit into our hearts is a matter of choice, for God Himself gave us the gift of free will.


An egg needs to be fertilized in order to become a living creature.Likewise, through the mysterious power of God's Holy Spirit at work within me, I can become a new creature. With the Holy Spirit's help the gifts and skills God has graciously bestowed upon each of us may then be used in His service.


Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. - Psalms. 51:17. (NIV)

YOU PRAY, YOU PLEAD AND GOD PROVIDES

YOU PRAY, YOU PLEAD AND GOD PROVIDES

3- “I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. 13- “But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. 16- Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.”

Luther once said: “I am so busy now that I find if I did not spend two or three hours each day in prayer, I could not get through the day. If I should neglect prayer but a single day, I should lose a great deal of the fire of faith.”

All Traced to Kneeling Figures!

D.L.Moody declared, Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure!” Therefore, “Ye that make mention of the Lord, KEEP NOT SILENCE” (Isaiah 62:6)

God will hear from heaven as you plead. You plead to God for yourself, you plead to God for your home and you plead God for your Country. God will hear from heaven as you ask Him for your provision. God will hear from heaven as you please Him with songs and your service. God will hear from heaven. It’s not that God is limited in hearing our prayers, what it means is that He will take notice and respond according to His will and for our best.

Please enjoy this illustration from W.B.K. “Give Him, What He Asks!”- It is related of Alexander the Great, that, on one occasion a courtier asked him for financial aid. That great leader told him to go to his treasurer and ask for whatever amount he wanted. A little later, the treasurer appeared and told Alexander the man had asked for an enormous sum, and that he hesitated to pay out so much. Give him what he asks for,” replied the great conqueror; “he has treated me like KING in his asking, and I shall be like a king in my giving!”

Greatly grieved must be our God because of the smallness of our requests of Him!

“Thou art coming to a King, LARGE petitions with thee bring; For His grace and power are such, None can ever ask too much!”

(Psalms 55:1- 2; 16- 17; 22) 1- “To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. 2- Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; 16- As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. 17- Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. 22- Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

Jesus Wept

"As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace -- but now it is hidden from your eyes." - Luke 19:41-42. (NIV). 


Recently I watched a BBC programme about two deaths in Ramallah, part of a series about war in the Middle East and its causes. As I watched, I perceived the fear, terror, and hatred in the faces on both sides. I was glad not to be there amid the hostility, pain, and horror. Something inside cried out in despair at this visual
intrusion into a conflict I knew little about.


I know that, even in the darkest places, our Lord reigns and cares. I am glad that He is so much greater than we are. He is not overwhelmed, but still, He weeps for His people, for us.


I believe it is no accident that it is God's prerogative alone to avenge in righteous anger. It is, I believe, too great a task for humans to carry this, on their own, without being destroyed, because it is corrosive, like attempting to carry molten metal in the palms of our hands.


Let us, where we go today, bring the peace and love of God with us in our inner being. If we are not in this place ourselves, let us start there, before we, too, become damaged.


Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. - Romans 12:19 - (NIV)

Busyness

"Jesus and his disciples ... came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried [troubled] and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better [relationships], and it will not be taken away from her.'" - Luke 10:38-42 (NIV). 


I read about a very successful youth leader, or so he and many others believed, who built a tremendous youth ministry—the largest in the country. But he was always busy, busy, busy.


In fact he was so busy with his work "for God" that he neglected the most important things in his life. Late one November his wife caught him as he was racing out the door to go to preach to somebody else's kids. She asked, "Do you know, or do you even care that from the middle of September until today, you have not been home one night?"


She had a breakdown soon after. He contemplated suicide. He later confessed, "I was a man who existed in a shell."


Like many of us, Jim's shell of busyness was his external protection—not from the outside world—but from his inner world of unresolved anxiety. Jim's problem was that he was a busy-aholic. That may have been Martha's problem too. Perhaps?


As long as we keep on the run to avoid facing our inner anxieties, our busyness can get us addicted to our own adrenaline, which becomes nothing less than a cheap anesthetic to deaden the feelings of an empty or troubled life. In so doing we end up hiding from our own reality—a self-destructive path to follow.


To overcome, the first step is to admit the truth of what we are doing; that is,admit our addiction no matter how refined it appears to be. The second step is to get into a recovery/support group to help stop the addictive/avoidance behavior so we can feel the pain we are seeking to avoid. And third, where necessary we need to seek wise or professional counseling as well as God's help to resolve and overcome the cause or causes behind our avoidance behavior.

We Are Blessed

Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. - Genesis 5:2.


Man has been blessed from the foundation of the earth. God blessed Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. They were given dominion over the earth, and God told them to be frutiful and multiply, and replenish the earth. But, the enemy got in the plan. 'stole the Word', and their perfect life was no longer perfect. Sin came in which placed a death sentence upon them. They saw thenselves 'naked' and ran to hide. There was no longer 'freedom' to do as they had before.


Then along came Noah, son of Lamech. He was seen as a 'just man and perfect in his  generations'. [Gen 6:9]  But the earth had been populated by the descendants of Cain and Seth, and the people were very ungodly. God was disturbed, and he meant to 'clean up' the earth. He ordered Noah to build the Ark. Now, the Ark wasn't built over night. On the contrary: it took one hundred and twenty years to build - plenty of time for the people to 'straighten up' their  lives. But, they didn't. When the Ark was built, God commanded Noah to place all the clean
animals on the Ark, then take his wife and family on.


Then, God shut them in, and the 'rain fell'! The earth was cleaned of all creation that was left outside the earth. But, God had told Noah he would place his covenant upon him and his family. He sealed the covenant with the rainbow.


And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. - Genesis 9:1.


Although sin still abounds in this earth, we were given a new start with Noah. God's promises still stand today. Although we may feel that we aren't blessed, we can look around us and realize that God's hand still rests on His people today. The sinners are destined for a worse life,unless they find mercy through Christ. But,  Christians have a hope in another world - eternity to be spent in the presence of the King. We may not be materially or financially wealthy on earth, but endure until the end, and we have a rich reward that can't be measured on earth!

Lamb or Lion

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." - John 1:29. 


There are two very distinct pictures of Jesus Christ throughout the Bible. One is the Lamb of God. We associate a lamb with gentleness, purity, and innocence. In the Jewish tradition, the unblemished lamb was the only offering Jehovah God would accept for the atonement of the people. When John the Baptist first saw Jesus, he cried out "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John. 1:29). Immediately, the Jews understood that this Man represented the innocent for the guilty, an acceptable offering to atone for a sinful generation. And today, when we come to Jesus Christ, and receive Him as the Lamb of God, His shed blood cleanses us from all sin, and makes us holy and righteous before our heavenly Father, "knowing that you were...redeemed with...the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot". - (I Pet. 1:18,19).


But there is another picture of Jesus in Scripture. It is the Lion of Judah (Rev. 5:5). Friend, you don't want to meet the Lion. A lion is for judgment.  A lion devours its prey. A lion is king of the jungle!


The decisions we make today will determine whether we know Jesus as the Lamb of God who forgives us and prepares a place for us with Him in eternity...OR the Lion of Judah who will judge us, separate us from His presence of love, light and blessings, and cast us into outer darkness...forever.


"And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Rev. 20:13-15). "But there shall by no means enter it [the City of God] anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life" - (Rev. 21:27).


Have you trusted Jesus Christ as your own Lord and Savior, and do you know that the Lamb has written your name in the Book of Life? Then, may your picture, for eternity, be taken with the Lamb...and not the Lion.

Transform

“A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.” -Proverbs 17:10

The more we mature, the more opportunities we have to accept or reject wisdom and correction. Take a look at the things that challenge your character and sharpen your intuition and embrace them with thankfulness. Allow yourself to be continually transformed by the love of wisdom.
Have a Blessed Sunday and God Bless you.

SECURE REMISSION OF SINS

Is immersion in water necessary to secure remission of sins?

Quote from a Baptist preacher: "In Acts 2:38, the term "for the remission of sins" is used ...The word -for-here does not mean in order to the remission of sins, and it is not rendered that way in any translation of the Bible we know of anywhere. 

The Greek word eis here translated for is sometimes translated in the Bible against, among, at, unto,upon,etc...That Scripture, then, does not mean that people ought to be baptized in order to be saved." 

This Baptist preacher stopped his research too soon, evidenced by the following translations of God's Word. (Acts 2:38)(EIS)

The New International Version: ..."so that your sins may be forgiven."

Good News for Modern Man: ... "so that you sins will be forgiven."

God's Word Translation: ..."so that your sins will be forgiven."

The Better Version of the New Testament by Chester Estes:.."in order to the remission of your sins."

The New Testament in Modern English by J. B. Phillips: ..."so that you may have your sins forgiven."

The Living Oracles:...."in order to."

H. T. Anderson's Version:..."in order to."

The Bible Union (Baptist) Version:..."unto.

Revised Version:..."unto."

American Standard Version: ..."unto."

NOTE: In 25+ translations not one translated eis of Acts 2:38 as, among, at, against, upon, or "because of" as some would say.

There are three obvious reason why men deny that WATER BAPTISM is essential to, SECURE REMISSION OF SINS. PRIDE_IGNORANCE_DISHONESTY.

In Peter's sermon and instructions in the 2nd Chapter of Acts there are three things mentioned in order to contact the blood of Jesus. FAITH_REPENTANCE-IMMERSION IN WATER.

NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF CHRIST CAN WASH AWAY SIN!

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Author: Woodrow Kroll

Source: Lessons on Living from Isaiah

Scripture Reference: Isaiah 55:1-2 John 4:14 

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Isaiah 55:1-2

Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money; come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good and let your soul delight itself in abundance.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

An anonymous author who had lived for the fleeting things of this world penned the following lines: "How foolishly I have employed myself! In what delirium has my life been passed! How I've wasted my life while the sun in its race and the stars in their courses have lent their beams--perhaps only to light me to perdition! I have pursued shadows and entertained myself with dreams. I might have grazed with the beasts of the field, or sung with the birds of the woods, to much better purposes than any for which I have lived."

What a contrast to those things which God has to offer. Not only are the portions from His table free and abundant, but most important, in the end they satisfy. Instead of regret, they result in joy and satisfaction.

Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, "Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14).

Israel had to learn this truth the hard way. In spite of Isaiah's pleas, the people chose to chase after material well-being and political security rather than turn their hearts to the Lord. In the end, they lost everything as they were carried away to Babylon.

Are you looking for satisfaction? Then open your Bible and partake of the feast that God has spread for you. His promise is that when you reach the end of your life, you will never regret a moment that you have spent at His table.

THE TRUSTED VERSION

Is there only one translation of God's Word that is correct? Have all others been corrupted?

Some would say that the King James Version would be "THE TRUSTED VERSION", others would advocate the Revised Standard Version, the American Standard Version, New International Version etc. This presents us with a couple of problems.

The first problem, who is correct? Some of the advocates who champion the King James Version as "THE TRUSTED VERSION" say it was the first English version, and God did not make a mistake. Actually, the Wycliffe New Testament was translated into English (hand written) in 1385. The Matthew-Tyndale complete Bible was translated from the original Greek and Hebrew in 1547. It is also worth noting the 1611 King James Version sold in most Christian bookstores today is not the original King James Version.

We need to stop worrying about which translation has omitted a certain word or passage of Scripture and just teach, believe, and practice what the Bible declares.

The truly sad thing is even though some believe in "THE TRUSTED VERSION" scenario, many of them still proclaim God's Word to be mistranslated if it does not affirm their view of doctrine. To make "THE TRUSTED VERSION" proclaimation, is in effect saying all other translations of God's Word cannot be trusted. Can this be confirmed using Scripture? No, this conclusion, along with the assertion that the Bible has been , in general, mistranslated, can only be supported by quoting books written about the Bible, commentaries, and men's opinions. This discredits God's Word. The ramifications of which are creating doubt and unbelief in non-Christians, the novice church member, as well as some seasoned Saint's.

To discredit God's Word is no small matter. Satan's very first act of deception was to "discredit" God's Word. (Gen 3:1) Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, "You must not eat from any tree in the garden?" (Gen3:4) "You will not surly die," In a manner of speaking Satan was saying don"t trust God's Word.

Is God to be trusted? ( 1 Peter 1:24-25) For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like flowers of the field ; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." ( Luke 21:33) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

If you trusted God to send His Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of all mankind and believe He created all things. Then why is it so difficult to have enough faith to believe that God can guide men to translate His "WORD" without errors?

"THE TRUSTED VERSION" or "JUST TRUST GOD"?

Are You An Example of Jesus?

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 5:16.


Each time we go to church, we hear the message of Jesus. We are humbled at the message, and declare we are the light of Jesus. Monday morning finds us perhaps going to work, and that person pulls his car right in front of us, almost side-swiping ours. What do we do? Are we shining our light - asking Jesus to take care of him on his way this morning, or do we quickly drown him with our words? Then, we get to the office and things aren't any better. Someone does something or says something that we doesn't set too well with us, and what do we do? Do we open our mouth without thinking and speak the words we want to speak?  Or do we take a moment to ask God to give us the words to speak, so that we won't offend?


How do we come across to our family? Do our children see the light of Jesus within us, so that they are patterning their life after a Godly figure? Or do they see us doing things and saying things that God doesn't approve of, yet we ask them to do better in their actions and in their words?


Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. -  Matthew 5:14.

Let us examine ourselves this morning - our demeanor, our attitude, our feelings - and see if we are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. Do we express Jesus in our conversations? Do we act in love, each time we are faced with something with which we don't agree? Do we feel we are the servant of God, given the opportunity to share Jesus with others? Or do we put ourselves upon a pedestal, far above the 'lowly sinner', and feel we are too good to associate ourselves with them? Remember, if it were not for God sending His Son, Jesus, to save the world, then we would be but a 'lowly sinner' ourselves, and God's love would not be within our hearts and souls.

Are You Growing?

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. - 2 Peter 3:18.

When our children are born, we begin a life of 'worry'. We worry if we will be a good parent, the kind of which God would approve. We worry about the growth of our child - if he/she is up to par with other children. Will they be intelligent human beings, or will they go through life, never bothering to educate themselves. Some may say, "I never did that", but, if you are a carrying parent, then you did that, whether you want to admit it or not.


As a parent, we want our child to be healthy, so we do the things we've been taught to keep our child healthy. We take the child to the doctor, when he/she gets sick to ward off any diseases. We feed our child healthy meals, in order for the child to grow up strong.


But, while we are feeding our child in the natural body, are we feeding our child in the spiritual realm? Are we living a life of godliness before our child? Are we teaching our child the Word, to help him/her go through life armed with the knowledge of God, in order to escape the enemy's clutches?


Each of us need to feed our hearts and minds daily with the Word of God. His Grace keeps, strengthens, and increases us in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles us to the exercise of the Christian virtues. Without renewing our minds daily, we become stagnant and ineffective. It's easier for the enemy to get a foot hold in our lives. In other words, when we don't entertain God and His Word daily, we have forgotten to 'lock the door' to the enemy!

REQUIREMENTS OF ENTRY

What are the requirements of entry into the kingdom of God?



(John 3:5) Jesus answered , "I tell you the truth, unless a man is born of the water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." What did Jesus mean? Let us examine a few possibilities.



(A) SINNERS PRAYER: (Luke 18:13-14) ..."God, have mercy on me a sinner." I tell you this man, rather than the other, went home JUSTIFIED before God.



Question: Was, Jesus announcing the requirements to enter the kingdom of God?



(B) GENEROSITY and RESTITUTION: (Luke 19:8-9) ..."Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Jesus said to him, " Today SALVATION has come to this house...



Question: Was,Jesus announcing the requirements to enter the kingdom of God?



(C) THE FAITH OF FRIENDS: (Mark 2:5) When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son your sins are FORGIVEN."



Question: Was, Jesus announcing the requirements to enter the kingdom of God?



(D) ASKED TO BE REMEMBERED: (Luke 23:42-43)....remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in PARADISE."



Question: Was, Jesus announcing the requirements to enter the kingdom of God?



When Jesus forgave sinner's was it valid? Yes, absolutely. When Jesus was on earth he had the authority to forgive sins: see (Luke 5:24) However after his death the new covenant was in force. (Heb 9:15-18)...a will is in force only when somebody has died...When Jesus died the requirements of entry were implemented.



When was the kingdom to arrive ? Soon ! (Mark 9:1) And he said unto them, I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."



The kingdom of God (that is the church on earth) came with power on the day of Pentecost (Acts Chapter 2). Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of God (Matthew 16:19) Peter used the keys on the day of Pentecost.



Peter preached Jesus and told them what to do... (Acts 2:38)FAITH-REPENTANCE-WATER IMMERSION. That was Peter's ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD.



(Acts 2:47) ...And the Lord added daily to their number those being saved.



"GOD'S KINGDOM HERE ON EARTH"

The Vine and the Branches

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5 (NIV). 


"A Bible scholar and pastor tells about a piece of wood that he keeps on his desk. He took this piece of wood from a vineyard in the San Joaquin Valley. It is a section of vine out of which grows a branch.


"The owner of the vineyard told him that if two people were in a tug of war using this section of the vine, it would break. However it would never break where the vine and branch are joined together for that is the strongest point of the vine. A vine, according to this teacher, is different from a tree. If you pull on a branch that goes into a tree, it will break at the trunk of the tree—in a tree that is the weakest place. But in a grapevine that is the strongest point—where the branch is joined to the vine."


Perhaps this is one reason Jesus likened those who truly put their trust in him as a branch grafted or joined into the vine, the vine being him. That bond is unbreakable. As Jesus said, "And this is the will of him [God] who sent me [Jesus], that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:39-40 (NIV).

PRICE OF TRADITIONS

The tradition that could cost you your salvation: The one that states that "for" (eis in Greek) in Acts 2:38 should have been translated, BECAUSE OF.

Let's compare "eis" found in Acts 2:38 and Matthew 26:28

King James Version: Acts 2:38, Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ( Where is the because of ?)

God's Word Translation: Acts 2:38, Peter answered them,"all of you must turn to God and change the way you think and act, and each one you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift. (Where is the because of ?)

King James Version: Matthew 26:28, For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. ( Was the blood of Jesus shed because the people already had remission of sins?)

God's Word Translation: Matthew 26:28, This is my blood, the blood of the promise. It was poured out for many people so that sins are forgiven. ( Was the blood of Jesus shed because the people already had their sins forgiven?)

Traditions are accepted rather than God's Word. Why? PRIDE-IGNORANCE-DISHONESTY. 

Faith, repentance, and immersion in water, are requirements in order to receive forgiveness from sins.

The shed blood of Jesus Christ is the reason we receive forgiveness from sins. We contact that blood after faith, repentance, and water baptism. Baptism being the final requirement. (Acts 2: 36-38) 

Believing Is Seeing

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." - Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV). 


When explorers from England first went to Australia they discovered some strange and wonderful animals not seen anywhere else in the world—animals such as the kangaroo, the koala (which isn't a bear as it is often called), and the ornithorhynchus—a mammal that laid eggs, spent some time in water and some on land, had a broad, flat tail, webbed feet, and a bill similar to a duck (now known as the platypus).


When the explorers returned home, nobody would believe their story about the platypus. All felt it was a hoax. Even after they returned to Australia and brought back a pelt from this strange animal, people still felt it was a hoax and refused to believe it was real.


Many people say, "I believe only what I see for  myself." That's not necessarily true either because, by and large, people see and believe only what they want to see and believe—and refuse to see and believe all else—regardless of the evidence.


However, what I see and believe has absolutely no effect on what is. What is, is—whether I see and believe it or not. For instance, I've never seen an atom but I've seen (at least in pictures) the evidence of its incredible power and believe it is real. I live close to a nuclear power plant and can't see the electric power it is generating, but its electricity is probably powering my computer on which I am typing this article right now. I can't see the electricity but whether I believe it is real or not doesn't affect its reality. It just is.


I've never seen God either but I see evidence of his presence and mighty power everywhere I look—I see and believe because I want and choose to believe. With God, as with many things in life, believing is seeing. Indeed, the heavens declare the glory of God. Believe it and you will see.

Loving from the Heart

"Fervently love one another from the heart." - 1 Peter 1:22 (NASB).

There is a story by an unknown author being circulated on the Internet that reflects the outlook of Peter's letter to the churches in Turkey. You've probably read it, but it is worth repeating. It may or may not be true, but it does make an excellent parable if you keep in mind that Jesus made up stories to illustrate a point.

It is about a little boy who is about to have open-heart surgery.

"Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began, "I'll open up your heart."

"You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted.

The surgeon looked up, annoyed. "I'll cut your heart open," he continued, "to see how much damage has been done."

"But when you open up my heart," said his young patient, "you'll find Jesus in there."

The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. "When I see how much damage has been done, I'll sew your heart and chest back up and I'll plan what to do next."

"But you'll find Jesus in my heart," the young boy insisted. "The Bible says He lives there. You'll find Him in my heart."

The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart," he said coldly. "I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels.  And I'll find out if I can make you well."

Later, the surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery,  "Damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis,"  here he paused, "death within one year."

He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud. It was clear he was speaking to God. "Why did you do this? You've put him here; you've put him in this pain; and you've cursed him to an early death. Why?"

The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. "You created that boy, and you created that heart. He'll be dead in months. Why?"

And thus a dialogue began between the surgeon and God. And in that dialogue this frustrated physician discovered a new understanding of God's providence and love. The surgeon wept.

Now he sat beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"

"Yes," said the surgeon.

"What did you find?" asked the boy.

"I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.

In times of persecution and suffering, in times of grief and stress, when it all comes down to it, we have only one place to turn, and that is to the power of the indwelling Christ. If, at the heart of the universe, there is not love, then nothing else we believe matters.

As the Bible says, "Fervently love one another from the heart." - 1 Peter 1:22 (NASB).

Fruitful or Fruitless

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. -  John 10:10.


When we plant fruit trees, we expect them to produce fruit in a few years. We pamper them to make sure they are fruitful. Some of us may let up on the care we give the trees over the years. At first, the trees are full of fruit. It looks like they are doing well. But, as we slack off on our care, the trees begin to have diseases, or the fruit begins to be smaller. Then, the tree begins to bear less fruit each year.


Like the fruit tree, our spiritual life can either be fruitful or fruitless. When we are first saved, we have this need to read the Bible. If we've been in a good Word church, we know that staying in the Word helps us have a tool against the wiles of the devil. But, the enemy is out there to steal, kill, and destroy. If we aren't careful to stay in the Word, then, we get in trouble. Not studying the Word is like our not feeding the fruit tree. The Word begins to swivel up within us. When we really need it, we find we can't recall that Word which we need on that occasion. And, the longer we go without studying (feeding) the Word, the worse our situation gets. We become less and less fruitful.


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

Are you having problems? Do you find yourself wondering what is happening to you? Is the devil running rampant in your life? Have you stopped studying the WORD?

What Are You Still Carrying?

"If you are angry, don't sin by nursing your grudge. Don't let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly; for when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil" .
-  (Ephesians 4:25-26, TLB).


The story or legend is told how two monks, when traveling back to their monastery in inclement  weather, came to the fjord of a river.   There they met a young woman who was afraid to cross the river.   Seeing her dilemma one of the monks offered to carry her across the river on his back which offer she accepted.


Later that evening the monk who didn't help the young lady accused the monk who did of breaking the rules of their monastic order. "You know we are to have no dealings with the opposite sex," he said, "and you were wrong in doing what you did."


To which the other monk quietly replied, "I carried her only across the river. You are carrying her still."


When we fail to resolve our anger and keep nursing our grudges, we not only give a "mighty foothold to the devil," but we also hurt ourselves, damage our physical well-being, and do serious harm to our close relationships. As another has said, when we nurse our grudges and fail to forgive those who have hurt us, "It's like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."


So … is there anything you are still carrying? Any grudges … resentments … bitterness … hurts … unresolved grief? If so, I urge you to follow the advice of the scriptures … resolve these issues right away. And, if necessary, see a qualified counselor to help you to do so.

Crossing into the Promised Land

But the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven" Deuteronomy 11:11

Part of Gods plan to liberate you from your former self from your past and present circumstances is to take you to another place.  A repositioning is paramount.  The first shift occurs in your spirit, in your mind and heart.  We come to realization, "come to our senses" by renewing our minds, we become transformed just as Jesus instructed and said would happen.  This is crucial to shaking off the past, the sinful, carnal nature and to putting on the new, embracing and coming into agreement with Gods plan for our lives.  "The place" is not always given, God told Abraham to leave everything and go to a place that, "I will show you".  It's never revealed to us in full, but it's pointed out - God directs - He orders our steps - He shows the way.  He provides a journey map to where we're meant to be.  You cross over; you pass from one place to another, from one mindset to another. 

In the prophetic realm the number 11 represents a bridge, a bridge aids in the crossing process, especially when turbulent waters and dangerous terrain threaten to obstruct and frustrate the plan.  When God promises to take you over to the other side, He means it, He fulfils that promise - no ship wreck or red sea will stop it, He intervenes and builds those bridges when it counts!  He Himself became the ultimate conduit when He made a way for us through Calvary's cross.  "I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also"  This is our ultimate destination - the place perfected and prepared for us - to live and rule and reign with our Saviour.  

Yes this Promised Land is full of hills and valleys, depicting life's ups and downs.  The Christian life is not devoid of pain, suffering and struggle, for it fortifies our relationship and dependency on a Faithful God.  We are nourished and drink from and of the waters of heavens rain.  When we move from natural to supernatural it is only supernatural provision that we come to depend on, for all manner of "natural dependencies' and abilities' cease to sustain us.  We come to know the fullness of God's Grace!   The sufficiency of God's Grace runs deep, deeper than the superficialities and whims of everyday life but transcends and extends to the core of our beings, to the seat of our emotions, our will, the dark and unbridled passions and desires known and unknown - Only Gods Grace can suffice - What other power can quiet the raging flesh of mankind than His Grace?..In Christ and Christ alone does Grace such as His abound freely and sufficiently.

 What God orders, God pays for.   There is NOTHING that you cannot do - cannot accomplish cannot fulfil when you have His directive. DO IT! 

God has prepared a place for you, seek Him to direct you to that Promised Land and drink from heavens rain!

  

God's Goal is Not to Make us Good

 

"We proclaim Him [Christ], admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete [mature] in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me." - Colossians 1:28–29 (NASB).

We don't have to be good for goodness sake!

In fact, being good may be our worst enemy. It was for the Pharisees! Their external goodness was a cover-up used to avoid facing what they were on the inside. Jesus did not approve of their external religiosity! In fact, he opposed it vehemently.

It can bring a great sense of freedom to realize that God isn't into rules, but rather relationships. And his goal isn't to make us good, but to make us whole; that is, to heal us from the inside out. The end result will be goodness but goodness that comes from a healed heart, and not from adhering to external rules and regulations dictated by legalism.

This is not an excuse to act out in sinful or destructive behaviors or to ignore God's laws which are for our protection. Never! As the Apostle Paul said, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means...." - Romans 6:1 (NIV).

What it does mean is that I need to grow towards wholeness and maturity by recognizing my inner brokenness, my weaknesses, and my unresolved character issues and bring them not only to God, but also to a trusted friend and / or counselor for healing and recovery. As a general rule, we got damaged (emotionally) in damaging relationships and we get healed (emotionally) in healing relationships. As James said, "Therefore confess your sins [and faults]

to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." - James 5:16 (NIV).

Again, God's goal is not to make us good, but to make us whole. It's the heart that counts with him, not the externals. If all I have is external goodness, I am no better than the Pharisees. Realize too, that only to the degree that we are made whole will our lifestyle, our attitude, our actions, our behavior, and our relationships be "whole-some."

Loving from the Heart

"Fervently love one another from the heart." - 1 Peter 1:22 (NASB).


There is a story by an unknown author being circulated on the Internet that reflects the outlook of Peter's letter to the churches in Turkey. You've probably read it, but it is worth repeating. It may or may not be true, but it does make an excellent parable if you keep in mind that Jesus made up stories to illustrate a point.


It is about a little boy who is about to have open-heart surgery.


"Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began, "I'll open up your heart."


"You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted.


The surgeon looked up, annoyed. "I'll cut your heart open," he continued, "to see how much damage has been done."


"But when you open up my heart," said his young patient, "you'll find Jesus in there."


The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. "When I see how much damage has been done, I'll sew your heart and chest back up and I'll plan what to do next."


"But you'll find Jesus in my heart," the young boy insisted. "The Bible says He lives there. You'll find Him in my heart."


The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart," he said coldly. "I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels.  And I'll find out if I can make you well."


Later, the surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery,  "Damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis,"  here he paused, "death within one year."


He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud. It was clear he was speaking to God. "Why did you do this? You've put him here; you've put him in this pain; and you've cursed him to an early death. Why?"


The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. "You created that boy, and you created that heart. He'll be dead in months. Why?"


And thus a dialogue began between the surgeon and God. And in that dialogue this frustrated physician discovered a new understanding of God's providence and love. The surgeon wept.


Now he sat beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"


"Yes," said the surgeon.


"What did you find?" asked the boy.


"I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.


In times of persecution and suffering, in times of grief and stress, when it all comes down to it, we have only one place to turn, and that is to the power of the indwelling Christ. If, at the heart of the universe, there is not love, then nothing else we believe matters.


As the Bible says, "Fervently love one another from the heart." - 1 Peter 1:22 (NASB).

MAN-MADE GLOBAL WARMING?

There is the pseudo scientific view that man has the ability to effect climate change, commonly referred to as global warming. Does man have the power or ability to cause the temperatures to rise, bring about earth quakes, cause draughts, produce floods, or breed snow storms. It would be the height of pride and arrogance to attribute this kind of power or ability to men.

GOD CONTROLS THE WEATHER.

Matthew 5:44 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causesHis sun to rise on the evil and the good , andsends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

God dictates the weather. The actions of men are not a factor.

Jeremiah 14:22 Are there any among the idols of nations who give rain? Or can the heavens grant showers? Is it not You, O Lord our God. Therefore we hope in You, For You are the one who has done all these things.

The Lord God is in charge of rain. Rain is not caused by man-made global warming.

Psalm 78:47-48 He destroyed their vines with hailstones And their sycamore trees with frost. 48 He gave over their cattle also to the hailstones And their herds to bolts of lightning.

God effects climate change, not man-made internal combustion engines.

Genesis 8:1-2 But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided. 2. Also the fountains of the deep and the floodgates of the sky were closed, and the rain from the sky was restrained;

God started the rain and He made it stop. Noah could only obey God's command, he could not effect the weather.

Deuteronomy 11:17 Or the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and He will shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain and the ground will not yield fruit;  and .....

God is in control of draughts. Draughts are not caused by made-made CO2 emissions.

Jonah 1:4 The Lord hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up.

God commands the wind and seas. Man's treatment of the environment did not cause Jonah's problem.

GLOBAL WARMING!

There will be a day when global warming will be a major problem. 
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and theearth and its works will be burned up.

The earth will be burned up, however , it will have nothing to do with the pseudo scientific view of man-made climate change.

GOD IS IN CONTROL OF THE WEATHER!  

Change Is Good

Life can be rough but it can also be wonderful. It really comes down to the way we handle all the fears, hurts, hopes, dreams, and everyday problems that we are sure to face. Just when things are smooth on the road you can be sure that there will be a bump up ahead that is totally going to wreck your cart and all the things that were good are going to come spilling out in a great big heap. What counts is how you handle the spill. You can scream and holler about all the injustices of your life and just leave it lying there, or you can stop, pick it up, and start over.

Many times I have just gone on and let it lay but I always had to come back and clean it up. It's always harder that way so I try to always clean up as I go. Mamma always told me that if I made a mess to clean it up as I go. That way when it is done, it is done.
NO one person will ever view things exactly the way I do, do the things I do, or think the things I think. I learned very early on that there is no way I can bend someone's will and change what they say, do, think, or what they want. We all all unique and different. I can't for the life of me understand why everyone in the world isn't scrambling for a big plate of fried Okra. I love it. It is delicious to me. I hate Summer and the intense miserable heat it brings and I love winter with it's beautiful snow and ice. I just can't comprehend anyone liking to get their brains baked in the hot summer sun.
God made us all different just the way he wanted each one to be. We are all special to Him. We are the very first High Tech Computers ever built with every part having it's own use in the scheme of things. We are what we are and none of us have a right to push our thoughts and beliefs on anyone else yet we all do try at times.
I've tried to change, I've tried to change others. It doesn't work. We need to be happy with who we are and where we are. Everyone has the same rights and chances that I do. I have accepted me and I have accepted that everyone else has that same right. It is a sad thing that we have to be older before we accept things. I guess we are like they say about fine wine, It's better with age.
I love God, family, friends, Fall, Winter, snow, and a nice warm fire to name a few. I hate liars, being lied to, being lied about, being called a liar, bullies, and summer. As long as I keep the love list longer than the hate list I figure I'm OK and I am satisfied.
My perspective on a lot of things has done a complete turn about. That fact in no way means that I am a different, a better, or a worse person. I'm still just a plain ol' Country girl who talks funny to some and likes Pinto beans, fried taters, okra. Red onions sour pickles, Cole slaw and cornbread.

I'm just me and I'm still here. YEP!

How to Change Negative Attitudes to Positive Ones

A positive attitude contributes to success in life more than anything else, according to a Stanford Research Institute study that shows a full 87.5 percent of people’s success can be traced to their positive attitudes, while just 12.5 percent of their success comes from their aptitude, knowledge, or skills.

What can you do if your mind is weighed down by negative attitudes that limit your success? You can change your attitudes, with God’s help. Here’s how:

Understand the power of attitude. If you allow negative attitudes (such as anxiety, envy, anger, bitterness, or pride) to grab hold of your mind, those attitudes will lead you to  make negative decisions that will affect your life in negative ways. But if you choose to develop and maintain positive attitudes, your life will become positive as a result. Even when you encounter the challenges and tragedies of living in a fallen world, you’ll be able to deal with them successfully when you choose to approach life with positive attitudes. But keep in mind that changing negative attitudes to positive ones isn’t an instant event; it’s a lifelong process that requires perseverance. Ask God to help you each day, and study Jesus’ life, since He is the ultimate example of how to live in a fallen world with positive attitudes.

Respond rather than react to unexpected change. Change will sometimes surprise you, and when that change is negative you may be drawn into a crisis. Whenever that happens, avoid reacting negatively and instead deliberately decide to respond positively. Keep in mind that you can’t control situations or people, but you can choose how you’ll respond to them. Ask God to give you four key gifts to help you respond to unexpected change in positive ways: hope, faith in Him, a clear vision of what He wants you to do next, and the energy to do what He wants you to do. Whenever it’s possible for you to change troubling circumstances or relationships, make the effort to do so. Whenever you can’t change them, ask God to give you the peace you need to deal with them.

Be accountable for your life. Let go of a victim’s attitude, since blaming others for what’s happened to you (from divorce to a job loss) won’t help make your life better. Avoid self-pity and excuses for not changing your life, too. Realize that no matter what has happened to you in the past, you do have the power to change, with God’s help. Focus on God’s promises to give you the strength you need to grow and move into a better future, and rely on that strength every day. Instead of looking inward, look outward to other people in need and obey God’s call to help them; in the process, you’ll start to feel better about your own life. Take responsibility for moving forward in the ways God leads you to move forward, and you’ll see your life becoming more positive.

Examine your soul. Ask God to help you take an honest look inside your soul to identify what specific types of negative attitudes are lurking inside, such as: pride, fear, anger, sadness, jealousy, doubt, resentment, bitterness, and low self-esteem. Then confess each of the negative attitudes to God and repent of them, inviting God to transform you from the inside out. Going forward, each time you become aware of an unhealthy, negative thought in your mind, give it to God in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind so you can think the way He wants you to think – which will help you develop positive attitudes to fill your soul regularly.