In our daily walk, God placed a path for each of us to accomplish. He has made this good work for you and me. In Acts 3 we see the apostles as they carried out the commission that Jesus gave to His disciples.
Acts 3:1-11
1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;
3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.
We see Peter and John after the coming of the Holy Spirit. They began to step out more boldly. They once were hiding behind closed doors, but now we see them keeping the prayer time in the temple. Here at the temple they are given the opportunity for God to work through them, by using this one man to be a witness to all the people in the temple at that hour.
Acts 3:4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us."
5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.
6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Sometimes when we look at something, all we see is the surface. Not these men, Peter knew what the man was expecting and he did not have, but what he did have he gave much. The next time we see someone in need, let's give this text some thought because we too serve the same Lord and Savior and we too have much to give.
Acts 3:8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--walking, leaping, and praising God.
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God.
10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed.
(NKJV)
We may never know the good works God has created for us if we are not bold in Christ. We might not have a miracle like this one in Acts, but He has something for each and everyone of us to do for the glory of His kingdom. AMEN
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A young man's memories
As I read the news today I see that Farah Fawcett died. She was 62 years old and it was noted that "Hollywood Lost an Angel in Farrah Fawcett."
I was just a young man when her poster came out in 1976 and she was the star of Charlies Angles for just one year. WOW did she have an impact on my life. My whole attention went out to her and all that she represented at that time in my life. Girls, girls, girls. That poster depicted what my attention would be focused on for the years to come.
As I pray for comfort by the knowing of Christ Jesus and salvation for those that knew her; her family, her loved ones. I also want to pray for all the boys...young men that owned or even saw the posters of her. She was the beauty of the day, and it made its mark.
This makes me think of David and to the lengths he went after seeing Bathsheba because she was very beautiful to behold.
2 Samuel 11:2 Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. (NKJV)
By just that look, David inquired about her, sent messengers to her, took her, had sex with her. All this when David knew this was another man's wife. All this even when he knew God. Bathsheba conceived, David tries to cover this up by calling her husband home from battle. David then tries to trick the man into lying with his wife but Uriah only wants to serve his king. Yes that King is David. The reward from David to Uriah was for Uriah to carry his own death letter back to battle, to his commander...where he was sent into the hottest battle. He is killed.
By just one look...(we don't need two) we lust and do the wicked most things. David cast his eyes upon the woman to only bring lust, murder and sorrow. David took his eyes off God.
1 John 2:16-17
16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.
17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (NKJV)
I pray (those who cast their eyes upon her then and the flesh now)that we remove our attentions and desires from the lust of flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life and turn to God. Looking, gazing and praising God. For He who abides in God will live forever.
Luke 9:62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (NKJV)
We all have out lusts, some flesh, some pride, some longing for what is forbidden, concupiscence, strong sexual desires. We need to turn to Him and look to Him. Confess that Jesus in the Son of God, Repent and receive Him and the Holy Spirit.
1 John 4:13-15
13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.
15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
(NKJV)
I was just a young man when her poster came out in 1976 and she was the star of Charlies Angles for just one year. WOW did she have an impact on my life. My whole attention went out to her and all that she represented at that time in my life. Girls, girls, girls. That poster depicted what my attention would be focused on for the years to come.
As I pray for comfort by the knowing of Christ Jesus and salvation for those that knew her; her family, her loved ones. I also want to pray for all the boys...young men that owned or even saw the posters of her. She was the beauty of the day, and it made its mark.
This makes me think of David and to the lengths he went after seeing Bathsheba because she was very beautiful to behold.
2 Samuel 11:2 Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. (NKJV)
By just that look, David inquired about her, sent messengers to her, took her, had sex with her. All this when David knew this was another man's wife. All this even when he knew God. Bathsheba conceived, David tries to cover this up by calling her husband home from battle. David then tries to trick the man into lying with his wife but Uriah only wants to serve his king. Yes that King is David. The reward from David to Uriah was for Uriah to carry his own death letter back to battle, to his commander...where he was sent into the hottest battle. He is killed.
By just one look...(we don't need two) we lust and do the wicked most things. David cast his eyes upon the woman to only bring lust, murder and sorrow. David took his eyes off God.
1 John 2:16-17
16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.
17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (NKJV)
I pray (those who cast their eyes upon her then and the flesh now)that we remove our attentions and desires from the lust of flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life and turn to God. Looking, gazing and praising God. For He who abides in God will live forever.
Luke 9:62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (NKJV)
We all have out lusts, some flesh, some pride, some longing for what is forbidden, concupiscence, strong sexual desires. We need to turn to Him and look to Him. Confess that Jesus in the Son of God, Repent and receive Him and the Holy Spirit.
1 John 4:13-15
13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.
15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
(NKJV)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Trust in the Lord
Letting the Words of God speak for me...
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; (NKJV)
Proverbs 14:8-12
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, But the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.(NKJV)
Hebrews 10:35-39
35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
37 "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."
39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. (NKJV)
We need to trust in the Lord and lean not to our own understanding; keeping confident with endurance, doing the will of God. To live in faith by faith and draw close to Him.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; (NKJV)
Proverbs 14:8-12
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness, And a stranger does not share its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, But the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.(NKJV)
Hebrews 10:35-39
35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
37 "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."
39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. (NKJV)
We need to trust in the Lord and lean not to our own understanding; keeping confident with endurance, doing the will of God. To live in faith by faith and draw close to Him.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
KAIROS Prayer Chain
USP VICTORVILLE, CA
KAIROS #6
AUGUST 6th through 9th, 2009
We want to cover our Kairos in prayer from the beginning on Thursday to the ending on Sunday afternoon.
We need your help to solicit Christian friends around the world to participate by committing to pray for one half hour (or more) during the event.
Our access to the Internet today allows a simple way to commit to a prayer time. Send your friends the link shown below and ask them to go on-line to the link and follow these simple instructions.
1. Copy and paste the link below.
2. Go to the bottom left of page
3. Click edit this page
4. Pick at time and day
5. Fill in your name and country and state (e-mail address is optional).
Here is the link:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=r-svd4x1Z_nlnKFwLclArMA&output=html
If your friends don’t have internet access, you can ask them for the time they prefer and fill in the sheet for them.
KAIROS #6
AUGUST 6th through 9th, 2009
We want to cover our Kairos in prayer from the beginning on Thursday to the ending on Sunday afternoon.
We need your help to solicit Christian friends around the world to participate by committing to pray for one half hour (or more) during the event.
Our access to the Internet today allows a simple way to commit to a prayer time. Send your friends the link shown below and ask them to go on-line to the link and follow these simple instructions.
1. Copy and paste the link below.
2. Go to the bottom left of page
3. Click edit this page
4. Pick at time and day
5. Fill in your name and country and state (e-mail address is optional).
Here is the link:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=r-svd4x1Z_nlnKFwLclArMA&output=html
If your friends don’t have internet access, you can ask them for the time they prefer and fill in the sheet for them.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Obama to sign Tobacco bill
Obama to Sign Landmark Tobacco Bill
22 June 2009
The president will sign the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act into law Monday (1800 UTC). When we read the reasons for Obama signing this bill you will see that this bill is intended to lower our health care exposures as well as save lives. I don't see that as a bad reason. I worry about the U.S. government taking on business instead of running a country, but this is a good cause.
The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says an estimated 443,000 people in the United States die prematurely from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke every year...
I have a few questions.
What about the unborn? The aborted? How many lives will this Family bill save?
A total of 839,226 legal induced abortions were reported to CDC for 2004 from 49 reporting areas, representing a 1.1% decline from the 848,163 legal induced abortions reported by 49 reporting areas for 2003. The abortion ratio, defined as the number of abortions per 1,000 live births, was 238 in 2004, a decrease from the 241 in 2003. The abortion rate was 16 per 1,000 women aged 15--44 years for 2004, the same since 2000. For the same 47 reporting areas, the abortion rate remained relatively constant during 1998--2004.
I know, we need to stop second hand smoke, like the cigarette smoke by one's lover because it might kill me, but the child, planned or not is in for certain death because, well because you can't tax it and you can't say it's bad in front of your liberal friends.
Exodus 21:22-23
If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman;s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if any ham follows, then you shall give life for life. (NKJV).
We will give up smoking but not save the lives that need caring for. Thank you Mr. President for regulating the tobacco business, but next time get real and take care of our future by saving the live of our unborn children!
22 June 2009
The president will sign the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act into law Monday (1800 UTC). When we read the reasons for Obama signing this bill you will see that this bill is intended to lower our health care exposures as well as save lives. I don't see that as a bad reason. I worry about the U.S. government taking on business instead of running a country, but this is a good cause.
The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says an estimated 443,000 people in the United States die prematurely from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke every year...
I have a few questions.
What about the unborn? The aborted? How many lives will this Family bill save?
A total of 839,226 legal induced abortions were reported to CDC for 2004 from 49 reporting areas, representing a 1.1% decline from the 848,163 legal induced abortions reported by 49 reporting areas for 2003. The abortion ratio, defined as the number of abortions per 1,000 live births, was 238 in 2004, a decrease from the 241 in 2003. The abortion rate was 16 per 1,000 women aged 15--44 years for 2004, the same since 2000. For the same 47 reporting areas, the abortion rate remained relatively constant during 1998--2004.
I know, we need to stop second hand smoke, like the cigarette smoke by one's lover because it might kill me, but the child, planned or not is in for certain death because, well because you can't tax it and you can't say it's bad in front of your liberal friends.
Exodus 21:22-23
If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman;s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if any ham follows, then you shall give life for life. (NKJV).
We will give up smoking but not save the lives that need caring for. Thank you Mr. President for regulating the tobacco business, but next time get real and take care of our future by saving the live of our unborn children!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Culture of irresponsibility
Today,
President Obama blamed the turmoil of a culture of irresponsibility as the downfall of the economy. Mr. Obama confirmed that he wants to give more power to the Federal Reserve to become the Economy Police. The Fed would oversee all important institutions, enabling the Fed/President the power to break firms/companies apart.
The President summarized with: "There's always been a tension between those who place their faith in the invisible hand of the marketplace and those who place more trust in the guiding hand of the government -- and that tension isn't a bad thing. It gives rise to healthy debates and creates a dynamism that makes it possible for us to adapt and grow. For we know that markets are not an unalloyed force for either good or for ill. In many ways, our financial system reflects us. In the aggregate of countless independent decisions, we see the potential for creativity -- and the potential for abuse. We see the capacity for innovations that make our economy stronger -- and for innovations that exploit our economy's weaknesses.
Freedom of choice given by the Government...When I read of putting faith in the invisible hand of the marketplace or the guiding hand of government, I think of where true faith should be put. Whose invisible hand should guide me and my country.
Faith is from God...To chose to love Him, to follow Him or to forsake Him.
Psalms 31:14-19
14 But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."
15 My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me.
16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies' sake.
17 Do not let me be ashamed, O LORD, for I have called upon You; Let the wicked be ashamed; Let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence, Which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
19 ¶ Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! (NKJV)
We fall pray to men. We have been complicit to the world through it's greed and fear. Call upon God and trust in Him, to deliver you from those who persecute you. Call upon Him to save you and do not be ashamed. Let the lying lips be silenced and let stand in the great goodness of God!
President Obama blamed the turmoil of a culture of irresponsibility as the downfall of the economy. Mr. Obama confirmed that he wants to give more power to the Federal Reserve to become the Economy Police. The Fed would oversee all important institutions, enabling the Fed/President the power to break firms/companies apart.
The President summarized with: "There's always been a tension between those who place their faith in the invisible hand of the marketplace and those who place more trust in the guiding hand of the government -- and that tension isn't a bad thing. It gives rise to healthy debates and creates a dynamism that makes it possible for us to adapt and grow. For we know that markets are not an unalloyed force for either good or for ill. In many ways, our financial system reflects us. In the aggregate of countless independent decisions, we see the potential for creativity -- and the potential for abuse. We see the capacity for innovations that make our economy stronger -- and for innovations that exploit our economy's weaknesses.
Freedom of choice given by the Government...When I read of putting faith in the invisible hand of the marketplace or the guiding hand of government, I think of where true faith should be put. Whose invisible hand should guide me and my country.
Faith is from God...To chose to love Him, to follow Him or to forsake Him.
Psalms 31:14-19
14 But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."
15 My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me.
16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies' sake.
17 Do not let me be ashamed, O LORD, for I have called upon You; Let the wicked be ashamed; Let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence, Which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
19 ¶ Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! (NKJV)
We fall pray to men. We have been complicit to the world through it's greed and fear. Call upon God and trust in Him, to deliver you from those who persecute you. Call upon Him to save you and do not be ashamed. Let the lying lips be silenced and let stand in the great goodness of God!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
You can know Him
Why is it so important for you to know God?
John 17: 1-3
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said; "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (NKJV)
This is so powerful for us who believe. You are the flesh that can receive eternal life. God gave this authority to Jesus Christ and He has the authority to give eternal life to you...so that you may know Him, the One and true God.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (NKJV)
It is so easy for me...a believer in The Christ Jesus. To know that He gives to me by the authority of God to have a personal relationship with God. I know and trust in Him. I have Hope and Peace through Him.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (NKJV)
You...where are you? Are you guarded from evil? Do you have Hope and Peace in your life? If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus...why not?
Jesus saves...
John 17: 1-3
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said; "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (NKJV)
This is so powerful for us who believe. You are the flesh that can receive eternal life. God gave this authority to Jesus Christ and He has the authority to give eternal life to you...so that you may know Him, the One and true God.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (NKJV)
It is so easy for me...a believer in The Christ Jesus. To know that He gives to me by the authority of God to have a personal relationship with God. I know and trust in Him. I have Hope and Peace through Him.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (NKJV)
You...where are you? Are you guarded from evil? Do you have Hope and Peace in your life? If you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus...why not?
Jesus saves...
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Vulnerability
Luke 6:32-25 reads:
32 But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? for even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. (NKJV)
As you see here in scriptures, We are told to love, do good and lend. To hope for nothing in return. In doing this we will be the sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the thankless and evil....Evil?
In the Greek, evil or poneros means: calamitous; also ill, diseased; but especially morally culpable, derelict, vicious, fanciorous, neuter, mischief, malice, or guilt; masculine the devil, or sinners. bad evil grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked.
Okay, now I can see why the word evil is used, because without Christ I resemble most of those wonderful definitions. The unthankful...well that's easy. Do you thank God for all the blessings of the day let alone your daily meals? We take most everything for granted, especially in America.
But what is this truth that the bible tells us about?
We are to love the sinister, scurvy, foul, gross, vile, grave, facinorous, felonious, nefarious, shameful, scandalous, infamous, villainous, heinous; flagrant, flagitious i.e. shamefully wicked; atrocious, incarnate, accursed, ill, those caught in calamitous situations i.e. a state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss, sterile, liable, morally reprehensible, malice i.e. to act with the desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness....
I guess this would be those that are un-thankful and evil.
BUT...we are to love them...our enemies and to do good and lend hoping for no return.
Vulnerable...Humble...in Christ we can and are commanded to do this.
Now I ask for you to lend me your ear, Hear God's voice in the calling of ministry to the lost. For the ministry of reconsilation of the world, and I do not mean the easy ones. No I ask for your prayers and help in reaching the un-thankful and evil. For I used to be in that crowd and someone prayed for me...reached out for me.
Luke 6:36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (NKJV)
By the grace of God....we are saved.
32 But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? for even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. (NKJV)
As you see here in scriptures, We are told to love, do good and lend. To hope for nothing in return. In doing this we will be the sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the thankless and evil....Evil?
In the Greek, evil or poneros means: calamitous; also ill, diseased; but especially morally culpable, derelict, vicious, fanciorous, neuter, mischief, malice, or guilt; masculine the devil, or sinners. bad evil grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked.
Okay, now I can see why the word evil is used, because without Christ I resemble most of those wonderful definitions. The unthankful...well that's easy. Do you thank God for all the blessings of the day let alone your daily meals? We take most everything for granted, especially in America.
But what is this truth that the bible tells us about?
We are to love the sinister, scurvy, foul, gross, vile, grave, facinorous, felonious, nefarious, shameful, scandalous, infamous, villainous, heinous; flagrant, flagitious i.e. shamefully wicked; atrocious, incarnate, accursed, ill, those caught in calamitous situations i.e. a state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss, sterile, liable, morally reprehensible, malice i.e. to act with the desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness....
I guess this would be those that are un-thankful and evil.
BUT...we are to love them...our enemies and to do good and lend hoping for no return.
Vulnerable...Humble...in Christ we can and are commanded to do this.
Now I ask for you to lend me your ear, Hear God's voice in the calling of ministry to the lost. For the ministry of reconsilation of the world, and I do not mean the easy ones. No I ask for your prayers and help in reaching the un-thankful and evil. For I used to be in that crowd and someone prayed for me...reached out for me.
Luke 6:36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (NKJV)
By the grace of God....we are saved.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Today you can receive His Holy Spirit
And Fifty Days Later
John 15:26-27
26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
27 "And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
(NKJV)
Looking back at the history of the Church, this is the week that the Church was given the power to be the witness of Christ to the world. To tell and preach of all that Jesus came to do and teach. Even the disciples who had been so near and even took part in the ministry of Jesus Christ were now given something new and powerful, unlike anything that had come before.
Acts 2:1-4
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
(NKJV)
When these witnesses took their stand, that is when the Church was born. That is when the message Of Jesus Christ went out loud and clear. The message being that Jesus is the Christ and He has build His church and nothing can stop it. He gave them the keys to heaven. Everyone heard them speak of the wonderful works of God. Some doubted, while others just did not understand; but all were amazed.
Today, all these years later, we can still be those witnesses of God's wonderful works. That is if you have received the Holy Spirit of God. If you don't have the Holy Spirit, you have no power over the sin in your life nor are you Saved. You can ask the Lord for this power. Ask that He send His Holy Spirit into your heart right now. Believe in Him, be saved and you will have the power to say no to sin. AMEN
John 15:26-27
26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
27 "And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
(NKJV)
Looking back at the history of the Church, this is the week that the Church was given the power to be the witness of Christ to the world. To tell and preach of all that Jesus came to do and teach. Even the disciples who had been so near and even took part in the ministry of Jesus Christ were now given something new and powerful, unlike anything that had come before.
Acts 2:1-4
1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
(NKJV)
When these witnesses took their stand, that is when the Church was born. That is when the message Of Jesus Christ went out loud and clear. The message being that Jesus is the Christ and He has build His church and nothing can stop it. He gave them the keys to heaven. Everyone heard them speak of the wonderful works of God. Some doubted, while others just did not understand; but all were amazed.
Today, all these years later, we can still be those witnesses of God's wonderful works. That is if you have received the Holy Spirit of God. If you don't have the Holy Spirit, you have no power over the sin in your life nor are you Saved. You can ask the Lord for this power. Ask that He send His Holy Spirit into your heart right now. Believe in Him, be saved and you will have the power to say no to sin. AMEN
Monday, June 8, 2009
I am counting on Christ!
This past weekend was a fun one. I was blessed to be on the team for the most resent Walk to Emmaus hosted by the Southern California Walk to Emmaus community. As weekends go this was like every other one...God Showed up!
Yes that is right, God showed up.
Sometimes He looked like a short, tall, slim, fat, old, young guy.
This weekend consists of about 75 men joining together for a Christian leader workshop that is designed to restore and build leadership in our local churches. These men gather to show the love of Christ to our weekend candidates.
It is wonderful to see the work of our Lord in lives. It is amazing to see Christian leaders being born right in front of your eyes.
It is beautiful to witness the birth of the soul of Jesus in human hearts, and it is humbling to know that God was able to use common men to do His will. We saw God's love poured out on each of the first time attendees and experienced it ourselves too. The time was spent praying, praising, studying and eating. At the end...each man stood and announced that they were counting on Christ.
Each word spoken, each song sung is to His glory! Praise God, Praise God!
Yes that is right, God showed up.
Sometimes He looked like a short, tall, slim, fat, old, young guy.
This weekend consists of about 75 men joining together for a Christian leader workshop that is designed to restore and build leadership in our local churches. These men gather to show the love of Christ to our weekend candidates.
It is wonderful to see the work of our Lord in lives. It is amazing to see Christian leaders being born right in front of your eyes.
It is beautiful to witness the birth of the soul of Jesus in human hearts, and it is humbling to know that God was able to use common men to do His will. We saw God's love poured out on each of the first time attendees and experienced it ourselves too. The time was spent praying, praising, studying and eating. At the end...each man stood and announced that they were counting on Christ.
Each word spoken, each song sung is to His glory! Praise God, Praise God!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Cafeteria Faith
1. True or False: All religions lead you to God.
True - In Isaiah 2:2 God's word reads: Now is shall come to pass in the latter days that the Lord's house shall be established and exalted and ALL nations shall flow to Him. Every one will flow to Him.
2. True or False: God will let all into the after life.
True - In Matthew 25:32-44 God's word says again that ALL nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate them one from another and one will have everlasting punishment and the righteous into eternal life. Both are the life after.
3. True or False: You are safe and going to heaven because of you relationship with a denominational or non denominational church.
False - John 14:6 reads: Jesus said to him, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
4. True or False: Taking part of the Bible and the Koran and any other book religious or not like "the better you" and picking the parts that make sense to you and lead you to be a "good" person is America's new religion.
True - As we read the polls on what America believes and what it's leader believes. You will notice that most believe that there are many ways to heaven. Most of America believes that it is all good, and my bad if I tell the truth.
5. True or False: Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father and Life with God in Heaven.
True - He said it Himself. What are you going to do about that? Either you believe Him or you don't. He is the truth, the light and the way...what do you have?
WWJD What Would Jesus Do? Should be: Give You Salvation, Die for your sins! Love You!
True - In Isaiah 2:2 God's word reads: Now is shall come to pass in the latter days that the Lord's house shall be established and exalted and ALL nations shall flow to Him. Every one will flow to Him.
2. True or False: God will let all into the after life.
True - In Matthew 25:32-44 God's word says again that ALL nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate them one from another and one will have everlasting punishment and the righteous into eternal life. Both are the life after.
3. True or False: You are safe and going to heaven because of you relationship with a denominational or non denominational church.
False - John 14:6 reads: Jesus said to him, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
4. True or False: Taking part of the Bible and the Koran and any other book religious or not like "the better you" and picking the parts that make sense to you and lead you to be a "good" person is America's new religion.
True - As we read the polls on what America believes and what it's leader believes. You will notice that most believe that there are many ways to heaven. Most of America believes that it is all good, and my bad if I tell the truth.
5. True or False: Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father and Life with God in Heaven.
True - He said it Himself. What are you going to do about that? Either you believe Him or you don't. He is the truth, the light and the way...what do you have?
WWJD What Would Jesus Do? Should be: Give You Salvation, Die for your sins! Love You!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Allies...who needs them?
It is reported that President Obama is making the most important trip of his Presidency this week, a face-to-face encounter with the Muslim world, culminating with a long-promised speech on U.S. relations with the Muslims. There is some speculation that in his effort to reach Muslims he will start distancing USA from Israel.
This current message the President is sending is more of an example of how the United States of America will reciprocate or what recompense will be give to those countries, cultures and neighborhoods that shake their fists at us. Think about it, by clenching one's fist at the U.S. you can now get formal acknowledgment conveying approval or sanction from the President himself. We now bend to terror; and as we yield in our resolve, we are now complicit in the actions taken against those that we are at peace with.
Allies...who needs them?
What is our message?
Are we:
standing for truth?
standing for Christ in our daily walk?
edifying our brothers and sisters in the Lord ?
conveying to the world, God's plan of restoration?
teaching His written Word? Are we witnesses of the Gospels?
praising God in our personal situation and trials because we love Him?
Are WE committed to witness to the lost, black and white, brown or yellow, small and large, poor and wealthy, friend or enemy, religious or secular, Muslim and Jew alike?
God sent His Son to save ALL.
Our message should be in the living of our lives, holy, and acceptable to Him. Not conformed to this world but in alliance with Him and His people.
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
(NKJV)
Our message should be the Good news of Christ Jesus! Taken to all the world.
This current message the President is sending is more of an example of how the United States of America will reciprocate or what recompense will be give to those countries, cultures and neighborhoods that shake their fists at us. Think about it, by clenching one's fist at the U.S. you can now get formal acknowledgment conveying approval or sanction from the President himself. We now bend to terror; and as we yield in our resolve, we are now complicit in the actions taken against those that we are at peace with.
Allies...who needs them?
What is our message?
Are we:
standing for truth?
standing for Christ in our daily walk?
edifying our brothers and sisters in the Lord ?
conveying to the world, God's plan of restoration?
teaching His written Word? Are we witnesses of the Gospels?
praising God in our personal situation and trials because we love Him?
Are WE committed to witness to the lost, black and white, brown or yellow, small and large, poor and wealthy, friend or enemy, religious or secular, Muslim and Jew alike?
God sent His Son to save ALL.
Our message should be in the living of our lives, holy, and acceptable to Him. Not conformed to this world but in alliance with Him and His people.
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
(NKJV)
Our message should be the Good news of Christ Jesus! Taken to all the world.
Monday, June 1, 2009
And he ate of the fruit
Genesis 3:6
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that is was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of it's fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he at.(NKJV)
Eve saw nothing wrong with the tree that the serpent tempted her with. She saw nothing wrong with all that she already had either. It was not that she did not have enough, it was the greed of life, wanting more. Why not? She was in the garden with God, walking with her husband that no one could deny was given to her for she came out of him for him. A match made by God. She had all but that one tree...
It has been said that sin is like an opinion, we all have some and think that we are right. I think that the best analogy is...Bad breath; we all have it. But can you smell it? When you are around someone who just drank a coffee or had a smoke, boy do they not smell so nice. The funny thing is, they do not know how bad it is, but we see it or smell it.
As in Genesis we see the lust & greed, lust of the eyes, the lust of knowledge and greed for MORE. Why do we act as if we will not be tempted. Why do we say that we prayed about the junk that we elect to do...when it is our lustful yearnings that are being satisfied?
Repent from all sin, even the sins that you have justified, the sins of circumstance.
As we live our lives here in this world we are not to be complicit with it. When we see our and other crimes against God we are to report it, confront it and repent form it. We must not compromise and indulge...the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the lust of money, the lust of self.
I exhort you to stand for righteousness, for holiness because He calls us to be Holy.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (NKJV)
I wage a war daily with my flesh in the battle of sin. By the grace of God do I have victory.
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that is was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of it's fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he at.(NKJV)
Eve saw nothing wrong with the tree that the serpent tempted her with. She saw nothing wrong with all that she already had either. It was not that she did not have enough, it was the greed of life, wanting more. Why not? She was in the garden with God, walking with her husband that no one could deny was given to her for she came out of him for him. A match made by God. She had all but that one tree...
It has been said that sin is like an opinion, we all have some and think that we are right. I think that the best analogy is...Bad breath; we all have it. But can you smell it? When you are around someone who just drank a coffee or had a smoke, boy do they not smell so nice. The funny thing is, they do not know how bad it is, but we see it or smell it.
As in Genesis we see the lust & greed, lust of the eyes, the lust of knowledge and greed for MORE. Why do we act as if we will not be tempted. Why do we say that we prayed about the junk that we elect to do...when it is our lustful yearnings that are being satisfied?
Repent from all sin, even the sins that you have justified, the sins of circumstance.
As we live our lives here in this world we are not to be complicit with it. When we see our and other crimes against God we are to report it, confront it and repent form it. We must not compromise and indulge...the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, the lust of money, the lust of self.
I exhort you to stand for righteousness, for holiness because He calls us to be Holy.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (NKJV)
I wage a war daily with my flesh in the battle of sin. By the grace of God do I have victory.
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