Are you ready

Are you ready???
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.(2 Peter 3:10).

Like the Master who left his servants work to do, what have you done with the talents the Lord gave you??? Let every man and woman while it is day be about our father's business for Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior shall return and each of us must give an account for what he have done. Not just your pastor or your deacon, or your bishop, or your Sunday school teach but all of that are true Christians were given the great commission, which was to proclaim the gospel to all those who would listen.  What shall the Master do with those servants that finds not busy doing the work he left them to do. When your work is tested shall it stand the test of time???

God's Path Verses Our Way

God's Path Verses Our Way.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Scriptures to read: Proverbs 16:10, Proverbs 3:6, Matthew 5:13-16

What does it look like when God directs our path? Is the path smooth...without interruptions to our daily schedule? Probably not.

It might be a missed plane.

Or maybe, the traffic in front of you slows you down on the way to your first stop of many stops. The person in front of you is going 10 miles an hour under the posted speed limit. Finally, you arrive at your first stop....just in time.

Completing your errand at your first stop, you continue on to your second stop. As you arrive at your second stop, there's someone carrying a burden that is very much like the one you (through God's grace) have been carrying for several years now. But this person has only had that burden for a little over a year. He or she is hurting. Looking at you, the person asks you how you do it. You have the wisdom, knowledge and mercy which God has woven into your life for years, through the trials that He has brought you through. So, you talk to the person...share the love of Christ that is in you. You tell him or her about the grace and strength that God has given you and still does on a daily basis. Maybe you pray with them. Maybe give the person a devotional and encourage him/her to read it.

You've just let “your light shine”. You didn't hide “your light” under a basket. The salt is still salty. Your good works which the Father gave you to share...That person has just seen those good works. And our Father in heaven is glorified!

Maybe, that's what it looks like when God directs our path.

In Christ our Lord,

Don 

Salvation what does it look like to you???

What is Salvation?  In Christian community : the act of saving someone from sin or evil : the state of being saved from sin or evil.
Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

However if I look up the biblical definition of the word salivation I find it to be said as follows: "spiritual rescue from sin and death." This b word of God tells you and I that we are  sinners in need a of a savior. because  God's judgment stands against mankind.  The Christian faith is based on the belief that christ alone can redeem us and Christ alone will judge us
Jesus said, "I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" (John 10:7-9).
It is easy to use words such as "saved" and "salvation" without regard to the biblical context or some of the overriding qualifications when the entire subject is brought into focus. Anyone may quote a scripture or two, and if it is quoted long and loud enough, it is easy to come away feeling that is all that the Bible has to say. Yet the Bible is a book with many texts that are qualified by other Biblical texts. When there are over a hundred verses on "being saved" and only one or two are used, there is a danger that we may come away with an improper or inadequate view.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," is a beautiful text (Acts 16:31). But what does it mean to "believe"? James tells u you and I, that even the devil himself believes there is a God  (James 2:19).  What is salvation to you "saved"? Uttering the words I am saved" is not a mantra with magical powers that will deliver us into God's Heavenly Kingdom.   Did you know  that when the Catholic church wanted to get men participate in their holy wars, they assured these men of two thing of riches and land on earth and if died he would receive a reward in heaven, hmm true or false. No mention of confess Jesus Christ and as Lord and that we are in need of a savior, that we are dirty sinners who deserve hell, but once we invite Christ into our hearts and lives and to become master and Lord over us. Without repentance can you have salvation?   Muslims  are told if they martyr themselves in a holy war, their god will reward them with seventy virgins. This sound more about what man can do to get into heaven when we are told its not something we can earn.  Jesus made it very clear when he said this  “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Where is trust placed

"Neither pray I for these alone , but for them also which shall believe on me through their word: That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John. 17: 20, 21).

Do you put your trust in your church denomination or in the one who can save anyone?
What does the word of God say about denominations?   Christ said that many would fail to keep the Word of God  simply because they loved the traditions of man more than the true word of God.
The traditions of men that will not earn right standing before the lord  only faith, love and a true relationship with God, not  the religions of men.
Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Muslims, Buddhists, Faith Prosperity and many Christian Religions and People are caught up in denominations!!!! God has been removed from the equation, some say the greatest trick that Lucifer ever pulled was the day he convinced man he did not exist, I say it was the day he invented denominations and told man it was good and man drank from that polluted cup of blasphemy.
There is only way and it is not Mary or the Pope or Allah or Muhammad or Joseph Smith or Michael the  Archangel, or Gautama Buddha nor You or I.   Denominations have become many people new god, Christ told the religious nut jobs of his time, that they knew the way in but did not go and hindered others from going in also.
Now, please do not conclude that I'm  against fellowship for  iron sharpens iron, my concern is that the theories of men are taking the place of the Word of God. No where in the word of God at least not to my knowledge did he advocate us creating different denominations, Jesus wanted us to focus more on Loving the father and believing in who the Father sent which was Jesus.

Dear God let us see what  we have been to blind to see, that it  is only  one way to heaven and that way is through Jesus Christ our savior, not a denomination, but the living breathing savior.

Let Go and Let G-d

One of the easiest sayings for most of us but, how often do we(yes even I) hold so hard on too what we have and seemingly refused to give "it" too G-d? And without Letting go and Letting G-d have every aspect of our life's we will ever really know true Shalom(Peace) of God or Happiness in our relationships.
   To start the Letting go, you must identify the things that keep you from having a closer relationship with G-d. It may be relationships that keep you from G-d, like a sexual one outside of marriage, or keeping friends that keep you from fellowship with brothers and sister in Christ. Or it maybe your time management, not making the time too read the Word or pray daily. Or it could even be the pursuit of money keeps you from seeking the L-rd.
   
  This therefore I say and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the Gentiles(Unsaved) walk: in the futility of their mind, being darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of G-d, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart,  who, becoming callous, gave themselves over to licentiousness, for the pursuit of all uncleanness in greediness. Ephesians 4:17-19 LEB 

   
^{Now we now need to equip ourselves with the tools to over come these things witch keep us from G-d. In the hope to bring ourselves to place where we can surrender and give ourselves too G-d.}

Because of this do not become foolish, but understand what the will of the L-rd is.  And do not be drunk with wine (in which is dissipation), but be filled by the Sp-rit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and singing praise in your heart to the L-rd, giving thanks always for all things in the name of our L-rd Yashua HaMashiach(Jesus Christ) to the G-d and Father, being subject to one another out of reverence for Christ .... ^{Ephesians 5:17-22a}
 Finally, become strong in the L-rd and in the might of his strength.  Put on the full armor of G-d, so that you may be able to stand against the stratagems of the devil,  because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Because of this, take up the full armor of G-d, in order that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand therefore, girding your waist with truth, and putting on the breastplate of righteousness, and binding shoes under your feet with the preparation of the good news of peace, in everything taking up the shield of faith, with which you are able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one, and receive the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Sp-rit, which is the word of G-d,  with all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the Sp-rit, and to this end being alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints, ¹and for me, that a word may be given to me at the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,  for the sake of which I am an ambassador in chains, that in them I may speak freely, as it is necessary for me to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20 LEB


  Now hopefully what I have given can help you surrender yourself and willing give yourself for the closer relationship with G-d.

   

Laying Aside that Extra Weight – Spiritual Weight Loss Plan

Laying Aside that Extra Weight – Spiritual Weight Loss Plan

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Scriptures to read: Hebrews 12:1-11

Are you carrying some extra weight? There are times when I had some extra weight. It's that sin that so easily entangles. It can slow us down, bring our walk to a complete halt. We might even find ourselves going in the opposite direction that God wants us to go in. Maybe going back the way we came.

If we belong to God, He's not going to sit idle. Like a loving Father, He will discipline us. He disciplines and corrects those He loves. Those who have given their lives to Him. It's been said that the most miserable person isn't someone who doesn't know Jesus, but someone who's walked with Him and has allowed sin to take them away from Him.

If that describes you, He's waiting. Look to Jesus. He is the Author of your faith! He gave it to you. And He will see you through. He is the finisher of your faith. He endured the cross. He loves you too much not to discipline you in love. So, surrender and let Him have His way in you. What He has is so much better than any “pet sin”.

In Christ our Lord,

Don 

Feed “My” Sheep....Jesus

Feed “My” Sheep....Jesus

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Scriptures to read: John 21:15-22; Matthew 28:18-20

After Jesus was resurrected, He spent some “quality” time with His disciples. When He had eaten breakfast with the disciples, He took Peter aside and had a “one-on-one” conversation with him.  He asked Peter, “Do you love me?” When Peter responded, Jesus told him to “feed and tend my sheep”.     A pretty tall order.  Here was a fisherman who had just “dropped the ball” when he denied Jesus.  He had just let down his Lord. It's probably safe to say that he wasn't feeling up to the task that Jesus was putting before him.

Points that we can see in these verses....

1. Jesus told Peter to feed “His” sheep, not feed Peter's sheep. Jesus was still retaining the final responsibility for His sheep, not turning that responsibility over to Peter.
2.  Jesus was restoring Peter to what He was calling him to, not counting Peter's sin of denial against him.  It (Peter's sin) had been dealt with at the cross.
3. Peter's responsibility would be to nurture and feed the sheep.

If we have children, this is also the task that God calls each of us to. A pretty “daunting” task.

But once we receive Christ as Lord and Savior, we begin to follow Him. Read His word. Seek Him. As we are following Jesus, He will lead us and teach us how to feed those sheep that He has put under our care and entrusted us with.

You may be wondering....Where do I start? A good place to start might be doing a family devotional 3 to 5 times a week possibly during or right after dinner. Maybe you can only do it once a week at first. That's ok, God will honor that. And it doesn't have to last for an hour or even a half hour. A few minutes at a time with a prayer before would be good.

Here are some practical suggestions for devotional resources:

- Greg Laurie's Devotional at http://www.harvest.org/devotional/

- In Touch Devotional with Charles Stanley at http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotion

- RBC Ministries Daily Devotional at http://odb.org

RBC Minsitries will be more than happy to deliver a paper booklet with daily devotionals if you request it from them. The link to their website above has a link to get the booklet mailed directly to your home.

It may seem hard at first, if you've never done something like this on a daily basis. But don't be discouraged. Trust God and lay it before Him. He loves you and He loves those sheep that He has placed in your care. He will equip you to do His will.

In Christ our Lord,

Don 

The Prodigal....A Look at the Father

The Prodigal....A Look at the Father

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Scriptures to read: Luke 15:11-32

Are we as parents more concerned about our reputation as “christian parents” than we are about our children's eternal destiny?

Reading and meditating on the story of the prodigal son, there are some lessons that we can see concerning the father of the prodigal son.

What was the father's perspective concerning his son wanting to take his inheritance and hit the road to party?

Was the father critical and judgmental of his son, when the son walked away from his father?

Was the father wanting his lost son to pay for embarrassing him? He let his son take his inheritance even though the father knew that his son was walking in the wrong direction. He didn't condemn his son at any point in time for his decision to go to the world.

The situation for the family was probably embarrassing.

He (the father) let his son go into the world, even though it probably hurt the father.

The son had to make a decision to follow the ways of his father or not to on his own. Free will.

It seems that the father of the prodigal was more concerned about his son than his own reputation with his neighbors and fellow church members. He displayed an unconditional love for his son. The bible says that the father “displayed compassion for his son when he was returning when the son was a great way off”.

Many of us as “christian parents” have suffered and some of us still do because of a “prodigal son or daughter”. I pray that our Lord grants us the strength and grace to do as the father in the story of the prodigal. Maybe those prodigals will return and be saved.

In Christ our Lord,

Don 

Jesus...When are You going to return? Or.....Geeez God...What's takin' You sooo long?!?

Jesus...When are You going to return? or.....Geeez God...What's takin' You sooo long?!?

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Scriptures to read: 2 Peter 3:9, Ezekiel 33:11, 2 Peter 3:10 – 13

Talking with a fellow brother in Christ last week, he and I both believe that the Lord's return is near. The world seems to be getting further from God.

Should we look forward to our Lord's return? Yes, I believe that we should.

But as for the tribulation and judgement that God will bring on the Earth.....

Is this something that God looks forward to? Does He (God) long to bring wrath and destruction on the Earth? Will it be the “high point of His day?”

I don't believe so. Peter says that the Lord is longsuffering toward us and that He (Jesus) doesn't want anyone to perish but wants all to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and repent (turn from their sins and turn to Jesus).

Ezekiel says that God doesn't take pleasure in the death of the wicked.

As I sat in my car the other night after a bible study, I thought longingly about the return of Jesus. But I began to think about what it would be like during the tribulation....the suffering and death. And I thought about people that I knew who do not know Jesus...they are not following Him. Co-workers, their spouses and children, some of my family members who aren't christians. I began to weep.

So, as we are anticipating our Lord's return, we should seek to be about His business. Praying for those who we have doubts about. He (Jesus) doesn't want our co-workers, family members and friends to perish. He wants them to have eternal life also.

In Christ our Lord,

Don 

Which Wisdom to Walk in?

Which Wisdom to Walk in?

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Scriptures to read: James 3:13-18 ; 1 John 1:5-9; Psalm 139:1-4

Two kinds of wisdom.....

One kind displays bitter envy. It also seeks after it's own (self-seeking). Quoting from James, he states that “ it (this wisdom) doesn't come from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.” And even though we may not want to admit it, sometimes, it's what we have in our hearts. And we can't hide from the Holy Spirit...eventually what is in our heart will come out. So why try to hide or lie to God? He already knows what's in our hearts. (See Psalm 139:1-4).

The other kind of wisdom from above is pure. It is gentle and can yield to others. Full of mercy. It is without partiality. Able to treat others with respect and love as people created in the image of God...whether they are a homeless person or a doctor. There's a lack of hypocrisy or to state it another way....A person with this kind of wisdom is what we like to call “real”.

But do any of us walk in the second kind of wisdom all of the time? I know that I don't.

In the book of 1 John, John writes that if we say that we don't have any sin, we are deceiving ourselves. But if we can get real with God and be honest, He can and is more than willing to free us from any sin (See 1John1:9) He (Jesus) died so that we wouldn't have to stay in our sins. He loves with a perfect love.

So, let us confess that sin that our Lord already knows about anyway so that we can be forgiven and cleansed from it. He (Jesus) paid too high a price for us to turn down His offer of forgiveness.

In Christ our Lord,

Don