Resurrection - Fact or Fiction

 When my church called for members of the congregation to read scripture on Sunday mornings, I volunteered and am called upon to do so every 4 to 6 weeks. I have been encouraged to make any short comment about the reading that I might feel appropriate and practiced with the music team prior to service.

> This week I was given ICor. 15:3 - 10 to read. These verses reflect Paul's comments to the Corinthian church about the number of people who witnessed Christ after His resurrection from the dead, focusing on the truth about the Good News.

 

* In Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus is the most compelling piece of evidence that He is Savior and the Son of God.  From the very first day,  the enemy has planted seeds of doubt regarding the resurrection.

 

> An interesting statement is that Jesus was seen by 500 people at one time - after His resurrection. I have heard this scripture before but never read where the event was documented in the Bible, so I went to seek it out.

IT'S NOT !

In deed, I went to search out the passages and there are none. What I did find was a lot of anti-Christ comments on how this proves He did not rise from the dead as our Savior and Son of God.

 

> This is ignorance at it's best. So many set themselves up in judgement of situations they know nothing about; never read or study. I dare any doubter to PROVE Jesus is NOT risen from the dead. There is more documentation to the contrary - if you open your eyes.

 

> Let me begin by stating ancient history does document Jesus as existing in ancient Nazareth.  The major question is that of His status as Son of God, Creator and Savior of mankind - His divinity.

 

> Then, let me state, He was dead when taken from the cross. This is documented with the statement that water flowed from His side when pierced with a Roman soldier's spear and witnessed by those present. This "water" is the content of the protective sac around the human heart. If the sac is pierced, a clear fluid runs out and the heart stops.

 

 

 

> There were many other encounters listed as witness accounts: Mary Magdalene was first Jn.20:11-17, Matthew tells that she was with another woman Mt.28:7-10, two followers on the road to Emmaus Lk.24:13-27, Apostles in the Upper Room Lk.24:36-49 and Jn.20:19-29 (Thomas was not present but other followers were), Thomas Jn.20:24-28, James (brother to Jesus) also stated by Paul ICor.15:7. Paul states his life changing encounter on the road to Damascus Acts9:1-19. He appeared again in the Upper Room Mk.16:9-19 to the 11 Apostles. 

 

> Let me also remind everyone that the Dead Sea Scrolls, The Apocrypha and the Agnostic books are incomplete. No one can be positive the encounter with the 500 witnesses did not happen; written documentation has just not yet been found. 

 

> John 20:29 Jesus tells Thomas of those blessed for belief - without physical evidence.

In John 20:30 & 31, John tells us of witnessing versus believing.

In Mark 16:14 we are again told of the blessing of belief without proof. 

 

> It is our FAITH in things not seen that will bring the greatest reward.

 

 

 

> Indeed, the benefits of knowing our Savior in our personal lives - finding Him within ourselves in the quiet moments, is what will bring us the greatest reward - that of knowing Him on a personal level.

Letter to New Christians

Congratulations! 

The angels in heaven are rejoicing over your decision.
Lk 15:7&10


If you answered an alter call, made a public confession or a private repentance, get Baptized!  When you are baptized, the Holy Spirit is imparted to you.  Even Jesus (full of the spirit from birth) did this as an example for us.  Mt 3:13-15  (Studies have proven that baptized Christians have a different DNA after baptism as opposed to before.  You will TRULY be a new person.)  Mt 28:19, Lk 11:13, Acts 11:16

The Holy Spirit is a piece of God's Spirit that will live in you from now on.  This will give you strength and conviction to help you live a Christian life and make contact with him easier.  Mk 12:36, Lk 12:12, Jn 14:26   You will receive the "gifts of the spirit" so you can begin to use and develop them in the name of Jesus, your savior.

It is a sad situation today that most Christians get very excited over new converts but churches have few programs set in place to help you understand what comes next and what it is to be Christian, let alone if you are new to the concept.

First, BRACE YOURSELF !  Satan is mad.  If you haven't already, you will be facing some pretty heavy trial/temptation.  This is why you need the Holy Spirit to draw from strength that is imparted from God.  The Enemy does not want followers of Jesus.  His time is coming, he knows it and he is getting very desperate.  You can count on him coming at you.  Get ready to fight the good fight and get as close to Jesus as you can. 
I Tim 6:12, Heb 10:32

It is not easy to be a Christian - especially today.  In many countries, Christians are put to death for their belief.  America today, is becoming more and more conflicted over Christianity.  Indeed, there are fewer converts in America and a growing number in third world countries.

With the Holy Spirit to guide you, you will be turning your life around.  You will be feeling the tug of right vs wrong in many facets of life:  entertainment, fashion, prayer, Bible study, substance abuse, tithing, holiday celebrations, literature, media and maybe even your diet.  This will all depend on your situation and how fast you mature as a Christian.  Big or small, changes are coming.  If urged by the spirit, you will be happier for the changes.

Cheer up!  There is lots of good news.
You are now a child of the Most High God, an inheritor of everything that Jesus (our brother) inherits.  Stand up straight, have some pride in how you present yourself; be confident.  A changed attitude will take you farther.  You are a child of the supreme being, an Ambassador of Heaven itself.  You are the light in the dark of this world and the salt of the earth.
Mt. 5:13  You are God's righteousness.  God will send His angels to give charge over you. Ps 91:11
If you find yourself getting low and being tempted by pity, get out and do something for someone else; any small thing.

Yes, times are tough, but you now have God, your new spiritual Father, on your side.  A father that loves like no other, never leaves you, provides for you, wants you healthy, prosperous and happy.  He is as close as a conversation, a prayer, hymn of praise, the Bible.  He wants you to converse with Him, dump your problems (no matter how small) and ask Him for whatever you need.  Jesus was refreshed after He gave of Himself to the Samaritan woman at the well.  God is a giver.

Don't go crazy and start throwing out the baby with the bath water.  God wants your happiness and He is not unreasonable.  Don't get too hard on yourself.  Don't worry about being formal with God; just talk to Him.  The Spirit will show you what to do.  Be sure to listen for His prompting.  Relax, God's got your back.

Find a Bible based church that teaches Jesus.  It is commanded to be part of "the body" (the church) and tithing is a great blessing.  Take communion regularly, to thank God for healing and covering our sins with the blood of His precious son.  Give of yourself and your finances to help others and you will be replenished.  No one can give like your new Father.  I truly believe that everything we give and share is given back to us with interest.  Your Father will not let you go without because you help another.

You don't have to go off to "Timbucktoo", stand on a street corner and predict the end of the world or start preaching to your family and friends.  Just relax and live your life as you think God wants you to.  Do no harm.  A time may come when the Spirit will kick you softly in the butt and urge you to do something.  Be the light in the dark and teach by example of right living.  You will develop a constant smile and a glow from within that will draw the world to you - just like Jesus.

If you don't know where to start reading the Bible, the book of John is always a great choice.  You can read the Psalms (a personal favorite of mine is Ps 91).  David was a song writer, shepherd, king, warrior and prophet.  Proverbs is good to learn how to live a Christian life.  Romans will teach you the grace of God. 
You can always read this blog. 

Perhaps the best promise to a new Christian is "Fear Not"; a constant reminder from God that a believer can rest his cares in the loving grace of God and sleep through the storms.

May God's amazing complete peace be with you.
Amen

www.seek-and-find.net 

Redemption Covenant

This plan of redemption, this great mystery is the grace of God through the sacrifice of Jesus that covers us with the blood of the perfect sacrifice to be seen as pure in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.  We have been redeemed from all our past, present and future wrong doings.   Bible says, "Once and for all."

Here's how it works:  

We do our best to live according to Jesus example and don't worry about anything else.  We are pure in the sight of God.  We do not have to work for our salvation; God gave it to us through Jesus.  When God the  Father, looks at us He only sees righteous beings.  He cannot see past Jesus pure blood of His son that covers us.

The blood sacrifice was installed when God killed animals to clothe Adam & Eve after they sinned.  Then, God was angry with Cain because he gave an offering of vegetables from the ground that God had cursed.  Abel followed what he was taught and gave a blood offering.  Nothing is cleansed without blood.  We don't need animals because we are redeemed to God by Jesus blood.

We don't have to stop and repent of every wrong thought throughout our day.  Recognize you did did it and know you have been forgiven - 2,000 years ago.  It is done for us for all time.  Jesus cannot crawl back up on the cross to be another sacrifice every time someone sins.   The plan is magnificent in it's simplicity! ! !  What a clever God we have.  What a loving Jesus.

We are the righteousness of God through what Jesus has sacrificed.  God is righteous because of His loving grace to us.  We are righteous in His sight.

As God's perfect law, the 10 Commands make a great guide line.  Just don't expect to keep them or judge yourself when you fail.  You do not have to follow the letter of the law for your salvation.   You cannot get into  heaven on your own efforts.  YOU NEED THE BLOOD OF JESUS.  He already shed it.  You are going.  You have your ticket.  Stop trying to make your salvation all about you.  It's all about Jesus.  Only He is perfect enough to atone for us.  

Believe.  Faith.  Love God above all else and love your neighbor as much as yourself.      -      Easy- peasy!

God made it easy for us because man failed time after time.  God knew we could not save ourselves.  Accept it.  Be free.  Claim Jesus.  The great "I Am".
Amen

The Gospel Truth, Pt 2

Mt 22:36 - 40  This is where Jesus tells us to love God and love our neighbor.  He ends by saying the law and the prophets hang on these two commands.  He cannot be talking of the sacrificial laws; they have nothing to do with loving God and neighbor or the writings of the prophets.

Mk 3:5  This is the only place where "Jesus was angry" is recorded.  Why was Jesus "angry"?  Because Pharisees were hung up on Sabbath/legalism/law (written on stone).

Jn 1:17  The law came through Moses (a servant).  Grace & truth came through Jesus Christ (the son).  Grace trumps law.  This passage would not refer to sacrificial laws.

Paul turned from being a Pharisee.  The Pharisees were devout in the law; all the laws of the Pentateuck, sacrificial and the Ten Commandments.  They lived and condemned through the law.  They used the law to be superior to others and keep the people in fear and bondage in order to control them.  Paul turned from the law after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.  If he were turning from the laws of sacrifice, why would he do it after his encounter with Jesus, who struck him temporarily blind?

"The law" Paul spoke of cannot be laws of animal sacrifice; they were not written on stone.  And, if Paul were arguing against animal sacrifice alone, he would have said so.  He specifically named circumcision when he discussed it.

When does Paul teach the Ten Commands?  He doesn't!  Over and over Paul calls them the "Law of death".

Ro 5:20 & 21  This passage tells us God gave the law so people would know what NOT to do.  If you don't have dark, how can you understand light?

Ro 6:1 & 2 This is Paul's answer to whoever asked: if the law is dead, is it now okay to sin?  "By no means!" was his answer.  God's perfect law gives us example only.

We are righteous in God's eyes.  Because the ultimate blood sacrifice was made by Jesus through His scourging and death.  Our lamb has sacrificed once and for all.  Ro 6:10  Once and for all.  Once for all believers, for all time.  He cannot climb back up on the cross for another cruecifiction every time we commit a sin.

Ro 7:4 - 12  Paul states we have died to the law through the sacrifice of Christ and ends with a statement of the new way of the Spirit (the grace of God) and not the old way of the "written code".

We are not bound by the law: Ro 7:6 - 13  Here, Paul explains the law as God's perfect law.  It was given so we might know what we should strive for - not be governed by.  Jesus has written the law of grace on our hearts.  

Ro 9:33  In this passage, Paul refers to the stone in Zion which is our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the rock that makes people fall, which is the law (the one written on stone).  It's all about Jesus NOT about us "doing" anything. 

Ro 10:3  Paul is talking of the Israellites seeking to establish their own righteousness through obeying laws.  Because they insisted, God gave them perfect law which they (as flawed human beings) could not keep.  All any believer has to do is submit to their righteousness freely given to us through Jesus' sacrifice.  We are perfect in God's eyes because of Jesus blood covering over us and our bad deeds.  Someone paid our debt for sin.  Now, we (ideally) want to follow the standards set by Christ.  With His blood covering us, we need only keep trying.  We are free of law and free of sin and judgement.

To be continued . . . . .

It's A Mystery

At a recent Bible study - I won't say where (My point is not to condemn or point fingers at anyone person or church.), we were on the topic, "mystery kept hidden for ages" in Col 1:26.

This mystery being about Jesus Christ made known through the prophetic writings  Ro 16:26.  These prophetic writings would be Psalms and Isaiah, among other prophets. 

It's all about Jesus; the Old Testament and the New.  The Old Testament leads to and points at His coming.  The New Testament is about that life and death and the second coming.  Yes!  Jesus.  All Christians know this much.  No problem in the Bible study group.  So why is it called a mystery? 

Let me back up by saying that this revelation is a bit new to me.  I never could understand the writings of Paul until I understood this "mystery", which has been made clear to me in the recent couple years.  Then, Paul's writings took on so much meaning.  I have been in church for many (many) years.  A couple years back, I really stuck my nose into "the book".  I purchased a Hebrew Bible with translation and have learned more in the past two years than in my other sixty-nine.  I am so thrilled with what I am seeing that I want to study 24/7.

The "mystery" is the plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.  Again, something all Christians understand:  Jesus took our sins upon Himself so we might be free of sin.  Let's pause and think about that statement for a minute.  Jesus took our sins on Himself.  All of them; past, present and future.  After all, He is the beginning and the end.  We are free of sin.  FREE of sin; past, present and future.  How does that work?

This plan of redemption is: grace trumps the 10 commandments.   There, I said it.  I said it in that Bible study and really opened a can of worms.  People were demanding I show a verse that states this fact.  Well, there is none.  No one verse that specifically states "the ten commandments are done away with through Jesus".  You have to read and search out answers; we are told to "seek and find", "knock and the door will be opened".   I went home in shock.  Shouldn't have because, until two years ago, this was new to me.  I had come to believe that I was the odd man out for years - the only one who did not understand grace over the 10 commandments, the "law".  I thought every believer knew.  Now I am thinking there are more people out there walking a fine line of me or God, self centered or God centered, I do or God gives, law of stone or grace of God.

I always thought "the law" meant the temple laws, the sacrificial laws.  Not so.  Bible refers to the 10 commandments as "the law written on stone".   Ex 24:12, Ex 31:18,  Ex 34:4   Paul constantly refers to law versus grace.  

There is nothing wrong with the Ten Commandments.  They are perfect; perfect law of God.  Only a God can keep them.  They were broken before they were given on Sinai and through to the end of the Old Testament.  They are still broken today by good Christians everywhere.  God knew when He gave these laws that they could not be kept by mortals.  (Satan himself, as a high ranking spirit being, could not keep them.)  God had the plan of redemption (the great mystery) in mind when He gave the laws. 

You cannot go through life and keep the letter of the law.  Example, stealing: ever cheat on income taxes?  Ever keep the wrong change from a store clerk?  Example, false witness (lying):  Ever stretch the truth to save the feelings of a friend?  Lie!  Ever exaggerate a story?  Lie!  Ever wish someone dead in your mind?  Murder!  Ever admire a friend's spouse in a lustful way?  Adultery!  Do you go to church on Sunday?  Sabbath!  Do you value your children over God?  Idolatry!  Jesus explained in the Beatitudes that even thinking against the law is breaking it. The "law" can't be kept.  We all break the law on a daily basis in thought and/or deed. 

Here's the Good News (gospel means "good news"):  We don't have to keep the law "written on stone".  Jesus brought new law:  "Love your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself".  Then, Jesus took all our sins (past, present and future) on Himself, once and for all.  (Ro 6:10)  It is over, done, finished, ended.  Jesus took ALL our sins upon Himself and nailed them to that cross.  We are free and do not have to put the stress upon ourselves to abide in a law that cannot be kept.  This is what grace is.

Oh, great, that means we can all go do any evil we want.  Of course not!  As believers in Jesus and what He has done, we don't want to.  That would be tantamount to slapping our Savior in the face.  What a wonderful thing He did for us.  As understanding believers who are grateful for His sacrifice, we want only to please Him.  That is all we have to do - believe, turn our back on a wayward life and try.  Easy - peasy!  God and The Son have made it easy for us - out of perfect love.  No one wants to knowingly defy such love.

This plan of redemption, this great mystery is the grace of God through the sacrifice of Jesus that covers us with the blood of the perfect sacrifice to be seen as pure in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.  We have been redeemed from all our past, present and future wrong doings.

It's all about Jesus, the Great "I Am" 
Amen

My Story

Privacy is something I value highly.  When we relocate, I will pack personal things so movers don't come in and pack the contents of my underwear drawer or see my toiletries.  I never could share a bathroom with a husband and have only two friends I will share a motel room with.  If I don't get "alone time", you can't stand to have me around.  Anyone out there understand what I am saying?

That said, when it comes to my past, I am an open book.  Like everyone else, I have had trials, temptations, failures and embarrassments.  I don't believe in regret.  I made bad choices (for whatever reason) and they were my choices.  I like to think that I have learned from them.  After all, I did do a full turn around at one point in my life.  There were times of great sorrow, fear, worthlessness and loneliness.  I have felt "lonely" but never "alone".

When I say that I did a full turnaround and repented of a life style, I don't mean all of a sudden I realized there was a loving being out there that created everything and His son came to save me to eternal life by paying the debt for everything I did wrong; although, all of that is true.  The thing is, I cannot remember a time in my life when I was not aware of God and His presence.   And, I can remember back to the time I was still sleeping in a crib. 

It amazes me that people do discover God in there teen years or even later in life.  They have great epiphany, a moment of awareness - that "aha moment".  I have a bit of jealousy for that.  It's like I missed out on all the excitement.  On the other hand, friends have told me that they envy the fact that I have always had this awareness just like many others - I am not unique.  Neither am I different.  We have trouble seeing our own life as valuable.

Okay, all this being said, let's get back to my story.   I once offered to give my testimony in church.  My pastor, at the time, had me jot down some highlights for review.  He called me into his study and denied my request on the grounds that "no one will believe it"  -  ?  Huh?  

I know that I have had an active life of varied interests, jobs, a career and, as stated before, great changes.  I am also far passed retirement age, so it has been a rather lengthy life.  The longer your life, the more stuff happens!  To keep this writing within some boundaries, I am using key words in summary form so you can get the idea without a lot of lengthy (and boring) script.    This also keeps my private side happy because I do not have to disclose all the embarrassing details.

As first born, Mother dedicated me at birth and sent me to church from the time I could step onto the bus. Things were pretty middle-income-normal until I was eight years old.
Parents divorced  
grandfather moved in
no financial support from my father  
first experience with rejection from a man
father never answered any correspondence
moved to a less expensive neighbor hood = inner city (big city)
dislexic before there was dislexia = thought I was stupid
step father = sexual abuse (me and my sister)
teenage baptism
molested by three teens on way to work
pregnant at 17 = gave up art scholarship
high school graduation = stopped going to church 
lost two children at birth
married and moved to Boston - moved to Long Island
betrayal by closest friend; changed the course of my life
husband cheated = another rejection and divorce
attacked by man in parking lot
married an alcoholic
various menial jobs
socialized in dive bars = all sorts of people
major auto accident - 44 stitches to face
grandfather died - my only earthly father
partial hysterectomy 
husband cheated = another rejection and divorce
found a roommate
single girl for awhile = dating
out of body experience
traveled = selling my art work
married a businessman = he traveled
he had two daughters = I was a step mother
moved to Alabama = nice home, pool, country club
continued traveling and selling art
husband turned out to be an embezzler
he cheated = another divorce and rejection
single scene again
still traveling with art work
met a portrait artist and became her apprentice = hired agents
continued travel 
complete hysterectomy 
married a country boy from Alabama = step mom, again
different life style in the "back woods"
he had a country band = I ran sound system
opened small town business = framing and portrait studio
he dealt in drugs = I went back to church
he cheated =  devastating divorce
considered suicide - had loaded gun in hand
got baptized and took it serious  
* No wonder the pastor said, "No one would believe it".

The out of body experience opened my eyes to my life style but I am a stubborn person and it was years later before I made major changes.  There were  highlights along the wrong path: travel, people and I never lost that feeling of God's presence.

I took that baptism 35 years ago serious and, like the prodigal son, my (heavenly) Father welcomed me back with open arms and all the blessings of my heritage that were just waiting for me.   Imagine that!  All I had to do was "come home".  (I am reminded of the Proverb: Raise a child up in the way He should go and he will not depart from it.)  My marriage, of 26 years, is to a great Christian man who is "the wind beneath my wings".  My business became successful.  Fear and anger no longer rule over me.

It did not happen over night.  There were trials and many errors along the way: health issues, decisions and major adjustments.  During this time, I learned to let God have control and it has made all the difference.

Lately, I have been reminded that we all have a story and as Christians, we need to share it with others.  It can take us out of our comfort zone but it is our story of how God, our Father, molds us to become what He calls us to.  Just maybe your story can help someone else.  If we just plant the seed, God will make it grow somewhere.
Amen!

  

That Dirty Word

"Tithe"

This is not a popular practice for many of us.  We can always use that tenth for another bill, shoes or car repair.  Fact: It actually belongs to God in the first place..

Tithing is a 10th of what we have already been given. Nu 18:26  We receive it first, then we give part of it.  A 10th is a very small part of the whole, which is everything we have: health, home, job, friends, family, clothing and food.  People tend to forget that God freely gives us all these things.  They are not ours to begin with.  He gives us and ask that we reserve 10% of that to hand back to Him.  This is what He asks us to do to acknowledge that He is provider; the one we should come to for everything.  He wants to give and bless.  He wants us to acknowledge Him as the source.

What the Bible says about tithing:  Gen 14:20, Gen 28:22, Lev 27:32, Pro 3:9, Heb 7:2 & 4

Our children are a blessing from Him.  How do we give a tenth of our children?  Caring for them as though we will give them back - like the parable of the talents; or, Samuel's mother, Hannah. 

The tithe is not only on the physical items we have but also peace, health, the air we breathe, life itself and on and on and on.  We do not have any of these things if God does not first give them to us.  What about our calling?  We are called by God to an understanding of Him; to be His children He wants to love and care for.  How do we give a tenth of these things?  By showing appreciation; by serving others.

Another gift from God is Jesus; our greatest blessing.  How do we give a tenth of that ! ?   Ans:  Jms 1:27

The 10th is so little.  The suggested tip for a waitress today is more.  It is a mere token to show God we acknowledge Him and appreciate all He has done, is doing and will do for us.

Giving to others:  Giving is a wonderful thing.  You cannot give a gift and tell the receiver what to do with it.  I see this happen so often.  You give something to a friend who gives it to her daughter.  You meant the gift for your friend.  She gave it away.  That makes us feel our gift was unappreciated. 

It is the act of giving that is our reward.  We are blessed when we give.  After that, we have no more connection with the gift.  Anything, anytime we give, we are blessed for the act of giving.  Why would you want to deny your friend that same blessing?

God never lets us do without.  If I give food to a food drive or take half my supper to a sick neighbor, I never notice a bare spot in my pantry.  I have never done without because I gave.  As matter of fact, I have more because I give.  This makes it easier to give more food.  The more I give, the more I have to give.  God works this way to allow us to share His blessings.  Mal 3:10

The blessings of giving are not always tangible just as all of God's blessings are not tangible: mercy, grace, forgiveness, righteousness, eternal life.

Discerning where to give is important.  ("Do not cast your pearls before swine.")  I try not to give to someone just because I like them.  They may not need as much as someone I don't socially see eye to eye with.  I try not to give to a person who does not make effort to help their self.  Giving to that person who is making an honest effort to work and do better for their family, is discernment.  The issue is:  If I give to a person who is a chronic taker, the truly needy will do without my help.  After all, my ability to give has a limit.

We tithe to the church (the bride of Christ).  Here is a different issue:  We are NOT to discern giving to the church (as long as the church teaches Jesus from the Bible).  All too often people are too concerned with how the church operates and distributes it's funds.  We are told to give - NOT to tell the church how to operate.  The church is set up, according to Biblical instruction, on how to perform.  Let's stop all the voting and have faith in our church leaders to "run the show".  That's why they are there.  The pastor is a pastor because God allows him to be the pastor - no matter what you think of his ability as a speaker, or the music, during worship service.

HEAVEN WILL NOT BE A DEMOCRACY !


What we are giving is not ours.  It is first given to us from God. 
Immeasurable blessings will come to you by being grateful.  God appreciates a cheerful giver.  We are reminded of the rich man who would not give up what he had to gain heaven and the widow who gave the last of all she had.

May you share your blessings and reap the rich rewards from your loving Heavenly Father.
Amen

Jesus Loves YOU

Sometimes we just need to hear it.
We definitely need to know it.

Are you depressed?  Sad?  Confused?  Lost?  Lonely?  Lost control?
Talk to God. 
I know, it sounds too simple.  It is a cliche'.  Maybe it's a cliché because it works.  He loves you as an individual.  He knew you in your mother's womb.  He knows every thought you have and loves you anyway.  He cannot not love you.  He is the total capsulation of love. 

You don't have to go to a great cathedral and use fancy words.  Talk to Him while you work.  Sit down with a cup of tea and talk to Him.  Worried coworkers will think you crazy?  Just project your thoughts His way.  He can read your mind.  He knows the secrets in your heart and mind that you have buried.  He understands what you feel.  Of course He will hear you.  We so often underestimate Him.

Read His word.  Don't know where to start?  John is a great book.  Try the Palms or Proverbs.  You can find reassurance and answers there.  What day of the month is it?  Pick that number and read that Psalm or that chapter of Proverbs.  He will speak to you.

Think of how much He loves you.  A mighty spiritual being that lives outside of time and space made Himself a minute speck of flesh and blood to become acquainted with what it feels like to be human.  He left His place of serene paradise to come to this earth of pain and suffering to know you; to spend time with people; and, He enjoyed life.
 

Then, He made the ultimate sacrifice to be tortured beyond recognition and die in agony so we might have a chance to know that serenity in paradise with Him forever.

Think on the calm, quiet, still, order and health He offers you.  Just sit and think about it.

What do you need?  Ask Him for it.  Nothing fancy here, either.  All you need to do is think what you need and direct those thoughts toward Him.  He already knows but just wants enough faith from you for you to ask.  Your Father wants to give you your hearts desires; to see you happy and well.

Then, thank Him.  Thank Him and go on with your day believing that this Man/God loves you so much that your slightest want or need is His absolute joy to give you. 
Jesus loves YOU

What a beautiful God we have.
Amen

Good News !

Surely, we can agree that life can be full of bad news.
I have some good news this morning.

(In Greek, the language of the New Testament, Gospel means "Good News".)

Psalm 22 tells of the crucifixion.   This surely is good news that Christ took all our suffering, pain and sin on Him so we might live beyond this physical life.  This psalm was written 2,000 years before His birth - David was quite a profit, among his many other talents.

Mt 2:17 confirms that Jesus is the son of God Himself.  Reference Ps 2:7


Mt 12:50 is good news.  Here, we are told that to follow the example of Jesus makes us brothers and sisters to Him; children of God.

Mt 19:2 tells of the massive amount of healings Jesus performed.  Good news: He wants us to be healthy.

Mt 19:29 says if we have to sacrifice anything to follow Him, it will be given back to us - multiplied; and . .  . we also get eternal life.

Mt 28:18 Jesus assures us He has the right to do anything He wants - just as God Himself has the power.  Hey, this is the guy I want for a brother.


Jn 1:34  has John The Baptist testifying that Jesus is chosen by God to be our savior to eternal life.

Jn 1:45 has one apostle telling another that he has found the person written about in the Old Testament by Moses and all the profits.

Ex 3:14 God tells Moses "I Am".  Throughout the gospels, Jesus makes the statement "I AM" over and over again.  This is why the Pharises were so angry with Him; they new every word of the Old Testament and God, the "I Am".  (They call God "Yahweh" and I have done a fascinating study on this name.  I will share it some time.)

Jn 15:7  Jesus promises the prayers of a believer will be answered.  Now that's good news!

Jn 16:27  Just to love Jesus brings the love of the Almighty God.

Jn 17:6-19  Read this prayer Jesus asked of God for His disciples.  WE (believers) are disciples today. 

Jn 20:19 & 20  Here is the scene where Jesus shows His disciples (us) proof of His resurrection from death.

Jn 20:29  Jesus blesses those who were not present to know Him or see His nail prints - that is us today.  We are blessed by the Son of God.  Definitely good news.

Jn 20:30 & 31  Here, we get good news of our faith giving us good health. 

Jn 21:23  Jesus is coming back - He Himself, the one with the Father, said so. 

Jn 21:25  John's personal statement, as a witness, of what he witnessed walking with Jesus.

If all this good news does not brighten your day, read Psalms 88 and 89.  Psalm 88 gives us all the woes of this human life and Psalm 89 tells of the blessings and good news of the days we have to look forward to.
Have a wonderful day !!

Amen

No Rose Garden

Today may sound a bit stern, discouraging, harsh - even frightening.  I tend to "call it as I see it" but remember: I have read to the end of the book and I know who wins.  Besides, I'm in a bit of a "snit" today and I have a right  (If you have a right, I have a right.)

So, you have chosen to be a Christian?
Can you drink from the cup?  Ps 36:1

Society has a cancer called "sin" because she spurns her foundation, Jesus Christ.  "Everyone has a right".  A right to murder a fetus. Ro 3:15  A right to get drunk and operate a motorized vehicle on a public street.  A right to cheat on their spouse because they are bored with them.  A right to abuse a child because their dreams did not get fulfilled.  A right to stop a majority from prayer in school.  A right to be respected even if they are lazy, unkempt, loud, rude and crude.  A right to benefits in a country where they hold no citizenship or reject it's laws..  A right to unnatural sexual choices.  Ro 1:27  I could go on for hours.
Note: The prostitute in Rev 17 is an immoral society.  Babylon is an oppressive and Godless government.

Freedom is not to do what you want but the right to do what you should.

Being a Christian today is not always pretty.  And . . it ain't gonna get any better.  We are in the final generation before the coming of our Lord.

Suffering is the fire that forges the steel that is the Christian.  After all, there was a lot of suffering before the resurrection.  Learn to embrace your cross.  As a Christian, you have chosen a path of one degree or another.  Learn to turn to your Savior in prayer for your peace and strength.  He needs proud warriors.

Happiness is a choice, honesty, faithfulness, sobriety and the sex of your partner is a choice.  Hell is a choice.  We are not made to fit in but to stand out.  We are the light in a dark world and the salt that gives it flavor.

Story:  When I made my (absolute and final) decision to follow a Christian life, I lost my husband, home, step children, a business and friends.  I chose to turn from a way of life - repent means to turn around.  Everything seemed to fall apart all at once.  I found myself one evening sitting in the back room of my studio with a loaded gun in my hand.  That small voice came to me and whispered, "You cannot give life, so you cannot take life."  I put the gun away - scary.

When my pastor, at that time, realized what I was going through, he said, "We gotta get you dunked right away".  He went on to explain that baptism brings the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that would give me the strength to deal with my trials.  If you have chosen a Christian life style, you need to be baptized - it works.  Ro 6:4

* There is scientific proof that after baptism, a person's DNA is different.  We truly are born again.

The Enemy is coming after you - HARD and, he is sneaky.  He does not want new converts.  He wants to take the throne that Jesus earned.  He hates you - venomously!  He is jealous of you, as a child of God.  He hates you have the favor of God.  He hates you have the Holy Spirit with you.  He hates that God hears your prayers.  He hates you are destined to reign on this earth in the new Jerusalem.  Rev 21:2 

We are in a spiritual battle.  Satan himself wants you miserable, suffering, defiled, polluted, lonely, sick, confused, devastated, sitting with the loaded gun of surrender. 

Good News:  It's all good.  Believers have the weapons of the Holy Spirit, prayer, communion, anointing, faith, discernment and the support of the church.   Our heavenly father offers an amazing support system.  He wants us happy with our choice.  We are forgiven, loved by Almighty God Himself, promised a place with His Son and will not face judgement.  As believers, we are already forgiven; Christ did it all for us.  Ro 3:24

B E A U T I F U L:  Jesus continues to do it all.  Call on Him for anything, anytime.  If you lack faith, are afraid, confused, lacking spiritual strength, pray and ask for these things.  Jesus has enough for everyone and He wants to give to you.  He loves us.  He loves you as the greatest father you could ever know.  You have chosen the narrow path, the right choice - door number three.  There is no turning back; the victory is already ours.  Christ won our battle on the cross.  Jesus has only to come back and claim His prize.  You

Amen  Amen  Amen