Luke 18:17 17 "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."
This verse is especially meaningful to me since I accepted Jesus as my Saviour at a very young age. I have a vague remembrance of the experience; however, I know that Jesus became my Saviour that day. This verse says that we must "receive the kingdom of heaven as a little child". Why a little child? A "little" child does not understand what salvation means. A "little" child does not fully understand what sin is. A "little" child does not know who the Holy Spirit is. Jesus says, "suffer the little childen to COME unto me". A "little" child COMES and Jesus does the rest.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Hebrews 13:8 8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
It is comforting to know, in our changing world, that Jesus never changes. When we sin, He forgives us. When we are distant, He is waiting. When we are unlovable, He loves us. When we call out to Him, He hears us. In this world of uncertainty, there is Jesus.
It is comforting to know, in our changing world, that Jesus never changes. When we sin, He forgives us. When we are distant, He is waiting. When we are unlovable, He loves us. When we call out to Him, He hears us. In this world of uncertainty, there is Jesus.
Friday, December 10, 2010
THE RIGHT WAY TO PRAY - Part 1
MATTHEW 6:5-6
v5 When you pray, do not be like proud, selfish people. They love to stand up and pray loudly in the houses where people meet and on the street corners. They want other people to see them. What I tell you is the truth. They have received their complete reward already. v6 But when you pray, go into your room alone. Close the door. And pray to your Father in heaven, although you cannot see him. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.
These verses are not referring just to the unsaved, but also Christians. Jesus said, "DON'T BE LIKE THE HYPOCRITES ARE, FOR THEY LOVE TO PRAY STANDING ON THE STREET CORNERS". Such people are not really praying to God. God wants us to pray in a private place. He can see what we do in secret, and he will reward us. Jesus did not mean that nobody pray in public meetings with other people. But he wanted people to be sincere whenever they pray. Christians must not pray so that other people will admire them.
v5 When you pray, do not be like proud, selfish people. They love to stand up and pray loudly in the houses where people meet and on the street corners. They want other people to see them. What I tell you is the truth. They have received their complete reward already. v6 But when you pray, go into your room alone. Close the door. And pray to your Father in heaven, although you cannot see him. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.
These verses are not referring just to the unsaved, but also Christians. Jesus said, "DON'T BE LIKE THE HYPOCRITES ARE, FOR THEY LOVE TO PRAY STANDING ON THE STREET CORNERS". Such people are not really praying to God. God wants us to pray in a private place. He can see what we do in secret, and he will reward us. Jesus did not mean that nobody pray in public meetings with other people. But he wanted people to be sincere whenever they pray. Christians must not pray so that other people will admire them.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
LAZARUS, COME FORTH!
John 11:41-43 (King James Version)
v. 41 Jesus prayed, ‘I thank you, *Father. I thank you because you listen to me. v42 I know that you listen to me always. But I said these words so that all these people can hear. Then they will believe that you sent me." v43 Then Jesus shouted, ‘Lazarus, come out!’
Lazarus was dead. Mary and Martha knew that Jesus could help their ill brother because they had seen the miracles that Jesus had done. But Jesus did not do what they expected. He did not go to them immediately. Why did Jesus wait four days? Verse 42, of His prayer, tells us.
Sometimes, when we pray, God seems to do nothing. It may even seem that he has not heard our prayer. But God always answers our prayers. When we ask him, he can make good things happen, even in a bad situation. But he does not always do this immediately. God always knows when it is the right time for him to act in order to bring glory to him.
v. 41 Jesus prayed, ‘I thank you, *Father. I thank you because you listen to me. v42 I know that you listen to me always. But I said these words so that all these people can hear. Then they will believe that you sent me." v43 Then Jesus shouted, ‘Lazarus, come out!’
Lazarus was dead. Mary and Martha knew that Jesus could help their ill brother because they had seen the miracles that Jesus had done. But Jesus did not do what they expected. He did not go to them immediately. Why did Jesus wait four days? Verse 42, of His prayer, tells us.
Sometimes, when we pray, God seems to do nothing. It may even seem that he has not heard our prayer. But God always answers our prayers. When we ask him, he can make good things happen, even in a bad situation. But he does not always do this immediately. God always knows when it is the right time for him to act in order to bring glory to him.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
WHAT IS YOUR EXCUSE!
I Corinthians 2:3-5
v3 "...I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
v4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of God's power:
v5 THAT YOUR FAITH SHOULD NOT STAND IN THE WISDOM OF MEN, BUT IN THE POWER OF GOD."
In verses 3 and 4, Paul revealed his human fears and weaknesses to the church. He admitted that he was afraid and trembled when it came to speaking to a crowd of people. Paul wrote beautiful letters to the churches, but evidently he was not a good public speaker. This did not stop him from telling others about Jesus.
What is my excuse for not witnessing? I have always thought that my life was my witness to others. But that is not what the Bible says. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Jesus does not send us out alone, because he also said, "lo, I am with you always ...."
What the Bible has told me today in this scripture is that God has commanded me to tell others about Jesus. A person's inabilities and fears are no excuse. Paul had these same reasons not to witness, but he knew that it was "God's power" that changed the lives of people -- not what he said.
v3 "...I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
v4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of God's power:
v5 THAT YOUR FAITH SHOULD NOT STAND IN THE WISDOM OF MEN, BUT IN THE POWER OF GOD."
In verses 3 and 4, Paul revealed his human fears and weaknesses to the church. He admitted that he was afraid and trembled when it came to speaking to a crowd of people. Paul wrote beautiful letters to the churches, but evidently he was not a good public speaker. This did not stop him from telling others about Jesus.
What is my excuse for not witnessing? I have always thought that my life was my witness to others. But that is not what the Bible says. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Jesus does not send us out alone, because he also said, "lo, I am with you always ...."
What the Bible has told me today in this scripture is that God has commanded me to tell others about Jesus. A person's inabilities and fears are no excuse. Paul had these same reasons not to witness, but he knew that it was "God's power" that changed the lives of people -- not what he said.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
DO YOU CARE ABOUT THE LOST?
Colossians 1:22-23
v22 Because Christ died on a cross, you can now be friends with God. Christ takes you to God because you are now free from sin. God cannot blame you. He cannot say that you are guilty of sin.
v23 THIS HAPPENS IF YOU CONTINUE TO BELIEVE AND TO TRUST CHRIST. You must know what you believe. And you must continue to believe it firmly. You heard the good news about the gospel. You expected God to do what he promised. So, do not move away from what you believe. People have preached the message of the gospel to everyone in the world.
At first, I only quoted verse 22. Verse 22 tells the Christian what we have because "Christ died on a cross"...... We not only can be "friends with God", but "are now free from sin". However there is a big "IF" in verse 23!
In verse 23, the Apostle Paul warns Christians not to be swayed by false teachers. Who is a false teacher? I would say it is one whose speech and actions contradict the Bible. False teachers can be your everyday Christian. How? Well, I can only speak for myself. Remember the old saying, "actions speak louder than words"? Most of the time, my actions are spent entertaining the "things of this world". So, what is my life portraying to the lost around me? Shamefully, I am telling them I do not care about their souls. What am I telling God when I fail to tell the message of the gospel to the lost world? I believe this is a question every Christian should ask themself. As for me, all I can say is "God forgive me".
v22 Because Christ died on a cross, you can now be friends with God. Christ takes you to God because you are now free from sin. God cannot blame you. He cannot say that you are guilty of sin.
v23 THIS HAPPENS IF YOU CONTINUE TO BELIEVE AND TO TRUST CHRIST. You must know what you believe. And you must continue to believe it firmly. You heard the good news about the gospel. You expected God to do what he promised. So, do not move away from what you believe. People have preached the message of the gospel to everyone in the world.
At first, I only quoted verse 22. Verse 22 tells the Christian what we have because "Christ died on a cross"...... We not only can be "friends with God", but "are now free from sin". However there is a big "IF" in verse 23!
In verse 23, the Apostle Paul warns Christians not to be swayed by false teachers. Who is a false teacher? I would say it is one whose speech and actions contradict the Bible. False teachers can be your everyday Christian. How? Well, I can only speak for myself. Remember the old saying, "actions speak louder than words"? Most of the time, my actions are spent entertaining the "things of this world". So, what is my life portraying to the lost around me? Shamefully, I am telling them I do not care about their souls. What am I telling God when I fail to tell the message of the gospel to the lost world? I believe this is a question every Christian should ask themself. As for me, all I can say is "God forgive me".
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION?
In Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV), Paul says “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” but then he also says, “for it is God who works in you ….”
It’s important to note that it doesn’t say, “Work for your salvation.” The Bible clearly teaches we don’t have to work for our salvation. It is a free gift of God’s grace.
The term "work for" translated ‘work out’, comes in the works of Strabo. He was a Greek who lived in the days of Jesus. Strabo describes how the Romans ‘worked out’ the great silver mines of Spain. In other words, they were getting all the silver that they could from the mines. So Christians must work hard to get all the wonderful riches that their salvation in Christ has for them. ‘with fear and trembling’. This does not mean the terror of a slave in front of a cruel master. It means the honour that we should give to our holy and powerful God.
In a sense, it is talking about a spiritual workout, just like when you physically work out to develop or tone muscles. We’re to make the most of what we’ve been given. God provides the power for our spiritual growth, but we must pray and study the Bible.
It’s important to note that it doesn’t say, “Work for your salvation.” The Bible clearly teaches we don’t have to work for our salvation. It is a free gift of God’s grace.
The term "work for" translated ‘work out’, comes in the works of Strabo. He was a Greek who lived in the days of Jesus. Strabo describes how the Romans ‘worked out’ the great silver mines of Spain. In other words, they were getting all the silver that they could from the mines. So Christians must work hard to get all the wonderful riches that their salvation in Christ has for them. ‘with fear and trembling’. This does not mean the terror of a slave in front of a cruel master. It means the honour that we should give to our holy and powerful God.
In a sense, it is talking about a spiritual workout, just like when you physically work out to develop or tone muscles. We’re to make the most of what we’ve been given. God provides the power for our spiritual growth, but we must pray and study the Bible.
Monday, November 22, 2010
THE PEACE OF GOD
"And THE PEACE OF GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." (Phil. 4:7)
This peace is far beyond anything mankind can understand. You can never produce this kind of peace on your own. Even when you experience it, you can not explain the joy you feel during a time of sorrow and pain. This peace comes only when you put your COMPLETE trust in God. Knowing He is the One who has the answer to your situation.
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
I experienced this peace during a time of great sorrow. It was one of those times in my life that "I" didn't have an answer. The "peace of God" protected my thoughts from dwelling on the way the world sees death. I found myself rejoicing and praising God -- not grieving. You can find this same peace when you willingly pray "not my will, but thine be done".
This peace is far beyond anything mankind can understand. You can never produce this kind of peace on your own. Even when you experience it, you can not explain the joy you feel during a time of sorrow and pain. This peace comes only when you put your COMPLETE trust in God. Knowing He is the One who has the answer to your situation.
Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)
I experienced this peace during a time of great sorrow. It was one of those times in my life that "I" didn't have an answer. The "peace of God" protected my thoughts from dwelling on the way the world sees death. I found myself rejoicing and praising God -- not grieving. You can find this same peace when you willingly pray "not my will, but thine be done".
Friday, November 19, 2010
A FENCE POST TURTLE
Have you heard of the “turtle on a fencepost”? It goes like this: if you’re walking along a fence and spot a turtle sitting atop a fencepost, you know it didn’t get there by itself.” A "fencepost turtle” didn’t get into its predicament by accident; somebody put it there—and likewise, when we find ourselves in unexpected, or strange life circumstances, we should understand that we’re there not of our own design, but because God has placed us there for a purpose.
Are you sitting on a fence post right now, faced with a sudden turn of good fortune or an unexpected opportunity? Being put on a “fence post” is a wonderful opportunity and a reassuring sign that God has a plan for you. Take time to consider why God might have placed you there, and how you can use this opportunity to serve God before you are once again placed back on the ground.
Are you sitting on a fence post right now, faced with a sudden turn of good fortune or an unexpected opportunity? Being put on a “fence post” is a wonderful opportunity and a reassuring sign that God has a plan for you. Take time to consider why God might have placed you there, and how you can use this opportunity to serve God before you are once again placed back on the ground.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
PSALMS 119:10
Psalms 119:10 "I seek You with all my heart......"
I had never thought about what "all my heart" really meant until now. A Bible dictionary says "all my heart" means with all of me; this includes the body, mind and soul. The "body" is the carnal/flesh part of man, the "mind" is that part of man that thinks, and the "soul" is the spiritual and immortal part of man.
I thought I was seeking God with "all my heart" when I read my Bible and prayed. How could my body seek God? By recognizing sin and turning away from it. The Bible says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)
How could my mind seek God? By making sure my thoughts are on God. The Bible says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Thank you God for using the simple phrase "all my heart" to challenge me to serve you, desire you, and live for you.
I had never thought about what "all my heart" really meant until now. A Bible dictionary says "all my heart" means with all of me; this includes the body, mind and soul. The "body" is the carnal/flesh part of man, the "mind" is that part of man that thinks, and the "soul" is the spiritual and immortal part of man.
I thought I was seeking God with "all my heart" when I read my Bible and prayed. How could my body seek God? By recognizing sin and turning away from it. The Bible says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)
How could my mind seek God? By making sure my thoughts are on God. The Bible says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Thank you God for using the simple phrase "all my heart" to challenge me to serve you, desire you, and live for you.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
MATTHEW 7:3
As I reflect upon my life, there were many times I sinned not thinking it was a sin. It was easier to see the wrong done to me. Jesus said, "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" (Matt. 7:3) "Brother" in this scripture refers to another person who believes in Jesus. A person who is part of the same ‘family’ of God’s people.
Jesus uses a deliberately extreme image in this passage--that of a plank in somebody's eye, to make a point about the human impulse to judge others while ignoring our own faults. Jesus is telling us to tend to our own flaws before we get too upset about others'.
Does this mean we can criticize those who are not our brothers in Christ? NO! As children, we were taught "The Golden Rule". Jesus summed up "The Golden Rule" in two phrases -- love God, and love your neighbor. The lesson learned here is that we are to put the needs of others before our own. (Matt. 22:37-40) Just think about how profoundly this attitude would change the world if just all Christians carried this out!
Jesus uses a deliberately extreme image in this passage--that of a plank in somebody's eye, to make a point about the human impulse to judge others while ignoring our own faults. Jesus is telling us to tend to our own flaws before we get too upset about others'.
Does this mean we can criticize those who are not our brothers in Christ? NO! As children, we were taught "The Golden Rule". Jesus summed up "The Golden Rule" in two phrases -- love God, and love your neighbor. The lesson learned here is that we are to put the needs of others before our own. (Matt. 22:37-40) Just think about how profoundly this attitude would change the world if just all Christians carried this out!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
PSALMS 61:1-8
In this psalms, David is in a state of desperation -- "Hear my cry, O God"....."From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed". I find myself at a crossroad in my life. Since retiring, I have a lot of time on my hands -- time that is wasted. I have more time to spend studying the Bible, but I don't. I read the Bible, but there is a difference between studying the Bible and just reading a passage of scripture.
I wanted, again, that closeness I once had with God. That time I was studying my Bible and spending quality time with Him. I prayed many times about this, but I thought God did not hear me. He heard me but I wasn't listening.
For weeks I had been reading in the OT about how the children of Israel worshiped idols. They repented, stopped worshiping other gods, and God forgave them time after time. Am I any different from the children of Israel? I put TV, hobbies, relaxing, etc. before God. The LORD brought this to my attention. I realized that I had not asked God to forgive me for putting other things (idols) ahead of Him.
I did this today! I have learned that it is my responsibility to set aside a time to spend with God each day, because He will always be there waiting. It is important that I, "hide His Words in my heart, so I might not sin against Him".
I wanted, again, that closeness I once had with God. That time I was studying my Bible and spending quality time with Him. I prayed many times about this, but I thought God did not hear me. He heard me but I wasn't listening.
For weeks I had been reading in the OT about how the children of Israel worshiped idols. They repented, stopped worshiping other gods, and God forgave them time after time. Am I any different from the children of Israel? I put TV, hobbies, relaxing, etc. before God. The LORD brought this to my attention. I realized that I had not asked God to forgive me for putting other things (idols) ahead of Him.
I did this today! I have learned that it is my responsibility to set aside a time to spend with God each day, because He will always be there waiting. It is important that I, "hide His Words in my heart, so I might not sin against Him".
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
FATHER, HEAR MY PRAYER!
There is only You who can satisfy my soul, give me peace, fill my heart with joy, and give me a sound mind.
Your Word tells me that you give "perfect peace. I thank you for your peace "that passeth all understanding". "Thou wilt keep me in perfect peace whose mind is on thee". In the midst of a storm, there is peace.
You fill my heart with joy. I know that "the joy of the Lord is my strength". Please help me to rebuke the enemy during this dark time for me. When I am weak, thou art strong. I know that "thou standest before me in the presence of mine enemies", and that is why my "cup runneth over with joy".
Father, I know that you made me just the way I am. You know there is a battle raging for my mind. Your Word says "the battle is mine sayeth the Lord". I am turning this battle over to you. Knowing that Jesus, your precious Son, is the victor over sin and death. He has already fought my battles. I just have to believe and have faith that He will do it.
Your Word tells me that you give "perfect peace. I thank you for your peace "that passeth all understanding". "Thou wilt keep me in perfect peace whose mind is on thee". In the midst of a storm, there is peace.
You fill my heart with joy. I know that "the joy of the Lord is my strength". Please help me to rebuke the enemy during this dark time for me. When I am weak, thou art strong. I know that "thou standest before me in the presence of mine enemies", and that is why my "cup runneth over with joy".
Father, I know that you made me just the way I am. You know there is a battle raging for my mind. Your Word says "the battle is mine sayeth the Lord". I am turning this battle over to you. Knowing that Jesus, your precious Son, is the victor over sin and death. He has already fought my battles. I just have to believe and have faith that He will do it.
Monday, August 16, 2010
WHAT IS YOUR WILL, LORD?
Even though I thought this project was something I should do--was it what God wanted me to do? Please forgive me Father if I got ahead of You and did my will -- not yours. It was so clear when you called me to be a school teacher. I just thought that teaching in this setting was a way to continue doing what you called me to do.
I am trying desperately to find my way, and eager to continue teaching in some capacity. However, I know that I must walk in your ways, and wait upon you. Just as you called me to teach -- there is something else for me to do in the teaching field. Help me to find my way.
I know that I should concentrate and meditate on your Word. For your Word will "lead me into all truth". Help me not to dwell on what I want to do, but what you want me to do. Prepare the way for me to know your will.
I am trying desperately to find my way, and eager to continue teaching in some capacity. However, I know that I must walk in your ways, and wait upon you. Just as you called me to teach -- there is something else for me to do in the teaching field. Help me to find my way.
I know that I should concentrate and meditate on your Word. For your Word will "lead me into all truth". Help me not to dwell on what I want to do, but what you want me to do. Prepare the way for me to know your will.
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