1 John 3: 13

"Don't be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you." ~ (1 John 3: 13)

"There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, a cheap Christianity which offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice - which costs nothing, and is worth nothing." ~ J.C. Ryle

He is Able!

Exodus 15:6

"Your right hand, O Lord, is majestic in power,

Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy."

"NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH, THE LORD IS ABLE..."

Remember this as you go about your day.

1 John 2: 17

"And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God's will remains forever." ~ (1 John 2: 17)

 

Have a blessed day, family. Amen.

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"RELATIONSHIP IS JESUS' MAIN DESIRE FOR US!"

"HE WANTS US TO GET TO KNOW HIM!"

"HE WANTS US TO SPEND ETERNITY WITH HIM!"

"FOR THIS VERY REASON HE DIED, HE ROSE & NOW HE SITS AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER INTERCEDING FOR US!"

"GOD'S LOVE FOR US IS JESUS' DRIVING FORCE!"

"JESUS DESIRES A GENUINE RELATIONSHIP WITH US!"

The question is:

"WILL WE ALLOW JESUS IN?"

1 John 2: 16 WORLD

"For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father, but is from the world." ~ (1 John 2: 16)

 

WORLD - 1. the concerns of the earth and its affairs as distinguished from heaven and the life to come. 2. secular affairs.

1 John 2: 15

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them." ~ (1 John 2: 15)

Help to remind us often, Lord, that this world has nothing of value for us. May we reject the nonsense this world calls "good." Amen.

SURRENDER!

John 15:1-4

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me."

The issue is not what "GOD COULD HAVE DONE" in the midst of our circumstance.

But what "HE IS DOING" in the light of it.

"GOD IS IN TOTAL CONTROL!"

"HE IS ABSOLUTELY SOVEREIGN!"

"OUR CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT TAKE HIM BY SURPRISE!"

"HE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT TO DO & WHEN TO DO IT!"

"SURRENDERING CONTROL IS THE KEY!"

"WE SHOULD NEVER SEEK TO ADVISE GOD!"

"INSTEAD, WE SHOULD SEEK HIS INSTRUCTION!"

"WE WERE CALLED TO BE DISCIPLES, NOT ADVISORS!"

"THE LORD LEADS, WE FOLLOW!"

Today's challenge;

"DARE TO BE A DISCIPLE!"

"DARE TO BE A STUDENT!"

"DARE TO BE A FOLLOWER!"

"DARE TO SURRENDER CONTROL!"

Hebrews 9: 22

  "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." ~ (Hebrews 9: 22)

We sing and talk about the blood, and recite prayers about the blood, but the truth of the matter is that Jesus' blood means EVERYTHING, and without it, we're condemned. May we never speak of His blood casually. Amen.

Jesus Rose!!!

John 11:25-27

"Jesus said to her, “ I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” She *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world."

"RAISED TO LIFE!!!"

Question of the Day:

"DO YOU BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, WHO CAME INTO THIS WORLD TO BRING FORGIVENESS & ETERNAL LIFE?"

We can only come by faith to the Savior of humanity!

We can only reach God the Father through His son, Jesus!

"THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!"

"ETERNAL LIFE IS THE GIFT THAT IS LAID UP FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE!"

"DO YOU BELIEVE?"

Matthew 26: 28

"For this is My blood that establishes the covenant, it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins." ~ (Matthew 26: 28)

Family, just wanting to encourage us to slow down and take a moment this Good Friday to close our eyes and reflect . God bless. Amen.

JESUS!!!

"JESUS AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL!"

His Word!

Proverbs 30:5

"Every word of God is flawless;

He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."

Ezekiel 35: 6

"Therefore, as I live, declares the Lord God, I will prepare you for blood, and blood shall pursue you." ~ (Ezekiel 35: 6)

"Christ's blood doesn't cover, conceal, postpone, or diminish your sins. It takes away your sins, once and for all!" ~ Max Lucado

Ephesians 1: 7

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." ~ (Ephesians 1: 7)

Amen.

My Portion!

Proverbs 30:7-9

"Two things I asked of You,

Do not refuse me before I die:

Keep deception and lies far from me,

Give me neither poverty nor riches;

Feed me with the food that is my portion,

That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?”

Or that I not be in want and steal,

And profane the name of my God."

"I AM TRULY SATISFIED WITH THE LIFE I LIVE!"

"JESUS IS MY PORTION!"

"I DON'T DESIRE ANYMORE, I DON'T WISH FOR ANY LESS!"

"JESUS IS MY PORTION!"

"I HAVE EVERYTHING I COULD EVER WANT!"

"JESUS IS MY PORTION!"

"LORD, LET THESE VERSES BE MY CONTINUAL PRAYER!"

"LORD, LET THEM BE MY SINCERE PRAYER!"

"LORD JESUS, YOU ARE MY PORTION!"

Today, I would like to challenge those who read this to:

"MAKE THESE VERSES YOUR GENUINE PRAYER!"

"MAKE JESUS YOUR PORTION!"

"STOP CHASING THOSE THINGS THAT LEAD YOU FURTHER & FURTHER AWAY FROM GOD!"

"INSTEAD, SEEK ONLY THAT WHICH DRAWS YOU NEAR!"

"LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU ACCUMULATE HERE ON EARTH!"

"RATHER LIFE SEEKS TO FILL THIS EARTH WITH HEAVEN'S RICHES!"

"JESUS IS OUR PORTION!"

"LET US SHARE HIM WITH THE WORLD!"

Leviticus 17: 11 BLOOD

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."

~ (Leviticus 17: 11)

BLOOD - the vital fluid that circulates in the vascular system of human beings and other vertebrates.

1 John 1: 7

"If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." ~ (1 John 1: 7)

Proper words can't be formed to thank You, Lord Jesus, for allowing Your blood to be shed on our behalf. Amen.

John 14: 6

"Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ~ (John 14: 6)

Lord, we recognize that there are reasons we go "through" hard times, sufferings, storms, and trails and we come out better for them. One day, we'll go "through" Your Son and come out in heaven. Thank You. Amen.

Romans 8: 18

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." ~ (Romans 8: 18)

Have a blessed Friday. Amen.

Empowered!

Galatians 5:19-26

"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self- control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."

"LET US MEASURE OUR MOTIVES TO THOSE OF GOD'S SPIRIT!"

"LET HIM BE OUR STANDARD OF ACHIEVEMENT!"

"THEN & ONLY THEN WILL WE TRULY RECOGNIZE OUR NEED OF HIM!"

"WE CAN DO NOTHING WITHOUT THE EMPOWERING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR LIVE'S!"

"MAY GOD STRENGTHEN YOU THROUGH THIS DAY!"

Obedience!

Acts 5:32

"And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him."

"THE BIBLE SAYS THAT SIGNS WILL FOLLOW BELIEVERS!"

"THEREFORE, WE NEED NOT CHASE AFTER SIGNS!"

"WE NEED ONLY WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO SCRIPTURE!"

"EVERYTHING ELSE WILL FALL IN PLACE!"

If we are seeking anything more than God's Will, it is a distraction & a hinderance.

Whether it be signs, manifestations, revelation, knowledge or anything along those lines;

"IF GOD'S INTENDED PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVE'S IS NOT OUR NUMBER ONE FOCUS, THEN WE HAVE STRAYED FOR HIS WILL!"

"SEEK GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE!"

The easiest way to figure out whether or not you are seeking God's Will for your life is to pay attention to the questions you are asking Him!"

"ARE YOUR PRAYERS BASED UPON RECEIVING DIRECTION?"

"OR ARE THEY BASED UPON JUSTIFYING YOUR ACTIONS?"

"YOUR PRAYERS WILL BE THE BEST INDICATION AS TO YOUR MOTIVES!"

"THE HOLY SPIRIT BEARS WITNESS OF THE FATHER'S WILL!"

"OBEDIENCE REQUIRES THAT WE DO THE SAME!"

Isaiah 43: 16

"This is what the Lord says - who makes a way in the sea, and a path through surging waters." ~ (Isaiah 43: 16)

"Tough times don't last, but tough people do. And I've been through some tough times." ~ Alonzo Mourning

LIFE!

John 10:11-13

"“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep."

"JESUS TAUGHT US WHAT LIFE TRULY IS!"

"JESUS SHARED HIS LIFE COMPLETELY WITH THOSE AROUND HIM!"

"HE WANTED THOSE AROUND HIM TO KNOW THAT HE CARED ABOUT THEM!"

"LIFE IS ABOUT UNITY!"

"LIFE IS ABOUT COMMITMENT TO ONE ANOTHER!"

"LIFE IS A JOURNEY WE EMBRACE WITH ALL THOSE AROUND US!"

"JESUS CAME TO GIVE LIFE!"

"HE CAME TO BUILD COMMUNITY!"

"HE DID SO BY POURING A LITTLE OF HIMSELF HERE & THERE INTO THOSE WHO WERE IN NEED OF IT!"

Question of the Day:

"WHO AROUND YOU NEEDS YOUR HELP?"

More importantly;

"HOW CAN YOU MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND YOU CARE?"

"GIVING OF YOURSELF IS LIVING A FULL LIFE!"

Because in those moments; You are truly complete.

"UNITY IS PERFECTED WHEN TWO BECOME ONE!"

"LIFE WAS MEANT TO BE LIVED TOGETHER!"

"THE GOOD SHEPHERD DESIRES UNITY & PROTECTS HIS FLOCK!"

John 17: 15

"My prayer is not that You take them out of the world, but that You protect them from the evil one." ~ (John 17: 15)

Praise be to Jesus! God bless your day, family. Amen.

The youth are the future!

I normally do my personal studies at home.

But this morning, I just sensed the urgency to study at my office.

Things were going as planned.

When suddenly, I heard the doorbell ring @ 7:30.

Curious as to whom it could be, I answered.

A young man, from a nearby high school was trying to get in.

I opened the door & greeted him.

I quickly found out that he was here for an ACT test.

I called our church administrators.

They told me that the persons involved would not be arriving until 8:30.

So I took the time to get acquainted with this young man.

It turns out that it was one of the most exciting days of his life.

He had come to this country about 7 years ago.

Not in pursuit of fame or riches.

But he desperately desired an education.

He wanted to pursue law.

With an ultimate goal of one day returning to his home country & becoming president.

Curious as to why, I asked him to explain his reasoning.

He had such high expectations!

This is what he told me;

"PASTOR, MY COUNTRY IS A VERY POOR COUNTRY!"

"WE HAVE A PRESIDENT WHO TELLS THE PEOPLE THAT THEY CAN WORSHIP THE GOD OF ANY RELIGION AS LONG AS WE LIVE IN PEACE WITH EACH OTHER!"

"MY PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING BECAUSE OF THIS!"

"I BELIEVE THAT GOD CREATED ME TO BE A LIGHT!"

"I BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS LORD & ONLY HE CAN SAVE MY PEOPLE!"

"I WILL ONE DAY RETURN & COMPLETE GOD'S PLAN FOR MY LIFE, BY FAITH!"

I encouraged him to continue seeking Jesus for guidance throughout his life.

He readily accepted.

"PLEASE CONTINUE PRAYING FOR OUR YOUTH!"

"THEY ARE GOD'S PLAN FOR THE FUTURE!"

"LET US EQUIP THEM AS BEST WE CAN!"

Psalm 66: 12 THROUGH

"You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us out to abundance." ~ (Psalm 66: 12)

THROUGH - 1. used as a function word to indicate movement into at one side or point and out at another. 2. passage into and out of.

Exodus 13: 3

"Remember this day when you came out of Egypt, out of the place of slavery, for the Lord brought you out of here by the strength of His hand." ~ (Exodus 13: 3)

Just as the Israelites had to go "through" the wilderness to get to what was promised, help us to recognize that there are some things we must go "through" as well. Amen.

Titus 3: 7

"Having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life."

~ (Titus 3: 7)

May we not take light the responsibility of being God's heir, while recognizing the magnificent blessing it is as well. Amen!

Hebrews 1: 2

"In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him." ~ (Hebrews 1: 2)

 

cross reference this with Romans 8: 17.... THIS IS WHO WE ARE "JOIN HEIRS" WITH! Awesome! Amen.

Standing in the Gap!

Mark 9:23

"NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE!"

Galatians 4 :7

"Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, than an heir through God."
~ (Galatians 4: 7)

"He is no great heir that inherits not his ancestor's virtues." ~ William Shakespeare

Ephesians 3: 6

"The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." ~ (Ephesians 3: 6)

Can I get an amen?!

Choose!

MATTHEW 24:35

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."

"JESUS HAS A PLAN!"

We can run from it.

We can embrace it.

We can try & alter it.

We can outright reject it.

"EITHER WAY, JESUS' WORDS WILL COME TO PASS!"

I don't know about you.

But in a world that is constantly given to change,

I enjoy the assurances of Jesus' words.

I rely on them for encouragement & strength.

I embrace them as the "ALREADY & SOON TO COME!"

"WHATEVER JESUS HAS SPOKEN WILL COME TO PASS!"

"IF HE HAS SAID IT, IT IS TRUTH!"

"TRUTH NEVER CHANGES!"

"JESUS IS TRUTH!"

"I CHOOSE TO EMBRACE THE WORDS OF JESUS AS THE FINAL AUTHORITY IN MY LIFE!"

"I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE THAT HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR MINE!"

"I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE THAT HE DID IT OUT OF PURE LOVE FOR ME!"

"I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE THAT HE WILL ONE DAY RETURN FOR ME!"

"I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE THAT I MUST TELL THE WORLD!"

"I CHOOSE TO BELIEVE!"

How about you;

"HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO BELIEVE JESUS' WORDS?"