It’s Time to Come to Christ

Trust in God, Not politicians.

Desire Jesus

Trump wins the Presidency here in America, Ok now pause and take a breath. Many are confused, perplexed, and down right angry but I say do not be afraid. We are not a people without hope. We can still stand in the face of fear and use our voices to denounce any policy that is seemingly absurd and distasteful. We can still stand shoulder to shoulder and March and lift our voices and be heard, this is still a democracy and unlike many nations “We Can” make a difference.

Countless are afraid because they perpetually put their hopes in politicians, and this is erroneous. Remain hopeful and allow no one to usurp your God given hope and rights. Exhale and stand tall. Neither Hilliary or Trump are able to truly save, the Bible declares “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save” (Psalm 146:3) Hope…

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The Essence of True Leadership

Shalom Beloved of God, We are living in a moment in history in which leadership is highly needed. I believe many have missed the point of being a leader and it’s true definition. The essence of leadership is service with the resources that have been provided by God. Many so called leaders gather resources and began to hoard them for themselves, leaving the people to small increments.

This should not be, because the resources are indeed for the people in which the leadership serves. Jesus Christ Himself who is a perfect leader said this, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”(Mark 10:45)

Jesus understood better than any that His life (literally) was for the service of the called (the people). This shows us vividly that a true leader leads by example and the key principle of leadership is in fact service. This is precisely what our LORD told His disciples about leadership, “And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

This is truly remarkable it seems we have gotten all wrong. We do not gather resources to ourselves for ourselves. On the contrary if we are to lead well, we are to gather resources for the good and the benefit of the people. In doing so you will be following the perfect example of Jesus Christ and receive honor directly from the Heavenly Father who is Light Eternal, God bless you shalom.

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” (John 12:26)

It’s Time to Come to Christ

Trump wins the Presidency here in America, Ok now pause and take a breath. Many are confused, perplexed, and down right angry but I say do not be afraid. We are not a people without hope. We can still stand in the face of fear and use our voices to denounce any policy that is seemingly absurd and distasteful. We can still stand shoulder to shoulder and March and lift our voices and be heard, this is still a democracy and unlike many nations “We Can” make a difference.

Countless are afraid because they perpetually put their hopes in politicians, and this is erroneous. Remain hopeful and allow no one to usurp your God given hope and rights. Exhale and stand tall. Neither Hilliary or Trump are able to truly save, the Bible declares “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save” (Psalm 146:3) Hope in God alone, because it is He alone who truly has the power to save your soul. God bless you and be well, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen and Amen.

 

Spiritually Alive in Christ

Peace and an abundance of grace, from the Father and our LORD Jesus Christ. There is a stark contrast between the”flesh” and the “Spirit”, these two wage war against each other every waking day. In order for anyone to have access to “The Spirit” of God he/she must be born again for this is absolutely necessary,  “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17)

Since God is a incorruptible Spirit ( John 4:24), anyone who desires to be reconciled to God, must receive Jesus His only begotten Son thereby, joining together with God and dying to self. Jesus Christ declares to Nicodemus, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:5-6)

The flesh is in a fallen state because of our first parents Adam and Eve, their sin in the Garden of Eden has brought forth a grievous thing to all of their descendants. But thanks be unto Jesus Christ who “condemned sin in the flesh,” (Romans 8:3)

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,  envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-20)

Let us walk according to “The Spirit” which produces good fruit, fruit that will last holy and acceptable to God. By Jesus’ death for us “we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Rom 8:12-14) so living by the flesh results in death but if you are walking “by the Spirit” you will “put to death the deeds of the body (or flesh)” and live.

Do so Beloved of the Father of grace, in the name of Jesus Christ amen and amen.

 

God Resides in Praise

Grace and an abundance of peace, from the Father and our LORD Jesus Christ, What do we do as Christians when at times we feel perplexed at life’s stressful events and we perhaps feel uncertain? Often times we do not feel like praying, because of lack of energy.

This is a wonderful time to praise His Holy name the Bible declares, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”(Psalm 22:3) It is your praise that God will indeed “inhabit”.

According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary INHAB’IT is defined as (To live or dwell in; to occupy as a place of settled residence.) Wild beasts inhabit the forest; fishes inhabit the ocean, lakes and rivers; men inhabit cities and houses. It is the praise from your lips that your God will inhabit, God takes up residence and dwells with you, in your moments of turmoil.

The same God who dwells in eternity, will reside in your perplexing circumstances.
“Thus saith the high and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity” (Isaiah 57:15)
The result of your praise beloved is deliverance. Notice what is said right after Isreal praised our Father,  “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst “deliver” them.” (Psalm 22:3-4)

They trusted God, praised His name and they were delivered. This is precisely what our dear Jesus knew. He understood that it is the glorification in your praise, that will produce breakthrough. I pray beloved Saints of God, that we too, will honor God with the fruit of our lips and give Him the glory, the praise He deserves and as a result, Father will reside with you in your most vulnerable moments.

 

The Word of God Cannot be Quenched

Grace and peace from the Father and our LORD Jesus Christ, There have been many attempts to suppress the Word of God throughout history. Christians have been maliciously persecuted for the faith given to us by our Father in heaven.

Unbelievers have foolishly thought that they could snuff out the Living Word by the sword and fire, or other means of tortured, but the Bible declares, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

In A.D. 303 the Roman Emperor Diocletian issued an edict to destroy Christians and their Bible. The persecution that would follow were insurmountable and grievous. Over a burned and extinguished Bible, Diocletian built a monument on which he wrote these triumphant words, “Extincto nomene Christianorum” (the name Christian is extinguished). However some twenty-five years later, Diocletian was dead and the new Emperor Constantine commissioned fifty copies of the Bible to be prepared at government expense.

“Forever, O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89)

In the year of our LORD 1776 a world renowned French philosopher by the name of Voltaire announced, “One hundred years from my day, there will not be a Bible in the earth except one that is looked upon by an antiquarian curiosity-seeker.” One hundred years later Voltaire was dead, and it is said that Voltaire’s house was used as a repository (storage) for Bibles by the Geneva Bible Society.

The first edition of Voltaire’s work sold for eleven cents in Paris, but the British government paid the Czar of Russian one-half million dollars for an ancient Bible manuscript.

“But the word of the Lord endures forever.”
Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:25)

Let us remember that the Word of God has and will continue to endure from everlasting to everlasting despite opposition. Allow this to comfort you beloved of the Father and may you be blessed by the Prince of Peace Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

Blessed are Those Who Can See

Peace and grace to you from the Father and our LORD Jesus Christ, When we think about being “Blessed” today we often think about material items such as cars, houses, and a large bank account. We are prone to think, “the more the merrier” and the more material items we possess, the greater the blessings.

Our Father has been in the business of blessing us from the beginning, ,”So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  Then God “blessed” them..” (Genesis 1:27-28). That is until the great disobedience by our first parents Adam and Eve, who bit the fruit and for their disobedience where cursed. (Genesis 3:17)

After that great and terrible fall, we should note that no matter how many material items Adam and Eve possessed they were unable to reverse the curse. In other words the houses, herds, perhaps grain could not take away the sting of spiritual death.

Although I should point out the differences between the Old and New Testament usages of blessing are striking. To be blessed is to be granted special favor by God with resulting joy and prosperity. In the New Testament, however, the emphasis is more on spiritual rather than on material blessings.

If you are a Christian then you are abundantly blessed because you have Jesus Christ,
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” (Galatians 3:13)

Your belief in Christ has given you the abundant life, you are blessed because although you have not seen your LORD, you believe. (John 20:29)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5: 3-10)

 

Jesus Is Who the Bible Says He Is

Shalom beloved of God, There is a question about our LORD that many stumble on and I would love to shed some light on it by the grace of God if I may. Now the question is, “Why did JESUS tell His disciples many times NOT TO TELL OTHERS that HE was the MESSIAH? [See Matthew 16:20]

In Matthew 16:20 we read, “He (Jesus) commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.” Many people hold that Jesus told His disciples to be untruthful making our LORD out to be a liar. This is simply a huge error in their theology since we should understand clearly that Jesus, “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22).

When we study the text closely we can discern why Christ told them this command. The scriptures themselves testified about Jesus, and if the people did not believe the Holy Scriptures concerning the Messiah and the mighty works He performed by the power of God, then they most certainly would not believe His (Jesus) disciples.

One of the greatest prophets, John the Baptist, testified as to who Jesus was.
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

When Christ was baptized we know that the Father spoke from Heaven in the hearing of those who were assembled there. “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

Jesus also told those who were blinded that in all their studies they still had no understanding of who was indeed standing in their midst. Jesus said to them you “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

Jesus wanted these unbelievers to come to a realization of divine truth based on Biblically sound evidence resulting in true faith. There was evidence of who Jesus “is” all around them yet they did not believe, Jesus makes this sweeping statement about them, ” Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” (Matthew 13:13)

It is clearly seen that Jesus is the Christ and “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John1:3).

God bless you and may the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ increase your faith, I ask this in Jesus name Amen.

 

 

The Grace that Saves

Peace and grace from the Father and our LORD Jesus Christ, Some of us truly believe in our hearts that salvation is by our works and not by grace. The Bible is extremely clear about this subject concerning our salvation, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ,” not of works”, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

This sweet grace that we enjoy is a “gift of God”, and it is not attained by your good deeds at all. Grace is not your effort, but grace is a person and this person is Jesus. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has “appeared” to all men” (Titus 2:11)

Titus tells us that grace has “Appeared to all men”, and the Apostle John also speaks to this truth vividly he says, “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth “CAME” through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)

Our LORD Jesus came in the flesh and has firmly secured our salvation. Let us never forget that while we cannot be saved by works, we are sanctified or set apart for good works, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus “unto good works”, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

I want us to grasp this Truth, our Father which is in heaven has provided access to Himself by your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, to Him be the glory forever Amen. Now this is love, Thank you Father.

 

It is Not About the Bunny, It’s About the LAMB”

Today is Maundy Thursday. The name comes from the Latin “mandatum”, the first word in the Latin rendering of John 13:34, “A new commandment (Mandatum novum) I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

Maundy in Latin is (Mandatum) meaning “commandment”, So Maundy Thursday is the Thursday of the commandment.

So what was this new commandment anyway? I mean if we read Galatians 5:14 it already states “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Jesus is giving us a new and greater example on love, He Himself “IS” love and a perfect example on how to love perfectly. Remember (John 15:13)
” Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends”.

This life is a life of sacrifice to those you love and to others Father has placed in your journey. The Apostle John states this “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers” (1 John 3:16)

So as we go about our day let us recall this “Mandatum novum” or new commandment and live the life of selflessness and sacrifice. I pray that Father will strengthen us all, so we may live like the Lamb of God Jesus Christ, to Him be the glory forever and ever Amen!!