Faith

Instead of a Bible Verse, I am posting an article.

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What is Thanksgiving Day To You?

Family, Outings, Sports, Day Off, Work, Etc.

I believe that we should be looking at Thanksgiving far more than just a holiday for pleasure. I say this because of the way our world is going. How much our society has gotten away from God and what it used to be.

It appears that satan is gaining ground in his attempts to gather more souls to join him in his final attempts to overthrow God. It is sad to realize that people you know and maybe you will join them separated from God. Satan lost his war against God when Jesus (who is God) came down to earth and suffered, died, buried, and rose again and sits at the hand of the Father waiting to come back and claim those that have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. There are two roads, a wide road (satan’s road) and a narrow road, (Jesus’ road).

Do you realize that all the provisions you enjoy like food, water, air you breath, your home, material of the clothes you wear, your life, etc. come from God? In addition God offers salvation which is life after death through His Son Jesus Christ. God is the sustainer of your life. You are here because He created you for a purpose.

Biblical thanksgiving is an act of worship that involves acknowledging and praising God for His goodness, grace, and provisions through a heart of gratitude. It goes beyond simply counting blessings and is defined by both Old and New Testament scriptures as a constant and active expression of devotion that includes praise, confession, worship, and even sacrificial offerings. Key aspects include recognizing God’s character and His works, giving thanks in all circumstances, and approaching God’s presence with a thankful spirit. 

Core concepts of biblical thanksgiving

  • A form of worship: Thanksgiving is not just a feeling, but an active, spiritual act of worship directed toward God.
  • Acknowledging God’s character: It is about recognizing God for who He is—Creator, Provider, and Redeemer—and praising Him for His infinite majesty and glory.
  • Expression of gratitude: It is a response to God’s gifts, blessings, and redemptive work in one’s life.
  • A spiritual attitude: It is an ongoing attitude of the heart that is to be practiced in all circumstances, not just during good times. 

Old Testament examples and practices

  • Sacrificial offerings: The Old Testament connects thanksgiving with bringing offerings, such as bread and meat, as a thank offering to the Lord (Leviticus 7:13-15).
  • The Psalms: The book of Psalms frequently uses words for thanksgiving to praise God for His mighty acts and deliverance (Psalm 100:4, Psalm 107:1).
  • Hebrew word: The primary Hebrew word for thanksgiving, todah, literally means “extended hand” and is tied to confession, praise, or thanks, often expressed through song, praise, and offerings. 

New Testament examples and practices

  • Greek words: The New Testament uses the Greek word eucharistia, which is a combination of “good” and “grace” or “gift,” highlighting gratitude for God’s grace.
  • Jesus’s example: Jesus gave thanks over the bread and wine at the Last Supper, an act that became the foundation for the sacrament of the Eucharist.
  • Paul’s teachings: The Apostle Paul encourages believers to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

The purpose of giving thanks to God is to acknowledge His goodness and love, express dependence, honor Him in worship, and cultivate a humble, grateful mindset. It is a spiritual response that involves recognizing God’s sovereignty and grace in all circumstances, which can lead to greater peace, deeper faith, and a closer relationship with the divine. 

Expressing gratitude and worship

To acknowledge goodness: 

Thanksgiving is a way to thank God for His constant goodness, love, and providence in both good and bad times. 

As a core part of worship: 

Expressing gratitude is a fundamental part of worship and honoring God through words and actions. 

To celebrate God’s character: 

It is a way to publicly celebrate God’s character, mercy, and compassion by sharing what He has done. 

Cultivating a spiritual mindset

To foster humility: 

By acknowledging dependence on God, thanksgiving helps individuals stay humble. 

To deepen faith: 

Thanksgiving can lead to greater peace, change perspective, and deepen one’s relationship with God. 

To live a life of gratitude: 

The practice is meant to be a lifestyle of constant appreciation, not just a single event. 

Fulfilling a spiritual purpose

  • To renew submission: 

Thanksgiving is a reminder of our dependence on God and can renew our submission to His will. 

  • As a spiritual discipline: 

For believers, it can be seen as a spiritual practice that helps with sanctification and secures blessings. 

  • To prompt further blessings: 

Some spiritual traditions believe that a truly grateful heart can prompt further blessings from God. 

I pray that your mindset and those of your family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers, that the Holy Spirit stirs your spirit to awaken you to know the truth and the truth sets you free according to John 8:32.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS LOOKING FROM ANOTHER PROSPECTIVE, THE BIBLE.

Jesus loves you and so do I.

ARE YOU CONCERNED?

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ARE YOU CONCERNED?

The Apostle Paul who wrote most of the New Testament says in Romans 9:2 NIV “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.” Paul was referring to people that did not have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Paul was continuously heartbroken for those without hope and without a Savior. God realized that his creation of mankind was losing their relationship with Him. Because of His love for us He sent His Son down to us to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

When God created the Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve they had a perfect relationship. Then something happened that is called sin that changed that relationship. That sin was the result of violating the will of God. God told man that he was not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, man choose to violate God’s will and they still do.

Since God created man with free will to make his own decisions, Sin occurs when  a person chooses to be drawn away by their own desires. No one can make another person sin. People make their own decision to do so. Sin is personally and willfully choosing to disobey God.

If you are a born-again believer of Jesus Christ. Do you have a deep concern for people who are separated from God? Be honest as God knows your heart.

 Many people are hung up on the term “born-again.” When God created man, He created them with  a body, soul, and spirit. When Jesus departed this earth after His death, burial, and resurrection He said, I leave you one greater  than I. He is referring to the Holy Spirit. The rebirth comes when a person receives Jesus as their personal Savior. This is where your spirit connects to the Holy Spirit. Your spirit has been inactive until it connects with the Holy Spirit. The rebirth is spiritual. A person confesses their sins and ask to be forgiven. They surrender their life to Jesus and the Holy Spirit takes overs and begins to transform their life in Jesus.  

Somewhere during your transformation, you will become aware  of those that do not have Jesus in their life. It could be loved ones, friends, acquaintances or just strangers. If you are a true follower of Jesus you will come to understand and feel sorrow for those that may be lost eternally, especially if it is a loved one. Don’t run away from the opportunity to share the salvation of Jesus regardless of whoever it may be. This kind of sorrow is not just a feeling but requires action. Not tomorrow but today for tomorrow may be too late.

Because God is love, He is most concerned about people who do not know  His love through His Son Jesus Christ.

God knows and understands the sorrow of separation and is ready to give you His blessings and fulfill our purpose by the power of the Holy Spirit working inside us.

In the world today, it is easy to be caught up in the fleshly desires of life and lose sight of what matters the most. The glory of God and lost souls of people.

Are you one that believes that God is really mad at you and can hardly wait to punish you for your sins? Yes, God hates sin, but He dearly loves the people He created. He loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to be our sacrifice for our sins. There are two choices, you can reject God’s gift through Jesus Christ or received His gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ and enjoy a relationship with Him. You are a free will person who makes their choice, right or wrong. Whatever choice a person makes will determine their eternal destination.

I shudder to think that loved ones, friends, acquaintances, or even a stranger would be separated from God’s love and grace for eternity. They go without God’s help and blessings because of a misunderstanding or teaching that crossed their life at some time.

God is spiritual and not in a physical form to us humans. That is why He depends on His people to help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Are you concerned?

Jesus loves you and so do I.

Savior and Lord

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SAVIOR AND LORD

Do you realize that there is a difference between these two words? The Bible teaches that we are to accept Jesus as both Savior and Lord. It is essential for salvation to be complete.

Jesus is the one who saves us from sin and the one to whom authority is given to continue His saving work. To reject His Lordship is rejecting His saving work. Jesus as the Savior offers redemption for our sins and Jesus as the Lord ask believers to surrender their lives to His rule and guidance.

Jesus as Savior means receiving forgiveness and a new life. Accepting Jesus as Lord means a daily yielding to His will and trusting Him with your entire life. Jesus expects to be called Savior and Lord.

If you are honest with yourself, you must realize that your decisions in your life are not very good. If we followed the Bible guide lines, life would be so much better. Most often we think we have the answers to our problems. Yes, I am no different and I have learned and still learning a lot by hard knocks. I am trying to pass on some important lessons that could save you from some of your serious problems.

Time is short, whether you want to believe it or not. God has blessed me with 89 years on this earth. When I stop and think, I ask myself, time has gone by so fast. You may come to realize how fast, days, months, and years go by faster and faster. The most important question you need to look at, is how do I stand with Jesus Christ? Is my name written in the BOOK OF LIFE?

Maybe you have not received Jesus Christ as your Savior. Maybe you have received Jesus as your Savior but not as Lord. I pray that you consider doing so soon. The Bible tells us not to put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Jesus loves you and so do I.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT VOTING?

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I’m about to enter a subject that is very controversial. I do so by the guidance of the Bible. As we near a time to vote, we should do so with guidance. Although we do not live under Old Testament law, there is much we can learn from what it tells us.

In 1 Samuel 8:1-22 there is the story of Isreal rejecting their God, the one who rescued them from slavery, provided for them and gave them victory over their enemies. Isreal demanded a King who would judge them, go before them and fight their battles. God had already provided these for them. They wanted a king as other nations. They rejected their true King. God tried to tell them that He was their King.

God granted their request and gave them over to their desires, but not without warning. He promised them a king like all nations. He would give them one who was selfish, oppressive, lied, and had self-interested instead of the people’s needs. They did not heed God’s warning.

Does this sound like what is happening in our election today. We want to be like everyone else. If we follow Isreal’s desire, we could find ourselves overcome by our leader’s wants and desires. Guess who is going to pay? You will never have enough because the “King” will demand more.  You can be sure we will lose our freedom.

I could go on, and I’m sure you could too. Where has the truth gone? All we hear is lie after lie, They promise freedom, a better life, free stuff, when they are slaves to corruption. 2 Peter 2:19 warns  us about this.

This is what happens when we, like Isreal fall prey to the desires of the flesh. When we turn from the wisdom of the Lord and His ways, we eat the fruit of our ways.

In our ways to be like what the devil wants; we miss out on the real blessings of God. Even though we fallow the desires of the flesh, God still shows mercy and works through our rebellion by providing what is best for us just as God later appointed David King.

In God’s eyes there is only one King and that is Jesus Christ. Freedom will only come by submitting ourselves to the true King, Jesus Christ. Otherwise, there is no peace or freedom.

So, when you vote, people have a choice, you can ask God for wisdom as stated in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”. Or you can follow your own desire. God also provides common sense as stated in Proverbs 3:21, Encourages people to hold onto common sense and discernment, which are like jewels that keep people safe. 

Regardless of how you vote, are you following the aforementioned guidelines or the desires of the flesh? By living in the United States, you have the privilege of voting and take the responsibility seriously.

For those that follow the Christian life, be informed and vote as you believe the Lord leads especially for those that demonstrate Godly leadership. Be careful not to be taken in by emotional forces or political campaigns or your own selfish interests.

Something that may be overlooked after the election is over, Christians are to pray for those that are in authority. 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 Pray for those that are in higher offices whose decisions affect many people lives.

PROVERBS 29:2 With good men in authority, the people rejoice; but with the wicked in power, they groan.

We need to remember Hebrews 13:8 KJV,  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

He loves you and so do I.

FAITh

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FAITH

Today is what many look upon as Easter. It is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave.

On the other hand, it is about the Easter Bunny.

My question is which is the most important to you and your family?

It appears that the Easter Bunny is winning the popular vote.

Let’s look at what each has to offer. Jesus is real and offers eternal life. The Easter Bunny is not real and offers temporary pleasure. God has given each person the right to choose, right or wrong.

By the way our society is going, it is what we believe and have faith in. All a person has to look at, what they have to offer? The Easter Bunny offers nothing but a temporary fix.

Everything you have comes from God including your life. He created you and provides everything that sustains you. Also, He is love. By His love you can have life after death through His Son, Jesus Christ.

If you don’t believe and have faith in Jesus Christ, you lose everything. 1Corinthians 15:13 -14 says; “but if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen, and our preaching is in vain is and your faith is in vain.

The righteous shall live by faith. Faith is so important because it is the way we have a relationship with God. For by grace, you have been saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8). By faith you become heirs of all that Jesus has done for you including the punishment He endured for our sins.

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is.

Faith is the foundation for hope. It is a supernatural gift from God.

Faith enables a believer to further understands the truths about God that cannot be understood by reason alone.

God requires faith because He is our Heavenly Father. It takes faith to believe He loves us, and He provides everything for us. Without God you could not survive. No one living fully understands the things of God. You can learn if you desire.

The first commandment is that you put nothing before God. He means anything.

On this Easter day I pray that all who reads this remembers that Jesus loves you and if you believe and confess Him as your Savior you will become joint heir with Him. According to Acts 4:12, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Salvation is the most important gift you can ever receive. It is all provided for by what Jesus went through for everyone. He is risen!

I love you and Happy Easter

BROKENNESS

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BROKENNESS

There are several definitions of brokenness. I want to look at the Biblical reference of the subject.

Brokenness, in God’s eyes, is being so crushed by the sin darkness of the world that we recognize there is no place to turn but to God.

You may ask why should we go through brokenness? When we are broken, God transforms our sinful lives into something that gives Him glory. In other words, you give Him the ability to clean you up, He puts His righteousness in you, and gets you headed in the right direction.

You and I will never meet God in revival until we first meet Him in brokenness. 

Important examples of brokenness is where Jesus went through agony at Gethsemane as stated in Mark 14:32-42, Matthew 27:45-46, Also, in Hebrews 2:18, where it says that Jesus was broken and suffered so that could relate to our needs.

When God created man, He gave human beings the power to make choices regarding their destiny. He did so that He would not be dictating their lives. We now have the responsibility to make choices. So,  if you make a bad choice and things go bad, don’t blame God.

Some choices you will make or not are, believing and receiving Jesus as Savior or not? The choice is yours. Is my name written in the Book of Life or not? The choice is yours. Reading, studying, believing, and following what the Bible says or not? The choice is yours. Some choices may be easy, and some may be difficult. The  eternal road to God’s Kingdom will cause some unwilling to go off course and chose another eternal destiny.

It appears that the present generation has been programmed to pursue happiness in whatever form to satisfy their pleasures. I can assure you that God is not interested in this direction as that kind of happiness will not last. God is more interested in making us like His Son Jesus. That is the pathway to holiness with humility and brokenness. God’s eternal kingdom is the opposite of what we have here on earth where satan has access to our lives.

Brokenness is a choice. Brokenness is not a feeling; rather, it is a choice, an act of our will. In most cases it is not a one-time experience. It most likely is an ongoing process.

If you don’t make a choice, you have made a choice!

What does God say about choices? According to Galatians 6:7-9, whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. A man reaps what he sows.

God is urging us to make serious and deliberate choices toward the conclusion of His purpose. He requires us to commit and make decisions. Remaining neutral is not an option. His issues are plainly defined: obedience vs. disobedience, life vs. death, good vs. evil. Every one of us have a choice: we can make excuses or follow God’s instructions as outlined in the Bible. God created us so we are free to follow Jesus or free to follow satan. It is a choice you make. If you make the wrong choice, who is going to be your advocate?

Scripture tells us that Jesus is close to those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit. In our brokenness, it is important to know that we are not alone and that there is great hope. You may think the Scriptures are all rules and regulations. That is far from the truth. They have many purposes; one is to help you overcome satan’s temptations and lies. The most important is to have Jesus and His gift of salvation.

Have you ever noticed that test and trials, tend to draw us closer to God? That’s because subconsciously we realize, we cannot overcome it, in it of yourselves. Our power or intellect cannot make our current struggle, pain, anxiety go away completely. It can only offer temporary relief.  

We need Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30 says “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Deuteronomy 30:15–20 NKJV 15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 rI announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. 19 sI call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that tI have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your ulife and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers,


In our brokenness, it is important to know that we are not alone and that there is great hope. God has provided us with the  scriptures to encourage us when we have lost our way and to keep us going. 

The following paragraphs are some definitions of characteristics of broken people.

Broken people know that they can’t do anything of eternal value in their own strength. They understand only as they rest in Jesus Christ and allow Him to do His work in them and through them.

Broken people are Kingdom-oriented. They understand that what truly matters is getting to know God and getting to know who I am in Him as stated in Matthew 6:33.

Broken people have laid down their rights in front of God. They understand in reality that God is the giver of all good things. God has provided everything that sustains your life. They are grateful when important things occur in their lives but accept the fact that life does not turn out the way they would like it to be.

Broken people do not have to know everything, have a plan, being in control, and know everything that’s going on. They rest in Jesus Christ trusting Him to know and choose what they need to know.

Broken people cease doing things their way and learn to do them God’s way instead. Through their submissiveness, Atonement can take effect and true repentance can occur.

These are a few of the characteristics that God is making a difference through.

 God uses broken things and broken people to do great things. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are looking for those that will make a choice for them. Will you make the right choice or not?

I want to point out a couple especially important Bible verses that require a choice.

Acts 4:13 KJV says that, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name (Jesus Christ) under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

There is only one name to whom God has given authority by which one can experience salvation and that is Jesus. No one else has that power or authority.

In Revelation 20:12 KJV, stated that: and I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the BOOK of LIFE: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

I would say that what is written in those verses are what choices people have made or did not make in their life here on earth. Again, I ask, Have you made the right choices or not? It is never too late as long as you are still breathing.

In closing, I pray that everyone will really consider the relationship they have with Jesus Christ. God wants you to freely give yourself over to Him. He created you and wants you to be part of His eternal family. Many have ignored the Bible, Jesus’ invitation, due to their choice of what you think of what you will give up. What you will give up is nothing compared to what God offers you in exchanged. It is either what God offers or what the  devil offers you. I guarantee you won’t like the latter. It will be your choice or not.

Many people have said that they will make a choice tomorrow. Proverbs 27:1 NIV Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Do what you need to do today. Don’t wait to receive Jesus. Don’t put off doing the will of God.

Today, Jesus said, “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

Psalms 51 is a prayer that can help you along the way. It’s a choice!

Jesus loves you  and so do I.

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

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2024 A NEW YEAR
How much garbage are you bringing into the new year? Whatever it is, why are you carrying it into a new year? Most of what you are taking into a new year is your choice.
A lot of your choices come from self-help, social media, family, friends, new year resolutions, or some fad that is popular. Some may seem to be working out for the best, but to be honest, they turn out to be a disappointment in a short period of time. They do not bring comfort, joy, direction, and peace into our lives.
Most of our decisions are based on our senses, sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch. They are carnal or of the flesh. We tend to follow the human nature side of our life.
The lower side of man is estranged from God and therefore prone to sin. The Divine Influence is absent from man.
According to the Bible, Matthew 15: 18-20 KJV – those things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adultery, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. these are the things that defile a man.
Matthew 12:36-37 KJV But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Sometimes we need a little reminder that the best gift we can give others and ourselves is forgiveness. We can follow the example of Jesus and offer others forgiveness as he forgives us of our daily sins. Ephesians. 4:29-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Could this be part of your garbage? The Bible is full of instructions for us to follow God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.

According to Luke 12:10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. People refer to this extreme sin as unpardonable sin, the unforgivable sin, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and the eternal sin.
Who is the Holy Spirit? 6 definitions of who He is.
The Holy Spirit is a unique person.
The Holy Spirit is one both with the Father and with the Son.
The Holy Spirit was the agent of creation.
The Holy Spirit is the author of the new birth. Born Again Spiritually.
The Holy Spirit is the author of the Scriptures and the teacher.
The Holy Spirit is the Truth.

Continually failing to confess Jesus as your Savior will lead to final rejection, but actively opposing the work of the Holy Spirit puts one in a place where one can never turn from sin to Savior.

Jesus promised a Helper of the same kind rather than of a different kind. The Spirit is the parakletos, the one who comes alongside. Jesus said He would “be with you forever . . . he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17.) In other words, His ministry is both permanent and personal.

God created you with a spirit. When you receive and confess Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit joins your spirit and teaches you the truth. There must be a surrendering of self for you to receive His teaching. You cannot continue to live in your former lifestyle. God wants you to become like His Son and join His family

Dump your past garbage of 2023 and past and join Jesus for a new life in Him. You won’t be sorry! You become an heir to all that Jesus has and he is building a new Kingdom for all that come to Him. It is a paradise beyond your imagination. You will need to learn, and your subject matter is in the Bible.
John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Jesus loves you and so do I. Happy New Year!

DO YOU BELIEVE OR DON’T BELIEVE?

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DO YOU BELIEVE OR DON’T BELIEVE?
According to a book called the Bible, this book was given to people for instructions on living our lives here on earth and preparation for the hereafter. The Bible was given to us by God through the Holy Spirit’s leadership of men and women chosen to write instructions for us to follow.
Ever since the Bible was created, it has been the most sought-after publication ever written. Also, it has been the target for destruction or prohibited from the public on several different occasions.
What is so interesting is that it still exists. I believe that it still is a popular book because it is a book that has with stood attempts to destroy it by the many ways of satan and his followers.
God and His Bible receive numerous accusations that God and His Word are lies since there is so much suffering and disasters taking place on a regular basis and God doesn’t do anything about it. That is just one example.
So, let’s look at other reasons why there is so much pain and suffering in our world today. The main reason is satan also known as the devil and he is real. Since he is not omnipresent, as God is, he has many demons, fallen angels, evil spirits, evil forces, and human followers at his disposal. They are constantly attacking people and things to create problems.
Another main problem is with people. There is apathy regarding lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern, with what the Bible instructs us to be and do. There is an ignorance factor because we do not take time to acquaint ourselves with the book of instructions.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV;NKJV – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. That verse tells us to study. It does not just say to read. There is a big difference between studying and reading. Anyone who studies the Bible will come to know the truth and the truth will set you free according to John 8:32.
When Jesus redeemed mankind, He restored to us dominion through His Name. The responsibility for what we allow to happen on earth lies on the Christian, because Jesus has given us His authority.
Matthew 18:18 NKJV – “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
God gave mankind dominion on earth. Our failure to know what the Bible is instructing us do will cause us to do nothing and that will cause problems in our lives. All you must do is look at the way our world is going. Look at the events that are happening in America today. Does anyone think that this is what God wants? Remember that God gave us dominion. Somehow it appears we are giving dominion over to the devil. I believe that very few people know what the Bible tells us because of ignorance and lack of believing what it says.
Luke 22:67 NKJV “If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will by no means believe.
No one can force anyone to believe anything. Each one of us chooses whether we will believe something, based on our belief of the evidence presented to us. True evidence is in the Bible. Many of the events mentioned in the Bible have been proven and taken place to prove that the Bible is accurate. According to some statistics, there are approximately 2500 prophecies listed in the Bible. Of those listed approximately 2000 have been fulfilled. You are free to believe or not believe. It’s your choice.

Bible reading in America has dramatically decreased; people who do read their Bibles experience significant hope in their lives. When we read the Bible daily, it reminds us of how God has worked in ages past and what He will do for us in years to come. Someday the shock of reality will be revealed to you.

Faith and belief may have different English meanings, but in the New Testament they are different forms of the same Greek word. Believe is the verb and Faith is the noun for the same word.
Instead of people putting their belief in the Bible, they put faith in a person, a church, or someone’s book, or some other means. Why not the Bible? Maybe because it requires effort, time, interruption of job, fun or some other excuse. Whatever you put before God is a sin according to the Bible.
Either we trust God’s Word and His promises, or we live outside of His instructions and live a life of misery. Believe or don’t believe, the choice is yours. It’s never too late to make the right choice for God is love, peace, and joy and a whole lot more.

Bible reading in America has dramatically decreased. If you have lived during the 1930’s to present, you have seen a difference in life then and now. I believe it centers around the loss of following God’s instructions. Biblical knowledge and history illustrates the deterioration.

Today, people who do read their Bibles experience significant hope in their lives. People who study the Bible have a better insight of what God is planning. The Bible gives us knowledge of what God has done in the past and what He will do in the future.
I don’t contend that this life is perfect, but it is a lot better when Jesus Christ is in your life. We must trust the Word of God and His promises or suffer the consequences.
Along with reading and studying the Bible, there needs to be the companion of prayer. Prayer is an important part of our relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is love. He suffered and died for everyone and is alive. He awaits your choice. He loves you and so do I.
For me to help others become acquainted with God’s Word, may I ask you to forward this message and free Bible offer to anyone who will help spread the Gospel. God Bless!
To help those that may not have a Bible, I am offering a free paperback copy, postage paid, of the New International Version (NIV) of the New Testament published by the International Bible Society. This copy is in English only and is only available to residents in the continental United States. This offer will only last as copies are available. Only one copy per address. I only ask that you are sincere about looking into God’s Word.
To place an order or answer any questions, please send an email with complete name and address to the following address: deanstuyvesant@gmail.com

WHO IS TO BLAME?

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WHO IS TO BLAME?

Are you blaming God for your troubles and circumstances? Why?  Most of them have come from you not listening to what God has to say in life’s book of instructions called the BIBLE. Accept the responsibility for the choices you make because you do not follow His way or consult Him.  Don’t expect Him to help you when you ignore Him.

One way the devil gets into your thinking is through the words you speak. Matthew 12:36, 37; I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

On the reverse side is the benefit of having Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Then you have the Holy Spirit as your teacher. MARK 16:17 NKJ 17 “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons. For believers to cast out demons, it means they must have authority over the devil and his forces. However, unused authority conveys no benefit.

COLOSSIANS 1:13 NKJ 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness (Satan) and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. The only true powers the devil holds over a believer now is the power of deception, unbelief, and lack of knowledge of what God’s Word says. Look at how Satan deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden.

One of the ways the devil operates against you is through ignorance. God’s Word gives you the information that will set you free from both fear and ignorance.

God loves you and wants you to come into the salvation that He offers through His Son, Jesus Christ. The choice is yours to make. God has given each person the free will  to make their choices. What he hopes you will choose is His salvation in Jesus Christ and then receive the Holy Spirit who then will guide you into the truth. So many people think they know more than God and make their own choices that cause problems because the devil can enter their thinking and actions.

Take the step of inviting Jesus Christ into your life and experience His love. God loves you and so do I.

GOD’S SALVATION

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GOD’S SALVATION?

Before I begin, I want to say that this article is not an attack against any denomination, religion, or anyone. The information is from the Holy Bible. If you have a problem with any portion, I suggest that you take it up with the “Author, God the Holy Spirit.” Most of my references are taken from the King James Version.

To find out the truth we need to go to the Bible and study it for ourselves. Perfect teaching comes from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit only comes into your life when you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Then your spirit comes into one with the Holy Spirit and you are “born again” spiritually. You become a new person. You can only learn from the Holy Spirit if you yield to His feeding of your spirit.

The definition of Christian Salvation is the saving deliverance or redemption from human beings’ sin and its consequences. Sin is an immoral act considered to be a transgression of God’s divine law The consequences are separation from God and eternal death. Sin was brought about by the original sin of Adam and Eve by the disobeying God in the Garden of Eden which brought the fall of man. It is referred to as the “hereditary sin.”               

According to The Book of Romans, we are all sinners. ROMANS 3:23 KJV “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” This includes every human being, past, present, and future.

I know that there are going to be some that do not believe in God or Jesus, and last, “the Holy Spirit.” That is the God given right for anyone to believe what they want. God has given each person the right to choose their destination. If I am wrong in my belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I will lose nothing at the end of my life. If a person is wrong on not believing, they will lose eternal life with the love of God and His Son and be separated from God for eternity. There is no possibility of return.

Their destination is a place called Hell. Is Hell real? According to the Holy Bible, it exists. Look at what Matthew 13: 49-50 KJV says; 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Mark 9:43-44 KJV 43 And if thy hand offends thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

There are other references. The doctrine of Hell has the full support of the Scriptures. We must realize that Jesus had a lot to say about the subject. My goal is not to focus on the dismal end, but to give reference to a new life in the love of God’s Salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.

Now, I want to focus on how to experience the Salvation God has to offer to each person. John 3:16 KJV is one of the most popular verses in the Bible regarding Salvation: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Believing in Him is referring to Jesus Christ.

The Scriptures says that to obtain God’s Salvation, you must be “born again” according to John 3:5-7 KJV  5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

To help understand the phrase “born again” you need to know that when God created humans, He created them in three parts: body, soul, and spirit. Born again is referring to a spiritual birth. This is where God the Holy Spirit comes into a union with man’s spirit. When this takes place, the Holy Spirit will take over the transformation of the person through His revelation of God’s teachings of the Holy Bible.

 A ‘born again” person will go through a process of surrendering their desires and give themselves over to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. A surrendered person will need to choose to give up the fight between their selfish sinful desires and the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

We need to understand that there is a process that must take place like with a farmer. When the farmer needs to plant crops, he must prepare the soil, plant the seeds, nurture the seeds, harvest, and then enjoy the fruit of his harvest. It is the same with the “born again” process. A person must put effort into the process.

There is no riding the fence with God. There are specific warnings about sin and entering halfway with God. Look at the following verses and then decide if life is a game. God, Himself says He is a jealous God.

 Revelation 3:16 KJV So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Romans 12:2 KJV I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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 perfect, will of God.

Luke 9:23 KJV And He Said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

1 John 4:15 KJV Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

There are many more verses that relate to what God wants from His “born again” people. God created us to know Him, glorify Him, and enjoy Him.

If you put anything before God, you create an idol. An idol is anything that is more important to you than God. It can be something that absorbs your heart more than God. It can be a priority in your life. Love of someone or something can replace the love you should give to God.

Anything or anyone cannot give you eternal life except Jesus Christ, the Son of God who died, was buried, and rose again from the dead and now sits at the right of God waiting to return to claim His bride, those who believe in Him, and have faith that Jesus is their Savior. This is the “Gospel.”

I leave you with one final thought. Jesus gave us a commandment in Matthew 22:37,38; 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.

Do you have that precious gift of God? Eternal life in the love of God. When that trumpet sounds or life ends there is not a second chance. You will have made your choice where you will spend eternity.

Jesus is waiting for you. Jesus loves you and so do I.