Commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

COMMEMORATING THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.

A week ago we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. What took place after His resurrection? The Scriptures says that He remained on earth for 40 days instead of ascending immediately into heaven.

Prior to His arrest, trial, and execution, Jesus spent three and one-half years teaching and preaching God’s message. After His resurrection, He stayed on earth 40days to show His followers that He was alive. The people knew that the Romans had put Jesus on the cross and He died, was buried with guards.

God resurrected Jesus from the tomb after three days. He became a sinless sacrifice so that man could be reconciled to God was complete. Before His final departure, Jesus needed to accomplish a few things with His disciples. According to the Bible, Jesus appeared to several people eight times in human form. This was prior to the birth of the New Testament church that occurred on Pentecost. Jesus’ appearances can be seen in both Roman and Hebrew calendar formats.

There are six meanings related to the risen life that are provided for the people that turn their lives over to Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 (NKJV) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. You cannot keep it secret. John 3:3 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This is the new birth. These are just two of the many references to a new (spiritual) birth.

Here are the six meanings of a risen life:

Romans 8:11 (NKJV)  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

2 Corinthians 4:10 (NKJV) always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (NKJV) and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Colossians 3:1 (NKJV) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:2-3 (NKJV)  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Ephesians 2:5-6 (NKJV) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

These are free gifts that God gives us because He loves us. If people would read the Bible, there are so many promises of God that we cannot absorb or understand how much He does love us. God put people here on earth with a free will hoping that they see the blessing He offers, not only now but for eternity. God wants everyone to become a member of His family here on earth and in His Kingdom to come for ever.

Yes, there is a condition that we receive Jesus as our Savior. This is a free gift. You don’t have to earn it, just turn your life over to Jesus. That is why Jesus came down to earth, suffered, died, buried, and rose from the dead. When you hear the word “Gospel,” that is what it refers to.

So many people pass from this life to the next without meeting God’s only condition. I hope and pray that those reading this have made the decision to join Jesus in His kingdom to come where He will be the King. Heaven will a place of love (agape) like you have never known. Many are led to believe that you have to earn your salvation, not so. You are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible says that everyone is appointed to die the physical life and then comes the judgment. Don’t delay because no one is promised tomorrow.

Love to all.

THE RESURRECTION

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THE RESSURRECTION

As we approach this Easter season of 2018, we look upon the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. THIS IS THE GOSPEL! I don’t believe that anyone can relate to the pain and suffering Jesus went through for everyone past, present, and future. Some say that you could not recognize Jesus after the beatings he endured prior to going to the cross.

Scourging, called verberatio by the Romans was the worst kind of flogging administered by ancient courts. A person could have been beaten to death by the scourge if it was desired.

The weight of the cross is not mentioned in the Bible. Some estimate that it weighted over 200 – 300 lbs. After the punishment Jesus suffered prior, He could not carry the cross. That is why someone else was appointed to carry the cross.

The hanging on the cross was brutal suffering to say the least. There were several methods used. If you want to know more, I suggest that you read articles concerning crucifixion on the cross. We know that Jesus suffered for our sins. I am not sure some realize what He endured for our sake.

After Jesus was pronounced dead, He was buried in a tomb. Because some thought that someone would steal His body, Roman guards were placed at the tomb. Now on the third day, we find that the tomb was empty.

What does the Resurrection mean to you? I know that each person will have their own definition and what it means to them.

I have to say that in order to understand the true meaning, there has to be a changed life according to the Bible. Jesus is pretty clear when He says that a person must be born again according to John 3:3 (NKJV), Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

We need to understand that He is not referring to being born again physically. He is talking about a spiritual transformation. This can happen at any time according to the individual and according to God’s time frame. God is constantly working in your life until you come to a place in your life that you surrender yourself to Him.

A lot of times this occurs when a person hits rock bottom in marriage, finances, employment, etc. A person comes to realize that what they have done and where they are headed is a disaster. Since God gave each of us a free will to live our lives as we choose we pay the price for our mistakes.

Are you sick and tired of trying and failing at living life your own way? Are you longing for peace and happiness in your life? God offers this and much more for your life here and for eternity. It is usually human stubbornness, pride, belief in self and your own ability that keeps you from having a relationship with God. You fear giving up control and trusting God. The devil has us defeated by making us believe that God is some type of tyrant. I can tell you from my own experience that God loves you so much that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for you. Easter is God’s way of saying I love you so much I give my Son as a sacrifice for you.

It is a free gift to those who will surrender themselves to Jesus. Ask forgiveness of your sins, confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord and repent (turn away from sins). God will take over and give you all the promises (over 4000) that are written in the Bible. God will give you a new desire with the help of the Holy Spirit who will guide and direct you in all that you do. With the power of the Holy Spirit everything is possible even things you thought were impossible Jesus is waiting with open arms to receive you into His Kingdom. You can do it.

After you become one of God’s children and we look at the Good News of Easter. It is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Jesus conquered death. He is risen. As a born again believer we can look at the future with hope and know that the sting of death cannot touch us. We will spend eternity with Jesus forever and forever.

The Resurrection of Jesus gives us 7 promises. They are as follows:

Psalm 49:15 (NKJV) 15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me. Selah

John 5:25 (NKJV)  Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.

John 6:40 (NKJV)  And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 11:25 (NKJV) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Acts 24:15 (NKJV) I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead,[a] both of the just and the unjust.

2 Corinthians 4:14 (NKJV) knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 New King James Version (NKJV) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

Praise and thank you Father for your love. Praise and thank you Jesus for your gift of eternal life. God loves you and so do I. Happy Easter to all.

For additional reading, 1 Corinthians 15 is considered the Resurrection chapter.

FOR IT IS WRITTEN

FOR IT IS WRITTEN

I believe that the title words Jesus spoke to Satan when He was tempted are very important to us today. We must realize and come to know that if you are born again and belong to Christ, you have the same authority over the devil as Jesus did when He walked on this earth. Jesus gave us everything He has when He died for us. You just have to believe and claim them. I did and He has.

The Bible points out three times that the devil tempted Jesus, Jesus quoted scripture. Each time, Jesus began with, “IT IS WRITTEN.”

Satan takes advantage of our circumstances when tempting us. His temptations increase if we are poor, hungry and have a strong desire for worldly possessions. The devil feeds on our lusts and desires. If we tempt the devil to tempt us, we provoke God and God will leave us to battle Satan’s temptations on our own. Since Jesus did not have a corrupt nature, He was only tempted by the devil and not by His lusts or desires.

Satan wants you to believe that he is strong and mighty. Do you realize that the devil only has the power and authority you give to him. Satan is the great deceiver, liar and intimidator. Whatever attacks and temptations he comes to you with, he only succeeds if you yield to him. Remember, Jesus did not yield to him. Satan usually goes after Christians, especially born again believers. Non-Christians already belong to him, so he does not bother with them. If Satan is bold enough to approach Jesus who was God, he sure is not afraid of a human being who do not have the authority of Jesus Christ with them.

Let me ask you, what your defenses against the devil are if you do not know what God’s Word says to do. Oh, you may know a few verses, but are they what you need to encounter Satan. Do you realize that the devil knows the scriptures, probably better than most of us and will counter your defense? Have you ever thought about, why doesn’t God hear my prayers and answer them? You are at the mercy of Satan if you are not prepared. The only solution is to have Jesus Christ in control of your life. That only comes by your surrender of your life to Him. Jesus will protect you if you belong to Him.

Do you realize that the devil’s temptations are believable? He is so cunning that he can have you believing that you are doing well when in fact you are sinning against God. Most often, Satan will fill us with pride and vain self-conceit that we get so wrapped in ourselves we neglect God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and fall into the sins of the devil. When the devil can get you to rely on your five senses to guide your life, he is winning. Our five senses lead to the opposite of what God wants because they are controlled by the flesh. Sin controls the flesh.

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit reside in the spiritual realm. In order for us to communicate with them, it must be done in the spirit. That only happens when we enter into the spiritual realm by being born again. Then like our physical life, we must grow spiritually. We must study and learn what instructions God has for us so we will grow spiritually. Our study book is the Bible.

In order for us to meet the temptations of Satan, we must do as Jesus did with plain declarations of the Scriptures. We need to know what the Bible says so we can test the matter whether it is the right thing to do or whether we are going on what we feel. Remember feel is one of the five senses.

We need to understand that Jesus did not have the New Testament to rely on. His quotations came from the Old Testament. They are from Deuteronomy 8:3 and Deuteronomy 6:16.  In the New Testament, Matthew chapter 4 and Luke chapter 4 record the story of Jesus’ temptations.

During your lifetime, whatever time that is, Satan will come into your life many, many times. He will come with the power you give him to overcome you. There will be false teachers that can lead you astray. Satan can be so impressive and so powerful that you will be deceived by him and yield to the sins that tempt you. If you are not prepared, it will overtake you. All you have to do is look around you and see how bad it is and it is going to get worse according to the Bible. Satan’s temptations are so great because our lusts are taking control of our lives. Look at the cell phone epidemic, the internet, sexual immorality, drugs, alcohol, self-desires, etc.

Praise God because there is good news. If you have given yourself to Jesus, then according to 1 Corinthians 10:13 “there is no temptations taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may able to bear [it].”

The Lord’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isa. 55:8). The foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men and the weakness of God is stronger than men (1 Cor. 1:25). If God is speaking to you today, Please listen to what He is telling you to do.

EPHESIANS 6:17 NKJ  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

The sword, or weapon, of the spirit is not the Bible laying on a shelf, but God’s Word being spoken by a believer.

You must take it. Your spiritual weapon is speaking the Word of God. You must take the Word and speak it — just like Jesus did (Matthew 4:4).

Our battle is with an evil spiritual force. That means we are required to use spiritual weapons. Those weapons are speaking the Word of God. 1 Peter 5:8 says that Satan will devour those that don’t know the authority of Jesus Christ. God loves you so much He has given us authority over the devil through His Son Jesus Christ. I want you to realize the truth because I love you. Study the Bible to show thyself approved.

Additional Information re: request for repost. Early last month I requested all my family, friends, and followers to repost a blog regarding a liver donor for Doug Battles. I learned that Doug just spent 4 weeks in the hospital with 2 weeks in ICU. As stated before that Doug has been on a waiting list for over a year. The donor requirements are that they must be between 18 and 55 years of age. They must be in perfect health. Doug’s blood type is O positive. Doug’s insurance pays for donor’s medical expenses. Additional information can be found on “Let’s find Doug Battles a Liver.’ Doug lives in Greenville, PA as does his family. My request is that you will repost this request and those that receive it repost it again and again. I believe that God has someone that will consider being a donor for Doug. May the Lord bless that person and I thank everyone for prayers and consideration of this request. May the Lord bless those that repost this request? Love to all. Dean Stuyvesant

Additional Information re: request for repost.

Early last month I requested all my family, friends, and followers to repost a blog regarding a liver donor for Doug Battles. I learned that Doug just spent 4 weeks in the hospital with 2 weeks in ICU. As stated before that Doug has been on a wait list for over a year.

The donor requirements are that they must be between 18 and 55 years of age. They must be in perfect health. Doug’s blood type is O positive. Doug’s insurance pays for donor’s medical expenses. Additional information can be found on

Let’s find Doug Battles a Liver.’

Doug lives in Greenville, PA as doees his family. My request is that you will repost this request and those that receive it repost it again and again. I believe that God has someone that will consider being a donor for Doug. May the Lord bless that person and I thank everyone for prayers and consideration of this request. May the Lord bless those that repost this request? Love to all.

Dean Stuyvesant

THE DEVIL IS GAINING GROUND

THE DEVIL IS GAINING GROUND

I am writing this article as a witness of my Christian belief that the Bible is the infallible Word of God. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, He inspired men to write what God instructed for the welfare of His creation. Since God created man with a free will to choose their destiny, we have the privilege to choose the pathway of life as we desire.

In the past year, I have witnessed political rancor and bitterness of feelings towards the President of the United States of America as I have never seen in my 60 years as a voter. I have had the privilege of voting for eleven presidents beginning with Dwight D. Eisenhower.

I support the First Amendment of the Constitution. Although the First Amendment to the Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech,” Americans don’t have the luxury of always saying whatever they want. Your right to free speech is limited by where you are, what you say, and how you say it. Now, it appears that we must be extra careful because of political correctness.

My point is to be a Christian witness over political ideology. According to the Bible, we are given instructions by God so that we can live a peaceful life here on earth. Where the problems come into play are because the instructions in the Bible are ignored.

Romans 13, it says “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.

1st Peter 2:13, 14 and 17. 13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and praise those who do good…17 Honor everyone. Love the Brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor Peter goes on to talk about also honoring your boss as well as being willing to suffer for doing good. Those are not easy things to put into practice.

Ecclesiastes 10: 20. Don’t bad-mouth your leaders, not even under your breath, and don’t abuse your betters, even in the privacy of your home. Loose talk has a way of getting picked up and spread around. Little birds drop the crumbs of your gossip far and wide.

There are stern warnings from God concerning our speech. Matthew 12:37 says; “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

Following is a list of words that the Bible considers sin. Do you connect any of the words with our present political arena? How about with our news media? How about people?

“Gossip” – “Rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature.”

“Rumor” – “Unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth; hearsay.”

“Slander” – “The utterance of defamatory statements injurious to the reputation or well-being of a person. … A malicious statement or report.”

“Backbite” – “To speak spitefully or slanderously about (a person).”

“Talebearer” – “A person who spreads malicious stories or gossip.”

“Rail” – “To condemn or attack in bitter, harsh, or abusive language…”

“Revile” – “To denounce with abusive language.”

Have you ever been a victim of false statements? I have and it is not a situation that I would wish on anyone. Fortunately, Jesus was with me and I was exonerated of the false statements. Some people accuse others of doing wrong when they do not know it to be true.

I believe that the deterioration of our great country is due to Satan’s influence of deceit. It all began when God was taken out of daily lives. Today, it continues to be an ongoing trend with a greater influence. Is the devil gaining ground in his war against Christianity and the foundations that America was built on?  Satan has got us spending so much time on judging others that we have lost our prospective of life.

According to Romans 3:23. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. That is why God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. According to Acts 4:12, neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

So, is there a solution to the way our country is going? Yes, if we would follow God’s instructions in His Holy Word, the Bible..

2 Chronicles 7:14, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Mark 12: 30-31, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

I look forward to the day that America and the world will experience a revival and many will come to Jesus Christ and His salvation. Hopefully many will do so soon. I pray that you will consider the Lords invitation as He loves you and so do I.

THE WORDS YOU SPEAK, THAT’S WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE.

THE WORDS YOU SPEAK, THAT’S WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE.

Before I begin my topic, I want to wish all a Happy New Year. For those that have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, may the Lord bless you with the desires of your heart? For those that haven’t, may you consider the invitation of Jesus to enter into His eternal gift of salvation? It is a free gift with many promises. The most important is eternal life with Him in His kingdom.

I have written a blog sometime back similar to this. With some, they are able to control their tongue, others speak like the words come from a cesspool. The Bible tells us that we will account for what we speak according to Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the Day of Judgment. Also in Proverbs 6:2 (NKJ) it says; you are snared by the words of your own mouth, you are taken by the words of your mouth.

Words are powerful, they can get you into trouble, and you can curse others of which the devil can then place on a person. You can speak ungodly things and consider them innocent. I ask you, does God? Whether you are a Christian or not you will be held accountable for every idle word regardless if it slipped out of your mouth or not. When you have true faith in Christ it produces obedience. If a Christian is guilty of such behavior, they need to confess and repent and receive God’s forgiveness.

When you speak aloud, the Devil can take your words and put them into action. Most people don’t realize that Satan is the one who increases the problem. When you confess to being a Christian, you cannot praise the Lord one day and speak against God or someone the next. Christians should not willfully practice sin. I know that there are going to be some that will say it is no big deal. I believe that if it wasn’t a big deal, then God would not have made a point of telling us that we need to tame our tongue according to the Book of James.

Jesus said that you will have what you say. It will depend on you faith or your doubt or whether you have His salvation or not. Those that have not received Jesus’ invitation for salvation cannot expect to receive His blessings. On the other hand, you can believe on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and enjoy His blessings according to Mark 11:23 (NKJV) For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.

Oh, what a promise. Is there any reason to do otherwise? There is a lot we don’t understand but we must realize that we are responsible for our own destiny. You must know that God loves you more than you love yourself. He already proved this by sacrificing His Son for our sins and Jesus shedding His blood to cover them.

We are entering a new year and you can add a new resolution that you would consider receiving Jesus Christ’s invitation of salvation. If you do, God and the Heavenly Kingdom will rejoice. I love you and pray you don’t delay in making the most important decision of your life.

REPOST

TO: All my family, friends and followers.

I’m asking for your assistance by reposting this request to everyone you know and they repost it in hopes of keeping it front and center. This request is for my dear Christian friends Roy and Pat Battles’ son Doug who is in need of a liver transplant. He has been waiting over a year for a donor. I realize the hesitation for people to come forth but I believe there is not any greater satisfaction than giving another human being a chance for life. The Battles reside in Greenville, PA

I pray that all that read this message will do what they can to help Doug. You can find additional information by looking at “Let’s find Doug Battles a Liver.’ There are many references on the internet as what is involved in being a donor.

I thank everyone for their time and assistance in this request. May the Lord bless you.

Dean Stuyvesant

Jesus Is The Way.

THINGS THAT WON’T GET YOU INTO HEAVEN:

Good Works, Baptism, Church, Religion, Sunday School, Charity, Money, Mass, Communion, Parents, Political Affiliation, Denomination, Friends, Positive Thinking, and Just Being A Good Person.

THINGS THAT WILL GET YOU INTO HEAVEN:

JESUS CHRIST

Do you know Jesus? Have you fully trusted Him and only Him for your Salvation?

Here are a few Bible verses that confirm the above statement. You can believe or just ignore them. God’s Word does not lie.

John 3:3 (KJV) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 3:16 (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Acts 4:12 (KJV) 12 neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 16:31 (KJV) 31 and they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Romans 10:9 (KJV) that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

1 John 5:11-12 (KJV) 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

According to the Bible, Jesus is the only way to spend eternity in God’s Kingdom. I pray that you will consider His invitation. God loves you and I love you.

IN CHRIST

“IN CHRIST”

When you see these words, what does it mean to you? There are 160 identity “in Christ” verses in the Bible. From the Book of Romans through Philemon it is identified in the New King James Version 83 times, in the King James Version it is mentioned 81 times and in the Book of Philemon it is mentioned in one chapter 3 times. In the Book of Ephesians, “in Christ” is mentioned at least 27 times. For God to mention this so many times, it must be very important.

I believe that God is showing us that there has to be a special relationship, a vital union through faith between Jesus Christ and you. In order for this to take place, Jesus in His own words tells us in John 3:3 – 8, you must be born again. When this takes place you enter into the spiritual realm. A new birth into the spiritual realm is an act of God. Without this new birth, you remain in the physical realm. You have to understand that God is Spirit. That is why when Jesus was taken into Heaven, He gave us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit communicates with humans in the spiritual realm. A human being is made up of a body, soul, and spirit.

When you live in the physical realm, self and pride rule your body and soul. You need to realize that the flesh is a destroyer. It is all temporary. As long as you continue to listen and follow your fleshly desires, you will continue to serve them. Satan controls the physical realm for now. He lies and convinces people that it is Ok to live this way.

If you study God’s Word you will know that dying to self is vital to living the Christian life. It is the reality of the new birth in the spiritual realm. No one can come to Jesus Christ unless they are willing to crucify the old life and begin to live “in Christ.” You must come to a determination not to live for oneself and live “in Christ.” It means that you need to have a mental check and be truthful with where your life is headed.

Satan receives his authority from those who are not under the blood of Jesus Christ. Satan works his power through people that give into his temptations and desires. Just look at the condition of our world today. When a person has not or does not put themselves “in Christ,” they are putting themselves in the devil’s hand.

I believe from my own personal experiences that God through Jesus Christ has given me authority over Satan and his demons, evil spirits and his followers. I will admit that I don’t use it as much as I should. One of my experiences is in an article that I wrote titled Faith vs. Cancer. You may be able to access with your browser.

According to Jesus in the Gospel of Mark 11:12 – 26 He said that what so ever you desire when you pray, “believe,” or in other words have faith in the promises of what God. Also in the Gospel of Mark 10:18 KJV it says; Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. The aforementioned verses are just two of the many promises that God has given to those who receive His Son, Jesus Christ as their Savior. You must be born again and enter into the spiritual realm. This where your spirit comes together with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit becomes an intercessor and presents your prayers to God. This is one of the steps to having prayers answered. Have you prayed and it seems that there is no answer to your prayer. You need to understand that God is in the spiritual realm. When you are “in Christ,” God has given you all that He has given Jesus. To some this may be hard to understand. God has given you the freedom to choose your destiny and the benefits that go with your choice.

Look closely at Ephesians 2: 8 KJV where it says for by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God. Vs 9, Not of works, lest any man should boast. God provides the grace and you must put action in faith. Many separate these two words. Beginning in Genesis through Revelation God is looking for those that have faith in Him, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit and God’s Holy Word. Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith requires action on our part. Could this be the reason so many prayers don’t see an answer.

There is so much more to this subject. I recommend that you read and study God’s Word so that you can come to know the truth and the truth will set you free. In our world today many terrible things are taking place and God is getting a lot of the blame. In defense of God and He doesn’t need it, God is a god who loves us so much that He gave His Son to die for our sins. I ask all those who blame God, would you sacrifice your son for other people’s sins and express your unconditional love? Love of God and others seems to be something we talk about but there is little action. Our faith in God requires action on our part. Maybe then we will come to be “in Christ.” Love to all.

OUR WILL OR GOD’S WILL?

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OUR WILL OR GOD’S WILL?

Do you have difficulty choosing between the affairs of the world, family and what God has commanded in the Bible? More often than not, we must choose. I know from experience that I have put God second and later regretted it beyond words.

We must come to understand that in order for things to go right in our lives, we must put our priorities in the right order. You may say that is easier said than done. No, it is not. God has made it very simple if you just follow His instructions. What needs to happen is that you realize that you are to die to self (your desires). Your fleshly desires come from Satan. Satan wants you ignore God and do your own thing. It is called yielding to temptation or the desires of your heart. Because God did not want to force HIS will on you, He gave you a free will to make your own choices. You are in charge of your own destiny and the consequences that come with the choices you make.

Let us look at what the Bible has to say: First, in the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 6:5,  “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” All of one’s heart, soul, and strength is to be committed to loving God, making Him the first priority. By the word “all,” the instructions are very clear.

(Exodus 20:2-3). “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me”

God does not want us to place anything before Him. His desire is that we worship Him and Him alone. He must come first in our lives.

Now, look at what is said in the New Testament: Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. What things? All the good things that God has promised in the Scriptures, around 4000 0f them. They are yours if you turn your life over to Jesus.

Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; and it shall opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

This means everything that God has is yours and God has everything. When you get your priority backward — putting other things first — you miss God’s plan.

The most important command is to love God with all your being. As with all His commands, God does not give this for His benefit, but for your benefit. Putting God first will bless you, improving your life and well-being. Leaving God out of our planning is unwise. This includes every aspect of your life down to the finest detail. If you are determined to follow Jesus and obey Him, don’t allow anything other than Jesus Christ to be your highest priority.

Overcoming our selfish nature and replacing it with God’s character should be uppermost in our minds. As Christ taught: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

If you want to love people and help people then love God and His love will flow through you and result in a love that cannot come from you alone. The biblical balance is allowing God to empower us to meet all of our priorities.

I pray that all who read this realize that there is no room in God’s world for neutrality. If God is God, then follow Him. If there are other gods in your life, follow them. Look at the words that Jesus spoke as written in the last book of the Bible. Revelation 3:15-16 (NASB) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold or hot; I would that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot or cold, I will spit you out of my mouth

What are your thoughts when you read these verse?

God loves you so much that He gave His Son to die for your sins. All God want from you is for you to love Him. I do and I love all of you.