Promises

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.

SHARING MY FAITH

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SHARING MY FAITH

In 84 years + I have faced death, injuries, and health problems that have caused me to wonder why I am still around. The reason I believe is my God and Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ have always been with me even though I have not always been with them.  I have come to understand that I have a very loving Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus who took my sins to the cross so I may have a new life in Him.

Not only did Jesus give me a new life but I became a joint heir to all that is His. Part of that inheritance is sharing my faith with others regarding the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus suffered and died on the Cross of Calvary for every human being. He was buried and on the third day He rose from the dead. He now sits at the right hand of God the Heavenly Father waiting to return and claim His Bride who are the ones who confess Jesus and believe He is Lord. I do.

Another part of that inheritance comes with what God says in the following verses in Psalms, Chapter 91, NLT during these pandemic times. I believe with all my heart and from experience that if you believe and have faith, God will take care of you especially during these troubled times.

Psalms 91 NLT

1 I live in the shelter of the Most High so I will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

3 For he will rescue me from every trap and protect me from deadly disease.

4 He will cover me with his feathers. He will shelter me with his wings. His faithful promises are my armor and protection

5 I will not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.

6 I will not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

7 Though a thousand fall at my side, though ten thousand are dying around me, these evils will not touch me.

8 I can just open my eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.

9 I make the LORD my refuge, I make the Most High my shelter,

10 so no evil will conquer me; no plague will come near my home.

11 For he will order his angels to protect me wherever I go.

12 They will hold me up with their hands so I won’t even hurt my foot on a stone.

13 I will trample upon lions and cobras; I will crush fierce lions and serpents under my feet!

14 The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.

15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.

16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

So, there you have the promises of God and the Bible has many more. He has done His part; the rest is up to you. You do not have to face life’s problems alone. God is full of love for you, His creation.

Surrender your life to Jesus and enjoy what God has already given you. I have and I give praise and  glory to Him. Love to all.

THE BIBLE

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THE BIBLE

The title goes by several other names such as: Scripture, the Good Book, God’s word, the Word, the Scriptures, the Holy Scriptures, the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Torah, the Canon, the Testaments, Sacred History, the Writings of the Apostles and Prophets, Holy Writ, the Holy Bible, the Word of God, Testament, the Book.

Today, there are several translations to choose from for your own personal preference. The excuse that the Bible is hard to read is not valid since there are translations that a child can read and understand. Personally I prefer the King James Version because it is closer to the original manuscripts although I have several translation and use them all in preparations of my blogs. The Bible is comprised of 66 books. It is divided into the Old Testament which contains 39 books and the New Testament which contains 27 books.

The author of the Bible is the Holy Spirit who inspired men chosen by God to write God’s instructions for how we should live our lives here on earth. It is the starting point so every person can understand the will of God for their life. We need to understand that you have a free will that God has granted each one of us. In other words you make your choices in this life with or without God’s guidance. Every aspect of life is covered in the Bible and God’s desire is that you would follow his Book of Instruction, the Bible.

In order for you to understand what the Bible is saying, you need to realize a very important factor. Human beings were created by God with a body, soul, and spirit. Your body and soul are guided by the carnal senses of touch, smell, hearing, sight, and taste. I believe that a majority of people are under the influence of the senses and not under the influence of the Holy Spirit. All you have to do is look at the way the world is going.

The Bible is the divine revelations of God. In order for you to have an understanding of what the Bible is saying, your spirit must come under the guidance of the Holy Spirit since He is the author.

You also must understand that the Bible is alive and active. According to Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart

There must be a transformation take place in your life in order for God to reveal His purpose for your life in Christ. One of the first steps a person must take is found in Romans 10:9 (NKJV) 9 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. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Also in Galatians 2:20 (NIV) I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Let’s look at a very important factor regarding God and His Way. God is Spirit. His method of communication is mainly through the Spirit. With that in mind you need to realize that is why He created you with a spirit so that He can communicate with you and you with Him. If you attempt to communicate with God through the 5 senses or what is referred to as the flesh, I believe that is why so many people become discouraged or fail to realize that the communication line is broken because God speaks through the Spirit.

Remember that the Bible was written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In order for you to get the full benefit of what the Bible says, you must activate your spirit to connect with the Holy Spirit in order to come to an understanding of what God is saying to you.

As stated before, the Bible is alive and active. Look at John 6:63 (NIV) The Spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.  

Let’s look further at Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. The key word here is “all.” A lot of what a person is seeking from God is lost because they seek with a lack of knowledge of what God says in His Word they should do.

An example of this is found in Proverbs 4:20-22 (NKJV) 20 My son, give attention to my words, Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to all your flesh.

Also, look at what 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) says: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The majority of unanswered prayers, health situations, financial problems, marital problems, job problems or whatever the case may be is the result of not knowing what God’s life manual, the Bible, has instructed you to follow. The Bible is clear on the fact that when you receive Jesus Christ into your life as your Savior and then make Him Lord of your life, you become joint heirs with Jesus. Did you notice that there are two parts in the previous sentence for you to follow? The first one gets you into Heaven where the second one produces the benefits of God’s blessings, both spiritual and physical here on earth.

When the Bible is described as “living” it means that God is revealing His purpose and His vision to us as if He is speaking verbally to us. When you study the Bible, it brings about a supernatural change in a person. If you expect answers, you must read, study and memorize the Bible. According to Romans 10:17 (KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. If a Bible sits somewhere and is rarely opened, don’t expect much to change in your life because you will never get the message. You will continue to rely on your 5 senses for guidance in life. God expects you to apply His word to your life so you can live victorious.

In order to come to an understanding of what the Bible is teaching, you may need to enlist the help of a Concordance or Bible dictionary or some of the many books that are available. You will be amazed at the transformation that will come about when you dwell on God’s word. I am speaking from experience.

We need to realize that bad things don’t come from God. God is love and to prove it, He sacrificed His son so you may live and not die because of sin. If the devil is in your life in any way, you and you alone gave him access to your life. Remember God gave you a free will to choose your way in life. Look at what is said in Hosea 4:6 (NKJV) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. The devil is out to destroy us and he will succeed because of our ignorance of God’s word. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NKJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith.

The Bible is very clear in its teachings. Sickness, death, poverty, sadness, hatred, strife, etc. are not in Heaven. All of the aforementioned and all bad stuff is an oppression of the devil. How can anyone believe that a God of love who is willing to give you His blessings believe otherwise? If you have let the devil come into your life in a small way, you become susceptible to his way. Neglecting God’s word is a prime target letting the devil to enter into your life. You are not able to fight him off with your human abilities because he is spirit. Read Ephesians 6:10-18 with regards to putting on the full armor of God. James 4:7 (NKJV) offers more advice; submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

You have a part to play in cooperating with God in order to see His will come to pass in your life here on earth. In order for your spiritual life to grow you must feed it just like you need to feed you physical life. The Bible is your spiritual food. If you neglect it just like your physical body, it will deteriorate. According to Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) But He answered and said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by the word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

You can neglect God and His word and still exist. The problem is that you will not enjoy life the way God intended. The majority of your life will seem negative. The main excuse that people use is “ I don’t have time.” I cannot buy that excuse because of the technology that exist today. There are many ways you can enjoy God’s word if you want a renewed heart or you can live your life as it is.

There is so much to share on this subject. It is said that the Bible has over 4000 promises God wants to share with you. Jesus shares one in John 16:33 (NIV) I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:23 (NKJV) Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you.

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Ephesians 2:8 (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God. You cannot earn salvation by working for it because it is a gift from God to those who believe on His Son.

I pray that the readers of this blog will turn their life over to Jesus and receive the blessings that God offers through His Word. Let the Bible guide your life and not let the world (devil) rob you of eternal life in God’s Kingdom.

Why? Because God loves you and so do I.

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.

FIND OUT WHY GOD LOVES YOU?

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FIND OUT WHY GOD LOVES YOU?

According to statictics, this time of the year seems to bring out depression in people’s lives. They don’t feel they can survive through another day. Their friendships seem to go astray. It appears that loved ones hurt us more during this time of the year than any other time. Finances weigh heavily this time of the year. Many are overtaken by some type of health problem or sickness. There seems to be an increase in the loss of a loved one. Suicides increase. People feel that their dreams are shattered.

I believe that the main reason for all this is the devil. He wants us to turn against God with our doubt, fears, worries, and anything else he can get us to think about. The more he can get you to concentrate on self the more likely he is to cause you lay blame on God. Satan’s attacks seem to be more this time of year because we look upon God’s gift to us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ who will later become our sacrifice for our sins.

What we need to realize, God loves us more than we love ourselves. God is always there for you. He will take you through the toughest of times if you let Him. The thing you have to understand is, when God created you, He gave you a free will. You are responsible for all the decisions you make in life. God is not going to rule your life.

The only solution is in Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us in the Gospel of John 3:3 that Jesus Himself said that we are to be born again. If you trust God always, never lose faith and hold onto hope you will have all that God has promised. Although I am not any where near what I want my relationship with Jesus to be, I have experienced several of His miraculous promises of which has drawn me closer and closer to Him. Until I realized how much God loves me even though I am a sinner, He still blesses me. In order to receive His blessings, I had to surrender myself and my desires and enter into God’s spiritual realm through His spiritual rebirth. I cannot tell you what revelations of God’s Word (the Bible) have opened up and continue to show me the truth that He gives us. When you give yourself to God, all that He has is now available to you.

I present this message to everyone as I am Bible Believing, Born Again Disciple of Jesus Christ and not just a Christian. As every day that passes, you draw closer to meeting your Creator. Is your name written in the Book of Life? Love to all.

WHERE IS YOUR BIBLE?

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WHERE IS YOUR BIBLE?

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If you have a Bible and I’m assuming you do as a poll shows that almost everyone has at least one Bible and some have at least four, where is it? Is it hidden away or on a shelf gathering dust? A poll shows that people realize that the Bible has value that would help them in their daily lives and spiritually, but they just don’t read it. The majority (57%) only read the Bible four times a year or less and then only in a crises. Only (26%) read it more often. What category do you fall in? You may ask, how many Bibles do I have, dozens, and many different translations along with many study aids such as commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, etc.

It is evident that America is in a moral decline. It appears that the Bible has little influence on our society today. According to a poll, a third of our population believe that the moral decline is due to lack of reading the Bible. I have to agree as in my almost 80 years, I have witnessed events that have altered the course of this country. I remember when I was in school, we learned the Lord’s Prayer, pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, learned patriotic songs of our country. We crossed our hearts when the Star Spangled Banner was played or removed our hats when the great USA Flag went by. In just my short span in life, there has been disregard for such things and is growing worse each day.

Our younger generation (18 – 28) seem to be moving away from having any connection with the Bible. It may be due to fact that parents ‘are too busy’ with their own desires that have neglected the importance of the Bible. Regardless of the reason, we are becoming a nation of biblical illiterates. The general pattern is evident in the way people are compromising God’s standards in areas of homosexuality, marriage, drugs and alcohol use, sexuality, language, and the list goes on and on.

I want to share a few Bible verses that may show how important the Bible is:

Matthew 4:4 (NIV) 4 Jesus answered, it is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

John 15:7 (NIV) if you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) for the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

1 Peter 2:2 (NIV) like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.

I want to add that the Bible has an answer for any subject that you may have a question. It is important that you realize that in order for you to understand the true meaning of God’s Word you must have given yourself to Jesus Christ by a born again experience. The truth of this can be found in the Gospel of John chapter 3 especially in verses 3 thru 7 and it comes from Jesus himself. In order for a person to know the truth of the Bible, they must have the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit only comes to those that have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Notice that I included Lord as that is what Christ expects to be in your life. Don’t be misled by thinking that you can worship God and worldly things at the same time. It has to be one or the other as God is a jealous God.

Today, pick up that Bible and read what God is saying to everyone. If you have a hard to understand or hard to read Bible, get yourself an easy to understand version of the Bible so you are not discouraged and neglect one of the most important areas of your life. Love to all.