Wednesday, March 30, 2016

The Perfect Place To Be!


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What I mean is that we have a high priest who sits at the right side of God’s great throne in heaven.  He also serves as the priest in the most holy place inside the real tent there in heaven. This tent of worship was set up by the Lord, not by humans.  Since all priests must offer gifts and sacrifices, Christ also needed to have something to offer.  If he were here on earth, he would not be a priest at all, because here the Law appoints other priests to offer sacrifices.  But the tent where they serve is just a copy and a shadow of the real one in heaven. Before Moses made the tent, he was told, “Be sure to make it exactly like the pattern you were shown on the mountain!”

Hebrews 8:1-5

 I will  not be surprised if Heaven appears strangely familiar to those of us who have lived on this earth.  The "Tabernacle" in Heaven will look like the one here on earth.  And humans themselves, were made in the image of God!

The Bible talks about streets in Heaven and don't forget the Marriage Supper of the Lamb!  There will be trees and fruit on those trees.  There will be music and singing as the multitudes praise and worship God!  

In Heaven we will live in a place prepared for us by Jesus, the Master Carpenter.  

There will be some things missing as well.  No pain, sorrow, suffering, sickness or death will ever be known in Heaven.  

But if you enjoy the beautiful things of this earth, you will certainly be blessed in Heaven and find it THE PERFECT PLACE TO BE!

"Lord Jesus, thank You for letting us enjoy here on this earth things that are like Heaven will be!  Help me today to think more about what it will be like to live with You forever.  And may Your Name always be praised.  Amen."

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

The Crowd Called for God's Will!



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During Passover, Pilate always freed one prisoner chosen by the people.  And at that time there was a prisoner named Barabbas. He and some others had been arrested for murder during a riot.  The crowd now came and asked Pilate to set a prisoner free, just as he usually did.  Pilate asked them, “Do you want me to free the king of the Jews?”  Pilate knew that the chief priests had brought Jesus to him because they were jealous.  But the chief priests told the crowd to ask Pilate to free Barabbas.  Then Pilate asked the crowd, “What do you want me to do with this man you say is the king of the Jews?”  They yelled, “Nail him to a cross!”  Pilate asked, “But what crime has he done?”  “Nail him to a cross!” they yelled even louder.  Pilate wanted to please the crowd. So he set Barabbas free. Then he ordered his soldiers to beat Jesus with a whip and nail him to a cross. 

Mark 15:6-15

The crowd that yelled "Crucify Him" did not know that they were asking for the very thing that God Himself wanted!  If they had spared Jesus from death, they would have condemned themselves to Hell!

It is the ultimate example of "all things working together for the good" of those who love the Lord.  So never assume that getting rid of evil in the world is the only way to promote the Will of God on earth!  God will accomplish His work on earth whether the king is wicked or righteous!  You can be sure of that and be at peace!

"Lord Jesus, thank You that even when the crowd yells 'Crucify Him' Your will is being done in all things!  And may You be praised forever.  Amen."

Monday, March 28, 2016

Seeing the Spiritual World!



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An evil spirit that looked like a frog came out of the mouth of the dragon. One also came out of the mouth of the beast, and another out of the mouth of the false prophet. These evil spirits had the power to work miracles. They went to every king on earth, to bring them together for a war against God All-Powerful. But that will be the day of God’s great victory.  Remember that Christ says, “When I come, it will surprise you like a thief! But God will bless you, if you are awake and ready. Then you won’t have to walk around naked and be ashamed.”

Revelation 16:13-15

God let John see things in the Spiritual world that men cannot see with human eyes.  As you come to know Jesus better and recognize Him in the events of your day you will also come to see the battles that are going on around you in the world of the Spirit!

When a baby is born, his perception of the world around him is quite small.  At first he is only aware of his mother and his hunger and thirst.  As he grows and ultimately becomes a man his view of things expands dramatically.

It is the same with a follower of Jesus.  When you are "born again" your vision and understanding may only include your view of Jesus and your own needs.  Then as you grow, you come to see more of the world of the Spirit, until you ultimately, like John did when he wrote Revelation, begin to see how what happens in heaven and what happens on earth are totally connected .

Remember, God is working His will in everything you see around you.  And the struggles that you have are not with  "flesh and blood" but with principalities, powers and powers of the air."

"Lord Jesus, open my eyes today to see the world around me with Your eyes so that I may not despair.  Show me again that "all things" do work together for good to those who love You!  And may You, Lord Jesus be praised forever.  Amen." 

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Believe in What Jesus Will Do!



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Although Thomas the Twin was one of the twelve disciples, he wasn't with the others when Jesus appeared to them. So they told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But Thomas said, “First, I must see the nail scars in his hands and touch them with my finger. I must put my hand where the spear went into his side. I won’t believe unless I do this!”

A week later the disciples were together again. This time, Thomas was with them. Jesus came in while the doors were still locked and stood in the middle of the group. He greeted his disciples  and said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands! Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and have faith!”

Thomas replied, “You are my Lord and my God!”

Jesus said, “Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!”

Jesus worked many other miracles for his disciples, and not all of them are written in this book.  But these are written so that you will put your faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. If you have faith in him, you will have true life.

John 20:24-31

Do you have faith in Jesus Christ?  You may say "Oh yes, I believe in who He is and what He did on the Cross."  But I would ask, "Is your faith only in what He did and not in what He will do?"  

You see, you can believe everything that the Bible says about Jesus as historical facts and not trust Jesus to help you in living your life today!

It is good that you believe the account of the life of Jesus as recorded in the Bible, but the essential part of living the Christian life is trusting Jesus for His help today!  If you believe only in what Jesus did and not in what He will do you only believe half of the story!

"Lord Jesus, help me today to believe not only in what You did on the Cross, but also in what You will do in my life today!  May You be praised forever.  Amen."

Saturday, March 26, 2016

The Day Before Jesus Returns!


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There was a man named Joseph, who was from Arimathea in Judea. Joseph was a good and honest man, and he was eager for God’s kingdom to come. He was also a member of the council, but he did not agree with what they had decided.
Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body.  He took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in fine cloth. Then he put it in a tomb that had been cut out of solid rock and had never been used.  It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin.[h]
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and watched how Jesus' body was placed in the tomb.  Then they went to prepare some sweet-smelling spices for his burial. But on the Sabbath they rested, as the Law of Moses commands.
Luke 23:50-56

The morning after Jesus was put in the tomb by Joseph of Arimathea our Lord was still there!  Sadness overwhelmed the hearts of the disciples.  That Saturday morning brought no joy with the rising of the sun.  There is no record of anyone waiting and hoping for the resurrection of Jesus on that dreariest of days.  

Things had not gone the way the followers of Jesus expected.  They had seen Jesus heal the sick and even raise the dead, but now Jesus was dead and there was no one able to say "Jesus come forth" from the tomb as Jesus had said to Lazarus!

The day before the Resurrection of Jesus may have been a lot like the day will be before His Return to earth.  His followers were not ready to give up and lose faith in Him, but they had no idea how it was going to work out!

If today were the day before the Return of Jesus, I think we would feel same.  We have seen the spread of His Kingdom around the world and the power of His Word touching the hardest hearts of all.  The spiritually dead are raised to life and the sin sick are healed!  But now it looks very dark on planet earth!

Remember, Jesus rose from the grave and He will Return again!  His Return is sure and certain.  No matter how dark the day before He returns, Jesus will come again!  And then the joy will last forever!

"Lord Jesus, give me the grace to live this day as if it were the day before Your Return!  And may You be praised forever.  Amen."

Friday, March 25, 2016

Wash Me Jesus!



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Jesus knew that he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power.  So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.  But when he came to Simon Peter, that disciple asked, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You don’t really know what I am doing, but later you will understand.”  “You will never wash my feet!” Peter replied. “If I don’t wash you,” Jesus told him, “you don’t really belong to me.”

John 13:3-8


I remember when I was a small child my mother would wash my face.  It was never a pleasant experience.  I always thought she rubbed my face to hard with the wash cloth, and frankly I didn't understand the need for it.  But now, years later with six children and twenty two grandchildren, I understand completely why my face needed to be washed!

Jesus says that if I belong to Him I will let Him wash me.  Jesus doesn't just wash my face, rather He washes wherever my life is stained by sin.  And Jesus is the only One who can completely remove the filth of this world from my heart!

Peter didn't want to let Jesus wash his feet, and so often I don't want to let Jesus wash away the corruption of this world that tries to pull me away from Him.  Let Jesus wash you today and show everyone that you belong to Jesus!

"Lord Jesus, I need your cleansing power in my life today and everyday.  Wash me so that I may stand spotless before You, my Lord and my God!  Amen."

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Don't Worship the Messenger!


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Then I was told: These words are true and can be trusted. The Lord God controls the spirits of his prophets, and he is the one who sent his angel to show his servants what must happen right away.  Remember, I am coming soon! God will bless everyone who pays attention to the message of this book.  My name is John, and I am the one who heard and saw these things. Then after I had heard and seen all this, I knelt down and began to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown it to me.  But the angel said, Don’t do that! I am a servant, just like you. I am the same as a follower or a prophet or anyone else who obeys what is written in this book. God is the one you should worship. 

 Revelation 22:6-9 

Are you shocked at your own spiritual weakness? Perhaps you should not be. Here, John the Apostle had been shown all the glorious scenes that became the Book of Revelation and then he bowed down to worship at the feet of the angel who brought the message. 

John was tempted to worship someone other than God and he was scolded for it! 

If you are strong in the Lord and daily hearing His voice and seeing the things of God that others do not see let your heart be warned! You may also be tempted to fall down and worship at the feet of the one who delivers the message from Heaven. 

Remember, the greatest man or woman of God who has ever lived is not worthy of even one second of your worship! 

"Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me so much of the message of Heaven. Give me the wisdom and strength to worship only You and not the one who brought the message! May You be praised forever. Amen."

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Listen to the Holy Spirit!



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Everyone was going to be punished because Adam sinned. But because of the good thing that Christ has done, God accepts us and gives us the gift of life. Adam disobeyed God and caused many others to be sinners. But Jesus obeyed him and will make many people acceptable to God.

Romans 5:18-19


When you sin, it is not the "Devil who makes you do it." The Bible says that it is Adam's fault! Adam chose to disobey God and from that First Man you and I inherited the "fallen nature" that prefers sin over righteousness.

The solution to the sin problem is not self-control or self discipline. It is not laws and rules. Sin is not cured by swift and certain punishment. All those things have been and continue to be tried by those who don't know Jesus. They all may seem to work at first, but none of them solves the problem of sin.

There is an answer, and that answer is Jesus Christ. When you give your heart to Jesus, He changes you and by His Holy Spirit enables you to walk without sinning! All you must do is listen to the Holy Spirit and do what He says! Then you will be always ready to stand before the Throne wrapped in the Righteousness of Jesus!

"Lord Jesus, everything good in my life comes from You and is because of Your sacrifice. I will praise You forever for Your marvelous gift to mankind! Amen."

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

You Cannot Share Your Faith!


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If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord’s followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves.  We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them.

Romans 15:1-2


Are you patient with people whose faith is weaker than yours?  There is a real temptation for those with strong faith to ridicule others whose faith is not so strong!  These verses tell us that we must try to please those with weaker faith, not criticize them.

And of course, even if your faith is strong, there are those whose faith is stronger!  How do they treat you?  A man or woman of faith that is greater than yours will treat you with respect.  You will be encouraged to "keep on" growing in the Lord. 

But when you look at the life of a stronger brother you will sometimes be confused about what you see.  In the same circumstance as his you know that you would probably not act the same.  So we have a responsibility to respect the faith of those who are weaker in faith and those who are stronger.

Faith is one side of your relationship with Jesus.  In a real sense you cannot "share your faith," you can only encourage others to have faith that is their own!

"Lord Jesus, help me to trust You more everyday and encourage everyone I meet today to do the same.  May You be praised forever.  Amen."

Monday, March 21, 2016

Don't Forget the Worm!


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Jonah was really upset and angry.  So he prayed: Our Lord, I knew from the very beginning that you wouldn’t destroy Nineveh. That’s why I left my own country and headed for Spain. You are a kind and merciful God, and you are very patient. You always show love, and you don’t like to punish anyone, not even foreigners. Now let me die! I’d be better off dead. The Lord replied, “What right do you have to be angry? Jonah then left through the east gate of the city and made a shelter to protect himself from the sun. He sat under the shelter, waiting to see what would happen to Nineveh. The Lord made a vine grow up to shade Jonah’s head and protect him from the sun. Jonah was very happy to have the vine,  but early the next morning the Lord sent a worm to chew on the vine, and the vine dried up.

Jonah 4:1-7


The story of Jonah would not be the same if God had not sent the worm to chew on the vine that had grown up to shade Jonah from the sun.  It is really quite remarkable that God "sent a worm."  I guess that means that God talks to worms and gives them directions about what to do in their lives!

It is also important that God did not send a lion, a tiger, an elephant or even a horse to chew on the vine.  All those animals are strong and impressive and certainly could have destroyed the vine at God's command.  But rather God sent a worm.  So even if you are as small and powerless as a worm, God can use you to accomplish His will on this earth!

Remember, until the end of time and beyond that little worm will be part of the story of Jonah.  The other living creature in the story of Jonah was the Great Fish that swallowed him.  And of course that fish will be remembered as well, but don't forget the worm.

So if you look at yourself and see nothing greater than a worm, do not despair.  Remember the worm in the story of Jonah and listen for the voice of God! 

"Lord Jesus, I am not a worm.  I am a human being created in Your image.  But even if I was just a worm I could hear Your voice and do Your will.  Help me today to listen for Your voice so I can do Your will.  And may You, Lord Jesus be praised forever.  Amen."

Friday, March 18, 2016

Just on the Horizon!



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My friends, we want you to understand how it will be for those followers who have already died. Then you won’t grieve over them and be like people who don’t have any hope.  We believe that Jesus died and was raised to life. We also believe that when God brings Jesus back again, he will bring with him all who had faith in Jesus before they died. Our Lord Jesus told us that when he comes, we won’t go up to meet him ahead of his followers who have already died.  With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God’s trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life.  Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever. Encourage each other with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18


When Jesus returns it will be the dawning of a New Day for everyone who is waiting for Him!  I usually get up before the sun comes up in the morning and it is true that those hours before sunrise seem to be the darkest of all.

Then the sky begins to lighten and even the birds sing because they  know that the coming of the sun is just on the horizon.

That's the way it is for followers of Jesus Christ.  We know that the coming of the Son is just on the horizon.  


He will come quickly, if you are very young or you have reached the number of years appointed to man.  As someone who has almost reached the three score and ten mark, I can tell you that all those years go by very quickly and then you must confront the joyous or stark reality that this life on earth is nearly gone!

If you are ready for the return of Jesus, then the prospect of seeing Him is a happy thought.  If you are not ready, this is the moment to turn your whole heart over to Jesus.  That is what He wants from you.  Give it to Jesus now!

"Lord Jesus I want to be filled with the joy of waiting for Your return.  Take the gift of my heart and open it to the wonders of loving You today.  And may You, Lord Jesus be praised forever.  Amen."

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

The Greatest Thing!



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God saved us and chose us to be his holy people. We did nothing to deserve this, but God planned it  because he is so kind.  Even before time began God planned for Christ Jesus to show kindness to us. Now Christ Jesus has come to show us the kindness of God. Christ our Savior defeated death and brought us the good news.  It shines like a light and offers life that never ends.

2 Timothy 1:9-10

It is foolish pride to believe that you can come to God and convince Him to give you eternal life because of the wonderful life you have lived here on earth! 

Before the beginning of time God made plans which included you!  You are not an afterthought or accident in the timeline of history!  You are part of God's plans from before the beginning of life on this earth! 

When we consider all the billions of men and women who have ever lived, it is important to recognize that every one of them was planned and created by God Himself.  Then God, who desired that we respond to His love by loving Him freely decided that we would be given the freedom to reject Him!  The ultimate tragedy in the life of any man or woman is deciding to say "No" to the love of Jesus!

But the greatest victory and highest place of honor on this earth is the one who has given his heart to Jesus Christ and is on the path of loving Him forever!  It matters not whether you are in prison as Paul was when he wrote 2 Timothy, or whether you have the most exalted human position on earth.  Giving your heart and life to Jesus Christ is the greatest thing anyone on earth can ever do!
 

Lord Jesus, help me to see more clearly every day that You are all that matters in my life!  And may You, Lord Jesus be praised forever.  Amen.

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Just Say Yes!



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From Paul, chosen by God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.  To God’s people who live in Ephesus and are faithful followers of Christ Jesus.  I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!

Ephesians 1:1-2


Paul begins his letter to the Ephesian Christians by telling them that God had chosen him to be an apostle of Christ Jesus.  You see, being an apostle is not something you can choose for yourself.  No one can say, "now that I am a follower of Jesus I think I will be an apostle like Paul."

God's calling for Paul to be an apostle was a very special thing that God wanted him to do with his life.  That "special thing" was not a position of power and glory here on this earth.  The call was rather to sacrifice himself for the Gospel of Jesus.   Paul answered that call and spent the rest of his life living every moment in relationship with Jesus.

God's plans for Paul led him on a journey of daily service to Jesus that brought the Kingdom of God to the lives of countless millions of people over the past 2000 years!

God has plans for my life and yours just as He had for Paul.  Paul could not have known how his life would be used to spread the Gospel throughout the centuries and you cannot know what your faithful obedience to Jesus will produce in the lives of others!

Your job is to plant the Seeds of Righteousness by being obedient and faithful in every moment of this and every day. 

"Lord Jesus, help me to know that You have plans for me today.  Give me the courage to say 'Yes' to every prompting of Your Spirit.  And may You be praised forever.  Amen."

Friday, March 11, 2016

Waves on the Shore of Your Life!



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As a follower of the Lord, I order you to stop living like stupid, godless people. Their minds are in the dark, and they are stubborn and ignorant and have missed out on the life that comes from God. They no longer have any feelings about what is right,  and they are so greedy that they do all kinds of indecent things.  But that isn’t what you were taught about Jesus Christ. He is the truth, and you heard about him and learned about him.  You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits.  Let the Spirit change your way of thinking  and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.

Ephesians 4:17-24

If you have lived very long at all and you are awake, then you know that people and things change.  We live in a world of change.  Even as the sun and moon continue to move across the sky every man, woman and child on earth is moving toward God or away from Him. 

If you are not becoming more like Jesus, then you are becoming less like Him.  Life is like the ocean tides.  They are either coming in or going out.  Each wave on the shore comes so far, but the next one is either closer or farther away. 

So here is the essence of life for every person.  Either the Spirit of God will "change your way of thinking and make you into a new person" or Satan will change your way of thinking and pull you away from the Truth of God.  Every day you are moving one way or the other.  Live today and everyday so that every wave on the shore of your life will bring you closer to Jesus Christ.

"Lord Jesus, I want to be more like You when I go to sleep tonight than I was when I woke up this morning.  May You be praised forever.  Amen."

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Jesus Offers Amnesty!



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On the cross Christ did away with our hatred for each other. He also made peace between us and God by uniting Jews and Gentiles in one body.  Christ came and preached peace to you Gentiles, who were far from God, and peace to us Jews, who were near God.   And because of Christ, all of us can come to the Father by the same Spirit.  You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God. 

Ephesians 2:16-19

There is an ongoing controversy in the United States about "illegal immigrants."  They are sometimes called undocumented aliens.  The debate is about whether or not they should be provided a "path to citizenship" or deported to their home countries.  Then there are those who want to provide them with Amnesty.  One definition of Amnesty is "the act of a sovereign power officially forgiving certain classes of persons who are subject to trial but have not yet been convicted."

For those of us who have sinned against God, and that is all of us, Jesus offers Amnesty for our sins.  We deserve to be put on trial and most surely would be convicted, but Jesus intervened and made it possible for us to be "citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God."

Does that mean that everyone should grant Amnesty to all lawbreakers on this earth?  Certainly not!  It means that the power, importance, and eternal value of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ cannot ever be measured.  The Amnesty that Jesus offers you was not cheap and it was not easy, but it is complete and forever!

"Lord Jesus, thank You for not simply ignoring my sin.  Instead You paid the awful price to bring me to Your heart.  And may You be praised forever.  Amen."

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Written for You!


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When we told you about the power and the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling clever stories that someone had made up. But with our own eyes we saw his true greatness.  God, our great and wonderful Father, truly honored him by saying, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.”  We were there with Jesus on the holy mountain and heard this voice speak from heaven.  All of this makes us even more certain that what the prophets said is true. So you should pay close attention to their message, as you would to a lamp shining in some dark place. You must keep on paying attention until daylight comes and the morning star rises in your hearts.   But you need to realize that no one alone can understand any of the prophecies in the Scriptures.

2 Peter 1:16-20


When you read the words of a stranger, you miss much of the meaning of his writing because you don't know the author. 

Understanding the Words of the Bible is the same.  If you are without faith and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ the Bible is puzzling and perhaps even totally confusing.

Reading love letters that were not addressed to you may be instructive and even entertaining, but you will not be blessed like the one to whom they were written! 

When you turn your heart to Jesus Christ and then turn your mind to reading the Bible, you will find that every Word written in Scripture is a love letter written especially for you! 

"Lord Jesus, thank You for showing Your love for me in every possible way.  And thank You Lord for expressing Your love for me in every Word of Scripture.  And may You be praised forever.  Amen."

Monday, March 7, 2016

Good News and Bad News!



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I am shocked that you have so quickly turned from God, who chose you because of his wonderful kindness. You have believed another message, when there is really only one true message. But some people are causing you trouble and want to make you turn away from the good news about Christ.

Galatians 1:6-7


There are many jokes with the opening line of "I've got some good news and some bad news, which do you want to hear first?"  


When it comes to the Story of  Jesus Christ there  is only Good News!  The "Bad news" is what Jesus came to take away.
 
And the Bad news is this:  All men have sinned and have fallen short of the Glory of God!  Even though we were created by God Himself, we all have turned away from God and consequently were headed for an eternity in Hell.

But Jesus came with nothing but Good News!  His Good News is that even though we all deserve Hell, Jesus died on the Cross so that no one who believes in Him will suffer the consequences of their sin. 

But the Good News even gets better.  If all you know is that because of Jesus you can avoid Hell, you have not yet understood the most exciting part.  Jesus came not only to rescue you from Hell, but to fill you with His Holy Spirit and to prepare a place for you in Heaven where you will live with Jesus for days without end!

"Lord Jesus remind me again today of the Good News for everyone who gives themselves to You.  And may You, Lord Jesus be praised forever.  Amen."

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Hurry and Take Me to Your Home!


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This is Solomon’s most beautiful song.  She Speaks: Kiss me tenderly! Your love is better than wine, and you smell so sweet. All the young women adore you; the very mention of your name is like spreading perfume. Hurry, my king! Let’s hurry. Take me to your home.

Song of Solomon 1:1-5


The reason Satan wants to pervert the sexual relationship between a husband and wife and pollute it in every possible way is because it is the earthly picture of Christ and His Bride!

Someone once said that marriage is either "Heaven on Earth" or it is "Hell on Earth!"  It can be a relationship that dips into the joys of Heaven and experiences a little of what it will be like as the Bride of Christ.  Marriage can also be a prison of fear and betrayal, laced with distrust and darkness.  That makes it understandable why so many who don't know Jesus choose to avoid marriage. 

A small child learns what marriage is and looks forward to someday experiencing the joys of what once was called "Holy Matrimony."  But that child does not and cannot know how wonderful that relationship can be.  On this earth we are like that child as we look toward Heaven and what it will mean to live as the Bride of Christ forever!  Your fondest imagination won't even begin to grasp how great it will be.

"Lord Jesus, show me a little more of what it means to be loved by You.  As Your servant Solomon said, 'Hurry, my king! Let's hurry.  Take me to Your home.'  Amen."

Friday, March 4, 2016

Jesus is the Surgeon!



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I pray that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will give peace, love, and faith to every follower! May God be kind to everyone who keeps on loving our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:23-24


If you are a follower of Jesus, He gives you peace, love, and faith.  And if you keep on loving Him He will be kind to you! 

You will see radical transformation in your life, not because of what you have done for Him, but because of what Jesus has done for you.  Christianity is not a self-help course where you by discipline and exercise become like Jesus.  It is rather like going to a plastic surgeon who reshapes you into the image of Christ!  Is it sometimes painful?  Well of course.  But the end result is beautiful and glorious beyond your fondest imagination.

"Lord Jesus, cut away those things in my life that make me not look like You.  I want to be formed into Your image.  And may You be praised forever.  Amen."

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Jesus Reweaves Rags!



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“Then he showed me the river of living water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the broad street [of the city]. The tree of life was on both sides of the river, bearing 12 kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations, and there will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His slaves will serve Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.”
 
Revelation 22:1-4
 
The nations need to be healed! It is without question a sick world. Masses of humanity are struggling to survive in a world of inequity and unrighteousness. The guilty are suffering along with their children who cannot avoid the consequences of their parent’s sins. If God were to let us see the world through His righteous eyes the filth would be unbearable. 

But what He sees is also an opportunity to save those who are lost and to change them into the likeness of Jesus. He takes filthy rags and reweaves them into the righteous garments of heaven! Doubting that He can change me is like doubting the sun’s ability to warm the day. 

One at a time we leave this world. But there will come a day when Jesus will return and bring sin to a screeching halt. When He does those who know and love Him will eat of the Tree of Life and live forever and there will be no more curse! No one knows that today is not the DAY! Be ready! 

"Lord Jesus, take the rags of my righteousness and reweave them into a garment that glorifies You.  And may You, Lord Jesus be praised forever.  Amen."



Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Who You Worship Not Who You Vote For!


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If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.  Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 8:19-20


The Lord blesses and builds up those who trust Him and follow His Word.  But the Lord brings down those who rebel against God Almighty and set themselves up as enemies of Jesus.  God has even destroyed nations who were not obedient to Him.

The answer to the serious problems that your nation is experiencing is not in who you elect to lead the country.  Finding the answers to the problems of this world depends on who you worship not who you vote for!

Have you ever heard God say "I can't accomplish My Will in that country because they have the wrong leader!"  Of course you have not.  God can work with, around, through, and even in spite of the most ungodly leaders in this world. 

Also remember that no one must say, "I can't follow Jesus because we have elected an ungodly man or woman to rule our country."  When the Day of Judgement comes no one can say, "Our President was not Godly so You, Lord certainly understand why I was not!"  Nor can you say, "I didn't follow Jesus, but I did vote for a Godly leader!"

Focus your heart and mind today on following Jesus and ask the Lord to lead you to vote for the man or woman that He would prefer leads your land.

"Lord Jesus, You have chosen me to be Your own, and I have chosen You to be my Lord.  May nothing in Heaven or on earth ever change those two eternal truths.  May You be praised forever.  Amen."

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Is God Finished With You?



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Forty years later, an angel appeared to Moses from a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai.  Moses was surprised by what he saw. He went closer to get a better look, and the Lord said,  “I am the God who was worshiped by your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Moses started shaking all over and didn’t dare to look at the bush.  The Lord said to him, “Take off your sandals. The place where you are standing is holy.   With my own eyes I have seen the suffering of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now I am sending you back to Egypt.”

Acts 7:30-34


Moses had wanted to help the Children of Israel, but that was 40 years ago. Then he was strong and young, but now Moses was 80 years old and was a shepherd who took care of his sheep.  God sent 80 year old Moses to Egypt to free the people from slavery with only a staff in his hand and the Word of God in his mouth.

Have you given up all hope that God will use you to help fulfill His purposes on this earth?  Are you like Moses, now old and many years past the glory of your youth and separated from the power and position that you had in "Egypt?" 

Well remember the story of Moses and keep your eyes open for the Burning Bush.  And if you see the bush on fire open your ears and listen for the Word of the Lord and His directions for you.

"Lord Jesus, help me keep my eyes and ears open for Your Word for me today.  I know that You are not finished with me yet.  And may You, Lord Jesus be praised forever.  Amen."