Category Archives: Power of Faith

Know Where Your Strength Lies

Posted on by
Reply

02/14/21 – Romans 12:1-9

12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

1
Sometimes when we’re lost in the woods it can be hard to find blessings to thank God for. The enemy uses the cares of this world to blind us. We have to open our eyes and hearts. Just pick anything and start counting your blessings and they will build up fast. God has given us each new day, the people we love, the food on our table and the very planet we live on. Beyond that, He has given us His Son and through Him the promise of eternity.

Acts
17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 17:25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

God is not far off and high above. He is with us and around us every day and He cares what happens to us.

2
The flipside is; often when things are going well, we can get our focus too much on the things around us and forget where they came from. We can’t think that we’re right with God just because things are going the way we want. Any good thing we have has come from God, but we may not always know what is good and what is bad. If we judge by the standards of this world, we will often be wrong. We can’t have our confidence in anything of this world.

Philippians
3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Basically, what Paul is saying is; if anyone can save himself he did it. He grew up in a Godly nation. He was raised by God fearing parents. He lived out his religion to the best of his own power and followed the commandments perfectly as far as he understood them, but watch what he says next…

3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

It doesn’t matter where you’ve come from. Paul took part in the stoning on Stephen and was probably present during Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, but God used him. It doesn’t matter where you are. God knows you’re not perfect. What matters is who you’re following and where He will lead you. When you follow Jesus, God will use your circumstances and those around you to mold you into the person He knows you can become.

3
Often we try to judge others in order to make ourselves feel better. If someone else appears to be doing worse, it can make us feel better about our own shortcomings. We have to be honest with ourselves and know that we’re no better than the worst sinner we know. Only God’s grace stands between us and Hell. As they say, the first step to solving a problem is to admit you have one. We all have a sin problem, and there is only one way to solve it.

2 Corinthians
4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

We can’t lose faith when we fail. In our own strength, we are frail and weak. We are here to learn how to lean on God’s wisdom and strength. When we’re in the midst of a struggle and we can remember to trust in The Lord, He will give us His peace. Nothing that happens here is permanent. Everything is for our instruction and training.

4
Part of the comfort of God’s peace is that we are to know that we aren’t alone. Everyone that is saved is part of the same body of Christ. When you’re saved, the Holy Spirit moves into your heart. This isn’t a private thing. There is only one spirit that we all share.

1 Corinthians
12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.

We are all sharing the same spirit, but we don’t all have the same work to do or lessons to learn. We all have our own special place God is calling us to be and works He has called us to do.

5
Just as we can’t judge someone else’s sin, we can’t judge someone else’s works either. We don’t know how important any given job is in God’s plan. Every thing has a part. Many people look down on garbage collectors. In the 1980s there was a garbage strike in New York. I remember seeing pictures on TV of mountains of garbage lining the streets. In just 17 days so much trash piled up that it was declared a public health emergency and the city was forced to reach an agreement to end the strike. New York learned then that every job is important and deserves respect. Whether we look down on someone else or if we don’t think much about what we have to offer God, either way we’re wrong. Little is much with the Lord.

Ephesians
4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

If we’re looking to the head of the body, that is Jesus Christ, then we can be content in the work He has given us and appreciate the work of our brothers and sisters around us.

6
Whatever gift you’ve been given, it is from God and is to be used for His purposes. No matter what your gift is, it won’t prosper unless you use it according to God’s will.

John
15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

We are to be using God’s gifts according to His will, in the spirit of His love. He has given to us freely and abundantly and that’s how we are to share it with others. ?
7
A ministry can be any job that needs to be done. We are all ministers to serve God by serving the people we can reach and showing them His love.

Matthew
10:42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 10:43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

We are to follow Jesus’ example in our service. He didn’t come here reluctantly and drag around doing His work. He didn’t do what He did to be seen of men. Often, Jesus did witness to multitudes, but when He witnessed to the Samaritan woman at the well, everything was over by the time His disciples got there. He did everything with energy because He knew His time was limited and He knew who He was really working for. We should know those things too.

8
Whatever you do during each day, keep your eyes open as to how God would want you to use it. Everything that happens to you is for a reason. Some of you may be surprised to hear it, but by nature I am a very impatient person. God has taken me through some hard lessons to get to where I am now, and I still get new lessons every day. However, I learned a long time ago to stop getting too wound up if I get stuck in traffic or something else like that happens. It could be saving me from an accident down the road.

You’ve probably heard this interesting example in recent news. A lot of people up north were stranded on the roadway by snow. Along with them was a group of doctors transporting COVID vaccine. Since the vaccine has to be stored below a certain temperature, it was in danger of going bad. Rather than let it go to waste, the doctors gave the shots out to their fellow motorists that were stranded. For most of those people, they wouldn’t have had a chance for the vaccine for several months. Only God knows how many lives were saved by this.

When you’re stuck in any situation, stop and look for God. If your car dies in the middle of nowhere, maybe God has something to say to you and that’s the only way He can get you to be quiet enough to listen. Whatever we’re doing, God wants us to keep our focus on Him and His will and not to be doing things to serve ourselves or to be seen by other people.

Matthew
6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

We’ve all heard that God knows our secret sins. He also knows our secret obedience. Some say the definition of character is what you do when no one is looking. God knows your true character no matter how good or bad the world thinks you are.

9
This means we are to make sure our love and our works are pure. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. If we’re doing things for people because we hope to make some gain from it, then we’re acting out of selfish motives. Check your own motives and desires. Sit down with God and His word. He will help you see the parts of you H e wants to change. It won’t happen overnight, but God will clean us from the inside out. That begins when you surrender your life to God through Jesus and it ends when it’s your time to go home. God wants to work in you and through you for the rest of your life. It is a process that happens every day and every hour of the day.

James
3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Faith not Flesh

Posted on by
Reply

02/07/21 – Romans 8:5-11

8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

5
Going along in our daily lives, it can be easy to get our focus set on the needs of this world. When you’re hungry, that gets a lot of your attention. When you’re cold, it can be hard to think about anything else. We have to learn to look past the comforts and discomforts of this present world, and set our sights above.

2 Peter
3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

These bodies, and even this entire world are temporary. One day, they will fade away. We have to learn to follow God and perform our work while we’re here, so we’ll have something that will last later.

6
If we focus too much on the carnal things of the flesh, we will miss the blessings and lessons God is trying to give us. This world is a training ground. God is teaching us how to handle the spiritual gifts He has in store.

Luke
16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

God has given us all gifts and placed us in a position to use them. The more we are faithful to perform the work He has given us, the more He will provide. If we only use what He has given for ourselves, or aren’t grateful, we will lose something, either here or on the other side.

7
In our flesh, we cannot please God. We can’t drum up some work we want to perform and tell ourselves that we did it for God. Anything we do in the flesh is going to be motivated by fleshly motives. We will do it to somehow make some gain. Maybe we even think if we do certain things, we will make God obligated to give us what we want. We have to set aside our own pride and willfulness and let the Spirit guide us.

Romans
6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

We are presented with many choices every day. The body will clamour and cry to get what it wants. The Spirit will speak to us in that still, small voice. We have to turn our back on the flesh so we can hear what the Spirit is telling us.

8
We can’t fight the flesh with the flesh. We can’t try and convince ourselves to do right. Anything we do in the flesh, even denying ourselves fleshly desires, is doomed to fail. We have to learn to lean on God and let Him fight our battles in His strength.

2 Corinthians
10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Only by allowing the Spirit of God to rule in our hearts and minds can we have any real victory.

9
The most sure way to find the will of God is to get into His word. In it, we’ll find the one true way to salvation and eternal life. If you have any doubts about your salvation, take them to God. I used think I was saved, but I wasn’t always sure. It felt like I was doubting God if I questioned it. If you have any doubt, it’s not God that’s weak, it’s your flesh. God won’t mind if you confess your sins and ask Jesus to save your soul a second or a tenth time. He wants to make sure your heart is right. We should want that assurance too. Many think they’re saved, but they aren’t believing in the right things.

Luke
13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

The more you study God’s word, the more you will find you’ve had wrong. That’s part of what spiritual growth is about. We have to find and remove the dead wood of our false beliefs. If we start with Jesus Christ and Him crucified, we can build on that foundation.

10
Just because we’re saved, that doesn’t mean the desires of the flesh will stop. The enemy will still use the flesh to attack us. He will try to use it to distract us from our work and to ruin our testimonies. We have to guard against the flesh and let God rule our lives.

Romans
6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

The desires of the flesh are strong, but God is stronger when we learn to turn everything over to Him.

11
Just as God was powerful enough to break the grip of death and raise Jesus from the dead; He is able to break the grip of sin and raise us up from our dead works and lives. He has already won the victory. All that remains is for us to let go of that old dead life and grab hold on the new life He offers.

John
10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 10:30 I and my Father are one.

Keep Your Focus on Jesus

Posted on by
Reply

01/31/21 – Isaiah 55:1-7

55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
55:2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
55:4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
55:5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.
55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

1
God through Jesus has issued an open invitation to the entire human race. All we have to do is accept His free gift. There is no price we can pay ourselves.

John
7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

When we’re saved, the Holy Spirit moves into our hearts. As long as we’re in fellowship with God, He will provide renewal and strength. We are to hunger and thirst after His word, and we will be filled.

2
We spend our time, energy and money chasing the things of this world. God knows we need to eat, but He tells us that isn’t to be our focus.

Matthew
4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

We have to put our focus on things above. The best way to do that is to read, study and pray. The word of God will teach, correct and guide us in all things.

3
Jesus came in the line of David as a sign to verify who He was. His blood has paid the price for our sins and is the foundation of the New Covenant we have with God.

Matthew
26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

We have to take the bread, that is, the Word into our hearts. When we open our minds and hearts the Spirit will guide us to understand how the whole word is one message. We can’t pick and choose. We have to take all of it.

4
Especially in these times, we have to keep our focus on Jesus. He is the author of our salvation and should be the captain of our souls. If we believe the Word of God can save our souls from Hell, shouldn’t be also believe that it can guide us in our everyday lives? Jesus and God can’t just be a Sunday thing. We have been given a new life through Jesus. We have to live that life in Jesus.

1 John
1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Jesus died for the saved and for the lost. The price has already been paid. That’s what makes it a true choice. Everyone was lost before He paid the price. There’s nothing special about me that allowed me to be saved. I am a sinner saved by the grace of God. Anyone that thinks they are saved on any other basis is fooling themselves.

5
The Jews were used of God to bring Jesus into the world. They were far from perfect, and yet God used them. Even though we are each far from perfect, God can use us to bring the word to those around us.

Romans
15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Whether the time of the end is upon us or not, we all have a limited time. We are given each day and our portion of work to perform in it. We have to be obedient to God and do what He asks when He asks.

6
We are all blessed to be born in this Age of Grace. However, this age will one day come to an end.

Romans
13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Everyone since Paul has been looking for Jesus’ return, but the fact that it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean that it won’t.

Matthew
24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 24:46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 24:47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

7
We have a choice to make. We can live for ourselves, or we can live for God. When we live for God, He will use us to spread His light into the lives of those around us. If we live to ourselves, we will spread our own darkness into them. Humble yourself before the Lord and He will not turn you away.

Psalm
51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 51:9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 51:15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 51:16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Don’t Believe the Lies of the Enemy

Posted on by
Reply

1 Timothy 6:3-12

6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

3
We’ve talked many times about how there is a lot of false doctrine in the world. Whether it’s coming from TV, on the radio, the internet, a book, or a pulpit, we have to guard against this and make sure we’re following the true Word. The first test is always Jesus.

1 John
4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

The world has itching ears and they’re seeking people that will tell them what they want to hear. Don’t be like them. Look to the word first as the source of truth. Let it guide and cleanse you, rather than trying to use it as a salve or makeup to cover things up.

?
4
They can make it sound very convincing. They can pull out a verse here or a word there and twist it to make it sound like they’re right. That’s why you have to get into the word for yourself, and not just part of it. The whole word holds together as one complete message. You can’t take one little piece and make it say what you want. You can’t know it all at once, and you’ll learn that you have some things wrong as you go along your way, but the Spirit will guide you if you open your heart and mind.

Isaiah 28:9-13
28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

When we take the whole word into our hearts, it gives us rest and strength because it tells us how Christ has already won the victory and prepared a place for us. If we just look at the Bible as a book of rules, we can build a fine looking house of cards, but it won’t hold up in times of trial because it doesn’t have the right foundation.

5
One popular lie going around now is what some call “abundance ministry”. Basically, they teach that if you are doing what you should, then God will bless you with worldly goods. Some even go so far as to say that God has to bless you, like you are somehow forcing God.

God may give you blessings here on Earth, but whatever He gives you is for one purpose. God’s goal is to save your soul and prepare you for eternity, not to pamper you while you’re here. These folks are a perfect example of taking a part of one verse and twisting it out of recognition.

John
10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

So you see how they lifted one part of one verse out, but pay attention to what Jesus is really saying.

10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Just because there’s a wolf at the door doesn’t mean God has abandoned you, or that you have done something wrong. It may mean that He wants to show how He can save you from the wolf.

6
When we trust the Lord, we can have His peace in all situations. It can be scary and hard to let go of the reins when we seem to be heading toward a cliff, but we have to turn everything over to God and let Him rule our lives.

Philippians
4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

One of the biggest lessons God wants us to learn here is to let go and let God work in our lives. He will provide what you need. That may not look at all like what you want. We have to trust His word and know that He will take care of us.

That’s not to say that we’re to just sit back and do nothing. You see Paul is saying that he has also learned to be hungry. We have to want to seek His will and follow where He leads. To update an old saying “When a farmer prays for rain, God expects him to say Amen with his tractor”.

7-8
It can be easy to get our focus on the things of this world. When we’re cold or hungry or scared, those are powerful drives. Fear of want can also make us slaves to worry. Worry is a sin, because it shows that we don’t trust God. We have to let God work in us. He will help us learn to lay our troubles down before Him.

Matthew
6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

If you’re looking at some great problem and you don’t think there’s any way you can solve it, you’re probably right. You have to take that problem and compare it to how great God is. He is interested in every one of us. Whether your problem is given to you by God or you’re just reaping the harvest of some seed you’ve sown, God will help you reach the other side.

?
9
People chase after the things of this world thinking that will bring them happiness. They say
“ If only I had that new job, or a new car or a new house I’d be happy”, but that is a lie of the enemy. You are made to be in fellowship with God. It is built in to every heart. When we try and replace God with things, it can never bring any lasting joy. We’re told that covetousness is idolatry. That is, when we focus on what we want or have instead of God, that becomes the same as a heathen bowing down to a lump of wood or gold.

Romans
6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield ourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

We are not to be servants, that is slaves, to the dead things of this world. We are to yield ourselves to God and He will guide us into true life.

10
Many read this and think it’s just a warning to the rich. You don’t have to be rich to worship money. I know when I had the least money in my life, chasing it consumed a lot of my thought and energy. Whatever we have in this life is just a tool. If God has given you money, you need to thank God and find His purpose in it. If He has given you lean times, you need to thank God and find His purpose in it. God doesn’t care what we have. He’s trying to teach us to properly use what He has given us.

Luke
12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 12:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

The rich man thought he had safety in his abundance. Rather than seeking God’s will for the bounty He had provided, the man sought to use it to live a life of ease. There are times God will have us store up provisions. He had Joseph building barns in Egypt for seven years. The key is to seek and follow God’s will in whatever He provides.
?
11
The flesh offers us pride, hatred, lust, envy, and greed. The Spirit operates in truth, love and humility. We have to look at our motives and what we’re allowing to drive us. Before you make some hasty decision or take some rash action, talk to God about it. If He doesn’t answer you right off, step back and take the time to wait for an answer. Very few things are as urgent as they may seem in the moment. Above all, make sure whatever you choose to do lines up with the word of God. You can be certain that God won’t direct you to do something that goes against His word.

Ephesians
5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Don’t take some person’s advice just because it goes along with what you want to do. If you don’t know what God’s word says about your situation, dig into it and find out. Then you’ll be able to recognize true, Godly counsel.

12
Living for God is often not easy. You’ll sometimes be asked to make some hard choices. Always remember what the true stakes are. This world is just a training ground. When you compare some small price you might pay here against the benefit you’ll receive throughout eternity, there is no comparison. We are living in dangerous times. The evil one is roaming about looking for the weak and injured. We have to trust God and help each other to weather this storm.

2 Thessalonians
2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Word of God

Posted on by
Reply

Psalms 119:103-112

Before we start, a few interesting facts about Psalm 119. It’s the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. It’s almost exactly in the middle of the Bible, and you know what the subject is? God’s Word.

119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate
every false way.

119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

119:106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy
righteous judgments.

119:107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto
thy word.

119:108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O
LORD, and teach me thy judgments.

119:109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy
law.

119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy
precepts.

119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they
are the rejoicing of my heart.

119:112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even
unto the end.

103

We all hear news about our health or work or money or whatever and we naturally want to know more about it. God has given us His Word to help us live here and (more importantly) to prepare us for eternity.

James

1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh
down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither
shadow of turning. 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of
truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak, slow to wrath: 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not
the righteousness of God. 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and
superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted
word, which is able to save your souls. 1:22 But be ye doers of the
word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 1:23 For if
any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man
beholding his natural face in a glass: 1:24 For he beholdeth himself,
and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he
was. 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and
continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of
the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

When you’re reading God’s Word, don’t just read a passage here and there. If you let Him, God will use the Holy Spirit to guide you in the Word so it will become a part of you.

104

When the Word tells us “you shall” or “thou shalt not”, it’s not some arbitrary rule. God made us. He knows what is best for us. Just as any parent, He wants not have to stub our toes and learn things the hard way.

Proverbs

16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but
the instruction of fools is folly. 16:23 The heart of the wise teacheth
his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips. 16:24 Pleasant words are
as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. 16:25 There
is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways
of death.

We sometimes think we have a good plan, but God sees the big picture. We have to trust that He knows what’s right.

Proverbs

3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine
own understanding. 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths. 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD,
and depart from evil. 3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow
to thy bones.

105

Settle yourself and seek God. He will show you the true path.

When I was preparing this message, I thought the message was going to go one way. I found out that wasn’t it. I tried another way, and that didn’t work either. When I sat back, got out of the way, and let God direct me, He gave me this verse (Psalm 119:105) to get me started.

2 Peter

1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well
that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until
the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 1:20 Knowing this
first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will
of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

This is God’s Word. Trust in it. Lean on it, but don’t be like Mark Twain described the drunk…

He said “Most people use statistics like a drunk man uses a lamp post; more for support than for illumination.”

That is, don’t use the Word to support what you want to do, use it to find out what you should be doing.

106

When you’re saved, you admit that God is Lord and worthy of obedience. You have to also trust that He is wise and will not lead you wrong.

Philippians

1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good
work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Whatever God gives you, seek His will in it. Even if it seems like a bad thing to you at the time.

107

When you’re in the midst of trials, ask God. He will either help you make it through, or show you that you’re there because of your own will and them lead you to the path of escape.

John

6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing:
the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

What happens to this flesh is temporary. You are to learn here the lessons that will shape your eternal home.

108

Our faith in God’s Word is the only true sacrifice we can offer.

Romans

10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and
in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 10:9 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. 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and
with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 10:11 For the
scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Faith means to believe in God’s Word. His Word will not return void.

109

The psalmist is saying his life is always in danger, but he doesn’t give up on God. He trusts Him to bring him through.

Hebrews

12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which
doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is
set before us, 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our
faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne
of God. 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of
sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as
unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,
nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth
he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

You are hidden in Jesus. He is the rock. Just as He was able to withstand the trials He was put through, He will help you bear the load if you let Him.

110

The enemy will set his traps and snares. Keep your eyes open. Use the Word to find your path and let the Spirit guide your feet.

1 Corinthians

10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he
fall. 10:13 There hath no temptation 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 be able to bear it.

Sometimes we are to stand. Sometimes, God gives us a way to get out of the way of the train that’s barrelling down on you.

111

God’s Word is not hard. When we open our hearts, the Holy Spirit will show us how simple it really is. He will show us what we need for each season of our life. We have to be patient and trust God to tell us what we need, when we need it.

Deuteronomy

30:11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not
hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 30:12 It is not in heaven,
that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring
it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 30:13 Neither is it
beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea
for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
30:14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy
heart, that thou mayest do it.

Read, study and pray so the light God gives you is buried in your heart.

112

Commit yourself to give God everything and let Him tell you how you’re supposed to use it. Study God’s Word so you’ll have it at hand when you need it. Don’t do it as a duty or a chore. You want to know more about your earthly loved ones because that deepens your love for them. How much more should we want to learn about and understand Christ?

Philippians

4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 4:5 Let your
moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 4:6 Be careful
for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 4:7 And the peace
of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things
are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any
praise, think on these things. 4:9 Those things, which ye have both
learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of
peace shall be with you.

God wants to live with you in this life to prepare you to live with Him when we leave here. He wants to perform His work through you so you can enter into His joy when you’re done.

Faith Will Give You Peace

Posted on by
Reply

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

As a believer, your faith is not of this world, but of the world to come. Therefore, it doesn’t pay to get too wrapped up in what happens here. Whether we abound in worldly blessings, or are abased in godly humility, we should be content. If the Lord has chosen to give us riches, then we are to remember that they come from him, and seek the purpose for which he’s given them. If we are experiencing hard times, we should know that we’re going through this to strengthen our faith, or to give God an opportunity to show his power. In all things, remember to give God the glory.

Continue reading →

Faith Moves Mountains

Posted on by
Reply

Mark 11:22   And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Mark 11:23   For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Faith in God the father and Jesus his son gives the Christian power. If you have enough faith, these verses are literal. If you doubt not, you could speak to a real mountain and it would be cast into the sea. Continue reading →