Whether individuals want to be saved or not, the entire world of humanity is savable. Being only savable individuals will do them no good, until they act upon God's salvation plan, receive it, and fulfill it.
Here's an example: Someone puts $100,000.00 in the bank in your name. They give you the account number and show you the proper paperwork which states that the money is all yours. No strings attached.
But this is the most important part: If you never act upon your rights to the money and if you never go to the bank and actually draw it out, then the money will never do you any good. It can’t! Because you never fulfilled the giver's plan to just go and get the money, even if it is yours.
You first had to know about the money and know how to get it. Then the decision was yours, as to whether you drew it out or not.
The same thing applies to God's salvation for humanity. First, you’ve got to know about it, know what it is, and then make the choice as to whether you are going to accept it, receive it, and fulfill it. It’s all up to each individual as to whether they will receive God's salvation plan or not. I don't like the second choice, do you?
Fall of 1997
Saturday, February 19, 2011
You! Carry His Cross!
Have you been called to carry the cross of Christ? Do you feel like it is a burden too heavy to bear? Do you worry about what others might say?
To carry the cross of Christ is a unique burden unlike any other. It requires sacrifice of ourselves to be able to bear the cross of Christ; in order that we may lead others to that same cross. What does the cross represent? It represents death. In the biblical days the cross was a means used to execute people. The term used was crucify.
When we carry the cross of Christ, in essence, what we are doing is dying out to ourselves. We no longer should have control over our lives, but that Christ in us, should have complete control through his word and through our willingness to serve him.
The heaviness of the cross can come in many ways. It can be through intercessory prayer, sometimes spontaneously. It can be through denying ourselves various pleasures to our carnal man. It can also come from being under a burden for the lost of this world, as well as various other ways.
Jesus knew what his cross represented. He knew that he had to willingly give his life upon his cross, in order that we may have life. Jesus denied himself and took up his cross in obedience to God's plan. Had he chosen to deny God's plan, he could have called for legions of angels to come down from heaven and take him off of the cross, or even come off of the cross by himself. But he chose to be obedient to God's plan.
Did Jesus suffer pain? Did he feel the nails driven into his hands and feet? You bet he did, in fact, he felt the very heaviness of sin that was placed upon him on the cross for you, me ,and the whole world. Did Jesus feel ridiculed for hanging on that cross? Was he made fun of? Was he laughed at? Most assuredly the answer to all of the questions is yes.
As Jesus bore his cross through the streets of Jerusalem, his life was at all exposure to the public. As his back was torn open and bleeding from the stripes, the crown of thorns pressed into his head causing blood to fall to his face. In his weakened state, the cross became too heavy for him to carry. As Jesus fell down in the street, a Roman soldier grabbed the arm of someone nearby.
This was Simon, the Cyrenian. Unknowingly to Simon, Jesus had called him through the Roman soldier, to be the first one to take up the cross of Christ. Simon probably did not want to do it, but somehow, he knew that he had to. He obeyed and carried the cross of Jesus.
When we take up our cross to carry it for Christ, we are undertaking a responsibility of magnitude proportions unknown to us. The weight of the cross will at times, feel too heavy to carry, but all the while, the hand of Jesus is right there lifting us up.
Taking up our cross and following Jesus will require some suffering. Will you feel pain? Yes, you will feel pain physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Will you feel the burden of the heaviness of sin as you observe how sin is destroying mankind? Yes you will feel it, as you reach out to help those that are lost in sin. Will you feel ridiculed for bearing a cross by the way you live? Will you be laughed at? Yes, you will be ridiculed, laughed at, made fun of, by anyone and everyone; sometimes even by your own family members.
Will you feel like giving up? More than likely you will. Sadly, some will give up and never receive the eternal rewards that Jesus opened up for us through his death on the cross. Others however, will endure the pain, the suffering and all of the ridicule because they want, they need, they must have, they crave, the eternal rewards which comes after bearing the cross.
Jesus is calling all of us that will, to carry our cross and deny ourselves. We all have a choice. Do we make the choice to go through all of the sufferings involved with carrying our cross for Christ here on this earth, or do we deny Christ, enjoy our worldly pleasures for a season here, and then receive our just rewards in the flames of Hell?
Myself, I have chosen to carry the cross that Jesus had asked me to bear. I know what it will involve and require, and I also know that,(I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me-Philippians 4:12).
Jesus is always calling us to carry our cross for him, sometimes though, we may not hear him calling. But when you do hear him call you, answer him by taking up your cross, deny yourself, and follow him. This life here is but a vapor. Eternity is much longer than our finite minds can comprehend. Do not deny the cross. When the Roman soldier grabs your arm, do not refuse, but take up the cross of Christ and follow him.Feb 15,1998
To carry the cross of Christ is a unique burden unlike any other. It requires sacrifice of ourselves to be able to bear the cross of Christ; in order that we may lead others to that same cross. What does the cross represent? It represents death. In the biblical days the cross was a means used to execute people. The term used was crucify.
When we carry the cross of Christ, in essence, what we are doing is dying out to ourselves. We no longer should have control over our lives, but that Christ in us, should have complete control through his word and through our willingness to serve him.
The heaviness of the cross can come in many ways. It can be through intercessory prayer, sometimes spontaneously. It can be through denying ourselves various pleasures to our carnal man. It can also come from being under a burden for the lost of this world, as well as various other ways.
Jesus knew what his cross represented. He knew that he had to willingly give his life upon his cross, in order that we may have life. Jesus denied himself and took up his cross in obedience to God's plan. Had he chosen to deny God's plan, he could have called for legions of angels to come down from heaven and take him off of the cross, or even come off of the cross by himself. But he chose to be obedient to God's plan.
Did Jesus suffer pain? Did he feel the nails driven into his hands and feet? You bet he did, in fact, he felt the very heaviness of sin that was placed upon him on the cross for you, me ,and the whole world. Did Jesus feel ridiculed for hanging on that cross? Was he made fun of? Was he laughed at? Most assuredly the answer to all of the questions is yes.
As Jesus bore his cross through the streets of Jerusalem, his life was at all exposure to the public. As his back was torn open and bleeding from the stripes, the crown of thorns pressed into his head causing blood to fall to his face. In his weakened state, the cross became too heavy for him to carry. As Jesus fell down in the street, a Roman soldier grabbed the arm of someone nearby.
This was Simon, the Cyrenian. Unknowingly to Simon, Jesus had called him through the Roman soldier, to be the first one to take up the cross of Christ. Simon probably did not want to do it, but somehow, he knew that he had to. He obeyed and carried the cross of Jesus.
When we take up our cross to carry it for Christ, we are undertaking a responsibility of magnitude proportions unknown to us. The weight of the cross will at times, feel too heavy to carry, but all the while, the hand of Jesus is right there lifting us up.
Taking up our cross and following Jesus will require some suffering. Will you feel pain? Yes, you will feel pain physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Will you feel the burden of the heaviness of sin as you observe how sin is destroying mankind? Yes you will feel it, as you reach out to help those that are lost in sin. Will you feel ridiculed for bearing a cross by the way you live? Will you be laughed at? Yes, you will be ridiculed, laughed at, made fun of, by anyone and everyone; sometimes even by your own family members.
Will you feel like giving up? More than likely you will. Sadly, some will give up and never receive the eternal rewards that Jesus opened up for us through his death on the cross. Others however, will endure the pain, the suffering and all of the ridicule because they want, they need, they must have, they crave, the eternal rewards which comes after bearing the cross.
Jesus is calling all of us that will, to carry our cross and deny ourselves. We all have a choice. Do we make the choice to go through all of the sufferings involved with carrying our cross for Christ here on this earth, or do we deny Christ, enjoy our worldly pleasures for a season here, and then receive our just rewards in the flames of Hell?
Myself, I have chosen to carry the cross that Jesus had asked me to bear. I know what it will involve and require, and I also know that,(I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me-Philippians 4:12).
Jesus is always calling us to carry our cross for him, sometimes though, we may not hear him calling. But when you do hear him call you, answer him by taking up your cross, deny yourself, and follow him. This life here is but a vapor. Eternity is much longer than our finite minds can comprehend. Do not deny the cross. When the Roman soldier grabs your arm, do not refuse, but take up the cross of Christ and follow him.Feb 15,1998
Walk By Faith
II Corinthians 5:7,For we walk by faith, not by sight:
When the Israelites began their exodus out of Egypt; out of the dominating grips of Pharaoh, they had no idea of the journey that lied ahead. I can imagine that their confidence in God was probably quite shaky, just as it is with ours, when we begin our walk with the Lord. But as they journeyed onward, what they probably did not realize at the time, was that they were walking by faith.
As they walked out of Egypt, they came upon what they thought was a barrier which was the Red Sea. As they approached the shore of the sea, closing in upon them from behind was the Egyptians, due to Pharaoh's hardened heart as he changed his mind about the Israelites freedom.
It was now decision making time.” Do we go back to Egypt under Pharaoh's bondage or do we trust in God to provide a way of escape? Since they decided to trust in God, he showed them that he would provide them a way of escape from the Egyptians. With this being a catastrophic storm for them, God also reassured them with peace, patience and confidence in him, during their storm.
As God parted the Red Sea, gigantic walls of water lined a dry pathway completely to the other side. Now this is where their faith had to kick in. They had to trust God to hold back the waters on both sides as they walked to the other side of the Red Sea. As they walked across the dry seabed to the other side, there were probably many that were scared. Many were probably terrified seeing the massive walls of water on both sides of them. But just as God is faithful with his promises, he safely brought all of the Israelites to the other side of the Red Sea, and then folded the waters back in, on top of the Egyptians that were chasing them.
So it is with us today. As we walk along this long journey of life with God, we must walk by faith and not by sight. Looking at the storms of life raging all around us, is not God's plan. We need to look beyond the storms to the other side of peace and safety. Then we can look back from the side of safety and see where the Lord has brought us from. This will increase our faith in God, as we continue to trust him during our current and upcoming storms.
As long as we stay in the ark of safety by continuing our relationship with God, trusting him, we will continue to walk by faith and God's word will be quickened in our hearts by his spirit, and we can retain confidence in him, as we walk by faith and not by sight.
1997
When the Israelites began their exodus out of Egypt; out of the dominating grips of Pharaoh, they had no idea of the journey that lied ahead. I can imagine that their confidence in God was probably quite shaky, just as it is with ours, when we begin our walk with the Lord. But as they journeyed onward, what they probably did not realize at the time, was that they were walking by faith.
As they walked out of Egypt, they came upon what they thought was a barrier which was the Red Sea. As they approached the shore of the sea, closing in upon them from behind was the Egyptians, due to Pharaoh's hardened heart as he changed his mind about the Israelites freedom.
It was now decision making time.” Do we go back to Egypt under Pharaoh's bondage or do we trust in God to provide a way of escape? Since they decided to trust in God, he showed them that he would provide them a way of escape from the Egyptians. With this being a catastrophic storm for them, God also reassured them with peace, patience and confidence in him, during their storm.
As God parted the Red Sea, gigantic walls of water lined a dry pathway completely to the other side. Now this is where their faith had to kick in. They had to trust God to hold back the waters on both sides as they walked to the other side of the Red Sea. As they walked across the dry seabed to the other side, there were probably many that were scared. Many were probably terrified seeing the massive walls of water on both sides of them. But just as God is faithful with his promises, he safely brought all of the Israelites to the other side of the Red Sea, and then folded the waters back in, on top of the Egyptians that were chasing them.
So it is with us today. As we walk along this long journey of life with God, we must walk by faith and not by sight. Looking at the storms of life raging all around us, is not God's plan. We need to look beyond the storms to the other side of peace and safety. Then we can look back from the side of safety and see where the Lord has brought us from. This will increase our faith in God, as we continue to trust him during our current and upcoming storms.
As long as we stay in the ark of safety by continuing our relationship with God, trusting him, we will continue to walk by faith and God's word will be quickened in our hearts by his spirit, and we can retain confidence in him, as we walk by faith and not by sight.
1997
What Would Jesus Do?
What would Jesus do? That seems to be the most popular phrase going in the Christian world at this present time. But what does it really mean? How should we apply it to our own lives in this present age? Would Jesus react or respond to things in this modern day, as we usually do? Or, would Jesus have his own unique way of responding to things in a way that we never could?
In the Christian world, an honest and sincere person knows that to call himself a Christian, is to desire to be Christ like. We set ourselves up with goals of determination to become like Christ, in our actions, our spoken words, and in our compassion towards others. But unfortunately, we seem many times, to fall short of being like Christ.
All situations in our lives, requires a response of some kind. Some responses are happy, joyous, excited, humorous, sad, grievous, angry, or vengeful. But when faced with a situation of some kind other than a happy one, and to say,” what would Jesus do",in no way allows us to compare ourselves to Jesus, as to what response we will give.
You see, for us to attempt to respond as Jesus would, is simply something that we cannot do. This is not to say that when we respond with love, compassion, honesty, sincerity, and integrity, that we are responding improperly. For these are the things that we as Christians are required to do. But for us, these are unnatural responses. These are acquired attributes of God's nature, which in reality, is really who God is.
The reason: all of humanity have been born into sin. It’s our nature to respond to less than happy circumstances with anger, malice, hatred, or revenge. So due to this fact, there is no possible way that we could respond as Jesus would.
Jesus Christ was born completely perfect. There was no sin in his life nor guile found in his mouth. Jesus Christ, was God Almighty manifested in the flesh, which in that case, all of what God is, was wrapped in a robe of flesh, making it a sinless body.
(Colossians 2:9-For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily). The completeness of God, his nature, his love, his perfection was found in Jesus Christ. Because of this, he knew how to respond to every situation that he was faced with. God’s ways are above our ways and his thought are higher than our thoughts.(scrip. ref. Isaiah 55:9).
Sometimes we can respond to a situation properly by the words we may say or in the actions that we perform. But because of our nature of the flesh and our being born into sin, what we do may be right, but what's in our heart may not be right. That is not always the case though. I am sure that most of the time when we do the right things, that we do mean it from our hearts. But there are those times when we are not right in our hearts about some situations, even though what we do or say is the right thing. But that was definitely not the case with Jesus. Being perfect as he was, his responses to all situations were always proper in his words and actions, and most importantly, that was what was in his heart.
To ask the question,” what would Jesus do",should not expect an answer of, “ well I think this is what Jesus would do".If it does, we’re only kidding ourselves.
We cannot give an exact response or reaction to our circumstance as Jesus would. But what we can do is, abide in his word, study it, live it, and allow the light of his word to light the very paths that we take in life. By doing so, we allow God's perfect nature to work in us and through us, and as we grow with God, our responses can be of the very attributes of God.
The phrase,” what would Jesus do",is a very good motto that all Christians should apply to their lives. But just remember that our natural responses to things will probably not be as to what Jesus would do. But his attributes can be in our responses in life, after we have been born again.
So the next time you are in a situation that appears less favorable, go ahead say it,” what would Jesus do",and know that his attributes of love can be in your response, if you let it.
Dec 4,1997
In the Christian world, an honest and sincere person knows that to call himself a Christian, is to desire to be Christ like. We set ourselves up with goals of determination to become like Christ, in our actions, our spoken words, and in our compassion towards others. But unfortunately, we seem many times, to fall short of being like Christ.
All situations in our lives, requires a response of some kind. Some responses are happy, joyous, excited, humorous, sad, grievous, angry, or vengeful. But when faced with a situation of some kind other than a happy one, and to say,” what would Jesus do",in no way allows us to compare ourselves to Jesus, as to what response we will give.
You see, for us to attempt to respond as Jesus would, is simply something that we cannot do. This is not to say that when we respond with love, compassion, honesty, sincerity, and integrity, that we are responding improperly. For these are the things that we as Christians are required to do. But for us, these are unnatural responses. These are acquired attributes of God's nature, which in reality, is really who God is.
The reason: all of humanity have been born into sin. It’s our nature to respond to less than happy circumstances with anger, malice, hatred, or revenge. So due to this fact, there is no possible way that we could respond as Jesus would.
Jesus Christ was born completely perfect. There was no sin in his life nor guile found in his mouth. Jesus Christ, was God Almighty manifested in the flesh, which in that case, all of what God is, was wrapped in a robe of flesh, making it a sinless body.
(Colossians 2:9-For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily). The completeness of God, his nature, his love, his perfection was found in Jesus Christ. Because of this, he knew how to respond to every situation that he was faced with. God’s ways are above our ways and his thought are higher than our thoughts.(scrip. ref. Isaiah 55:9).
Sometimes we can respond to a situation properly by the words we may say or in the actions that we perform. But because of our nature of the flesh and our being born into sin, what we do may be right, but what's in our heart may not be right. That is not always the case though. I am sure that most of the time when we do the right things, that we do mean it from our hearts. But there are those times when we are not right in our hearts about some situations, even though what we do or say is the right thing. But that was definitely not the case with Jesus. Being perfect as he was, his responses to all situations were always proper in his words and actions, and most importantly, that was what was in his heart.
To ask the question,” what would Jesus do",should not expect an answer of, “ well I think this is what Jesus would do".If it does, we’re only kidding ourselves.
We cannot give an exact response or reaction to our circumstance as Jesus would. But what we can do is, abide in his word, study it, live it, and allow the light of his word to light the very paths that we take in life. By doing so, we allow God's perfect nature to work in us and through us, and as we grow with God, our responses can be of the very attributes of God.
The phrase,” what would Jesus do",is a very good motto that all Christians should apply to their lives. But just remember that our natural responses to things will probably not be as to what Jesus would do. But his attributes can be in our responses in life, after we have been born again.
So the next time you are in a situation that appears less favorable, go ahead say it,” what would Jesus do",and know that his attributes of love can be in your response, if you let it.
Dec 4,1997
What's Important?
In this age of microwave food, drive thru restaurants, drive thru banking, CDs faster computers, cellular phones, bigger houses, nicer cars, etc,it would appear that these things are the most important necessities in today's society. But are all these things really necessities, or, are they really just the luxuries that allows us to "keep up with the Joneses?"
Is it really that important to trade into a new car every two or three years? Why do you want a bigger house? Did you get a stain on the carpet or decide to change the wallpaper? What is important? Is your status in society, especially to those in your "inner circle",so important, that you neglect to see the needs of others? Do you consider your children to be a blessing or a commodity? If they somehow do not fit into your plans in life, do you just ship them off to boarding school? What is important? Does your job really require those eighty hours a week, or, are you really that caught-up in the "rat race",always trying to get a bigger piece of the cheese?
What is important? Jesus said in John10:10-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. Are you allowing the thief(Satan),to steal your life? Every time you devote a little more time at the office, or try a little harder to stay a head of the Joneses, you are allowing the thief to steal away precious time that cannot be replaced. This allows him to destroy your life, killing off what really is important in this life.
How is your relationship with Jesus? Do you seem to find more time for those "little pleasures of life",than time alone in prayer with God? Jesus said in the latter half of the scripture, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. What kind of life is Jesus speaking of? For one, he is speaking of an abundant spiritual life through a relationship with himself, the saviour .Sin destroyed our relationship with our heavenly father, and it took Jesus to give back to us our life (relationship) that we lost with God in the garden of Eden.
What is important? Is material wealth more important to you than spiritual wealth? Where do you set up your treasures? Jesus told us not to lay up treasures here on this earth, such as boats, cars, houses, money, etc, because these things will rust away, tear up, need repaired or replaced. Also, much material wealth opens a door for thieves to break in and steal what you have.
What Jesus instructed us to do, is to set up our treasures in heaven. For in heaven, there will not be any rust thievery, or corruption. But the most important portion of this passage is found in the next verse of Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Where is your heart in life? Are you laying up for treasures here upon this earth through material wealth? If you are, then that is where your heart is. That is powerful, but it is God's truth.
What is important? Paul wrote in II Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
That is rather self-explanatory isn't it. All of what we see now in this life is temporary. But it is those things which we do not see now in this life, which are eternal. The bible states that this earth will melt with fervent heat. That includes all of the material wealth and gain that we can see now on this earth.
When Jesus said that he came that they might have life more abundantly, it was not limited completely to spiritual life only. God does not mind us having nice things in this world, for God created this world for us to live in, and he also gave us a mind to create and invent things in order to contribute to everyday life, and allow it to run a little more smoothly as knowledge increased in mankind.
But he did not intend for us to set our treasures on this materialistic earth, for it will all come to an end one day. We are to seek our God and establish that lost relationship with him again, setting our treasures in heaven.
What is important? In this world of today, when people will kill someone because they want their jacket or tennis shoes, it is obviously clear, that the world is setting their treasures in all of the pleasures and material wealth that this world has to offer. With no regard for life as precious as when God gave it, society as a whole, is on a downward spiral toward complete destruction.” What can you do for me, or what's in it for me",is the attitude of this world, when it should be "what can I do to help you?"
What is important? Do you need to re-evaluate your life and your priorities? Do you fall into the category of those who are setting up their treasures here on earth? Have you ever stopped and took the time to see what is really going on in this world? Or, are you safely tucked away inside your own little bubble, hoping that it does not get popped?
Next time you decide to work overtime just to get some extra money to but that.....whatever, stop and think about it, open your heart and begin to look through the eyes of Jesus, and then you will really begin to see what is important, and if you are setting up your treasures here on earth or in heaven. Oh, and one last thing, ask yourself, what would Jesus do?
Nov 20,1997
Is it really that important to trade into a new car every two or three years? Why do you want a bigger house? Did you get a stain on the carpet or decide to change the wallpaper? What is important? Is your status in society, especially to those in your "inner circle",so important, that you neglect to see the needs of others? Do you consider your children to be a blessing or a commodity? If they somehow do not fit into your plans in life, do you just ship them off to boarding school? What is important? Does your job really require those eighty hours a week, or, are you really that caught-up in the "rat race",always trying to get a bigger piece of the cheese?
What is important? Jesus said in John10:10-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. Are you allowing the thief(Satan),to steal your life? Every time you devote a little more time at the office, or try a little harder to stay a head of the Joneses, you are allowing the thief to steal away precious time that cannot be replaced. This allows him to destroy your life, killing off what really is important in this life.
How is your relationship with Jesus? Do you seem to find more time for those "little pleasures of life",than time alone in prayer with God? Jesus said in the latter half of the scripture, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. What kind of life is Jesus speaking of? For one, he is speaking of an abundant spiritual life through a relationship with himself, the saviour .Sin destroyed our relationship with our heavenly father, and it took Jesus to give back to us our life (relationship) that we lost with God in the garden of Eden.
What is important? Is material wealth more important to you than spiritual wealth? Where do you set up your treasures? Jesus told us not to lay up treasures here on this earth, such as boats, cars, houses, money, etc, because these things will rust away, tear up, need repaired or replaced. Also, much material wealth opens a door for thieves to break in and steal what you have.
What Jesus instructed us to do, is to set up our treasures in heaven. For in heaven, there will not be any rust thievery, or corruption. But the most important portion of this passage is found in the next verse of Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Where is your heart in life? Are you laying up for treasures here upon this earth through material wealth? If you are, then that is where your heart is. That is powerful, but it is God's truth.
What is important? Paul wrote in II Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
That is rather self-explanatory isn't it. All of what we see now in this life is temporary. But it is those things which we do not see now in this life, which are eternal. The bible states that this earth will melt with fervent heat. That includes all of the material wealth and gain that we can see now on this earth.
When Jesus said that he came that they might have life more abundantly, it was not limited completely to spiritual life only. God does not mind us having nice things in this world, for God created this world for us to live in, and he also gave us a mind to create and invent things in order to contribute to everyday life, and allow it to run a little more smoothly as knowledge increased in mankind.
But he did not intend for us to set our treasures on this materialistic earth, for it will all come to an end one day. We are to seek our God and establish that lost relationship with him again, setting our treasures in heaven.
What is important? In this world of today, when people will kill someone because they want their jacket or tennis shoes, it is obviously clear, that the world is setting their treasures in all of the pleasures and material wealth that this world has to offer. With no regard for life as precious as when God gave it, society as a whole, is on a downward spiral toward complete destruction.” What can you do for me, or what's in it for me",is the attitude of this world, when it should be "what can I do to help you?"
What is important? Do you need to re-evaluate your life and your priorities? Do you fall into the category of those who are setting up their treasures here on earth? Have you ever stopped and took the time to see what is really going on in this world? Or, are you safely tucked away inside your own little bubble, hoping that it does not get popped?
Next time you decide to work overtime just to get some extra money to but that.....whatever, stop and think about it, open your heart and begin to look through the eyes of Jesus, and then you will really begin to see what is important, and if you are setting up your treasures here on earth or in heaven. Oh, and one last thing, ask yourself, what would Jesus do?
Nov 20,1997
What Are You Thankful For?
Well it's here again. Got here before you knew it, huh? Are you ready for it? Have you already made your plans for this year?
Okay, okay, so tell me, what’s here? The holiday season! It seems to come around quicker and quicker each year, doesn’t it.
With Thanksgiving just barely behind us, and Christmas running a steady pace to catch us, not to mention New Year's Eve pushing a close third, have you stopped to think about what the holiday season should really represent?
During the mad rush at the shopping malls and outlet stores, the world is quite thankful, regardless of how it appears. For you see, they are thankful for the pre-Christmas sales which come after the gigantic mark-up, which are placed on the sale items which were already sky-high anyway, bringing the items to a price, that through the greedy schemes of pricing, no one really knows what it is worth, what it really costs, or how much is too much! STOP!
Will this be on your Rich's card? Ah, but of course, plastic. The thankfulness of that little plastic card. Oh I'm not worried, I can pay it off next year. I’ve just gotta get everyone something extremely nice. Furthermore, I am not gonna let my so-in-so, out give me this year!
It's time to party! Plenty of holiday reasons to throw a party. Um, let's see. The company Christmas party,ah yes. I'd better make arrangements for someone to drive me home, cause I doubt I'll be able to drive after that party.
Oh yeah! My buddy's annual Christmas party at his house, can’t miss that one. I’d better plan to spend the night there; maybe his cousin will be there......
Come on gang! Lets all go to downtown Atlanta to see the lighting of the Rich's Christmas tree. It is our family tradition, yall know we never miss it.
Finally, at last. Days and days of football to watch. I’ll just grab a couple of twelve packs, couple of bags of chips and I'll be all set.
Don't forget to stop by the package store honey. We must really go all out this season for our dear friends, they think so much of us, you know.
Get the picture? Everyone is thankful for something during the holidays. But sad as it is though, most of those type of people mentioned above, will have very little or no thankfulness at all for the one true reason in which we observe the holiday season. That reason is Jesus.
No, we don't know as to when Jesus Christ was born, but without his birth we would have no chance of ever receiving salvation, for we would not have the name of Jesus to call upon for that salvation. Acts 4:12-Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The observance of December 25 as Christmas or Jesus' day of birth, has widely been accepted throughout the world. But to say that Jesus was born on December 25,does not coincide with scripture, speaking of the shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night, Luke 2:8.
During the month of December, Israel’s weather is cold and wet, which designates that shepherds would not be out in the fields wet and freezing to death. Possibly, Jesus was born in the spring or early summer.(The date of Jesus' birth is not the focus of this article).
We as Christians, should observe the holiday season with thankfulness. Not as worldly thankfulness or should I say, greediness, but as that of a genuine spirit of Christ likeness, humble and meek and with respect unto our savior.
During this season in which people set aside this time to give gifts, when throughout the year they normally would not, we Christians should set aside some special time alone with God in prayer, and express our thankfulness to Him. But let us not cease from those times alone with God, after the holiday season is over. We should continue in them throughout the year as normal.
Allow this holiday season, to be a time for reflecting back on your life before you became a child of God. Remember your past holiday seasons when you were perhaps, like the people mentioned earlier. Remember what God has delivered you from, and see where He has brought you to now, as you continue your relationship with Him.
Let's not allow ourselves to become so wrapped up in all of the "holiday hoopla,” that we completely annihilate the perfect "reason for the season."
Give gifts, get together with your families, enjoy each others' company. But let's not forget to invite and warmly welcome the most important and best gift, that God gave this world, and that is Jesus Christ, the lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world, John 1:29.
11-3-97
Okay, okay, so tell me, what’s here? The holiday season! It seems to come around quicker and quicker each year, doesn’t it.
With Thanksgiving just barely behind us, and Christmas running a steady pace to catch us, not to mention New Year's Eve pushing a close third, have you stopped to think about what the holiday season should really represent?
During the mad rush at the shopping malls and outlet stores, the world is quite thankful, regardless of how it appears. For you see, they are thankful for the pre-Christmas sales which come after the gigantic mark-up, which are placed on the sale items which were already sky-high anyway, bringing the items to a price, that through the greedy schemes of pricing, no one really knows what it is worth, what it really costs, or how much is too much! STOP!
Will this be on your Rich's card? Ah, but of course, plastic. The thankfulness of that little plastic card. Oh I'm not worried, I can pay it off next year. I’ve just gotta get everyone something extremely nice. Furthermore, I am not gonna let my so-in-so, out give me this year!
It's time to party! Plenty of holiday reasons to throw a party. Um, let's see. The company Christmas party,ah yes. I'd better make arrangements for someone to drive me home, cause I doubt I'll be able to drive after that party.
Oh yeah! My buddy's annual Christmas party at his house, can’t miss that one. I’d better plan to spend the night there; maybe his cousin will be there......
Come on gang! Lets all go to downtown Atlanta to see the lighting of the Rich's Christmas tree. It is our family tradition, yall know we never miss it.
Finally, at last. Days and days of football to watch. I’ll just grab a couple of twelve packs, couple of bags of chips and I'll be all set.
Don't forget to stop by the package store honey. We must really go all out this season for our dear friends, they think so much of us, you know.
Get the picture? Everyone is thankful for something during the holidays. But sad as it is though, most of those type of people mentioned above, will have very little or no thankfulness at all for the one true reason in which we observe the holiday season. That reason is Jesus.
No, we don't know as to when Jesus Christ was born, but without his birth we would have no chance of ever receiving salvation, for we would not have the name of Jesus to call upon for that salvation. Acts 4:12-Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The observance of December 25 as Christmas or Jesus' day of birth, has widely been accepted throughout the world. But to say that Jesus was born on December 25,does not coincide with scripture, speaking of the shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night, Luke 2:8.
During the month of December, Israel’s weather is cold and wet, which designates that shepherds would not be out in the fields wet and freezing to death. Possibly, Jesus was born in the spring or early summer.(The date of Jesus' birth is not the focus of this article).
We as Christians, should observe the holiday season with thankfulness. Not as worldly thankfulness or should I say, greediness, but as that of a genuine spirit of Christ likeness, humble and meek and with respect unto our savior.
During this season in which people set aside this time to give gifts, when throughout the year they normally would not, we Christians should set aside some special time alone with God in prayer, and express our thankfulness to Him. But let us not cease from those times alone with God, after the holiday season is over. We should continue in them throughout the year as normal.
Allow this holiday season, to be a time for reflecting back on your life before you became a child of God. Remember your past holiday seasons when you were perhaps, like the people mentioned earlier. Remember what God has delivered you from, and see where He has brought you to now, as you continue your relationship with Him.
Let's not allow ourselves to become so wrapped up in all of the "holiday hoopla,” that we completely annihilate the perfect "reason for the season."
Give gifts, get together with your families, enjoy each others' company. But let's not forget to invite and warmly welcome the most important and best gift, that God gave this world, and that is Jesus Christ, the lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world, John 1:29.
11-3-97
The Perfect Moment
She waited for what seemed like hours, anticipating the perfect picture. Her desires to take the prize-winning picture, had overwhelmed her to the point, of possibly missing her chance for any picture at all. As she realized that her hesitated attempts at any picture at all had just slipped away, she wondered if she was even cut out to be a photographer at all.
But was it too late? Could she possibly still have a chance for her perfect shot? As she sat with a new plan of action running through her mind, she realized that yes, she did have another chance at her perfect shot. But it would take careful planning to set the scene up. After minutes of patient waiting, as she allowed ample time for the scene to meet her required specifications, the perfect moment finally arrived and she took her perfect picture.
Johnny was captivated with Brenda. To him, her face was that of perfection. As he watched her from a distance, he just knew that she would be perfect for him. He knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, but how could he? He had not even approached her for a date yet, let alone, to ask her to become his wife.
As he continued to see her at work daily, he finally worked up enough courage to introduce himself to her and begin a friendship with her.
Months and months had gone by, and still Johnny had not asked Brenda out for a date. You see, Johnny was waiting for the perfect moment in which to ask Brenda out. As their friendship deepened, Brenda, very attracted to Johnny, threw many subtle hints at him, hoping he would ask her out on a date. Unfortunately, Johnny never picked up on the hints. All the while, Johnny was head over heels in love with Brenda, but to no avail, he still had not asked her out on a date. Got to be the perfect moment, he thought.
After several more weeks of just friendship, a new guy was hired at the company, which ushered in some competition for Johnny. Several weeks passed and Brenda went out on a date with the newly hired man. This sent Johnny into a state of hopelessness laced with desperation. It appeared that Johnny had lost all hope in his pursuit for Brenda.
What was wrong with him? Why did it have to be a perfect moment? Did he blow it? Did he wait too long? Would he ever have a chance with Brenda now, or was the chance gone forever? This pushed Johnny into an emotional state of depression. He knew that he loved Brenda, but would she even still consider him now or not?
What Johnny didn't know, was that Brenda was in love with him and she did what she thought was best to get Johnny's attention to the issue at hand.
After months of worrying and loosing hope, Johnny finally approached Brenda. Asking her out, she leaped into his arms shouting yes, yes! Two months later, Johnny and Brenda were married. As of today, they have been married for ten years with two children, and are extremely happy. Johnny’s perfect moment came after too many lost opportunities and one almost too late decision. But in the end, Johnny’s perfect moment rewarded him with happiness.
Are you waiting for the perfect moment in your life to come, so that you may give your life over to Jesus? Do you have to get some things in order before you can follow Christ? Do you think that you've got to change your ways before you can become a follower of Christ?
Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28-30,Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Is your reason for the perfect moment just an excuse to not follow Christ? Do the ways of the world really have that much control over your life, preventing you from choosing Christ?
II Corinthians 6:2,For he saith,I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Will your "perfect moment" to give your life to Jesus become your eternal death sentence? Will you wait too long and seal your eternal destiny to everlasting fire and brimstone?
Or, will you accept Christ's death on the cross as your "perfect moment",and give him the rest of your life? The choice is yours. Which do you choose?
Dec 21,1997
But was it too late? Could she possibly still have a chance for her perfect shot? As she sat with a new plan of action running through her mind, she realized that yes, she did have another chance at her perfect shot. But it would take careful planning to set the scene up. After minutes of patient waiting, as she allowed ample time for the scene to meet her required specifications, the perfect moment finally arrived and she took her perfect picture.
Johnny was captivated with Brenda. To him, her face was that of perfection. As he watched her from a distance, he just knew that she would be perfect for him. He knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, but how could he? He had not even approached her for a date yet, let alone, to ask her to become his wife.
As he continued to see her at work daily, he finally worked up enough courage to introduce himself to her and begin a friendship with her.
Months and months had gone by, and still Johnny had not asked Brenda out for a date. You see, Johnny was waiting for the perfect moment in which to ask Brenda out. As their friendship deepened, Brenda, very attracted to Johnny, threw many subtle hints at him, hoping he would ask her out on a date. Unfortunately, Johnny never picked up on the hints. All the while, Johnny was head over heels in love with Brenda, but to no avail, he still had not asked her out on a date. Got to be the perfect moment, he thought.
After several more weeks of just friendship, a new guy was hired at the company, which ushered in some competition for Johnny. Several weeks passed and Brenda went out on a date with the newly hired man. This sent Johnny into a state of hopelessness laced with desperation. It appeared that Johnny had lost all hope in his pursuit for Brenda.
What was wrong with him? Why did it have to be a perfect moment? Did he blow it? Did he wait too long? Would he ever have a chance with Brenda now, or was the chance gone forever? This pushed Johnny into an emotional state of depression. He knew that he loved Brenda, but would she even still consider him now or not?
What Johnny didn't know, was that Brenda was in love with him and she did what she thought was best to get Johnny's attention to the issue at hand.
After months of worrying and loosing hope, Johnny finally approached Brenda. Asking her out, she leaped into his arms shouting yes, yes! Two months later, Johnny and Brenda were married. As of today, they have been married for ten years with two children, and are extremely happy. Johnny’s perfect moment came after too many lost opportunities and one almost too late decision. But in the end, Johnny’s perfect moment rewarded him with happiness.
Are you waiting for the perfect moment in your life to come, so that you may give your life over to Jesus? Do you have to get some things in order before you can follow Christ? Do you think that you've got to change your ways before you can become a follower of Christ?
Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28-30,Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Is your reason for the perfect moment just an excuse to not follow Christ? Do the ways of the world really have that much control over your life, preventing you from choosing Christ?
II Corinthians 6:2,For he saith,I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Will your "perfect moment" to give your life to Jesus become your eternal death sentence? Will you wait too long and seal your eternal destiny to everlasting fire and brimstone?
Or, will you accept Christ's death on the cross as your "perfect moment",and give him the rest of your life? The choice is yours. Which do you choose?
Dec 21,1997
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