Journal Entry - This was the first Christmas Dinner that was hosted by the Men's Bible Fellowship with the purpose of reaching out to those that do not attend the study; do not fellowship at The Brook; and, those that are not fellowshipping anywhere, let alone are believers.
The Lord blessed the evening with a message of Grace by Pastor Clark Van Wick (CCBF Temecula), music by The Trade, John Squires (testimony), Mike Montoya (testimony) and about 30% of those in attendance were guests invited by brothers that fellowship at The Brook!
Approximately 100 men attended the dinner, with food being provided by Patty Navaro (caterer) and serving the men were Betina Montano, Linda Saenz and Anna Leon.
Doors opened at 6, Dinner was served at 6:30 PM, Music at 7 PM, Message at 7:30 PM, Men's Ministry Leadership (including testimonials) 8 PM to 8:40 PM, and Pastor Rick Doucette closed the evening.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
Sex - Great Link on Preaching on the Subject
http://blog.preachingtoday.com/2007/06/preaching_on_sex.html
Monday, May 21, 2007
Ordination - Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
I was ordained as a Pastor by Pastor Rick Doucette on Sunday, April 22, 2007 at Calvary the Brook in Grand Terrace, California.
Humbling experience and priviledged duty; a bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Humbling experience and priviledged duty; a bondservant of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from Philippians 1:9-11
Knowledge is Power
Maybe you’ve heard this phrase used to encourage parents to follow up with their children and take an active role in their education. This phrase, or idea, is also used to directly encourage children to excel in school. This is frequently seen in commercials between cartoons and children’s programs on TV.
I believe this is true, knowledge is power. I believe that reading and studying and applying yourself to expand, enlarge and reach beyond your current mindful content is great… if you use it to glorify the Lord.
I fool can learn about things and attempt to honor himself; but a wise man will learn about the things of God and live to honor Him. Anyone can read and gain understanding of subjects, objects and projects but what kind of power does that bring if it will all produce nothing but pride, arrogance and self-dependence? What is power of self in the light of the power of God? Less than a vapor!
Our increase in knowledge will lead to wisdom and discernment by reading the all-time best seller – The Bible! But I must warn you, that if you read this Book you’ll not gain an understanding of how good you are or can become, but rather how good God is and how we need to humbly come to God and His Word for everything. And, if we live surrendered lives to God, in all sincerity, we will live powerful lives.
The Apostle Paul wrote a little commercial to the Philippians at the beginning of his letter to them and in it he referred to knowledge. We’ll conclude this devotion by taking a look at what an apostle has to say about this subject and what knowledge should produce:
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” – Philippians 1:9-11
Maybe you’ve heard this phrase used to encourage parents to follow up with their children and take an active role in their education. This phrase, or idea, is also used to directly encourage children to excel in school. This is frequently seen in commercials between cartoons and children’s programs on TV.
I believe this is true, knowledge is power. I believe that reading and studying and applying yourself to expand, enlarge and reach beyond your current mindful content is great… if you use it to glorify the Lord.
I fool can learn about things and attempt to honor himself; but a wise man will learn about the things of God and live to honor Him. Anyone can read and gain understanding of subjects, objects and projects but what kind of power does that bring if it will all produce nothing but pride, arrogance and self-dependence? What is power of self in the light of the power of God? Less than a vapor!
Our increase in knowledge will lead to wisdom and discernment by reading the all-time best seller – The Bible! But I must warn you, that if you read this Book you’ll not gain an understanding of how good you are or can become, but rather how good God is and how we need to humbly come to God and His Word for everything. And, if we live surrendered lives to God, in all sincerity, we will live powerful lives.
The Apostle Paul wrote a little commercial to the Philippians at the beginning of his letter to them and in it he referred to knowledge. We’ll conclude this devotion by taking a look at what an apostle has to say about this subject and what knowledge should produce:
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” – Philippians 1:9-11
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from Ephesians 5:1&2 NKJV
Just Like Daddy
Phillips, Craig & Dean is a Christian musical group that sings a song and part of the song goes like this: “I want to be just like You ‘cause he wants to be just like me; I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see.” I love that song! And… I hate that song!
I love that song because I too want to be just like Jesus. I want to be kind and compassionate; I want to be gracious and merciful; I want to be strong and humble; I want wisdom and discernment beyond this world; I want to be just like Jesus.
But then I also hate (just exaggerating a bit) the song because I find myself falling short in each of these areas and I know that “little eyes” are watching me.
What I’ve found is that it isn’t that we make mistakes that are bad examples for our little children but rather it’s to continue making those mistakes that’s a bad example. If God convicts us to leave something that isn’t right to do something that is right, then we need to change, if not, “innocent eyes” will see and do because they want to be just like us!
The old saying, “Do as I say and not as I do” is old and wrong!
We need to be right examples for our children and this requires humility and sacrifice. Humility to realize our errors and sacrifice to knock down our pride and die to ourselves; otherwise we’ll be humiliated by our own example and killed spiritually by our own pride.
May the daily sacrifice of ourselves be a sweet aroma to God for what results is a person that is worthy of being imitated because Jesus is truly guiding our steps.
I pray that today you commit to pursuing holiness, that you allow yourself to be molded and conformed into the image of Jesus Christ because “innocent eyes” are watching and they desperately need to be like someone that is right with God. Whether you’re a mommy or a daddy, or an uncle or aunt, or just a friend, this applies to you… the whole world is watching.
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” – Ephesians 5:1,2
Phillips, Craig & Dean is a Christian musical group that sings a song and part of the song goes like this: “I want to be just like You ‘cause he wants to be just like me; I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see.” I love that song! And… I hate that song!
I love that song because I too want to be just like Jesus. I want to be kind and compassionate; I want to be gracious and merciful; I want to be strong and humble; I want wisdom and discernment beyond this world; I want to be just like Jesus.
But then I also hate (just exaggerating a bit) the song because I find myself falling short in each of these areas and I know that “little eyes” are watching me.
What I’ve found is that it isn’t that we make mistakes that are bad examples for our little children but rather it’s to continue making those mistakes that’s a bad example. If God convicts us to leave something that isn’t right to do something that is right, then we need to change, if not, “innocent eyes” will see and do because they want to be just like us!
The old saying, “Do as I say and not as I do” is old and wrong!
We need to be right examples for our children and this requires humility and sacrifice. Humility to realize our errors and sacrifice to knock down our pride and die to ourselves; otherwise we’ll be humiliated by our own example and killed spiritually by our own pride.
May the daily sacrifice of ourselves be a sweet aroma to God for what results is a person that is worthy of being imitated because Jesus is truly guiding our steps.
I pray that today you commit to pursuing holiness, that you allow yourself to be molded and conformed into the image of Jesus Christ because “innocent eyes” are watching and they desperately need to be like someone that is right with God. Whether you’re a mommy or a daddy, or an uncle or aunt, or just a friend, this applies to you… the whole world is watching.
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” – Ephesians 5:1,2
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from Ephesians 4:21-24 NKJV
Are You Two-Layered?
I used to look forward to new clothes for school when I was a child. It was a great feeling to replace the faded and worn clothes with bright, whole new ones. But every once in a while I would be so comfortable with an old shirt that I’d wear it underneath my new one… that is, until my dad caught wind of it and had me take it off.
While it’s really not bad to do that with clothing it definitely is bad to do it spiritually. In Ephesians Paul tells us to “put off… the old man… and put on the new man”. Why is that?
Well, the “old man… grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” but the “new man… was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness”. The old clothes will never become new no matter how many times our hands wash them.
It takes faith to please God and if we have faith in the new clothing we have been given then we need to remove the old clothing that is full of holes; the old clothing that is dirty; the old clothing that doesn’t allow us to come into the presence of God, into His house.
You may not have a complete old shirt on you, but I can promise you have some clothing underneath the new that doesn’t belong on you.
I pray that today you understand that God the Father has caught wind of your two layers of clothing and wants you to take the old off and experience the new clothing of Christ and come to know His fullness in and through you!
“If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:21-24
I used to look forward to new clothes for school when I was a child. It was a great feeling to replace the faded and worn clothes with bright, whole new ones. But every once in a while I would be so comfortable with an old shirt that I’d wear it underneath my new one… that is, until my dad caught wind of it and had me take it off.
While it’s really not bad to do that with clothing it definitely is bad to do it spiritually. In Ephesians Paul tells us to “put off… the old man… and put on the new man”. Why is that?
Well, the “old man… grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” but the “new man… was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness”. The old clothes will never become new no matter how many times our hands wash them.
It takes faith to please God and if we have faith in the new clothing we have been given then we need to remove the old clothing that is full of holes; the old clothing that is dirty; the old clothing that doesn’t allow us to come into the presence of God, into His house.
You may not have a complete old shirt on you, but I can promise you have some clothing underneath the new that doesn’t belong on you.
I pray that today you understand that God the Father has caught wind of your two layers of clothing and wants you to take the old off and experience the new clothing of Christ and come to know His fullness in and through you!
“If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:21-24
Monday, February 26, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from Galatians 2:21 NKJV
The Letter or the Spirit?
In Galatians 2 we see how the Apostle Paul confronts the Apostle Peter on an issue that we deal with in the church to this day. You see Peter was living in the grace of God and not by the letter of the law. He was living without strict observance of the Jewish traditional ordinances that were set in the Old Covenant prior to Christ. Yet, he was urging Jews and gentiles to live according to the letter of the law, and when Peter came to Antioch where the Apostle Paul was he was given some correction!
Why did the Apostle Paul think this wasn’t right? Isn’t it ok to follow the laws of old time; the traditions of our religion?
Have you ever tried to keep the 10 commandments? Impossible! Now, if your position with God is dependent on keeping the 10 commandments then neither you nor I will ever be in a position to see God when we take our last breath.
God doesn’t care about religion or traditions. God doesn’t save us from hell by tallying up our good deeds or how well we keep to the letter of the law (although that’s a by-product of loving God).
Paul was simply telling Peter that he was focused on the wrong thing. We’re not saved by works but by grace. Paul said in Ephesians 2:8, 9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” We need to be mindful of the fact that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2Cor. 3:6) The law of the letter let’s us know that we fall short of being self-righteous and are in desperate need of a Savior!
Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
We are our own worst critics and if we allow ourselves to, we will condemn ourselves to the point that we are immovable in our walks with Jesus and His coming and dying for us was for nothing.
Today, I pray that you are reminded all day to walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh. Give God all the credit for saving you through His Son Jesus!
“I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” – Galatians 2:21
In Galatians 2 we see how the Apostle Paul confronts the Apostle Peter on an issue that we deal with in the church to this day. You see Peter was living in the grace of God and not by the letter of the law. He was living without strict observance of the Jewish traditional ordinances that were set in the Old Covenant prior to Christ. Yet, he was urging Jews and gentiles to live according to the letter of the law, and when Peter came to Antioch where the Apostle Paul was he was given some correction!
Why did the Apostle Paul think this wasn’t right? Isn’t it ok to follow the laws of old time; the traditions of our religion?
Have you ever tried to keep the 10 commandments? Impossible! Now, if your position with God is dependent on keeping the 10 commandments then neither you nor I will ever be in a position to see God when we take our last breath.
God doesn’t care about religion or traditions. God doesn’t save us from hell by tallying up our good deeds or how well we keep to the letter of the law (although that’s a by-product of loving God).
Paul was simply telling Peter that he was focused on the wrong thing. We’re not saved by works but by grace. Paul said in Ephesians 2:8, 9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” We need to be mindful of the fact that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2Cor. 3:6) The law of the letter let’s us know that we fall short of being self-righteous and are in desperate need of a Savior!
Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
We are our own worst critics and if we allow ourselves to, we will condemn ourselves to the point that we are immovable in our walks with Jesus and His coming and dying for us was for nothing.
Today, I pray that you are reminded all day to walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh. Give God all the credit for saving you through His Son Jesus!
“I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” – Galatians 2:21
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 1Peter 5:5, 6 NKJV
The Right Posture
As a child my parents would tell me to sit up in my chair and not slouch. I’d also be told to not shuffle my feet when walking and to look at people in the eyes when speaking to them and not turn away.
Proper posture was to show interest and respect towards others. It shows that we care and it dismisses laziness because proper posture takes a conscious effort.
I was also taught to introduce myself properly to others and shake their hands firmly, speaking my full name. It was, again, my posture that spoke volumes about interest and placing others first.
Additionally, I was taught that it is important to go out of my way to welcome someone to our home, or thank someone for having us at their home.
It’s our tendency as people to be prideful, thinking of ourselves and not wanting to extend ourselves beyond what we want to do. We want others to automatically show interest towards us without effort. We want others to show respect to us without having to give it first. We want others to see us and greet us without having to move one step towards them.
Listen, God came to us and extended His complete being toward us giving us everything to show us how much He loves us. He extended His hand to tax-collectors, the poor, the widows, the prostitute, the thief, fishermen and even religious zealots.
His posture was humble and always had our interest in mind, never His own! Ultimately Jesus’ posture has forever been imprinted in the minds and hearts of man. Christ extended His pierced hands to all who will accept His invitation to be with Him in His house.
Do others see your humble, loving posture? I pray that today you go out of your way to walk towards someone without resistance; that you extend your hand and take hold of theirs with sincerity; and, you speak with God’s love in your heart towards them. May they see in your eyes that you care just as Jesus in His perfect posture on the cross cared then and cares now! I pray you have a right, humble posture towards others and God.
“…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” – 1Peter 5:5, 6
As a child my parents would tell me to sit up in my chair and not slouch. I’d also be told to not shuffle my feet when walking and to look at people in the eyes when speaking to them and not turn away.
Proper posture was to show interest and respect towards others. It shows that we care and it dismisses laziness because proper posture takes a conscious effort.
I was also taught to introduce myself properly to others and shake their hands firmly, speaking my full name. It was, again, my posture that spoke volumes about interest and placing others first.
Additionally, I was taught that it is important to go out of my way to welcome someone to our home, or thank someone for having us at their home.
It’s our tendency as people to be prideful, thinking of ourselves and not wanting to extend ourselves beyond what we want to do. We want others to automatically show interest towards us without effort. We want others to show respect to us without having to give it first. We want others to see us and greet us without having to move one step towards them.
Listen, God came to us and extended His complete being toward us giving us everything to show us how much He loves us. He extended His hand to tax-collectors, the poor, the widows, the prostitute, the thief, fishermen and even religious zealots.
His posture was humble and always had our interest in mind, never His own! Ultimately Jesus’ posture has forever been imprinted in the minds and hearts of man. Christ extended His pierced hands to all who will accept His invitation to be with Him in His house.
Do others see your humble, loving posture? I pray that today you go out of your way to walk towards someone without resistance; that you extend your hand and take hold of theirs with sincerity; and, you speak with God’s love in your heart towards them. May they see in your eyes that you care just as Jesus in His perfect posture on the cross cared then and cares now! I pray you have a right, humble posture towards others and God.
“…Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” – 1Peter 5:5, 6
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 2Corinthians 9:15 NKJV
The Ultimate Gift
I was searching for a Valentine’s gift for my wife online and ran into this internet site called The Ultimate Gift Shoppe. The home page starts out with this quote, “Distinguished and unique gifts for those who have everything. Gifts for everyone for all occasions. Click here to enter.”
I wanted to see what these gifts were, so I clicked on the link and to my surprise I came to a blank page that said, “Coming Soon”. Nothing more!
There’s also a magazine called The Robb Report. In it you’ll find Lamborghini’s, private jets, mansions, jewelry, extravagant vacations, yachts, and even islands for sale. Talk about the ultimate gift! If the person that thinks he has everything doesn’t want to wait for the web site that says “Coming Soon”, then he can buy this magazine and shop away!
Let me ask you a question… are you satisfied with what you have? You may not be in a position to purchase an island or a personal jet, but how about another bracelet, pair of shoes, a watch, a car, or a house? The reason why I ask is because although we can accumulate wealth, prestige, toys, houses, beautiful jewelry, and even a nice little retirement, those things will never produce true joy in your life. Temporary happiness is attained, but not complete rest and joy!
Of course, you know what I’m getting at. None of this can be taken with you once you take your last breath here on earth, that’s a guarantee! You can’t even take the time you keep all to yourself (at least you think it’s all yours to keep away from others).
But there is one gift that you can freely receive and take with you for eternity and that is Jesus. He is the Ultimate Gift! Jesus paid with His own life, giving you and me the ability to receive the free gift of eternity in heaven.
I like the first web site I mentioned because the person that has already said “yes” to Jesus has some “Distinguished and unique gifts” waiting for them in heaven; the gift of Jesus is for “everyone for all occasions”; and, He is “Coming Soon”.
For those of you that know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, take this as a reminder that we have the Ultimate Gift in Him. For those of you that don’t yet know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I hope that you’re feeling a desire to know Him and receive Him as such!
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” – 2Corinthians 9:15
If you want to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please read: How to have eternal life, January 9, 2007 in this blog.
I was searching for a Valentine’s gift for my wife online and ran into this internet site called The Ultimate Gift Shoppe. The home page starts out with this quote, “Distinguished and unique gifts for those who have everything. Gifts for everyone for all occasions. Click here to enter.”
I wanted to see what these gifts were, so I clicked on the link and to my surprise I came to a blank page that said, “Coming Soon”. Nothing more!
There’s also a magazine called The Robb Report. In it you’ll find Lamborghini’s, private jets, mansions, jewelry, extravagant vacations, yachts, and even islands for sale. Talk about the ultimate gift! If the person that thinks he has everything doesn’t want to wait for the web site that says “Coming Soon”, then he can buy this magazine and shop away!
Let me ask you a question… are you satisfied with what you have? You may not be in a position to purchase an island or a personal jet, but how about another bracelet, pair of shoes, a watch, a car, or a house? The reason why I ask is because although we can accumulate wealth, prestige, toys, houses, beautiful jewelry, and even a nice little retirement, those things will never produce true joy in your life. Temporary happiness is attained, but not complete rest and joy!
Of course, you know what I’m getting at. None of this can be taken with you once you take your last breath here on earth, that’s a guarantee! You can’t even take the time you keep all to yourself (at least you think it’s all yours to keep away from others).
But there is one gift that you can freely receive and take with you for eternity and that is Jesus. He is the Ultimate Gift! Jesus paid with His own life, giving you and me the ability to receive the free gift of eternity in heaven.
I like the first web site I mentioned because the person that has already said “yes” to Jesus has some “Distinguished and unique gifts” waiting for them in heaven; the gift of Jesus is for “everyone for all occasions”; and, He is “Coming Soon”.
For those of you that know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, take this as a reminder that we have the Ultimate Gift in Him. For those of you that don’t yet know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I hope that you’re feeling a desire to know Him and receive Him as such!
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” – 2Corinthians 9:15
If you want to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please read: How to have eternal life, January 9, 2007 in this blog.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from Galatians 6:1,2 NKJV
The Buddy System
I was in the Navy for 6 years serving my country by working underwater as a Deep Sea Diver. The work was serious but fun and exciting. It was an elite group of men that were entrusted with the maintenance and security of part of the Pacific Fleet in San Diego. But, I can tell you that the testing that came prior to being assigned to do the actual work of a diver came with great intensity and it would have been very difficult had I not had a buddy by my side the whole way through my schooling!
You see, at the beginning of our diving class we were told how dangerous the work was and that we should always use the buddy-system to ensure our safety; one more set of eyes is of priceless value because it saves lives!
While going through school we were tested in our underwater trouble shooting and problem solving skills, the exercise was called “sharking”. A buddy and I would lock arms and swim in sync and all of a sudden an instructor from above would come down and take our fins off, our masks, take the air out of our mouths and shut one set of tanks off; they would even try to unstrap our tanks and attempt to take them. Through this whole time, my buddy and I were supposed to remain calm, look at each other, assess the damage, not allow the instructor to take the tanks (our lives depended on the air), and then we had one minute to put it all back together!
If we only had one workable set of tanks, then our priority was to “buddy breath” (take two breaths and give the air piece to the other diver) while re-establishing the other’s air, and then helping each other put our gear back on and making sure it was on right. Let me remind you that the whole time either our arms or legs were locked together because the instructor could come back down at any time and we did not want to be caught off guard!
Brothers and sisters, we are also called to use the buddy system for our “adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” – 1Peter 5:8 When the storms of life hit do you have someone that will lock arms with you and maintain their composure until the storm is passed, or are you that person that someone else needs? A buddy bears the other’s burdens, helps assess the situation in truth, prioritizes what needs to be taken care of and helps put it all together!
As Christians we are called to be there for one another, making sure that not one soul is carried off into the sea of sin and destruction! I pray today that you lock arms with someone in this journey, not only with Christ Jesus, for He is the strength that holds you and your brother/sister together, but also with that one person that will remain calm and help through the “sharking”.
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:1, 2
I was in the Navy for 6 years serving my country by working underwater as a Deep Sea Diver. The work was serious but fun and exciting. It was an elite group of men that were entrusted with the maintenance and security of part of the Pacific Fleet in San Diego. But, I can tell you that the testing that came prior to being assigned to do the actual work of a diver came with great intensity and it would have been very difficult had I not had a buddy by my side the whole way through my schooling!
You see, at the beginning of our diving class we were told how dangerous the work was and that we should always use the buddy-system to ensure our safety; one more set of eyes is of priceless value because it saves lives!
While going through school we were tested in our underwater trouble shooting and problem solving skills, the exercise was called “sharking”. A buddy and I would lock arms and swim in sync and all of a sudden an instructor from above would come down and take our fins off, our masks, take the air out of our mouths and shut one set of tanks off; they would even try to unstrap our tanks and attempt to take them. Through this whole time, my buddy and I were supposed to remain calm, look at each other, assess the damage, not allow the instructor to take the tanks (our lives depended on the air), and then we had one minute to put it all back together!
If we only had one workable set of tanks, then our priority was to “buddy breath” (take two breaths and give the air piece to the other diver) while re-establishing the other’s air, and then helping each other put our gear back on and making sure it was on right. Let me remind you that the whole time either our arms or legs were locked together because the instructor could come back down at any time and we did not want to be caught off guard!
Brothers and sisters, we are also called to use the buddy system for our “adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” – 1Peter 5:8 When the storms of life hit do you have someone that will lock arms with you and maintain their composure until the storm is passed, or are you that person that someone else needs? A buddy bears the other’s burdens, helps assess the situation in truth, prioritizes what needs to be taken care of and helps put it all together!
As Christians we are called to be there for one another, making sure that not one soul is carried off into the sea of sin and destruction! I pray today that you lock arms with someone in this journey, not only with Christ Jesus, for He is the strength that holds you and your brother/sister together, but also with that one person that will remain calm and help through the “sharking”.
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:1, 2
Monday, February 12, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 2Corinthians 13:8 NKJV
Who do you think you’re fooling?
I see a man crossing the street and at the same time I see a truck barreling down on him and all of a sudden time stops! It’s as if we’re in an Allstate commercial and the man and I are the only ones that can move and talk.
I tell him that there is a truck just beyond him and if he continues to walk across the street he will be killed but the man tells me that he doesn’t see the truck. I tell him that the truck is going to kill him if he doesn’t move and the man tells me that he doesn’t believe the truck will kill him. I explain to him momentum and how little people are no match for big steel trucks and the man tells me that he doesn’t believe in trucks and I get frustrated! I get frustrated because the truth is that no matter if he can see it, understand it or even believe it, the truck will kill him if he doesn’t decide to get out of the way and for some reason he just doesn’t get it.
You may not be in a silly predicament like the one I just described, but you do deal with the truth every single day. God has provided us with a book, The Book, the Bible that gives us absolute truth. The Bible is inerrant, complete and stands the test of time. All we can do is prove it in both folly and wisdom. Regardless of whether we believe it or not, the truth is the truth and nothing but the truth.
Remember that God’s truths are real and absolute. The Bible tells you of God’s promises and your personal outcome depends on the choices you make; curses or blessings.
When you’re in a situation that you’re trying to justify, knowing it’s not right, please understand that you may fool people, but you’ll never fool an all-knowing God. He wants more than anything to have fellowship with you and the only way God can have that fellowship with you is if you come to terms with His truth and abide in it! Quit trying to open a door that doesn’t exist… take a step to the right and open the door of truth and see that Jesus is waiting on the other side.
I pray that today you see truth as truth and surrender any foolish attempts at justifying anything that is contrary to a true God.
“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” – 2Corinthians 13:8
I see a man crossing the street and at the same time I see a truck barreling down on him and all of a sudden time stops! It’s as if we’re in an Allstate commercial and the man and I are the only ones that can move and talk.
I tell him that there is a truck just beyond him and if he continues to walk across the street he will be killed but the man tells me that he doesn’t see the truck. I tell him that the truck is going to kill him if he doesn’t move and the man tells me that he doesn’t believe the truck will kill him. I explain to him momentum and how little people are no match for big steel trucks and the man tells me that he doesn’t believe in trucks and I get frustrated! I get frustrated because the truth is that no matter if he can see it, understand it or even believe it, the truck will kill him if he doesn’t decide to get out of the way and for some reason he just doesn’t get it.
You may not be in a silly predicament like the one I just described, but you do deal with the truth every single day. God has provided us with a book, The Book, the Bible that gives us absolute truth. The Bible is inerrant, complete and stands the test of time. All we can do is prove it in both folly and wisdom. Regardless of whether we believe it or not, the truth is the truth and nothing but the truth.
Remember that God’s truths are real and absolute. The Bible tells you of God’s promises and your personal outcome depends on the choices you make; curses or blessings.
When you’re in a situation that you’re trying to justify, knowing it’s not right, please understand that you may fool people, but you’ll never fool an all-knowing God. He wants more than anything to have fellowship with you and the only way God can have that fellowship with you is if you come to terms with His truth and abide in it! Quit trying to open a door that doesn’t exist… take a step to the right and open the door of truth and see that Jesus is waiting on the other side.
I pray that today you see truth as truth and surrender any foolish attempts at justifying anything that is contrary to a true God.
“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” – 2Corinthians 13:8
Friday, February 09, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 2Corinthians 8:10,11 NKJV
Procrastinate Lately?
I’ve been writing these devotions since November 9, 2006…just a few months. I initially began with the thought of writing daily, but that was very difficult given my “dynamic” schedule. I missed a day of writing and then two in the month of December and that turned into a couple weeks. I didn’t hear of anyone complaining or missing the devotions, so it was easy to not write after a while. But then my wife asked when I was going to write another Whisper and I remembered that procrastination and laziness are the tools of Satan!
It’s said that all that is needed for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing! I’m not saying I’m a good man, but God has given me the desire to write these devotions and it’s been burning within me to do them for too long! For me not to write them would be wrong and my procrastination would lead to laziness and become disobedience in the sight of God. As it is, I’ve had the thought of writing for years and haven’t done a thing about it up until a few months ago. That led to an uneasy feeling deep down inside of me!
Proverbs 13:4, “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”
Enough about me! You know I’m an expert at procrastination and laziness, but how about you? Does this apply to you or are you diligent in all that the Lord has impressed upon your heart to do? Have you followed through to completion? Let’s start with the basics: 1) Reading your Bible daily? 2) Going to Church consistently? 3) Praying all the time? If so, then how about Serving? Are you using the gifts the Lord has blessed you with? Did you know that they are not yours to hoard, but rather to give away to others?
The Apostle Paul had this to say to the Corinthians, “And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.” – 2Corinthians 8:10,11
I pray that today is a day of new beginnings for you; that you prayerfully think of what the Lord has impressed upon your heart to do for Him. And, with that, you are moved to act and follow through to completion that which the Lord has set before you. I can guarantee that your soul will be satisfied and made rich for God promises this to be true!
I’ve been writing these devotions since November 9, 2006…just a few months. I initially began with the thought of writing daily, but that was very difficult given my “dynamic” schedule. I missed a day of writing and then two in the month of December and that turned into a couple weeks. I didn’t hear of anyone complaining or missing the devotions, so it was easy to not write after a while. But then my wife asked when I was going to write another Whisper and I remembered that procrastination and laziness are the tools of Satan!
It’s said that all that is needed for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing! I’m not saying I’m a good man, but God has given me the desire to write these devotions and it’s been burning within me to do them for too long! For me not to write them would be wrong and my procrastination would lead to laziness and become disobedience in the sight of God. As it is, I’ve had the thought of writing for years and haven’t done a thing about it up until a few months ago. That led to an uneasy feeling deep down inside of me!
Proverbs 13:4, “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”
Enough about me! You know I’m an expert at procrastination and laziness, but how about you? Does this apply to you or are you diligent in all that the Lord has impressed upon your heart to do? Have you followed through to completion? Let’s start with the basics: 1) Reading your Bible daily? 2) Going to Church consistently? 3) Praying all the time? If so, then how about Serving? Are you using the gifts the Lord has blessed you with? Did you know that they are not yours to hoard, but rather to give away to others?
The Apostle Paul had this to say to the Corinthians, “And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.” – 2Corinthians 8:10,11
I pray that today is a day of new beginnings for you; that you prayerfully think of what the Lord has impressed upon your heart to do for Him. And, with that, you are moved to act and follow through to completion that which the Lord has set before you. I can guarantee that your soul will be satisfied and made rich for God promises this to be true!
Whispers: A Devotion from James 4:8 & Luke 11:9, 10 NKJV
“Please Reveal Yourself to Me!”
Have you ever heard a joke and not understood the punch line? Maybe not but my sister is an example of this happening (all the time!). She would hear a joke and laugh at it. We would all continue doing what we were doing and about 30 minutes later deep, hard and sometimes uncontrollable laughter would erupt from the other room where my sister was and we would wonder what she was laughing at. When asked, my sister would tell us through tears of laughter that she finally got the joke and was laughing at it!
Spiritually speaking, I’ve felt this way at times: reading and receiving but maybe not fully understanding what God is telling me, only to understand and “get it” later in the day, week, month or year!
Moses walked with the Lord, leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, raised his staff and parted the Red Sea, struck the Rock and caused water to come out. But Moses having spoken with God and been given the 10 Commandments and being in God’s presence on many occasions, still had a desire to have the Lord be revealed to Him even more! Moses pleaded with God in Exodus 33:18, “Please, show me Your glory.”
Imagine having experienced all of what we read about in Moses’ life and still asking God to reveal Himself! But you should ask yourself, why not? Moses did and God placed him in a cleft on the side of a mountain, covered Moses with His hand, and allowed Moses to catch a glimpse of Him as He was passing away.
If we ask, God will do much the same with us. His Word says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) Jesus tells us in Luke 11:9, 10, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
I pray today that you ask God to reveal Himself to you! I pray hat you may see His glory and shine with it in the midst of darkness. The laughter others will hear out of the next room will be laughter of joy because God has revealed Himself to you a little more!
Have you ever heard a joke and not understood the punch line? Maybe not but my sister is an example of this happening (all the time!). She would hear a joke and laugh at it. We would all continue doing what we were doing and about 30 minutes later deep, hard and sometimes uncontrollable laughter would erupt from the other room where my sister was and we would wonder what she was laughing at. When asked, my sister would tell us through tears of laughter that she finally got the joke and was laughing at it!
Spiritually speaking, I’ve felt this way at times: reading and receiving but maybe not fully understanding what God is telling me, only to understand and “get it” later in the day, week, month or year!
Moses walked with the Lord, leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, raised his staff and parted the Red Sea, struck the Rock and caused water to come out. But Moses having spoken with God and been given the 10 Commandments and being in God’s presence on many occasions, still had a desire to have the Lord be revealed to Him even more! Moses pleaded with God in Exodus 33:18, “Please, show me Your glory.”
Imagine having experienced all of what we read about in Moses’ life and still asking God to reveal Himself! But you should ask yourself, why not? Moses did and God placed him in a cleft on the side of a mountain, covered Moses with His hand, and allowed Moses to catch a glimpse of Him as He was passing away.
If we ask, God will do much the same with us. His Word says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) Jesus tells us in Luke 11:9, 10, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
I pray today that you ask God to reveal Himself to you! I pray hat you may see His glory and shine with it in the midst of darkness. The laughter others will hear out of the next room will be laughter of joy because God has revealed Himself to you a little more!
Whispers: A Devotion from 2Corinthians 3:2,3 NKJV
Reader-friendly?
With the new Microsoft Windows Vista Version having just been released the question is often asked of salesmen if the new system is “user friendly”?
But what is exactly meant by that question? If someone comes up on a laptop computer, opens the computer up, and begins to use it but soon finds out that they can’t find any basic icons on it, like the “print” button or this person has difficulty understanding the logic of how it’s set up, then it’s not “user-friendly”. The computer’s purpose is not simply accessible and open, and people will revert to a system they are familiar and comfortable with.
The Apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthians in a basic, clear and intentional manner. For example, he said, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…” – 1Corinthians 15:3, 4
What we speak to others should be as simple as the example Paul gives us, “according to the Scriptures”. Anything we ourselves think up and try to figure out on our own accord clouds the message we are supposed to deliver.
Here’s something to boast about… “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” – 2Corinthians 1:12
Here’s another area of our lives that should be reader-friendly, our daily conduct! Do we have two sets of vocabulary; one on Sunday and another the rest of the week? Do we behave in a manner that lifts God up or ourselves? Are others confused about your “Christianity”?
We can all muddy the message of Jesus Christ in word or deed, but we need to realize that the Bible tells us that others are watching and they should be able to “read” our lives and understand that we are Christ’s and no one else’s.
Are you God’s letter written for men to read and understand that God is wonderful and worth living for? Are you spiritually reader-friendly?
“You are an epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” – 2Corinthians 3:2, 3
With the new Microsoft Windows Vista Version having just been released the question is often asked of salesmen if the new system is “user friendly”?
But what is exactly meant by that question? If someone comes up on a laptop computer, opens the computer up, and begins to use it but soon finds out that they can’t find any basic icons on it, like the “print” button or this person has difficulty understanding the logic of how it’s set up, then it’s not “user-friendly”. The computer’s purpose is not simply accessible and open, and people will revert to a system they are familiar and comfortable with.
The Apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthians in a basic, clear and intentional manner. For example, he said, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…” – 1Corinthians 15:3, 4
What we speak to others should be as simple as the example Paul gives us, “according to the Scriptures”. Anything we ourselves think up and try to figure out on our own accord clouds the message we are supposed to deliver.
Here’s something to boast about… “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” – 2Corinthians 1:12
Here’s another area of our lives that should be reader-friendly, our daily conduct! Do we have two sets of vocabulary; one on Sunday and another the rest of the week? Do we behave in a manner that lifts God up or ourselves? Are others confused about your “Christianity”?
We can all muddy the message of Jesus Christ in word or deed, but we need to realize that the Bible tells us that others are watching and they should be able to “read” our lives and understand that we are Christ’s and no one else’s.
Are you God’s letter written for men to read and understand that God is wonderful and worth living for? Are you spiritually reader-friendly?
“You are an epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” – 2Corinthians 3:2, 3
Monday, February 05, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 1Corinthians 10:11,12 NKJV
The Complainer, the Player and the Idolater
These three, although not identified by name in the Bible, are spoken of for our benefit. You might ask, “For our benefit? How is it that we benefit from someone that wines and cries about everything; someone that is promiscuous, sexually unrestrained; and, someone that holds his football-viewing, recreation and softball-playing above God?”
I’ve heard this said: Your life may be nothing more than an example for others to learn what not to do? A big walking Warning or Caution Sign!
Losers and Winners, we can all benefit from them. It is said that hindsight is 20/20 but better is using others hindsight as our foresight! I’d rather benefit from other’s errors and avoid the wrong thing than learn the “hard way” and experience unnecessary pain and anguish. How about you?
In chapter 10 of 1Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians that many Old Testament Israelites were examples of what not to do, “Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” – 1Cor. 10:6 (speaking of the Israelites that were delivered out of Egypt with Moses)
Today, I encourage you to move forward thoughtfully, taking into account the “losers” that are written about in the Bible and use their examples as what not to do. This encouragement is given because we can so easily dip into any one of these roles, none of us are exempt.
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition [warning, caution]… Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” – 1Corinthians 10:11, 12
These three, although not identified by name in the Bible, are spoken of for our benefit. You might ask, “For our benefit? How is it that we benefit from someone that wines and cries about everything; someone that is promiscuous, sexually unrestrained; and, someone that holds his football-viewing, recreation and softball-playing above God?”
I’ve heard this said: Your life may be nothing more than an example for others to learn what not to do? A big walking Warning or Caution Sign!
Losers and Winners, we can all benefit from them. It is said that hindsight is 20/20 but better is using others hindsight as our foresight! I’d rather benefit from other’s errors and avoid the wrong thing than learn the “hard way” and experience unnecessary pain and anguish. How about you?
In chapter 10 of 1Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians that many Old Testament Israelites were examples of what not to do, “Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.” – 1Cor. 10:6 (speaking of the Israelites that were delivered out of Egypt with Moses)
Today, I encourage you to move forward thoughtfully, taking into account the “losers” that are written about in the Bible and use their examples as what not to do. This encouragement is given because we can so easily dip into any one of these roles, none of us are exempt.
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition [warning, caution]… Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” – 1Corinthians 10:11, 12
Friday, February 02, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from John 11:35 NKJV
Tongue-tied?
Calvary Pastor Chuck Smith tells the story of when he met with a friend that was in sin. Chuck had prepared himself to share scripture with his friend, and had a plan of discussion and redirection for restoring his friend to God.
This was not the first time Pastor Chuck had met with someone to deal with the sin of adultery, but this time it was different because he was meeting with a dear friend. And as he tells the story, he sat in the man’s house and wept uncontrollably. Pastor Chuck wasn’t even able to get a word out and excused himself; leaving the friend he so eagerly wanted to help… he thought he had failed!
Pastor Chuck later found out that his friend had repented, asked his wife to forgive him and his marriage was restored. Chuck’s friend told him that he saw the brokenness and love of Christ through Chuck the day he went to his house and did nothing but cry. This moved his friend so much that he understood the impact his actions had, especially on his relationship with Jesus and was moved to reconcile with his wife.
There are times when words just get in the way and we need to show compassion and love with hugs, kisses and tears. Jesus wept for the people over the grief they were experiencing because of the death of Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus. The response of the people was, “See how He loved him!”
Ecclesiastes 3:4, “There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”
Sometimes words just get in the way!
Jesus wept. – John 11:35
Calvary Pastor Chuck Smith tells the story of when he met with a friend that was in sin. Chuck had prepared himself to share scripture with his friend, and had a plan of discussion and redirection for restoring his friend to God.
This was not the first time Pastor Chuck had met with someone to deal with the sin of adultery, but this time it was different because he was meeting with a dear friend. And as he tells the story, he sat in the man’s house and wept uncontrollably. Pastor Chuck wasn’t even able to get a word out and excused himself; leaving the friend he so eagerly wanted to help… he thought he had failed!
Pastor Chuck later found out that his friend had repented, asked his wife to forgive him and his marriage was restored. Chuck’s friend told him that he saw the brokenness and love of Christ through Chuck the day he went to his house and did nothing but cry. This moved his friend so much that he understood the impact his actions had, especially on his relationship with Jesus and was moved to reconcile with his wife.
There are times when words just get in the way and we need to show compassion and love with hugs, kisses and tears. Jesus wept for the people over the grief they were experiencing because of the death of Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus. The response of the people was, “See how He loved him!”
Ecclesiastes 3:4, “There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…”
Sometimes words just get in the way!
Jesus wept. – John 11:35
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from Psalm 145:5 NKJV
Glory to the Creation?
Henry Ford sold his first vehicle on July 20, 1903 to a Detroit physician. He was only in business for one month when he delivered his first vehicle.
Although we all know that from this has come one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world, what people don’t know is the peculiar and interesting, yet weird occurrences that took place after Ford sold that first car.
Of course as we can imagine, the physician was excited with the newness of this technology and proud to be the first to own such a machine; he had “bragging rights”! He was so excited that he bought a second vehicle from Ford and made a special garage to house both cars.
One morning, the Doctor was coming out to his garage with a steaming cup of coffee in hand and was alarmed when he heard voices coming out of the garage! Immediately he thought someone was in there trying to steal his new cars, but when he opened the door slowly and quietly he was astonished at what he saw and heard!
The two cars were not only talking to each other, but one was telling the other that he was faster, made better and could fill up his own tank with gas. He said he didn’t need anyone to drive him or clean him up or even fill him with gas… he could do it all by himself!
As ridiculous and far-fetched as the twist to Ford’s history sounds, so it is when we (God’s creation, “fearfully and wonderfully made”) talk to each other as if we “do” things in our own power. Can you imagine the cars telling each other they can fix themselves too!? “I don’t need a mechanic! That’s for the weak cars!”
In essence, that’s what God sees when people talk that way and behave that way. Henry Ford was the vehicles’ creator; he knew every detail of the vehicle; and, he knew how and what needed to be fixed on the vehicle. Henry had the tools to fix the vehicles! Henry was the creator and was great to the vehicles, and the conversation the Doctor should have heard was… “I am so grateful to Henry for making me the way I am. I hope and pray that I live up to my purpose and serve those around me in a way that Henry would want me to. And if I need fixing, then I know that Henry is the only one that can take care of me.”
Today I pray that the works you meditate on are the works of our Maker, our Creator, our God…
“I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works.” – Psalm 145:5
Henry Ford sold his first vehicle on July 20, 1903 to a Detroit physician. He was only in business for one month when he delivered his first vehicle.
Although we all know that from this has come one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world, what people don’t know is the peculiar and interesting, yet weird occurrences that took place after Ford sold that first car.
Of course as we can imagine, the physician was excited with the newness of this technology and proud to be the first to own such a machine; he had “bragging rights”! He was so excited that he bought a second vehicle from Ford and made a special garage to house both cars.
One morning, the Doctor was coming out to his garage with a steaming cup of coffee in hand and was alarmed when he heard voices coming out of the garage! Immediately he thought someone was in there trying to steal his new cars, but when he opened the door slowly and quietly he was astonished at what he saw and heard!
The two cars were not only talking to each other, but one was telling the other that he was faster, made better and could fill up his own tank with gas. He said he didn’t need anyone to drive him or clean him up or even fill him with gas… he could do it all by himself!
As ridiculous and far-fetched as the twist to Ford’s history sounds, so it is when we (God’s creation, “fearfully and wonderfully made”) talk to each other as if we “do” things in our own power. Can you imagine the cars telling each other they can fix themselves too!? “I don’t need a mechanic! That’s for the weak cars!”
In essence, that’s what God sees when people talk that way and behave that way. Henry Ford was the vehicles’ creator; he knew every detail of the vehicle; and, he knew how and what needed to be fixed on the vehicle. Henry had the tools to fix the vehicles! Henry was the creator and was great to the vehicles, and the conversation the Doctor should have heard was… “I am so grateful to Henry for making me the way I am. I hope and pray that I live up to my purpose and serve those around me in a way that Henry would want me to. And if I need fixing, then I know that Henry is the only one that can take care of me.”
Today I pray that the works you meditate on are the works of our Maker, our Creator, our God…
“I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works.” – Psalm 145:5
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from Luke 6:40 & John 14:26 NKJV
Marathon-Ready Overnight?
I just started training for Camp Pendleton’s “Mud Run”. This is a 10k race over hills, down hills, through obstacles, sprayed down with water from the start and the last part is about a 50 foot mud pit!
If you’ve ever run a 10k race, you know that the run itself is difficult enough when you’re racing for your best time! But add everything else I described and you have more than a challenge to the race.
I haven’t been running much up until now. I have a treadmill and my first “good” workout was about a week ago. My time was less than desirable and I was sore for a few days afterwards (that was expected but not desirable).
I wish I could instantly be in shape after the first couple times I run and be ready for the 10k but I know that isn’t realistic! To run, and finish the race in June, I need to train, get in shape and discipline myself to eat (somewhat) right. Otherwise, I’ll either not finish the race, or if I do, I could get very sick!
The same is true of our walk as Christians: We look at someone that has been walking with the Lord for a handful of years or decades consistently, and we automatically want our relationship with the Lord to be just like theirs. We want our knowledge of the Bible to be “unrealistically” amazing so that we can spurt out scripture to people around us. We want to be able to run a marathon with little training and knowledge of how to run.
Here’s what the Bible says about this: A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. – Luke 6:40 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. – John 14:26
Your relationship with Jesus is not a sprint, it’s not a 5k, nor is it a 10k, it is a marathon! And, we need to understand how to run the race with endurance, perseverance, strength, power, desire and knowledge. Don’t expect to have this overnight, it takes some pain, some discipline and it takes help, which you have in the Holy Spirit.
Today, I encourage you to train and not grow weary of where you are with the Lord. If you’ve stumbled, fallen or gone off the path then get back up and continue the run, even if you have to walk at times. Remember, God sent a Helper to those that put their trust in Jesus… you’re never in this race alone!
I just started training for Camp Pendleton’s “Mud Run”. This is a 10k race over hills, down hills, through obstacles, sprayed down with water from the start and the last part is about a 50 foot mud pit!
If you’ve ever run a 10k race, you know that the run itself is difficult enough when you’re racing for your best time! But add everything else I described and you have more than a challenge to the race.
I haven’t been running much up until now. I have a treadmill and my first “good” workout was about a week ago. My time was less than desirable and I was sore for a few days afterwards (that was expected but not desirable).
I wish I could instantly be in shape after the first couple times I run and be ready for the 10k but I know that isn’t realistic! To run, and finish the race in June, I need to train, get in shape and discipline myself to eat (somewhat) right. Otherwise, I’ll either not finish the race, or if I do, I could get very sick!
The same is true of our walk as Christians: We look at someone that has been walking with the Lord for a handful of years or decades consistently, and we automatically want our relationship with the Lord to be just like theirs. We want our knowledge of the Bible to be “unrealistically” amazing so that we can spurt out scripture to people around us. We want to be able to run a marathon with little training and knowledge of how to run.
Here’s what the Bible says about this: A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. – Luke 6:40 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. – John 14:26
Your relationship with Jesus is not a sprint, it’s not a 5k, nor is it a 10k, it is a marathon! And, we need to understand how to run the race with endurance, perseverance, strength, power, desire and knowledge. Don’t expect to have this overnight, it takes some pain, some discipline and it takes help, which you have in the Holy Spirit.
Today, I encourage you to train and not grow weary of where you are with the Lord. If you’ve stumbled, fallen or gone off the path then get back up and continue the run, even if you have to walk at times. Remember, God sent a Helper to those that put their trust in Jesus… you’re never in this race alone!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 1Corinthians 4:16 & 1Corinthians 11:1 NKJV
Imitate Me Right
Imitation Crab, Imitation Mayo, or Imitation Cheese… How about a comedian that imitates; a replica of an antique car; or, a double of an actor in a movie?
Each one of the things I just listed is very deliberate and concise in the calculation of the characteristics of the original. Each manufacturing company and person has done their “homework”, researching and studying everything about the original so that they can very closely resemble and pass for the original item or person.
I’m sure if the “real” crab, mayo, actor or antique car could talk they would say how honored they are that they are being imitated. But, what if they are being imitated by someone for the wrong reasons? What if others are just being duped into believing they are another person for selfish, prideful, or fraudulent reasons?
Let me get to the point… If you call yourself a Christian then let me tell you what that means: The original meaning of “Christian” is little Christ, or imitators of Christ. So, if this is the meaning, shouldn’t our reasons for imitating Christ be sincere? Shouldn’t they last longer than just after Sunday Church Service? Shouldn’t we be studying the Man we call Lord? Shouldn’t we honor Jesus’ name by being as much like Him as we can, allowing the Holy Spirit within us to help us do so and be so?
Think about the next question and carefully consider it…
If you are a Christian can you say to someone else “follow me”, “imitate me”, or “be like me”?
If you can’t say that to someone else, don’t throw in the towel… don’t give up because it seems impossible. Just simply ask God to give you a new heart, a new mind, and a new desire to know Him better and closer today. Read about our Lord in the Bible, and find out how much He loves you and wants you to live in Him and He in you!
One day maybe you can utter the same words that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians,
“Therefore I urge you, imitate me.” 1Corinthians 4:16; and, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1Corinthians 11:1
Imitation Crab, Imitation Mayo, or Imitation Cheese… How about a comedian that imitates; a replica of an antique car; or, a double of an actor in a movie?
Each one of the things I just listed is very deliberate and concise in the calculation of the characteristics of the original. Each manufacturing company and person has done their “homework”, researching and studying everything about the original so that they can very closely resemble and pass for the original item or person.
I’m sure if the “real” crab, mayo, actor or antique car could talk they would say how honored they are that they are being imitated. But, what if they are being imitated by someone for the wrong reasons? What if others are just being duped into believing they are another person for selfish, prideful, or fraudulent reasons?
Let me get to the point… If you call yourself a Christian then let me tell you what that means: The original meaning of “Christian” is little Christ, or imitators of Christ. So, if this is the meaning, shouldn’t our reasons for imitating Christ be sincere? Shouldn’t they last longer than just after Sunday Church Service? Shouldn’t we be studying the Man we call Lord? Shouldn’t we honor Jesus’ name by being as much like Him as we can, allowing the Holy Spirit within us to help us do so and be so?
Think about the next question and carefully consider it…
If you are a Christian can you say to someone else “follow me”, “imitate me”, or “be like me”?
If you can’t say that to someone else, don’t throw in the towel… don’t give up because it seems impossible. Just simply ask God to give you a new heart, a new mind, and a new desire to know Him better and closer today. Read about our Lord in the Bible, and find out how much He loves you and wants you to live in Him and He in you!
One day maybe you can utter the same words that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians,
“Therefore I urge you, imitate me.” 1Corinthians 4:16; and, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1Corinthians 11:1
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 1Corinthians 15:33 NKJV
Monkey See, Monkey Do…
If you’ve ever dealt with a teenager, or remember your teen years, you’ll agree that these kids, in all their wisdom, come up with some pretty incredulous lines to help convince parents that their thoughts and “needs” are so important. Personally, I don’t think there’s much actual thought put into many of the statements they make during these growing years.
One thing that I hear teens say is that who they hang out with and what they hear on the radio and Ipod is of no consequence both to the way they think and how they behave. They go to great lengths to try and convince us that this is true and that they know what they’re doing and who they’re hanging out with. But we know that at some point, influence causes one to do what the other has been doing all along… monkey see, monkey do.
As parents we need to be very careful of who our kids are associating with and what they are listening to on the radio and on their Ipods; not because we can find psychological and pathological information that supports what we’re saying but because God, in all His perfect knowledge and wisdom, says the following: “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1Corinthians 15:33 God also says in Proverbs 23:7 that as a man “thinks in his heart, so is he.”
I use teens as an illustration here, but ask yourself this question also: What company are you keeping? Are you consistent in your reading of the Bible, fellowshipping at Church, and listening to something worthwhile on the radio? Or, are you watching some TV show that is not what Jesus would join you on your couch to watch; or are you going places you shouldn’t go to with people that you wouldn’t allow your children to keep company with? What are your thoughts of others? What company are you keeping?
Society’s morals are degraded, down and dirty because as one person thinks so does the other because it’s accepted by the majority. But, the world is sadly mistaken for one with the Lord IS the majority and all else is foolishness.
Remember… “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1Corinthians 15:33
If you’ve ever dealt with a teenager, or remember your teen years, you’ll agree that these kids, in all their wisdom, come up with some pretty incredulous lines to help convince parents that their thoughts and “needs” are so important. Personally, I don’t think there’s much actual thought put into many of the statements they make during these growing years.
One thing that I hear teens say is that who they hang out with and what they hear on the radio and Ipod is of no consequence both to the way they think and how they behave. They go to great lengths to try and convince us that this is true and that they know what they’re doing and who they’re hanging out with. But we know that at some point, influence causes one to do what the other has been doing all along… monkey see, monkey do.
As parents we need to be very careful of who our kids are associating with and what they are listening to on the radio and on their Ipods; not because we can find psychological and pathological information that supports what we’re saying but because God, in all His perfect knowledge and wisdom, says the following: “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1Corinthians 15:33 God also says in Proverbs 23:7 that as a man “thinks in his heart, so is he.”
I use teens as an illustration here, but ask yourself this question also: What company are you keeping? Are you consistent in your reading of the Bible, fellowshipping at Church, and listening to something worthwhile on the radio? Or, are you watching some TV show that is not what Jesus would join you on your couch to watch; or are you going places you shouldn’t go to with people that you wouldn’t allow your children to keep company with? What are your thoughts of others? What company are you keeping?
Society’s morals are degraded, down and dirty because as one person thinks so does the other because it’s accepted by the majority. But, the world is sadly mistaken for one with the Lord IS the majority and all else is foolishness.
Remember… “Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1Corinthians 15:33
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Whispers: A Devotion from 1Corinthians 1:3 NKJV
A Specific Gift
Everyone loves receiving gifts, right? There are some ladies that like chocolate, flowers, clothes or jewelry, and guys that like gift cards to Home Depot, computer stores, or a car shop. Even if you do give a gift card, which is a more general gift, it still goes specifically to someone that enjoys what that store has to offer, right? The gift goes to someone that you know.
Have you ever been somewhere where you find out that someone is going to win a prize? The announcer may hype the situation up and get you all excited, but then you find out that you have to buy a raffle ticket… so you run and buy one. Then you find out that you need tickets that are between specific numbers and yours isn’t one of them… so you run out and buy some more tickets. Then you find out that there is only one prize for one specific ticket and yours is… the one!
The Apostle Paul doesn’t sell raffle tickets but he does talk about specific gifts and begins his first letter to the Corinthians by getting specific very quickly. He says, “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours;” – 1Corinthians 1:2
Paul is not just speaking to a church, but also to those that have made professions of faith in Christ Jesus; and, not just to those who have made professions of faith, but specifically to those who have relationships with Jesus, walking hand-in-hand with Him. The next verse has a gift specifically for these people; a gift beyond what money can buy and any person can provide.
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
God wants to give His gifts to everyone, but we can only receive certain, specific gifts when we are walking with Him intimately on that path that leads to eternal life… hand-in-HAND.
I pray today you are allowing God to hold your hand in His, so that you too can not only receive the gift of grace, but also His specific gift of peace.
May God’s grace and peace be with you today, tomorrow and forever.
Everyone loves receiving gifts, right? There are some ladies that like chocolate, flowers, clothes or jewelry, and guys that like gift cards to Home Depot, computer stores, or a car shop. Even if you do give a gift card, which is a more general gift, it still goes specifically to someone that enjoys what that store has to offer, right? The gift goes to someone that you know.
Have you ever been somewhere where you find out that someone is going to win a prize? The announcer may hype the situation up and get you all excited, but then you find out that you have to buy a raffle ticket… so you run and buy one. Then you find out that you need tickets that are between specific numbers and yours isn’t one of them… so you run out and buy some more tickets. Then you find out that there is only one prize for one specific ticket and yours is… the one!
The Apostle Paul doesn’t sell raffle tickets but he does talk about specific gifts and begins his first letter to the Corinthians by getting specific very quickly. He says, “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours;” – 1Corinthians 1:2
Paul is not just speaking to a church, but also to those that have made professions of faith in Christ Jesus; and, not just to those who have made professions of faith, but specifically to those who have relationships with Jesus, walking hand-in-hand with Him. The next verse has a gift specifically for these people; a gift beyond what money can buy and any person can provide.
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
God wants to give His gifts to everyone, but we can only receive certain, specific gifts when we are walking with Him intimately on that path that leads to eternal life… hand-in-HAND.
I pray today you are allowing God to hold your hand in His, so that you too can not only receive the gift of grace, but also His specific gift of peace.
May God’s grace and peace be with you today, tomorrow and forever.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
How to have eternal life
If you want to truly live with joy and you want to know what eternal life is, then continue reading, this is for YOU...
The Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Because we have all sinned, we are separated from God. If you've lied, stolen, coveted, or had lustful thoughts then you have sinned; even if you've lost your temper a little. We all have personal weaknesses and personal guilt. People are naturally self-serving. Even though people do good things, we all have done our share of wrong.
The Bible says in Romans 6:26: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The consequences of our sin is death. This verse explains one of the most important concepts of the Bible in one sentence. God is Holy and perfect, without any wrong. He cannot be in the presence of sin. Because we have all sinned, we are all separated from Him. This is much like a limb being cut from a tree; it has been removed from its source of life! We cannot have spiritual life because we have been removed from God because of sin. So if we have all sinned and God cannot be in the presence of sin, how can we be saved from eternal spiritual death?
The Bible says in Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The penalty for our sin was paid by Jesus Christ. Notice that this verse does not say "God loved us so much that He was really distressed that we were separated from Him by our sin." No! God demonstrated His love. He did something in history that proved His love; Jesus Christ died for us. Despite our sinful condition, Christ died for us. This is the wonderful message of the gospel: God loves us despite our sinful condition, so much that He became a man, Jesus Christ, the perfect, Holy, and sinless God in the form of man. He came to die in our stead, taking the penalty of our sins (death)on Himself so that we might live the way God intended for us to live: in total dependence on Him and in total obedience to Him.
The Bible says in Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." If we repent of our sinfulness, then confess and trust Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of our lives, we will be saved from the penalty of sin. The gospel offers us a promise, to save us from the penalty of sin; we must believe it. The gospel also offers us a person, Jesus Christ who paid our penalty and who deserves to be Lord of our lives; we must receive Him.
I would like to invite you right now to pray to God, telling Him you're ready to trust Jesus Christ to save you from the penalty of sin and to confess Him as the Lord over your life. There is a prayer you can pray right now, but let the words be your own; don't just repeat the words as if they were a spiritual chant, but speak them to the personal God who loves you enough to die for you.
Prayer: Lord, I admit that I have sinned and am unclean before You, the Holy God. I understand that I deserve death as the penalty for my sins, and I believe that Jesus Christ paid the price with His blood. I want to turn away from my life style of selfishness and sin; I repent. I confess Jesus Christ as my Savior and I ask that He take the steering wheel of my life; that He take control of my life as my Lord. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
If you've prayed this prayer and received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior there are some very important, foundational steps you want to take immediately to begin building your relationship with God.
1. Read... the Bible Daily. If you don't have a Bible, then send me an email and I can send one to you, but if you do, then begin reading it. Many suggest you begin reading the gospel of John and the reason for this is so that you can read about Jesus Christ.
2. Pray... without ceasing. This doesn't mean that you have to do it with your eyes closed. It just means that you ask God for direction and guidance each step of your day. It's when you pray that you have communication with God and it's at those times that God can speak to you.
3. Church.. attend one that teaches from the Word of God: the Bible. It's very important to find a church that teaches only the Bible and doesn't add any other books to the teaching. I suggest you find a Calvary Chapel-affiliated church in your local area and attend every Sunday.
4. Share... the Good News. You've received an immeasurable gift and I'm sure you want others to have the same. So, tell others what you did to receive this gift and tell them what God has done for you.
May the Lord Bless you richly!
The Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Because we have all sinned, we are separated from God. If you've lied, stolen, coveted, or had lustful thoughts then you have sinned; even if you've lost your temper a little. We all have personal weaknesses and personal guilt. People are naturally self-serving. Even though people do good things, we all have done our share of wrong.
The Bible says in Romans 6:26: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The consequences of our sin is death. This verse explains one of the most important concepts of the Bible in one sentence. God is Holy and perfect, without any wrong. He cannot be in the presence of sin. Because we have all sinned, we are all separated from Him. This is much like a limb being cut from a tree; it has been removed from its source of life! We cannot have spiritual life because we have been removed from God because of sin. So if we have all sinned and God cannot be in the presence of sin, how can we be saved from eternal spiritual death?
The Bible says in Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The penalty for our sin was paid by Jesus Christ. Notice that this verse does not say "God loved us so much that He was really distressed that we were separated from Him by our sin." No! God demonstrated His love. He did something in history that proved His love; Jesus Christ died for us. Despite our sinful condition, Christ died for us. This is the wonderful message of the gospel: God loves us despite our sinful condition, so much that He became a man, Jesus Christ, the perfect, Holy, and sinless God in the form of man. He came to die in our stead, taking the penalty of our sins (death)on Himself so that we might live the way God intended for us to live: in total dependence on Him and in total obedience to Him.
The Bible says in Romans 10:9: "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." If we repent of our sinfulness, then confess and trust Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of our lives, we will be saved from the penalty of sin. The gospel offers us a promise, to save us from the penalty of sin; we must believe it. The gospel also offers us a person, Jesus Christ who paid our penalty and who deserves to be Lord of our lives; we must receive Him.
I would like to invite you right now to pray to God, telling Him you're ready to trust Jesus Christ to save you from the penalty of sin and to confess Him as the Lord over your life. There is a prayer you can pray right now, but let the words be your own; don't just repeat the words as if they were a spiritual chant, but speak them to the personal God who loves you enough to die for you.
Prayer: Lord, I admit that I have sinned and am unclean before You, the Holy God. I understand that I deserve death as the penalty for my sins, and I believe that Jesus Christ paid the price with His blood. I want to turn away from my life style of selfishness and sin; I repent. I confess Jesus Christ as my Savior and I ask that He take the steering wheel of my life; that He take control of my life as my Lord. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
If you've prayed this prayer and received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior there are some very important, foundational steps you want to take immediately to begin building your relationship with God.
1. Read... the Bible Daily. If you don't have a Bible, then send me an email and I can send one to you, but if you do, then begin reading it. Many suggest you begin reading the gospel of John and the reason for this is so that you can read about Jesus Christ.
2. Pray... without ceasing. This doesn't mean that you have to do it with your eyes closed. It just means that you ask God for direction and guidance each step of your day. It's when you pray that you have communication with God and it's at those times that God can speak to you.
3. Church.. attend one that teaches from the Word of God: the Bible. It's very important to find a church that teaches only the Bible and doesn't add any other books to the teaching. I suggest you find a Calvary Chapel-affiliated church in your local area and attend every Sunday.
4. Share... the Good News. You've received an immeasurable gift and I'm sure you want others to have the same. So, tell others what you did to receive this gift and tell them what God has done for you.
May the Lord Bless you richly!
Whispers: A Devotion from John 10:9 NKJV
It’s Your Choice…
An Arab chief tells a story of a spy who was captured and then sentenced to death by a general in the Persian army. This general had the strange custom of giving condemned criminals a choice between the firing squad and the big, black door.
As the moment for execution drew near, the spy was brought to the Persian general, who asked the question, "What will it be: the firing squad or the big, black door?"
The spy hesitated for a long time. It was a difficult decision. He chose the firing squad.
Moments later shots rang out confirming his execution.
The general turned to his aide and said, "They always prefer the known way to the unknown. It is characteristic of people to be afraid of the undefined. Yet, we gave him a choice."
The aide said, "What lies beyond the big door?"
"Freedom," replied the general. "I’ve known only a few brave enough to take it."...
God’s heart breaks every time He sees people choose the firing squad instead of the Door that leads to true eternal life with Him. Many people rely on the known, which is limited beyond measure. People resort to human intelligence, peer pressure (even as adults) and conform to the world’s standards instead of walking through One passage that will release them from the chains of sin and degradation and into a loving, merciful and graceful God!
Today, if you haven’t made the choice to walk through the Door, I implore you to do so because the firing squad is final, but the Door is Jesus in which you’ll only begin to live when you make a decision for Him and walk into Him, through Him and into a life with God.
Think of this… Jesus is with you even at that last moment. The same tree that you are leaning on when facing the firing squad is the same tree, that if you look up, will show you where God the Son hung and wants to take your place so that you can freely go and live.
Today, contemplate the power of choice and use it to choose life in Christ Jesus…
“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” – John 10:9 [Jesus speaking]
If you want to know how you can receive forgiveness, no matter where you are in life, follow the link below and read “How to have eternal life”
http://godwhispers.blogspot.com/
An Arab chief tells a story of a spy who was captured and then sentenced to death by a general in the Persian army. This general had the strange custom of giving condemned criminals a choice between the firing squad and the big, black door.
As the moment for execution drew near, the spy was brought to the Persian general, who asked the question, "What will it be: the firing squad or the big, black door?"
The spy hesitated for a long time. It was a difficult decision. He chose the firing squad.
Moments later shots rang out confirming his execution.
The general turned to his aide and said, "They always prefer the known way to the unknown. It is characteristic of people to be afraid of the undefined. Yet, we gave him a choice."
The aide said, "What lies beyond the big door?"
"Freedom," replied the general. "I’ve known only a few brave enough to take it."...
God’s heart breaks every time He sees people choose the firing squad instead of the Door that leads to true eternal life with Him. Many people rely on the known, which is limited beyond measure. People resort to human intelligence, peer pressure (even as adults) and conform to the world’s standards instead of walking through One passage that will release them from the chains of sin and degradation and into a loving, merciful and graceful God!
Today, if you haven’t made the choice to walk through the Door, I implore you to do so because the firing squad is final, but the Door is Jesus in which you’ll only begin to live when you make a decision for Him and walk into Him, through Him and into a life with God.
Think of this… Jesus is with you even at that last moment. The same tree that you are leaning on when facing the firing squad is the same tree, that if you look up, will show you where God the Son hung and wants to take your place so that you can freely go and live.
Today, contemplate the power of choice and use it to choose life in Christ Jesus…
“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” – John 10:9 [Jesus speaking]
If you want to know how you can receive forgiveness, no matter where you are in life, follow the link below and read “How to have eternal life”
http://godwhispers.blogspot.com/
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