The Destructiveness of Pride in a Christian

It's awfully hard to watch someone you know is saved that keeps trying to live the Christian life in their own power. They set themselves up for failure repeatedly and can't grasp the reason why they continually fail. It's personally sad, for no matter what you do to help, they don't see the problem is themselves.

No matter how many sermons they hear, or Bible studies they attend, they just won't let God be God. They won't get off the throne and trust Jesus to rule over them.... They won't let God have their lives beyond their salvation.

They haven't grown beyond the warm-fuzzy of their initial salvation.

It all comes down to the original sin of pride.

Pride destroys everyone and everything.

"For you (Lucifer) have said in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the most high" Isaiah 14:12-14.

No one can sit on the throne of God except GOD. If a Christian keeps attempting to crawl up there, seeking to rule themselves, their sins will create more troubles for them and for all those around them.

"You have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD. nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives" Hebrews 12:5,6.

There is something wrong when a Christian can keep sinning without some kind of remorse for theuir actions.

For to know Jesus went to the cross to take the punishment for your sins, and then as a Christian stand at the foot of the cross, looking up at Him, how can you shake your fist and say,

"You are the Almighty Savior, and I thank you for saving me."...but...
"No, you shall not rule over me."
"I know better than you how to run my life"
"I don't care about Your suffering so I can have abundant life."
"I am not going to submit beyond faith that Your forgave my sins."
"I am not going to obey."
"I will not trust You to command me."
"I will not pray."
"I will not read my Bible." 

"Thus also faith by itself, it if does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' 'Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." James 2:17,18.

"Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves"

James 1:22.

The term 'backsliding' is the picture of a cow with her feet firmly planted, pulling back on the lead rope, refusing to be led into a stall.

Only Christians can be backsliders, since they are the only ones who are led by God into His 'stalls' to be fed and nurtured. They can 'backslide' by willfully refusing to obey the commands of God.
A non-Christian has no personal interactions with God, so they, as wild cattle, have no room in God's 'stalls'.

Prayer for fellow Christians is vitally important. Sometimes your personally steadfast walk of faith is the only thing that can help both you in your sorrow for your friend, and your friend as they watch your interaction with our Holy God.

Pray and Pray and Pray

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The Lamb Of God

As He grew up, Jesus saw the yearly Passover lamb killed for the Atonement for sin.

At some point in the 33 years prior to the cross, Jesus, fully human and fully God the Son, accepted the knowledge of why He came to earth.

John the Baptist said on seeing Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

His last night on earth, facing the horrifying death of the cross the next day, Jesus said to God the Father, "Not My will, but Yours be done."

At some point, Jesus the Man knew what His life was worth. He knew what His sacrifice was worth.

It was worth our lives.

Do we know this?

Do you know this?

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16.

If you have never asked Jesus to be your Savior, forgive you and be your Lord, pray something like this. Pray from the heart, with faith.

"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner who deserves hell. I know You love me so much You died on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me of my sins against You God and against my fellow men. Please save me Jesus and be my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus for saving me."

If you prayed this prayer, begin reading the Bible and find other believers. Go to a Bible teaching church or join a Bible teaching group.

You may feel differently, you may not, but believe that God has heard you and He has heard your heart say the prayer. He has come to you and He has saved you forever and ever.

Tell someone you have been born again into Jesus and want to learn more about Him.

And I, Susan Estes, welcome you my Brother, my Sister, into the family of God.

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Video : The Angel That Visited The Shepherds Luke 2:9

This video is an excerpt from the sermon giving by Pastor David Ray Jr at Grace Bible Church, Sangerville Maine on Christmas Day, December 25th, 2016. This was part of his advent series on the visitations of the angels to various people during the amazing incarnation and birth of the Son of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The sermon title: "The Angel that Visited the Shepherds" from Luke 2:8-21

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.'
'For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be the sign unto you; You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.'
And suddenly there with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill
toward men!"
Luke 2:9-14

(Transcript of the video)

(Angels) They were aware that He’d laid those things aside for a little while, to come to earth to become one of us. To become a sacrifice really for us. You see, they also knew of the fall of man. They had been informed also that God was going to provide a way for the salvation for man. They knew about that. They knew the prophesy had been made that a Savior would come and that a sacrifice would be made. And they understood all of this and they were praising God because they were seeing God’s grace on display. They were thanking God for His indescribable gift. They were looking into the things… our salvation.

Peter talks about that, when he says that angels long to look into our salvation to try to understand. You see they never experienced the kind of salvation we can experience. They haven’t experienced the grace and mercy and forgiveness that we can experience.

You see, angels have never been forgiven. They’ve never been redeemed . And so they long to look into that. They’re interested in how God is working to save us and make salvation available to us.

You know, if the angels glorify God for this wonderful work, how much more should we raise up our voices and praise God for this wonderful work, and honor our Lord and Savior. It’s the greatest thing we can do with our life, is to live for the glory of God. 

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Video by Susan L. Estes

Complete Swap & Trade--It's A Great Deal!!!

I have a 1 billion dollar, fully furnished home, on 1000 acres of private landscaped land. I offer to completely swap it for your house. Plus it's tax free and I pay for all maintenance for the rest of your life. Also, before you leave your house, you may smash all the windows, break everything inside, destroy the grounds, tear huge holes in every wall, floor and ceiling. You have the privilege of running up a huge mortgage, and homeowner's debt.

And I swap my beautiful home... completely to you for yours, no strings attached...would you take it?

Jesus has such a deal with you.

God has given absolutely everything He had, even going to death on the cross.

He offers you eternal life with Him in Paradise and all you have to do is give Him your life now, with all it's broken pieces, dirty laundry, loaded baggage.

He'll make a complete swap with you, giving you His eternal life, His comfort, His peace, His new birth, His riches in heaven and a new body on the new earth He has prepared for the future.
You exchange all the temporary brokenness of this life for paradise without end in the next.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have become new" 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Everyone born from Adam is dead in their trespasses and sins. Only through Jesus can you be born again into the new life of righteousness and be prepared for God's kingdom.

You can choose to live in paradise with God or you can choose to die forever in hell. God only pleads with you to ask Him for forgiveness and salvation from eternal death. God won't force you to accept eternal life. It's your choice.

While I do not have a 1 billion dollar home to swap--if the offer came to you, would you turn down a 1 billion dollar home that comes without strings?

So- would you turn down God's offer of His free salvation?

"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" John 3:36.

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Jesus Wants Us To Be Happy

Have you ever been wildly, hysterically happy, laughing, smiling and rejoicing?

What makes you happy?

"...I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly" John 10:10.

Jesus came to a sinful world to give us all things in great amounts—that is abundance. He certainly gives us salvation to the fullest. No one who asks Jesus to save them is only a little bit saved are they? No, if we accept Christ’s death for our sins, we are altogether saved. Just as He gives us the promise of eternal life, Jesus wants us to enjoy ourselves while we wait here.

Jesus said we would live life more fully. That means we get to enjoy food, games, our families, friends, sunsets and sunrises, more than the unsaved. We sing more wonderful songs. We have more love for everyone, and we enjoy the company of others who believe the same things. That’s Fellowship. If we are trusting in Jesus for our salvation, our lives should show others that we are happy that we are saved and going to heaven.

Can we be happy all the time? no.

Jesus came to give us the same happiness He gave the Israelites in His days here on earth. Why would Jesus need to tell the Israelites in His day He came to give them full lives, or abundant lives? The Israelites in Jesus’ day were all under the Roman Government rules. The Romans were hard rulers, making life hard for anyone not Roman and most certainly anyone who was Jewish.

Today, just as then, many factors such as discrimination, oppression, and a strong growing hatred the world over make life difficult for Christians. We have victory in Jesus that overcomes the standard of anger and hatred. We can spread light, laughter, joy and happiness, because Jesus wants us to be happy.

That doesn't mean to be stupidly ignorant of the bad things happening around us. Nor is a sin to be sad or depressed. But as Christians, we should exhibit a joy that we know Jesus, and especially are known by Jesus.

How does our happiness affect others around us? Ever start to giggle and have others begin to giggle because you’re giggling?

How does it affect you when other people are happy? Ever start laughing because the other person is laughing?

Jesus wants us, as Christians, to let other people know that we have our happiness in Him. That the joy and happiness others see in us will make them want Jesus as their Savior.

This week, use your love of Jesus as your reason for all that you do. When you do your schoolwork, your chores, when you’re in town, when you’re talking with anyone, or whatever it is. Note the affects it has on you. Note the effects it has on others. Our obedience in the simplest acts of love makes Jesus happy.

Jesus wants us to be happy and to share our happiness with others.

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God Didn't Create People to Kill People

I don't usually make any comments about the news, because it so bothers me. But in the wake of the latest shooting in Dallas, I will say,


     Just because people are evil and do evil things hasn't made God or His love disappear. God is hurt too by these killings. God is hurt by any killings. He didn't create people to kill people.

"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;
"So God made man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them"
Genesis 1:26 & 27.

      But Satan turns people evil and uses people to kill people because he hates God and the people God created.

(Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth" John 8:44.

      But God created Hell and the Lake of Fire for the punishment of Satan and evil.

"And the Devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever" Revelation 20:10.

      God gives the gift of salvation and entrance to His Paradise to the people who come to Him. He loves everyone. He will not turn away anyone who call upon Him to be saved.

"For all who call on the name of the LORD shall be saved" Romans 10:13.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16.

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Father's Day---Not Very Good Memories

My earth Father worked hard and played hard.

A farm boy with an 8th grade education, my father was very smart. He was a superb machinist, and could draw in 3D any machine design inside and out. If he had the right tools he could build it to any scale needed or build the tools needed to build the machine!...

He was a superb auto mechanic and metal body builder/customizer.

He dreamed big and wanted the best things.

Six feet tall, he was ruggedly handsome with shoulders and chest of a body builder. His hair was thick, black and wavy. He was a great dancer, even on roller-skates. His singing voice was a deep tenor. He could sit in on a 'red-neck' band, playing the spoons, mouth harp, harmonica, washboard and the saw blade. He was a wonderful cook.

He married a sweet, dark haired girl, who matched his wisdom. When she helped my brother Mike with a paper he had to write for school, his teacher failed him for it, stating it was obviously written by a college graduate and not a sixth grader. (Mother also an 8th grade graduate.)

Together they raised 5 very smart children.

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I hated my father.

My father was a pedophile who molested his own daughters, messed up the lives of his sons, and battered his wife.

I didn't attend his funeral and I have never been to my father's grave.

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If there was ever a dysfunctional family, we were it. But today, I have a great Christian family at Grace Bible Church.

I've had to learn to love. And I have found love.
God has shown me love and has helped me love Ivan as I have never loved anyone before.

I have forgiven my father. I do hope he asked Jesus to forgive him before he died. I would love to have my father greet me in heaven.

He was asking for a priest on the day he died in Togus but he died before the man came.

A priest cannot absolve anyone of their sins, only God can do that when you ask Him, so that information has little meaning, but if my father was thinking he needed forgiveness, he may have cried out to God at the end.

God is that loving and gracious and would have forgiven my father. God died on the cross for the sins of my father. All he needed to do was ask Jesus to save him.

Praise the Almighty Lord Father God!!!

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God is my Father in heaven. I am born into God's family through Jesus Christ. He has made me one of His daughters and loves me much more than any earthly father ever could.

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15.

But.......

Father's Day doesn't have good memories.

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Today's Christians are Modern Daniels

The way the majority of Liberals want to suppress Christianity in America by making laws against us and our worship of God, has similarities to the way the leading rulers of Daniel's day attempted to kill him by making his faith in God illegal.

"Then these men said, 'We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.'" Daniel 6:5.

The modern pantheologist know they cannot be rid of true Christianity attacking us through our law-honoring live-styles, so they attack us through our worship of our God. So like these men set a trap for Daniel in making his worship of God illegal, so today's American Liberal community are attempting to do to us.

"All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisers have consulted together to establish a royal statue and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions."

"Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which does not alter"

"Therefore King Darius signed the written decree."

Daniel 6:7,8,9.

Since it is impossible to eliminate God from the earth, it is only reasonable for pantheologists to attempt to eliminate the people of God from the earth.

So what are we to do in defense?

"Now when Daniel knew the writing had been signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days" Daniel 6:10.

As difficult as it is sometimes, today's Christians need to be as steadfast as Daniel in our faith. We must know we will be attacked for our faith, yet our faith is in Almighty God, the Savior. Let us go into our rooms and pray to our God every day as habitually as Daniel.

Daniel's adherence to his faithful prayers, did result in being thrown into the lion's den, yet God saved him from the people who hated him. We have no guarantee of not being eaten by lions, but God is will intercede for us, making a distinction between us who worship Him and those who work to harm us. (Hebrews 11)

Let our faith be known as our witness. And may our God give us the strength and peace to do so.

"For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" Hebrews 11:6.

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A Lesson in Ruth's Beautiful Refusal

But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me." Ruth 1:16,17.

Having heard that God has blessed her homeland, Naomi plans to go home to Bethlehem still in her pitiful condition. Even with the good news, she doesn't believe she will be blessed there.The girl, Ruth, knows the same distress that Naomi is going through. She's a widow and she's poor. She's as empty as Naomi. But Ruth has a different goal than Naomi.

Ruth ignores Naomi’s declaration that God has not blessed her and instead makes her own declaration. "I want to go to Bethlehem and worship the God of Israel."

She’s determined to live in Israel and worship their God. And further proof she has come to trust in the LORD as her Savior is recorded in verse 17 when she takes an oath in His name that only death will ever separate her and Naomi.

Ruth’s promise is a wonderful proof of a transformed life in Jesus. God has drawn Ruth to Himself. We know He has saved Ruth because she declares the LORD, God is now her God no matter what. She changed from idolatry to worship the true and living God. If anyone truly seeks to know God, God will come to them and introduce Himself.

Despite Naomi's urging her to stay in Moab, Ruth has set a life-changing goal. Because of that, Ruth is enjoying eternity with God right now.

Ruth's beautiful refusal say's to her Mother-in-law, "I'm making a change and nothing you say can change my mind. We're both going to Bethlehem!"

A person trusting Christ the LORD will trust Him even through the unknown. Ruth had no promise of anything from God. From Naomi's depressed attitude, it seems she hadn’t told Ruth of God’s provision, God’s love, or God’s protection, yet Ruth believes it.

Ruth left the familiarity of her home, her country and her native people because she trusted God to replace all of it. She didn't know what her new life would be like but she knew God would take care of her no matter what happened.

Good advice from Ruth's refusal to stay behind is this: When repenting, don’t just stop doing something, but leave it far behind. And our loyalty shouldn’t hinge on the character of the person we love.

What has God replaced in your new life as a Christian that you once thought was so important in your former life?

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Did They Really Believe Him To Be More Than A Man?

Have you ever wondered what the disciples were doing when Jesus came into Jerusalem on the donkey? What they were thinking? Do you think they really understood?

Just a few days before Jesus entered the city, Peter had answered Jesus' question “Who do you say I am?" with “You are the Christ, the Son Of God” but none of them were thinking of the prophecies of Isaiah, even after Jesus explains it to them.

On the way to Jerusalem, James and John asked for the two seats on either side of his throne, but they are thinking of an earthly throne. We can assume that Judas might be thinking of the monies he would have to hand; about having permanent place in the court next to the king. However, what were the others thinking; Andrew, Simon the Zealot, Bartholomew; what of the women?

It appears from the texts, they believe they’re on the way to Jerusalem to see the Deliverer of the Hebrews take over the kingdom of Rome. They know he has the power. For three years he’s shown them incredible things. But do they really believe him more than a man?

I doubt anyone was surprised by this entrance. Jesus has a big crowd of followers and the news of his coming has probably been circulating for days. What everyone is waiting for is a powerful leader charging in to defeat Rome.

They're most likely thinking Isaiah's prophecy is being fulfilled right in front of them. "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon His shoulders and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. but they stopped at the Government shall be upon His shoulders."

Jesus enters the city with great fanfare. No Jewish person has ever been welcomed into Jerusalem with such spontaneous celebration. During this cheering and praise there were Romans on the streets, watching and probably at arms ready, Red Alert. But the first thing Jesus does is go into the temple and chase out the religious cheats. Jesus stays at the temple the rest of the week. He doesn’t go anywhere near the Romans or the seat of power of Rome in Jerusalem. The soldiers probably relax.

But the Disciples are still waiting, all week, for him to attack Rome. Judas is getting disgusted but are the rest getting perplexed? Wondering?

What the people got was a quiet man with one thing on his mind, of which they failed to understand.

They just didn't get it.

The night of his betrayal, his disciples are so unaware, they go to sleep. They’ve completely forgotten that Jesus came there to die. He’d told them. But nothing has happened and they’re not paying attention. To them, at what we call the last supper, the cup and bread didn’t mean what it does to us. Christians know what it means.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him, will not die but have eternal life." John 3:16.

His broken body and spilled blood is our salvation. That whole week of Jesus in Jerusalem was the examination of the Lamb for Passover. The Priests examined Him and in the end could find no fault. They had to accept a lie to kill him.

We have to accept his death to be saved. The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23.

We look on the beautiful, perfect Lamb of God at the end of that week, broken and bloody for our salvation. Jesus rode into quietly Jerusalem on a donkey and at the end of the week died horribly on a cross to give us the kingdom.

What the Disciples thought was going to happen that particular Passover week, ultimately happens, at the end of times. And this ride into Jerusalem means just as much to us today in bringing in the kingdom.

Later, they fully understood Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, but just then, they were blind.

Jesus is fully God and fully Man.
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Don't Interrupt My Song To God!

I can't sing. I can't read music. I do not know what the notes are in the music scale. I can't go up or down in a lyric until I've heard someone else sing it. I sing mostly in monotone. After I have learned a song by mimicry, I can then do a good rendition of it from whomever I have learned the song.

For all of that, I enjoy singing to God.

I am not sure if I would say I have a handicap to the singing part of worship, but it means I need the Song Leader to sing the songs the same way each time. I need the Song Leader to sing what is written in the Hymnal, the Chorus Book, on the overhead screen, or on the song sheet I have been given. If the song is going to be sung differently, the Song Leader needs to tell me at the beginning and lead me in the new set-up. Don't change it in the middle of the song.

I am singing to God. My voice is lifting to God. My mind is on God. I am worshiping God.

When I sing in a church service, or where God is worshiped, I am following the written lyrics, or memorized lyrics, word for word. Because of this, when the Song Leader's voice breaks in to say something not on the page or screen, suddenly I am interrupted. My mind is stolen from God because I have to stop to find out what the person wants me to do.

They've stolen my worship when they break into the lyrics to say something.

There have been issues where older congregations have failed to embrace the new music of worship. I tend to enjoy the older hymns and choruses also but on examining what I dislike is what I am explaining here. I can sing along with the 'contemporary' music on the radio with no difficulty lifting my voice to God with the newer style. I don't mind singing with a guitar, drums, horns, or any instrument but I need that instrument to be helping me to sing my worship to my Lord and Savior. I've discovered it's not the music, so that leaves the presentation.

What I need in a church service is for the Song Leader to lead me in singing of praise to God.

Please, if you are a Song Leader, simply do that for those of us who haven't your musical skills.

Singing the same verse/chorus repeatedly does little to help me worship. I end up wondering how many times we're going to repeat this after the first five or six times. That means I've been stolen from God.

If I have the words in front of me, I don't need to be reminded what verse I'm on. An instrumental solo isn't necessary either.

I can sing with a full orchestra in church but they need only help me in worship of God. I like good music, and I like all sorts of music but when I'm singing to God that's what I am doing. The Song Leader is just that---The Song Leader, leading me in singing to Almighty God.

When it's time to sing to God, lead the singing. Don't interrupt my worship.

Don't interrupt my song to God!

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A Few Thoughts From the Gospel of John

The Apostle John frequently referred to himself as 'the disciple whom Jesus loved'. Which is a wonderful way all of us can relate to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

John also is the apostle who penned 1 John, the book that says God is love and that we love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:8 & 19)

John heard Jesus say that, (Christians), will be known for our love of one another. (John 13:35)

By saying he's 'the disciple Jesus loved' is not taking a high title. It is recognition that the relationship we each have with Jesus is special because He loves us.

There is a very fascinating short statement in the gospel of John.
"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus" John 11:5.

Knowing that John says he is 'the disciple that Jesus loved' it is a great testimony to his knowledge of Jesus that he willingly shared that distinction with another.

Let us each share the awesomeness of the love of God for each of us, and recognize that Jesus loves all Christians as equals.

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John 10:40,41."And He (Jesus) went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. Then many came to Him and said, "John preformed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true."

Quiet, orderly, consistent witness brings people to know Jesus' saving grace.

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Jesus prayed for me 2000+ years ago! 

John 17, the Lord's Prayer: (Jesus praying) "I do not pray for these alone, (the disciples), but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me" John 17: 20,21.

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John 10:16. (Jesus said) "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there shall be one flock and one shepherd"

Jesus included me in His word about 'other' sheep. Seeing down through time, Jesus knew I would become a sheep in His sheepfold.

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Christianity is not a man-made religion--it is a God-originated faith in Himself which He gives to the world to receive. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
I have received this faith! And I have accepted this faith that Jesus saved me from my sin, is saving me from my sin, and will save me out of this world of sin. Praise the Lord for His Grace, Love and Mercy on me.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me."

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Thank you.

Two Reactions To Sin

When we realize the black destructive evil of our sin, we either attempt to run and hide from God, or we see God as our Savior and cry out for Him to forgive us, and cleanse us from the darkness of sin.

The first is impossible while the second is imperative.

In the Bible we have two people who demonstrate the one who hides from God and the one who cries out to God.

"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden" Genesis 1:6,7,8.

Having done what God expressly commanded him not to, as soon as Adam realized he was a sinner, he ran and hid from God's presence. Now covered by the evil of his sin, Adam knew he couldn't stand before a righteous and holy God.

When someone knows they are a sinner, (and inherently, because everyone is a descendant of Adam, therefore everyone does), many times that person stays far away from anything remotely connected to God. They hate the name Jesus, and cannot stand the witness of Christians.

They will attempt to cover their sin by making a self-righteous religion that satisfies the longing to be connected to God. Because of this false belief in a man-made religion, they reject anything that reminds them that God is true salvation. This hatred sometimes goes to the extreme and they kill the one who tells them about Jesus' love that will forgive them.

In total opposition to Adam's self-righteous attempt at covering his sin with his own efforts, (sewing fig leaves for clothing), Jesus wanted to stay connected to God the Father.

"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying 'Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?' That is, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'" Matthew 27:46 (see also Psalm 22)

Jesus is fully God and fully Man, yet God the Father stepped out of Jesus' life because, at this point, all the sins of the world, from Adam to the last person to die at the battle of Armageddon, were placed upon Jesus, the Man. All the black destructive sin of the world became Jesus' sin. The sinless Man took the punishment of all the wrath of God. The horrible black evil of sin made God abandon His one and only Son.

"For He made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Jesus felt that horrible separation Adam felt in the garden but in contrast to Adam running and hiding, Jesus cried out that His separation was painful and He wanted the connection returned. We cannot understand all of this, but we believe it.

"For we walk by faith and not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7.

When we see our sin as black destructive evil separating us from God, we, like Jesus, cry out to God to receive the connection from which Adam ran.

Because Jesus carried the wrath of God to death, we get to receive eternal life. Three days after Jesus was entombed, He rose from the dead, proving that God accepted the death debt He paid.

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" Romans 6:23.

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Don't Shoot The Messenger--(Flash Fiction Tale)

This is a fictional story, Please enjoy.

Don’t Shoot the Messenger 

“You can’t shoot those things.”

Behind me, an unfamiliar voice made that statement as I lined up a shot at a large Canada goose.

Hunting alone, surrounded by only my decoys, I hadn’t expected any other voice within miles. My gun jerked, my shot was lost and the flock of geese I had artfully called took flight. I lowered the gun and craned around to see who had spoken. In my defense, I was cross about the interruption. “I happen to have a valid license.”

The man looked old enough to have lived two lifetimes. His face was long, with heavy lines, eyes thick-lidded, drooping, and moist. The clothes may have fit him in a younger era but now were too large. To add to my annoyance, he wasn’t even looking at me but at some point beyond. Managing not to swear, I stood up, my efforts lost for the day.

Before I could complain, he smiled and pointed, “See, there. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

All I saw was a muddy, harvested cornfield and my decoys. "Huh?"

“There,” he stabbed a gnarled finger forward. “You were aiming right at it.”

I squinted at the distant mountains. “The view? Yeah, beautiful scenery but why interrupt my hunt just to tell me that? You some sort of nature nut?”

He looked at me. “Well, Son, maybe that. I'm more inclined toward God creating everything and all nature speaks of Him."

I began to consider him a fruitcake. “My license for hunting geese says I can shoot them. You gonna give me trouble on that?"

He laughed, a hard, grunting, deep throaty noise. “Of course, you can hunt the geese. I meant you can’t shoot angels.”

My mind was working, thinking he'd escaped some nearby facility. “You see angels, Pop?”

The laugh came again. “Occasionally. Lately a bit more. I think it’s like maybe God is letting me know.”

“Know what?”

He pointed up. “Time to go home.”

Thinking he was talking about the actual hour of the day, I asked, “Your family worried about you wandering off?”

“Son, I’ve stayed on the straight and narrow path since I was fourteen.” He shook his head. “I strayed a little in my twenties and again in my late forties, but I’ve always returned to my Savior Jesus Christ.” When he rubbed his veined hands together against the chill, they sounded like old paper. “Yes, I have family waiting for me there. I'm wanting to see them, though, it'll be hard on the great grandkids. Ah, but their parents will raise them up in the Lord.”

He had me baffled. It was like we were having two different conversations. Breaking open the shotgun, I popped out the shells. Sliding the gun into the case, I closed it safely inside, securing the latches.

I asked, “You gonna be here tomorrow, Pop?” I only had this one week off from work and considered moving my spread to another field if he was going to interrupt my hunting.

“I don’t know. I suppose it depends on God. I keep waiting for that angel to step toward me and beckon me to come.” He sounded wistful and his eyes teared up, looking somewhere only he could see. “I'd like to be home to be with Jesus.”

“What are you talking about?

“Don’t you know Jesus, Son?”

“Sure, my mother took me to church.”

He laid his hand on my shoulder. “Son, do you know Jesus took your punishment because the wages of sin are death. He took the Father’s wrath so you wouldn’t have to. And if you don’t ask Jesus to save you, you're headed for eternity in the Lake of Fire?”

The hairs on my neck stood up. “I haven’t heard that in years. Not since Sunday School.”

"Son, will you ask Jesus to save you today? I wouldn't want to know that you were suffering forever in that tormenting fire.”

That old man's words burned like a hot brand on something other than my flesh. I thought sure the ground was opening to swallow me. I looked down expecting to see that flaming lake and was thankful just to see mud.

"Do want Jesus to save you?"

“Y...yes." And I did, kneeling with him right there in the mud.

The next morning, I parked the truck at the edge of the cornfield, having spent a sleepless night while my brain repeated every word he said, like a continual recorded loop. For some reason I didn't get out right away, just sat there listening to the radio. When suddenly, I reached out and cranked up the volume.

In that tone all newscasters have, he said "Last night, Mr. Hendrickson, our well-loved local minister died peacefully at home, in his sleep. We will miss him deeply. Heaven has gained a great saint."

The broadcast went on but I didn’t hear it. I stared out the windshield, thinking about God.

The End

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Do You View Circumstances Through Scripture Glasses?

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

If we look at all the uses of maximizing Scripture in our daily lives, decision making, the eyes we see through, and the way we discern our circumstances, our lives can be the easiest way to exalt our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And just maybe it will be contrary to what we might have originally thought.

Scripture Glasses for Church Ministry

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. There are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all" 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.

If God has given someone a vision and you don't see how it is going to work out, accept that maybe you don't have a part in their ministry but you should do your ministry alongside them and thus build the body of Christ as you exercise your gifts.

The growth their vision brings is going to offer you more opportunities to serve God in your gifting because this person is being faithful in theirs.

As when Peter preached the first sermon; many gifts were used after the church began to grow.

"Then those who gladly received his (Peter's) word were baptized; and that day three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayers. Then the fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles" Acts 2:41,42,43.

Scripture Glasses for Personal Witness

"For faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God"
Romans 10:17.

When witnessing, try to speak verses during the opportunities. It doesn't matter if the other person can recite Bible verses. If they don't know God, their recitation is nothing. When you speak the word of God, you are representing Almighty God and His power is in the words you speak.

"And when He (The Holy Spirit) has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement" John 16:8.

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" 1 John 4:4.

Scripture Glasses in Obedience to Serve

Even when you've done everything right in your witness, and the person you have witnessed to doesn't receive what you've told them and maybe even gotten really angry, God's word has done exactly what God intended.

You could be witnessing to someone and think you blew it but it could be God has done something you don't know anything about!

"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and shall prosper in that thing for which I sent it" Isaiah 55:10,11.

Scripture Glasses When Things Change

How do you view someone leaving your church for another body of Christ. Is your sorrow for losing a number or a member? Are you upset because they went to a rival congregation? Are you upset because you and they maybe couldn't reconcile a disagreement?

How about this--Are you sorry that maybe your church lost an evangelist, a prophet, a preacher, an administrator, a teacher, an encourager, or an exhorter.

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets,
some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers"
Ephesians 4:11.

Do you ever consider maybe God has given that person who's leaving a vision so strong God has to move them to a place where He can use them, because traditions or patterns at your church are too restrictive?

"As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" Acts 3:2.

"Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing" Titus 3:13.

If you've been praying for revival, watch for God to do things that are contrary to your comfort zone.

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Bits and Pieces From A Notebook

As I listen to preachers on the radio, read scriptures, and have daily Bible devotions, I scribble notes here and there. Here is a selection from my collection of notes and quotes.

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Sin entered the world when Adam and Eve ate themselves out of house and home.

The Results of Justice = Jesus took my punishment
The Results of Mercy = God didn't punish me
The Results  of Grace = God lavished His favor on me

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Justice is getting a ticket

Mercy is not getting a ticket

Grace is Jesus paid for my ticket

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Salt purifies, preserves, gives flavor, protects, sterilizes, absorbs, irritates.

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled by men" Matthew 5:13.

Light reveals, spotlights, highlights, burns, dispels darkness, heals, brightens, shines, guides, gives safety, comforts.

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" Matthew 7:14,15,16.

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We need to take a heavenly perspective on earthly situations.

"Set your mind on things above,
not on things of the earth"
Colossians 3:2

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"Money is a great servant, but a terrible master"

Unknown

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"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Micah 6:8.

3 Ways to put Others before yourself:

• 1. Recognize that Jesus went to the cross for them too. He sees us all the same.
• 2. Pray for others' needs when you are in distress--you will probably know someone else who is struggling with whatever you are struggling with at that time.
• 3. Recognize we all have the same basic needs. As sinners in need of a Savior, we are no different than anyone else.

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"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" Acts 1:8.

    If we are saved in Jesus, we are witnesses to what He has done for us. We are in the courtroom, in the witness box, with the unsaved world staring at us as we relate what Jesus has done.

Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

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We are surrounded by the unsaved, yet are we using
our resources right to help them see Jesus?

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The Grace Gifts of God are all the power of God 

in us by God's grace to give the lost hope in the

salvation of Jesus. Let us not sporadically toss our

knowledge at them, but let God empower us to

tell them the gospel.

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As in water face reflects face: So a man's heart reveals the man" Proverbs 27:19.

    I pray my actions, words, deeds and life choices reveal the changes Jesus has made in me. May my Christianity reveal to others that I do not have 'religion' but a personal relationship with Jesus. He is not only My God but a loving Person to whom I return love. He is not only my Teacher, but my Friend. May others want what I have in Jesus.

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"You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to Your word. Teach me good judgement and knowledge, for I believe in Your word. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word" Psalm 119:65,66,67.

 God is perfect in justice; perfect in punishment.

    The repentant acknowledge their affliction may be God's chastisement for sin. Something needed correction and God brought some punishment that corrected the trouble, thus teaching His child the way he should go. The now corrected one praises and thanks God for starting them in the right direction again.

• I need to accept God's correction.

     As a loving Father, when He corrects me, He knows exactly what punishment is right. He knows just the right amount of punishment. And He knows just the right time for my punishment.

    God says I am His child if I accept chastisement. May I learn from God, my Father, the way I should go and the correct way to live for His glory.

"My son, do  not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives"
Hebrews 12:5,6.

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"Why do the nations rage, and the people
plot a vain thing?"

Psalm 2:1.

Why be so foolish as to rebel against God?

"He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;

The LORD shall hold them in derision"

Psalm 2:4.

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"Vanity of vanities", says the Preacher;

"Vanity of vanities, all is vanity"

Ecclesiastes 1:2.

Vanity = soap bubbles

Vanity = ephemeral beauty

Vanity = gusts of wind refreshing the face for a moment

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When it comes to authority we have a warped sense of right.

"There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way of death" Proverbs 16:25.

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Relying on our own sense of spiritual direction

is like blindly running into a brick wall.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path"

Psalm 119:105.

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