As my family deals with the unexpected loss of a dear loved one today, I am encouraged by these verses: "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say." II Thess 2:16-17
I am encouraged by the fact that I am loved by God!
His love for me is deep, unchanging and unconditional!
I am encouraged by God's eternal comfort!
It last's forever and does not stop!
I am encouraged by the wonderful hope that we have in Christ!
Regardless to our circumstances, regardless to our pain, there is always reason to hope in Christ!
I am encouraged by the fact that when I am distraught and weak,God strengthens me!
Isaiah 41:10 says: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Lord, thank your for your unconditional love, your everlasting comfort, your eternal hope and your strength which is always available. Lord, make this verse very real to me and my family today and in the coming days. Let us know your unconditional love, your everlasting comfort, your eternal hope, your everlasting supply of strength in deep and abiding ways!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Now click to the left and enjoy "He is Our Peace", a song that encourages me in times like these.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
44:10 Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!
Happy Easter! Christ is Risen from the Dead!
When my grandson was three, he saw Christ "being crucified" in an Easter play! He later told me he was upset because "they killed Jesus". When he was four, he asked: "Grandpa, Why did they kill Jesus? I was not quite prepared for his question so I had to take a minute to ponder: "now what can I say to a four year old that he would understand" Then I came up with a response: "Jesus took our spanking" His face lit up with recognition, spanking was something he understood!
The fact is that Jesus did take the punishment that we deserved! His punishment was much more severe than one we might receive for taking a cookie out of the cookie jar. That's because, our crime was much more severe; our crime deserved death. Since Adam and Eve's original sin, Adam, man has been "born in sin and shaped in iniquity!" Peterson puts it this way "...we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners... and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us..." (Romans 3:22-24, The Message) We were already doomed to a death sentence and were on our way to hell! Then Jesus stepped in and took our punishment on our behalf. God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that whoever believes in Him would not die for their sins but would have everlasting life. (paraphrase of John 3:16) THANK GOD FOR JESUS!
So where does Christ's Ressurection come into the picture? Not only did Jesus die for our sins but He also rose from the dead, declaring victory over, death, hell and the grave! He now sits at the right hand of God-awaiting the time when He will come to judge the world and rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lord! Because Jesus rose from the dead and will live forever, we can have the assurance that we will rise again (even after we die) and have eternal life. Paul puts it like this in Romans, "so you see, just as death came into the world through a man(adam), now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man (Jesus). 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back." THANK GOD FOR JESUS SACRIFICE!
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen! Because of His sacrifice, I have escaped a death sentence. Because He arose from the dead. I too will have eternal life and live with Him forever!
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!
HAPPY EASTER!
When my grandson was three, he saw Christ "being crucified" in an Easter play! He later told me he was upset because "they killed Jesus". When he was four, he asked: "Grandpa, Why did they kill Jesus? I was not quite prepared for his question so I had to take a minute to ponder: "now what can I say to a four year old that he would understand" Then I came up with a response: "Jesus took our spanking" His face lit up with recognition, spanking was something he understood!
The fact is that Jesus did take the punishment that we deserved! His punishment was much more severe than one we might receive for taking a cookie out of the cookie jar. That's because, our crime was much more severe; our crime deserved death. Since Adam and Eve's original sin, Adam, man has been "born in sin and shaped in iniquity!" Peterson puts it this way "...we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners... and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us..." (Romans 3:22-24, The Message) We were already doomed to a death sentence and were on our way to hell! Then Jesus stepped in and took our punishment on our behalf. God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that whoever believes in Him would not die for their sins but would have everlasting life. (paraphrase of John 3:16) THANK GOD FOR JESUS!
So where does Christ's Ressurection come into the picture? Not only did Jesus die for our sins but He also rose from the dead, declaring victory over, death, hell and the grave! He now sits at the right hand of God-awaiting the time when He will come to judge the world and rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lord! Because Jesus rose from the dead and will live forever, we can have the assurance that we will rise again (even after we die) and have eternal life. Paul puts it like this in Romans, "so you see, just as death came into the world through a man(adam), now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man (Jesus). 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back." THANK GOD FOR JESUS SACRIFICE!
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen! Because of His sacrifice, I have escaped a death sentence. Because He arose from the dead. I too will have eternal life and live with Him forever!
Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!
HAPPY EASTER!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
43:10 "Why did Jesus have suffer and die such a horrible death? Is 53:3-5
Last Friday night, I watched the Passion of the Christ again with some of my church members. We were all struck by the intense torture and suffering that Christ endured! One might wonder why Christ had to suffer such a horrible punishment and death.
Surely there is nothing appealing about dying on a cross:
• Severe flogging. Victims covered in blood.
• Long, iron spikes driven into the wrists. Pounded into the feet.
• Nakedness. Exposed to the elements. Ashamed before the bystanders.
• Convulsions. Every little movement tearing at the hands and feet.
• Desperate gasps for air, as suffocation and exhaustion slowly snuff out of the life of the victim. (quote taken from Trevin Wax, Author of Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals at: http://trevinwax.com/2010/03/29/the-beauty-of-a-blood-stained-cross/
The plain and simple fact is that he had done nothing wrong? We were the guilty ones! He took the punishment that we deserved! His blood was shed so that we could escape the just penalty of our sins and be saved from the wrath of God! He took a beating so that we could be healed.
He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5 (NKJV)
John 3:16 tells us that God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten son, so that whoever believes in him will not die but have eternal life. Thank God that he did not stay in the grave but he rose again on the third day. That gives us hope that though we die, we too have hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus!
Lets pray! Lord Jesus, thank you for sacrificing your life and taking my punishment so that I could be saved from the wrath of God. Thank you for taking my beating so that I could be healed. Thank you for your resurrection which gives me hope of eternal life! If I had a thousand tongues, I could never praise you enough for your goodness towards me. Help me to show my gratitude by living a life of obedience toward you and love for others! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Click on the left on enjoy "Don't Cry" by Kirk Franklin
Surely there is nothing appealing about dying on a cross:
• Severe flogging. Victims covered in blood.
• Long, iron spikes driven into the wrists. Pounded into the feet.
• Nakedness. Exposed to the elements. Ashamed before the bystanders.
• Convulsions. Every little movement tearing at the hands and feet.
• Desperate gasps for air, as suffocation and exhaustion slowly snuff out of the life of the victim. (quote taken from Trevin Wax, Author of Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals at: http://trevinwax.com/2010/03/29/the-beauty-of-a-blood-stained-cross/
The plain and simple fact is that he had done nothing wrong? We were the guilty ones! He took the punishment that we deserved! His blood was shed so that we could escape the just penalty of our sins and be saved from the wrath of God! He took a beating so that we could be healed.
He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5 (NKJV)
John 3:16 tells us that God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten son, so that whoever believes in him will not die but have eternal life. Thank God that he did not stay in the grave but he rose again on the third day. That gives us hope that though we die, we too have hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus!
Lets pray! Lord Jesus, thank you for sacrificing your life and taking my punishment so that I could be saved from the wrath of God. Thank you for taking my beating so that I could be healed. Thank you for your resurrection which gives me hope of eternal life! If I had a thousand tongues, I could never praise you enough for your goodness towards me. Help me to show my gratitude by living a life of obedience toward you and love for others! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Click on the left on enjoy "Don't Cry" by Kirk Franklin
Sunday, March 28, 2010
42:10 "You are Chosen and Loved by God! II Thess 2:13
During this Easter season, we are reminded that God's Love and acceptance of us is nothing short of amazing! Today, Paul reminds the Thessalonians and us how much God loves us. Read the passage:
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. II Thess 2:13
What is the depth of God's love for me??
God's love for me is so deep that he gave his only son (Jesus) that whoever believes in him would not be punished for their sins but instead would live forever in fellowship with God!
What does it mean that God chose me to be saved?
It means that before I was ever born, God made a way for me to be saved. He knew that I would be born in sin and shaped in iniquity. He knew that, though I was raised in faith, that as I grew older that I would stray away from him. Despite that he made a way for me to have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ's bearing my penalty for sin! I owe him an eternal debt that I can never pay. So in gratitude, I choose to love Him, serve Him and obey Him as my Lord and Saviour!
God's love for me and you is unconditional. He came to earth, lived, died a horrible death so I could be restored to Him. Now that's love! Please click to the left and enjoy "No Greater Love by Fred Hammond. You can also view it by going to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4iIwdqqtyQ&feature=player_embedded
Let's Close in Pray: Father, as I go about my day, let me be ever mindful of your unconditional love for me. Thank you for sending your son to die for my sins. Help me to tell others about your love so that they too can be freed from the penalty of their sins. In Jesus Name! Amen!
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. II Thess 2:13
What is the depth of God's love for me??
God's love for me is so deep that he gave his only son (Jesus) that whoever believes in him would not be punished for their sins but instead would live forever in fellowship with God!
What does it mean that God chose me to be saved?
It means that before I was ever born, God made a way for me to be saved. He knew that I would be born in sin and shaped in iniquity. He knew that, though I was raised in faith, that as I grew older that I would stray away from him. Despite that he made a way for me to have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ's bearing my penalty for sin! I owe him an eternal debt that I can never pay. So in gratitude, I choose to love Him, serve Him and obey Him as my Lord and Saviour!
God's love for me and you is unconditional. He came to earth, lived, died a horrible death so I could be restored to Him. Now that's love! Please click to the left and enjoy "No Greater Love by Fred Hammond. You can also view it by going to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4iIwdqqtyQ&feature=player_embedded
Let's Close in Pray: Father, as I go about my day, let me be ever mindful of your unconditional love for me. Thank you for sending your son to die for my sins. Help me to tell others about your love so that they too can be freed from the penalty of their sins. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
41:10 "Who is The Anti Christ ?" 2 Thes.2:6-12
The Thessalonian believers were concerned about Christ's return. Paul made it clear in earlier verses that the AntiChirst (described here as the Anarchist) must come first. This passage describes the work of the AntiChrist and Jesus victory over him.
6-8 You'll also remember that I told you the Anarchist is being held back until just the right time. That doesn't mean that the spirit of anarchy is not now at work. It is, secretly and underground. But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don't worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and—puff!—the Anarchist is out of there. (II Thess 2:6-8, The Message)
The antiChrist appeals to those who hate the truth:
9-12The Anarchist's coming is all Satan's work. All his power and signs and miracles are fake, evil sleight of hand that plays to the gallery of those who hate the truth that could save them. And since they're so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it—gives them what they want. Since they refuse to trust truth, they're banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions. (II Thessalonians 2:9-12 The Message Bible)
For further information on the Antichrist, go to: http://www.spreadinglight.com/prophecy/antichrist.html
The AntiChrist is empowered and sponsored by Satan. The spirit of Satan or evil is already in the world. Thank God that Jesus will ultimately deal with the AntiChrist and with Satan. In the meantime, God wants us to live a life of victory over sin and Satan. He tells us to put on the whole Armour of God in Ephesians 6:
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17, NIV
Let's Pray: Lord, help me to put on the whole me to be strong in the Lord and in the power of your might so that I will be able to stand against the schemes of the Devil.
6-8 You'll also remember that I told you the Anarchist is being held back until just the right time. That doesn't mean that the spirit of anarchy is not now at work. It is, secretly and underground. But the time will come when the Anarchist will no longer be held back, but will be let loose. But don't worry. The Master Jesus will be right on his heels and blow him away. The Master appears and—puff!—the Anarchist is out of there. (II Thess 2:6-8, The Message)
The antiChrist appeals to those who hate the truth:
9-12The Anarchist's coming is all Satan's work. All his power and signs and miracles are fake, evil sleight of hand that plays to the gallery of those who hate the truth that could save them. And since they're so obsessed with evil, God rubs their noses in it—gives them what they want. Since they refuse to trust truth, they're banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions. (II Thessalonians 2:9-12 The Message Bible)
For further information on the Antichrist, go to: http://www.spreadinglight.com/prophecy/antichrist.html
The AntiChrist is empowered and sponsored by Satan. The spirit of Satan or evil is already in the world. Thank God that Jesus will ultimately deal with the AntiChrist and with Satan. In the meantime, God wants us to live a life of victory over sin and Satan. He tells us to put on the whole Armour of God in Ephesians 6:
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17, NIV
Let's Pray: Lord, help me to put on the whole me to be strong in the Lord and in the power of your might so that I will be able to stand against the schemes of the Devil.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
40:10: "When Will Jesus Return?" 2 Thes.2:1-4, Amplified
When will Jesus return? No one know the exact date, but we do know this, He will not come until certain things happen: The Thessalonians were getting false reports that Jesus had already returned. Paul sets the record straight in today's passage:
1-3Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don't go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. Don't let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master's arrival has come and gone. Don't fall for any line like that.
3-5Before that day comes, a couple of things have to happen. First, the Apostasy. Second, the debut of the Anarchist, a real dog of Satan. He'll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he'll then set himself up in God's Temple as "God
That can be scary if you are not rooted and grounded in Christ!
How do we respond as Christians. Stay get rooted and grounded in Christ!
Psalms 1 says:
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Question for Self Reflection: What do I need to change in my life in order to be ready when Jesus comes. What do I need to stop doing? What do I need to start doing?
Prayer: Lord, let my roots go down deep in you so that I will not be blown away by false doctrine. Let me be found faithful and ready when you return. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Now click to the left and enjoy the song: " Lord I Want to Be Ready"
Blessings! Your Brother, Fred
1-3Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don't go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. Don't let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master's arrival has come and gone. Don't fall for any line like that.
3-5Before that day comes, a couple of things have to happen. First, the Apostasy. Second, the debut of the Anarchist, a real dog of Satan. He'll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he'll then set himself up in God's Temple as "God
That can be scary if you are not rooted and grounded in Christ!
How do we respond as Christians. Stay get rooted and grounded in Christ!
Psalms 1 says:
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Question for Self Reflection: What do I need to change in my life in order to be ready when Jesus comes. What do I need to stop doing? What do I need to start doing?
Prayer: Lord, let my roots go down deep in you so that I will not be blown away by false doctrine. Let me be found faithful and ready when you return. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Now click to the left and enjoy the song: " Lord I Want to Be Ready"
Blessings! Your Brother, Fred
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
39:10:Live Right so God will Get the Glory! 2 Thes. 1:11-12 NLT
The world often mocks Christians today, calling us hypocrites! This is because of inconsistencies they see between our profession and our lifestyles. Today's passage challenges us to live worthy lives:
11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. “
Paul prays that the Thessalonian believers should live a life worthy of their calling as Christians so that the name of Jesus would be honored. It is important that Christians live lives of integrity so that the world will have a favorable impression of the Jesus that we serve. The only Jesus that many people will see is in our lives!
Let’s pray: Father I thank you for putting me in right relationship with you. Now help me to be a good example of what a Christian is supposed to look like so that others will want to come to you. Forgive me for the times when I have not represented you well. Show me the things that I need to change now in order to be a better representative of Jesus. I pray that you will use my life and my words to bring many people to Jesus
Thank you for your forgiveness Lord and thank you for your Grace! In Jesus Name! Amen!
11 So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 12 Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. “
Paul prays that the Thessalonian believers should live a life worthy of their calling as Christians so that the name of Jesus would be honored. It is important that Christians live lives of integrity so that the world will have a favorable impression of the Jesus that we serve. The only Jesus that many people will see is in our lives!
Let’s pray: Father I thank you for putting me in right relationship with you. Now help me to be a good example of what a Christian is supposed to look like so that others will want to come to you. Forgive me for the times when I have not represented you well. Show me the things that I need to change now in order to be a better representative of Jesus. I pray that you will use my life and my words to bring many people to Jesus
Thank you for your forgiveness Lord and thank you for your Grace! In Jesus Name! Amen!
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