Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong, is wrong, even if everyone is for it.
Example: During Jesus trial and crucifixion, because of fear and jealousy of the leaders, wrong information was given to the people, they believed the wrong and demanded that He be crucified.
Rom 13: 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
1 Peter 2: 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
2 Cor 13: 7 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
MAY GOD BLESS, JEFF& JOAN
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
December 22, 2013
No cloud comes into our lives but what
God has put a rainbow in it!
Titus 1: 1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, 2in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,
Hebrews 6: 17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
Genesis 9: 12 And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.14Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds,15I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." 17 So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.
Psalm 119: 49 Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. 50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
MAY GOD BLESS—JEFF & JOAN
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK December 15, 2013
The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety. Psalm 94:17 Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. 18 When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. 19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Eccl 11:9 Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. 10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless. 1 Pet 5: 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Matt 6: 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
December 08, 2013
God loves His children, not because of who they are,
But because of who He is.
God loves His children, because they are His creation. The Old Testament is full of stories that proclaim His love, His guidance and His forgiveness. Because of the power of His love for us He gives, protects and never forsakes those who believe and obey and become His children.
Deut. 23:3 No Ammonite or Moabite or any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation. 4 For they did not come to meet you with bread and water on your way when you came out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram Naharaim to pronounce a curse on you. 5 However, the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.
Psalm 103:11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-- 18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
John 16:27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.
MAY GOD BLESS,
JEFF & JOAN
December 01, 2013
There isn’t any use trying to shine unless you Take time to fill your lamp.
The conversion of Saul on the way to Damascus, was brought about for showing Saul of God’s purpose for his life and how to prepare himself, to fill his lamp and send the light of the gospel to others.
Acts 26:15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
King David knew what he needed, God’s Word, to fill his lamp so walk in the Light.
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. 107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
MAY GOD BLESS, JEFF & JOAN
November 24, 2013
Never think that when you sin it only injures you.
King David allowed his powerful position and lust to sin in taking Bathsheba to her hurt causing adultery and devising the death of her husband, his consequence was the death of their son which grieved him and Bathsheba horribly.
Judas Iscariot, an apostle, allowed Satan into his heart and betrayed Jesus which led to Christ’s crucifixion on the cross.
Matt 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Peter, in his pride, expressed undying loyalty to Jesus, but in fear of his life he sinned, but realizing what he had done, he repented.
Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.
Allowing uncontrolled anger often brings about sin, causing hurt, destruction and sometimes death to others leaving guilt in self.
The example of sin in our lives hurts our chances of eternal life with God through Christ, as well as causing others to sin an lose their opportunity for life with Christ.
Believe in and accept Christ in your life by obeying the Gospel Plan of salvation and do your best to live a righteous life with your helper, the Holy Spirit , which comes as a gift when baptized, then show others the way.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
MAY GOD BLESS—JEFF & JOAN
November 17, 2013
People will come nearer seeing what you do than hearing what you say.
Matt 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Jesus’ miracles were done so that other might see what .He could do, showing that He had the power of God
John 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
Good works are a drawing power to others to see and understand.
Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
MAY GOD BLESS, JEFF & JOAN
November 10, 2013
One good example by you may change the life of another forever. Our best example to be a good example is our Lord Jesus Christ, to be a humble servant.
John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Paul advises Timothy about being a example by keeping his life right.
1 Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
James 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
There are consequences to not living right and giving bad examples to others, you all lose.
Jude 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Think diligently on these things and do what the Lord asks.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
November 03, 2013
Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: Paul taught Timothy a lesson we all must learn about submission and humility.
1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
The scriptures teach us about submission, such as, Wives submit unto your own husbands as unto the Lord, Eph 5:22. Christian slaves were urged to be obedient unto your own masters, Tit 2:9. Christians in a local church are told to obey them that have rule over you and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, Heb 13:17. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, 1 Pet 2:13.
James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
MAY GOD BLESS, JEFF & JOAN
October 27, 2013
GOD MADE US BETTER TOGETHER
Psalms 133:1 . . . Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity
Every encounter and every relationship we are doing one of three things. Emotionally. We are either turning towards them, turning away from them or turning against them. This happens spiritually as well, we must with intentionally take exertion, take energy, and a set of mind to strive for peace.
Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Jesus advises us in what unity is.
John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
The proof in the pudding of the value of unity is "a bundle of sticks bound together is much stronger than one stick by itself.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
MAY GOD BLESS, JEFF & JOAN
October 20, 2013
Prayer is not an argument with God to persuade Him to move things our way, But an exercise by which we are enabled by His Spirit to move ourselves His way.
Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord
MAY GOD BLESS, JEFF & JOAN
October 13, 2013
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; And he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Proverbs 16:32
We are warned in the scriptures against anger as a unpredictable emotion that may lead to resentment, hatred and even murder. Often when frustrated and disgusted with himself may release this buildup of pressure by taking it out on an innocent person.
A father became depressed and was having an extremely hard time at work was filled with anger at himself and his employer but transferred his anger to his innocent son by being overcritical of his son causing many arguments resulting in his son to have behavior problems.
By gaining strength through letting your Christian faith and understanding remind you that Christ is there to help you and guide you in difficult times. We can then give our guilt and lack of discipline to Christ and become a Christian example rather than a negative influence..
Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
MAY GOD BLESS, JEFF & JOAN
October 06, 2013
If you live wrong you can’t die right.
Luke 10:28 And he (Jesus) said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Prov 13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. 18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. 19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
MAY GOD BLESS, JEFF & JOAN
September 29, 2013
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will,
and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7)
The precious promise in this verse has been an inspiration to the faithful down through the centuries. It becomes even more amazing when attention is spent to the original Greek in which it was written.
Abiding implies a close personal fellowship with someone, in this case, the personal, loving Lord Jesus.
John 15:9-14 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Our minds and hearts will be in total harmony with His, guided by such a walk and His words. If we meet the condition of "abiding" in Him as a branch "abides in the vine, He will place in us the desire to bring forth much fruit to His glory and to our everlasting delight.
1 Cor 7:24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
1 John 2:26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
September 22, 2013
A good deed is never lost; he who shows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Rom 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 14 I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.
Col 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
MAY GOD BLESS,
JEFF & JOAN
September 15, 2013
Look ahead for a new beginning.
Creation of heaven and earth and mankind was the major new beginning of our world.
After man sinned in the Garden of Eden put mankind in a new beginning in his relationship with God our Creator. Daily man has choices to make between right and wrong.
Earthly birth starts us in a beginning, with parents and circumstances we learn and have desires with which we make our choices and decisions that dictate the direction that we will go.
We look ahead for new beginnings, developing our talents and purpose that God has planned for us. Courtship, Marriage and developing a new family presents new beginnings daily as we make our choices. Knowledge of and serving God makes for many new beginnings depending on our choices, LOOK AHEAD!!!
Eph 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
MAY GOD BLESS,
Jeff & Joan
9-8-2013
"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of
His Son ino your hearts. crying Abba, Father"
Galatians 4:6
One of the most moving portions of the scriptures is found in the record of Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Mark 14:35-36 35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
Because of the willingness to do His Father’s will, we are given the privilege of crying "Abba, Father"
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
John 20:17 ...but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Matt 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
The clue to our relationship with the Father is our relationship with His Son.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor.
MAY GOD BLESS, JEFF & JOAN
Bible study, meditation on the word, and prayer
Are necessities for a healthy Christian life and are good to practice.
Psalm 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Any time of the day or night is time for meditation but the best time is early morning, a believer who awakens each morning to the voice of the Lord in His word will, in turn, will gain knowledge and be ready to speak words of blessing to others through the day.
Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
And as we, in turn, look up to Him each morning in prayer, He will hear and direct our steps through the day. The Lord himself set the example.
Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
If even Jesus Christ needed such a quiet time early in the morning set aside o fellowship with His Father, we also would do well to follow.
David’s prayer:
Psalm 143:8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. 9 Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. 10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. 11 Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.
The obvious time of day to pray for guidance is at the very beginning of every day, not as a ritual, but with a heart full of love seeking knowledge of God’s Will or at any time,
Psalm 119:97 ... O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
August 25, 2013
One of the most painful wounds in the world
Is a stab of the conscience.
The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman taken in adultery that by law should be stoned to Jesus trying to trick him. But Jesus has an answer.
John 8:6-9 But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Consider the conscience of others and not only your own.
1 Cor 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
2 Cor 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
MAY GOD BLESS, JEFF & JOAN
August 18, 2013
Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust:
cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee
Many Christians say they desire to know. The Lord’s will for their lives but really mean something quite different. Though they long for the benefits of peace and joy that comes through being where God wants them to be, they are consciously (or unconsciously) holding out for his approval of their own plans. They have not actually come to the point of yieldedness—often attained only through great struggle—which says, in the words of the Savior . “not my will, but thine be done!”
We must not think that the path of the God’s choosing is always rough and contrary to our natural desires. But before we can go forward with confidence we must resolve these basic issues: Do I really want to know God’s will? Am I willing to doe it? Or am I merely seeking His blessing on my own plans? If we truly desire what He wants, we will always be found studying His Word and praying.
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
August 4, 2013
Faith will not always get us what we want, but it will get us what God wants us to have.
God has brought me to this place. He chose to put me in this neighborhood, in this city, at this particular time because it is the perfect place for me in His plans for mankind. There is a need here that He is giving me an opportunity to meet. He will help me live up to His expectations.
2 Cor 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
God has brought us together in His church. The new Christian’s in the opening times of the church gives example of what our desires and actions should b.
Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
God has given me an area of personal growth.
Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
God continually brings me to the place that is best for me, the place where I can serve Him the most. Jesus has gone to prepare another place for me in Heaven if I desire and strive for it.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
July 28, 2013
And though you think you need Him more in times of pain and stress. Do thank Him for all His blessings and your years of happiness.
Psalm 26:5 I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked. 6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: 7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. 5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
2 Cor 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
MAY GOD BLESS, JEFF & JOAN
July 21, 2013
A person is never what he ought to be
until he is doing what he ought to be doing
Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
To one that offended you, this is the admonition:
2 Cor 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
July 14, 2013
No one will ever know of your honesty unless you
give out some samples.
1 Timothy 2:2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
2 Cor 8:19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: 20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: 21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
July 07, 2013
We fear man so much because we fear God so little.
One fear cures another.
Luke 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
Luke 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows 8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
2 Cor 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
June 30,2013
Kindness planned for tomorrow doesn’t count for today.
Kindness is an attribute of God that we need to emulate each and every day.
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Peter advises attributes of Christians and includes kindness as important.
2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In our chapter on love, Paul show us the need to be kind.
1 Corintians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
June 23, 2013
Life is a voyage on the Sea of Time-- Don’t rock the boat.
Time is a large space of our life in which we must make righteous choices and not allow unrighteousness and sin to rock the boat or alter our course in life in living for Christ.
Psalm 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Psalm 105:17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: 18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: 19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
June 16, 2013
GOD NEVER SLEEPS
Behold He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:4
A Christians today can rely on three unshakable things. Psalm 121
1. God provides His constant helping power.
Vs 1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
124 :8 8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
2. God provides His constant keeping power
121:5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
Vs 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
3. God provides His constant preserving power.
121:7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
In the Psalm, the word “help” is found three times, “keep” is found three times and “Preserve” three times. God has assured us that He will do all three, for the fulfillment of these things. May we daily trust His word.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
06-09-2013
Regret: The cancer of life
For a man who cannot find it possible to forgive someone who has wronged him, it leaves him with a heavy load to carry that eats away at his conscience such as cancer eats away at his physical health, leaving him in an unhappy debilitated state. Instead, give your heavy load to Jesus as he promises to be there for you. Matt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 2 Cor 7:8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. King David knew the answer in times of regret or danger. Psalm 109:26 Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy:
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
06-02-2012
Sympathy is never wasted except on self To sympathize is to be in agreement, to share or understand the feelings of others. To feel or express sympathy. As in pity or compassion. Jesus always related to others with their circumstances and problems. To follow in his steps we should strive to Christ-like. Matt 8:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Mark 8:1 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance." Phil 2:2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
05-26-2013
One good example by you may change the life of another forever.
1Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. Christ was an example to mankind that changed the lives of any who believed in Him and followed His way. 1Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1Tim 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Your goodness, kindness and helpfulness can be an example that others can want to be like you and want to follow Christ as you do.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
5-19-2013
You can’t walk with the world and have a good standing with God
The Apostle Paul warns us to stay clear of worldly people and their sinful ways. 1Cor 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 1Cor 10:5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Walk righteously with Christ as an example, be in good standing with God and receive His promises. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
05-12-2013
You can’t walk with the world and have a good standing with God
The Apostle Paul warns us to stay clear of worldly people and their sinful ways.
1 Cor 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
1 Cor 10:5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Walk righteously with Christ as an example , be in good standing with God and receive His promises.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN PROSISE
05-05-2013
The mind is like the stomach, It’s not how much you put into it that counts, but how much it digests.
Man sometimes has problems with the stomach not having adequate digestion because of eating non-nutritious foods, overeating, eating foods that our particular body is sensitive or allergic to, having stress or overactive emotions, The health of our life depends on being aware of each of our individual diet restrictions and needs.
The same in our spiritual life, we need to learn what God’s Will is for our life. Read and study constantly to know what he requires of us in our life and worship, Christ promises salvation and eternal life to those who follow His instructions to the letter. In the physical life in Old Testament times he was very precise in what he required, many lost their lives by not following His Will.
Why do we have so many religions and churches, because many do not follow his instructions and examples, they do and teach what they want to have not regarding what God explicitly wants, allowing practices and attitudes that the Bible definitely teaches against. God pushes simplicity and righteousness, not fancy buildings and programs that draw out the worldliness in our human nature. Allowing almost anything that draws a crowd whether right or not. For your souls salvation gain your own information from God’s Word don’t take what others teach you without verifying it by the bible.
For instance, many churches teach that to gain salvation all you have to do is believe on Jesus Christ being the Son of God and take Jesus into your heart and you will be saved.
This is not allowing correct digestion of God’s word. A requirement that is in every conversion in the New Testament show water baptism as being done before conversion was complete and they were entered into the church of Jesus Christ, his Kingdom, not just to an individual church congregation.
Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Study daily to learn for yourself what God wants from you, verify all worship by His Word.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
04-28-2013
Few things are as easily wounded as our pride and ego.
Our human nature tends to make us with a strong ego and pride, As Christians we must do our best to serve God and others with humility being uppermost in our life. Peter had to fight a large ego and pride in his life and advises the younger to build humility in their lives.
1Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Psalm31:16 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. 17 Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. 18 Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. 19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! 20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. 21 Blessed be the LORD: for he hath showed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. 22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. 23 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. 24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Paul taught Timothy to teach regarding the qualifications of a Bishop in the church, pride being a downfall to his nature.
1Tim 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
John left all who profess to be Christians an admonition to keep their lives free of worldliness, including pride of life.
1John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
The wise Solomon sumed it up:
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
04-21-2013
BEFORE YOU CAN SUCCEED YOU MUST PROCEED!!
Joshua became the leader after the death of Moses. He learned that with God’s help success can be gained as long as one proceeds in GOD’S direction and guidance. Success can be ours also when we follow His Word.
Joshua 1: 1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, 2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. 5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying 11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN PROSISE
April 07, 2013
Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.
(Ecclesiastes 9:11)
Meaningful labor is essential to the fulfillment and contentment of man. Every Christian who has a job should be thankful, and he should do his work “heartily, as to the Lord” (Col 3:23)
The Apostle Paul, who gave us that admonition, practiced what he preached. He reminded the Ephesian elders that during his time in their city he had not only worked diligently as their spiritual leader, but he had also earned his own living. He said “. . These hands have ministered unto my necessities” ((Acts 20”34)
A group of pollsters reported that people with a high degree of “religious commitment” liked their jobs better and performed them more efficiently than their non-religious counterparts. Man and women who took their faith seriously also scored well ahead of their colleagues in areas such as cooperativeness, loyal, and creativity.
Your vocation, even if it seems monotonous, is part of God’s gracious provision for your life. An interesting quote is “Labor, if it were not necessary for existence, would be indispensable for the happiness of man.”
In this day when job dissatisfaction is rated as a major cause of strife and tension in society, we who believe on the Lord Jesus have a distinct advantage over our non-Christian fellow workers because we know that God wants to use us where we are, If we think of doing our assigned task as a means of glorifying the Lord, we can find joy and fulfillment in any legitimate vocation. Truly, our work and our faith are closely related.
GOD PUT WORK IN YOUR LIFE; HE EXPECTS YOU TO PUT LIFE INTO YOUR WORK!
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
March 31, 2013
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)
Nearly 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ came to this earth, stayed for a short time, and then returned to heaven. Just before He went to the cross and suffered what appeared to be a tragic end to His brief life. He said to His disciples, :I will come again,” He was referring to the event of His second coming, the date of which only His father knows
After He ascended on high, the first message given to earth was the promise, “This same Jesus . . .shall so come in like manner.” And the closing statement of the Bible is an affirmation of this sacred pledge.
Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
This second coming of Christ is called”that blessed hope”
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Ir is not only a blessed hope for the Christian, but it the only hope for this old world with all its problems. Every effort of man to bring about a golden age of universal peace and prosperity is doomed to failure. That day will come only when Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, returns to this earth to bring an end to this earthly life, the book of Life will be opened and judgment made as to how our life was lived in righteousness or not.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
March 24, 2013
Clouds in our lives are often sent to bring showers of blessings.
In the Bible, valleys symbolize periods of hardship and suffering. In Psalms 23 it refers to “the valley of the shadow of death”, indicating that spiritual valleys are inevitable.
Verse 4 we find the promise that “Thou art with me”. God’s unwavering presence becomes most obvious to us when we are vulnerable. And along with our experience of His assurance and comfort, comes the understanding that the Lord goes with us daily—even into the depths of our despair. When people do not recognize His constancy, they turn to other coping methods, such as going for a drink or burying themselves in work.
But filled with the knowledge that God holds us no matter how deep or wide our “valley” is, believers can release fear and endure suffering. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus protects and guides His lambs through trials. Even in these low places, we cannot be snatch from Him.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one.
His rod beats away predators trying to drag away one of the flock. And His staff’s crooked neck pulls a wandering sheep back from the cliff’s edge. When we are in a dark valley, God may be our only comfort. But we can take heart because He’s always there—our Shepherd never for sakes His beloved lambs.
The prodigal son left home with his inheritance, got himself deep in sin and difficulty, he finally came to His senses and decided to go home to His father and be a servant. His father had never forgotten him and wished for him to come home, watching longingly. When he saw him he ordered a party, a ring and good clothes and welcomed him lovingly and with forgiveness. God our Father loves us, cares for us in our low times and blesses us when we turn to Him and accept his love.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
March 17, 2013
Life is too short and eternity too long to dwell on
the mistakes of the past.
Eternity is infinite time, time without beginning or end, that is a pretty long time.
DAVID sinned, repented, forgiven and went on to be a good king
2 Samuel 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
PRODIGAL SON, sinned, repented and went home to his father, his sin forgiven.
Luke 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
PAUL became convicted of his sin, repented and was baptized, receiving forgiveness and a clean slate, and with a dedicated life became an important apostle.
WOMAN caught in sin of adultery, to be stoned but Jesus intercepted.
John 8:10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
We must not dwell on past sins, but repent and sin no more knowing that we are clean and can live a new life in Christ.
Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
March 10, 2013
Commitments are keys that unlock doors to great opportunities.
Psalms 31:1 A psalm of David. In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.
Proverbs 16:1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. 2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. 3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. 4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends-- even the wicked for a day of disaster.
Jesus Christ the Son of God made a commitment to come to earth, to experience life as we do and to die on the cross giving mankind access to the Father. We need to take the opportunities that this allows us.
Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. 47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."
1 Peter 4:16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" 19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
MAYGOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
March 03, 2013
FAITH IS THE POSTAGE STAMP ON OUR PRAYERS.
Acts 3:13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. 16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. 17 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers.
Luke 18:38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. 39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, 41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. 42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.
Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Jesus told His disciples:
Matt 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
February 24, 2013
Every single person who is indwelt by the Spirit of God
has the capacity to love in a Godly fashion.
LOVE ENERGIZES—When we feel weary or discouraged, care and affection from another person will perk up our spirit and give us a physical boost.
LOVE HEALS—When genuine care is shown to someone who is hurting physically, spiritually or emotionally, something will change on the inside of that person.
LOVE ENCOURAGES—The Prodigal Con had to be greatly encouraged when his father truly showed happiness, love and forgiveness when he returned home.
LOVE HAS POWER TO FORGIVE—An unforgiving spirit is one of life’s great challenges, but love enables us to pardon others. While we each deserve death as the penalty for our sin, Jesus paid your sin-debt and in full on the cross.
LOVE BRINGS ABOUT GENEROSITY—A person who is guided by love will search for effective ways to convey these feelings. Just as generosity is an attribute of God, it should also be a characteristic of His children.
LOVE ENABLES JOYFUL SERVING—If we genuinely love someone, we willingly and unreservedly use our gifts to serve that person.
LOVE BUILDS SELF-ESTEEM—When it comes to self-worth, there is nothing more powerful than love. Many people consider themselves as nobodies, but we can through an expression of love let them know that they are valuable and worth knowing.
LOVE IS KIND—True love enables the believer to express kindness, even towards someone who misjudges him.
LOVE IS A BLESSING—Christians enjoy the blessing of God’s “agape” love. The awesome blessing of being able to love God intimately and eternally, even though we have never physically seen him. He has given His Word and the privilege of prayer so that we can know Him, communicate with him. Worship Him, and obey Him. Through Jesus word we know this:
John 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
February 17, 2013
Life is too short and eternity too long to dwell
On the mistakes of the past.
We can learn from our mistakes and not make them again, the consequences will still be there to face and deal with. In learning of Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins. Believing and obeying His Word, we have the help of the Holy Spirit and need not dwell on those mistakes and press onward.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Belief and obedience to the Word that Jesus came to earth and died for our sins lets him cleanse us from sin, the slate has been washed clean not to be remembered again, and as we live the Christian life, we have daily prayer to gain forgiveness of our shortcomings of the day.
Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
02-10-2013
You do not choose when you are going to die or how--
But you can decide how you are going to live.
Since we have no choice as to how or when we die, we must learn God’s Will and obey to the best of our ability, living our life so as to be prepared so we can live with God and Christ forever.
Titus 3:3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
John 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. 58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
1 Cor 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
02-03-2013
As long as there is a way up—there is a way out.
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Matt 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them
1 Thes 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
John 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
01-27-2013
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment into the Son. (John 5:22)
Jesus proclaimed: John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
2 cor 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Heb 9:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
01-20-2013
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:10)
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Eph 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
2 Cor 6:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
Let us accomplish the purpose our Creator expects of us by learning of His Will and following this guidance in our daily lives.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
01-13-2013
DON’T PUT A QUESTION MARK WHERE GOD PUTS A PERIOD. When God commands that is a period, no questions or alterations allowed.
Gen 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Gen 7:15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. 16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.
Exo 7:5 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. 6 And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.
Matt 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
Matt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Acts 10:33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
2 Cor 4:6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Psalm 148:4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. 6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
01-06-2013 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. (Psalm 16:8)
One of the greatest of spiritual blessings is to realize that the Lord’s presence is with us at all times.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
There is great security in Christ As in the beginning text—”because his is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” Because Jesus is at God’s right hand and at our right hand, we have a divine connection that can never be broken. To the New Testament believer, His presence is here and now.
Phil 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
During this New Year may we ever practice the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ moment by moment as we live for Him each day. When our last day comes, we will say:
Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Psalm 23:4-6)
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
The third verse describes four results of being blessed or happy in the Biblical sense.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
First, “he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water” with the implication being to dwell in a secure, bountiful state. To “plant” actually means “transplanted,” now firmly rooted and provided for, no longer vulnerable, tentative and undernourished.
Second, he “bringeth forth his fruit in his season,” One does not so nourish a tree without any purpose. Here, following the analogy, the godly individual, nourished and protected by his Maker, can likewise expect to accomplish a purpose—in this case to bear spiritual, eternal fruit.
Third, “his leaf shall not wither.” Eternal life is the present possession of all who have been “transplanted” by the Lord. Such a one can expect to faithfully bring forth precious fruit in each season of his life.
Fourth, “whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Success in each endeavor undertaken by one whose delight is the Lord can be expected, such success defined by that which brings spiritual maturity, and eternal fruit, and prosperity, as He defines prosperity.
6 “For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish”
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
12-09-2012 Christian character is not an inheritance: Each individual must build it for himself.
Christian living is by each putting God & Christ priority and following their word and examples, this is each one’s job to build good character in their own lives. Family and friends can be helpful or a hindrance, it’s your decision and choice.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
In the OT Moses father-in-law advised him about how to be more productive in leading the people of Israel, delegating others to shoulder some of his work with other able men of good character.
Exodus18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: 20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
12-02-2012 Nothing is more sublime, more beautiful, more eternally wonderful than God’s grace.
Grace is commonly known to be a gift from God that man did not, cannot and will never deserve. The favor of God is available to man as a gift, and it is a most far reaching gift. The clearest picture of that grace is that of Jesus, God’s Son on the cross for our redemption. Not a one of us can stand up and claim to have deserved that gift, but it is available to every person on earth.
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
This gift is available to all but you have to accept it. By hearing the gospel, believing it, repent and confess Him and follow His command to be baptized thereby receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and His grace that makes up for the short fall that we as humans have. To live righteously to the best of our ability and reach as high as we can, God grace will make up the difference no matter how high we reach.
Paul’s example shows that God’s grace washed away his sins, but only when Paul had obeyed God’s deree.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
God’s grace cannot be earned, but conditions are given that must be met in order to receive the blessings of that grace. God’s grace is powerful, but there are some things it will not do. That is where man’s obedience to God’s plan comes in.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
11-25-2012 Nothing is more sublime, more beautiful, more eternally wonderful than God’s grace.
03-25-2012 God has not promised us sun with rain, Joy without sorrow, wealth without pain,
But He has promised us His loving care,
Hope for tomorrow, answer to prayer.
Psalm 33:20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. 22 Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Acts 2:25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
Phil 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
03-18-2012 Though God is sovereign and omnipotent,
many believers don’t trust Him to guide them.
Rom 6:16-28 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Many think about obedience on a case-by-case basis, evaluating how the consequences of various choices might effect them. But the Lord desires followers whose lifestyle is submissive—people who have made a deliberate decision to surrender to his will in every circumstance.
When confronted with the idea of absolute submission, many of us are hampered by anxious thoughts: What if the Lord wants us to do something we can’t or don’t want to do? Another common fear is that we wouldn’t have the strength, wisdom or faith to carry out commands He might give. And we’d be right—if we relied on our own resources. But when we commit to obey, God equips us at the right moment to follow where he leads.
One obedient act prepares us for the next. Each step of faith shows us that God not only supplies the tools and preparation for doing His will. He also handles the consequences. In spite of the Lord’s faithfulness, however we sill take a misstep every now and then. We’re not alone. As Scripture reveals, even saints’ lives include occasional rebellious acts, because obedience is a learning process, Jesus rebuked Peter several times, but he continued to train the disciples in righteousness.
Both our successes and our failures teach us how to live a lifestyle of commitment. Be we must first make a decision to follow God regardless of the outcome. His sovereignty demands our obedience, as was Jesus example,
Heb 5: 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
03-11-2012 Courage consists not in blindly overlooking danger,But in seeing it and conquering it.
Psalm 31:23 O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. 24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Noah displayed much faith and courage, knowing from God that a major flood would destroy everything, in facing danger he with great courage followed God’s instructions to the letter the saving of eight souls and a sample of all animals and fowl to let the earth have a new start in seeking and doing God’s Will.
Gen 7:7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. 2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. 3 Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. 4 For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth. 5 And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him.
Joseph faced much danger, but his faith that the Lord was with him gave him courage to conquer each danger becoming stronger each time.
Joseph explained to his brothers his position in being the Lord’s servant.
Gen 45:7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
Stephen’s trust and faith in following God’s direction allowed to him to face the danger to his life with courage.
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Let us gain knowledge of God’s Will and with abiding faith and trust face our uncertain life with great courage.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
3-4-2012 What kind of light are you?
In Matthew 5:14 Jesus says that “You are the light of the world…” He doesn’t say that we should be, ought to be or even must be. Rather he says that we are, in fact, the light of the world. Whether we want to be or not makes little difference. The only choice we have is what kind of light we will be. Let’s consider some possibilities.
There is the person who has one refrain for anything that is unfamiliar, “Put a stop to it!” Anything new, anything different, anything that departs from “The way we’ve always done it” is considered wrong, and he does his best to put a stop to it. This attitude is much like that of the disciples who wanted to stop a man from driving out demons because he was not known by them. Jesus’ response was, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you” (Luke 9:49-50)
A Green Go light. This person goes to the other end of the extreme. Every suggestion has his support. Whatever someone else wants to do, he is behind it. He tends to accept the tree without inspecting the fruit. He is the type of individual who is :blown here and there by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14)
A Yellow caution light. This is the person who is not willing or able to take a firm stand on anything. He has very little commitment and his devotion wavers. This person does not try to stop things nor does he try to support things. He stands squarely in between. Like his counterparts in Laodicea, he is neither hot nor cold (Revelations 3:15-15)
A flashing light. A flashing light comes on and goes off. This individual is sometimes “on” spiritually an sometimes “off”. He seeks to serve God at times and then turn around and serve himself. He does not realize that it is impossible to serve two masters .
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
A Beacon. A beacon is a light that guides people to safety. That is the work of a Christian as outlined in Matthew 5:14-16. We are to be lights which guide the lost of this world to safety in the Fathers arms.
A note of caution is that while we are to be beacons in this world, we must take care to be the right kind of beacons. Las Vegas has beacons in the form of neon lights that guide men and women in the path of worldliness. We, however, must be lamps unto their feet on the path of righteousness, guiding them with the pure Word of God. David’s oath to God in Psalms should be our attitude and desire.
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
2-26-2012 The ties of friendship begin to slip the moment
You begin to pull on them
Illness and need can often make so-called friends pull away.
Psalms 38:8 I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. 9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. 10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. 11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from ny sore, and my kinsmen stand afar off.
Our attitudes and actions is often the cause of losing friends or gaining them.
Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Herod misused his position as a so-called friend and reaped the consequences.
Acts 12:20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. 21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Jesus’ knew that his chosen disciple and so called friend would harken to Satan and fulfill prophecy by betraying him. David refers to it in Psa 41:
Psalm 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. 10 But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. 11 By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. 12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
John 13:26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. 28 Now no man at the table knew for what he spake this unto him.
Luke 6:16 ... Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
2-19-2012 The soul without prayer is like lungs without air! Paul in his teachings to the church at Ephesus, asked for prayers on his behalf in spreading the gospel. Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, Col 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. 2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Matt 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 2-12-2012 Commitments are keys that unlock doors to great opportunities. Commitment is a pledge or promise to do something; To dedicate yourself to some long range course of action or involvement such as Paul did in serving God through Christ to the best of his ability. Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.Paul encouraged Timothy to have commitment and dedication in living a righteous life and in sharing the Word with others. 2 Tim 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN2-5-2012 You do not choose when you’re going to die or how.You can decide how your ’re going to live!
Life is a time of choices on how we live our life on earth and the consequences.
Eccl 3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
Psalms 49:6 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; 7 None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: 8 (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) 9 That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. 10 For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
Prov 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. 7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
Paul gives us good admonition:
1 Cor 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
Phil 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
1-29-2012Garments of righteousness never go out of style! Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Matt 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
1 Pet 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
1-22-2012THINK ON THESE THINGS! AND DO!! King David in Psalms 101 lists things for himself to think on and do.
Psalms 101:1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.
Paul advised the church at Phillipi what he has learned in his service to God.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
01-15-2012 Giving up means abandoning God’s helpfor our own puny strength.Man often tries to manipulate a situation or simply avoid pain. In essence, were choosing to believe that Satan in his worldly power is stronger than Christ within us—which is the exact opposite of what the Bible says is true.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
` Of course the Devil is not more powerful, but we let him win a battle if we give up on the assurance that God will see us through difficulty. When we have that attitude we miss the father’s blessing and limit our usefulness in His kingdom.
Thankfully we serve a God who feels our pain and knows our limitations first-hand. Jesus Christ walked through the valley of the shadow of death and cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) This means that when our faith is stretched to the breaking point, our strength is exhausted, and our dreams are broken like shattered glass, Jesus understands. And he asks us to hold on to our faith when everything in us screams to give up.
Per Paul:
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
01-08-2012 We may face situations beyond our reserves, but never beyond God’s resources. Jesus, son of man, but son of God on earth, faced a situation that none other will face. He is an example of what our attitude should be. Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
Jesus told the father with a sick child and in answer to his disciples questions..
Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
Paul faced many dire situations and dangers, at one point was even left for dead. But he believed and knew that whatever God’s will was, that would happen.
Acts 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
Belief in God’s love and care is the answer for us.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
01-01-2012 Never think that when you sin it injuries you only. Mankind, in his human nature, often thinks that he is important and an individual answerable only to his own actions. The Bible shows us differently. Sin is disobedience to God, He cannot exist where sin is.Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat Eve led Adam also to sin and in so doing bought the effects of sin upon all mankind and caused the separation of man from God, 2 Sam 11:3 And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4 And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. 5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child. David, in his power as King, succumbed to his lust and sinned, affecting Bathsheba, the death of Uriah, her husband and death of the child of their union.Matt 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. (Jesus, the son of God) Judas, in his desire for money, betrayed Jesus and as a result Jesus was crucified on the cross. He ended up taking his own life but his actions affected his fellow apostles, Jesus’ family and all mankind. We as human beings are Satan’s target and it is almost impossible not to sin which in turn affects others, but with God’s plan through His son Jesus’ sacrifice of his earthly life giving grace, man can gain and maintain his relationship with God. Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
12-25-2011 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:(1 Pet 1:22) There are many exhortations in the Scriptures urging Christians to love one another, but none give more explicit directions as to the character of this love than this verse. Jesus, in His position as the true son of God tells us in:Matt 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. This love is to be “agape love” (sacrificial love), a love like that of Christ. 1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.1 Pet 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 12-18-2011 Unless sin is confessed—it will fester.Put germs (sins) in the right environment and they will multiply, correct the environment to cleanliness and to the right temperature and stop the growth of these germs (sins), confession of our sins and living in obedience to God’s Will, will lead us to righteousness and allow God to be in our presence to guide and bless us. He cannot be around sin so strive to keep your life clear of sin. Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. 7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 12-11-2011 If your life looks cloudy—Maybe the windows of your soul need washing. 1 Cor 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:Keep sin out of your life by repenting of it and ask forgiveness of our Father and let him wash our souls clean.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 12-04-2011 THE PERSON WHO KILLS TIME HASN’T LEARNEDTHE VALUE OF LIFE. Matt 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matt 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. Acts 24:24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 11-13-2011 Read the instructions!!How many times does one buy a toy or tool that need to be assembled? How many times doe we think we are smart and can figure it out but have to give up and read the instructions and follow them to complete the project. Many times we do the same thing with God’s Word. Instead of using it as a manual to live by, we glance at it occasionally until we get to a point of not knowing what to do next. Listen to David. Psa 119:9 .... Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. 13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 11-06-2011 Speak where the Bible speaksSilence where the Bible is silent. The Christian mind that knows the scriptures is concerned about all the divisions and separations in the religious world, because Jesus in the scriptures tell us that all should be one. During the restoration movement many were wanting to return to what the scriptures gave authority for.. Jesus’ prayer to God for his disciples:John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Any effort today to soften the demands of the Scriptures is destined for failure. Temporary victories may seem to be won, but the war itself will be lost. There cannot be final victory where the Word of the Lord does not reign supreme. Doctrines associated with Christian faith are to be interpreted in context with the whole of God’s Word. Love, sympathy, understanding, brotherhood and all such matter are included. Christian belief must grow by gaining knowledge of the Word of God that was the basis for the establishment of the Kingdom of God or the Church which by the power of Jesus, Son of God the disciples started on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. The eyes of Christians are to be kept focused on the Scriptures. Their gaze cannot wander onto that which may seem right at the moment, but will, with passing of time, prove fatal. To be acceptable to God we must “speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent”. We are not to add or take from the word of God (Rev 22:18-19) MAY GOD BLESS Jeff & Joan 10-30-2011 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKOCTOBER 30, 2011Mistakes are teachers in the school of experience. Eccl 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. 16 I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. 17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. 18 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Jude 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Cain made a mistake in following after Balaam and reaped the consequences, we can learn from his experience, as we can from Peter’s mistake when he denied knowing Jesus and wept bitterly, learning much from his experience.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 10-23-2011 Kind words are the product of “Kind Thoughts” Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 1 Cor 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,Strive to be Christ-like in kindness and share it. Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 10-16-2011 I am free to do as I please but I am not freeTo choose the consequences.Example of consequences for doing something wrong.Acts 5:5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it, at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. Example of doing right.Matt 24:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 10-09-2011 A perfect church meansThat there are no members.Jesus came to establish His Kingdom, the church, to save sinners.Matt 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. 3 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.It is Satan’s intention to do his best to hinder the children of God and that means he works his hardest in the churches to discourage and tempt the members, so we know that all members are not perfect thus the Church cannot be perfect but as members we should always strive towards perfection.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 10-02-2011 If you want multiplied happiness,Share it with others. Prov 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. 1 Pet 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
09-25-2011 It is not the greatness of my faith that moves mountains,But my faith to the greatness of God Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 1 Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. Matt 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. (Faith that Jesus could heal his servant)Vs 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.Vs 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. 1 John:5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 09-18-2011 We can make the future different by changing the present. Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, 30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matt 6:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Do what is right and have no regrets tomorrow!!MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 09-11-2011 For sin shall not have dominion over you;For ye are not under law, but under grace.Romans 6:14The largest slave owner in history is “sin”, for multitudes are still enslaved thereby.Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Sin is a hard master, its dominion is vast, and its reward is fearful,Rom 16:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Many are content to remain in its bondage to any of a thousand varieties of moral slavery. There is deliverance, however, for those who desire to be set free, because the grace of God can break the dominion of sin. As the psalmist prayed:Psa 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.Psa 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Liberty from sin’s bondage is thus mediated by instructions from God’s word, but the incentive and power to obey it is God’s gracious gift through faith in Jesus Christ, who Himself received sin’s wages on our behalf. Rom 6:9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 09-04-2011 A Christian’s life requires a forgiving spirit, Make a practice of forgiveness in your life and let the Holy Spirit decide in regards to Righteousness and Judgment.John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount lets us know in no uncertain terms our obligations in regards to forgiveness.Matt 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Forgiveness is an act of God’s grace to forget forever and not hold people of faith accountable for sins they confess. To a lesser degree it is the gracious human act of not holding wrong acts against another person. Jesus is the perfect and final sacrifice through which God’s forgiveness is mediated to every child of God. Heb 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. LOVE GOVERNS FORGIVENESS:Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 08-28-2011 Gentle words fall lightly but they have great strength. 1 Thes 2:7 “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.” James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” 1 Peter 2:18 “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.” MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 08-21-2011 Commitments are keys that unlockDoors to great opportunities. Psalms 31:5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. Prov 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. When we as Christians commit out lives to God we can trust Him to protect and lead us in our endeavors to spread His word. The Apostle Paul showed us by his commited life that he trusted in God to lead him through rough waters and difficult times. We can accomplish twice the projects with confidence with God on our side. 2 Tim 2:2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 1 Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 08-14-2011 You do not choose when you’re going to die or how.You can decide how you’re going to live. Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 08-07-2011 Show me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the Godof my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.Psalm 25:4-5 Just let Him know you need Him.Are you trying all aloneTo solve your daily tasksIn know someone who will help,If you but stop and ask!He’ll lift the clouds away;Tell Him of your problemsAt the beginning of he day.He will help to ease your load,Make your burdens lighter;He will point a better roadTo make a dark day brighter.(Ruth Gilmour)Consider these thoughts carefully all week MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 07-31-2011 It is better to look forward with hopethan to look back with regret. Psalm 39:6 Surely every man walketh in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. 7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. Psalm 71:4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5 For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. 6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee. 7 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. 1 Cor 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 07-24-2011 But my God shall supply all your needaccording to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:19 God promised to supply all our needs, and yet sometimes fulfillment is slow in coming. What could be the problem? Perhaps we are. When our Father fails to meet our expectations, we generally look outside ourselves for the reasons. But while the Lord’s love is unconditional, many of His promises are not. As in our verse above, is a “family promise,” it can be claimed only by those who rightly call the sovereign of the universe “my Father.” His unlimited resources are not available to men and women who reject salvation through Jesus Christ. Moreover, when we look at the whole framework of Scripture, we see that the Lord makes our obedience a condition for His fulfilling needs.Psalm 81:10 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. 11 But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. 12 So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. He will not condone sin by blessing us while we rebel against Him. Our willful disobedience allows Satan to cut our supply line for the Lord.. Restoring that connection is a matter of repentance. Those who walk in God’s way are protected, provided for and satisfied. Psalm 81:13-16MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 07-17-2011 Having desires is natural and good. Believers can have wrong desires. In fact if we work hard enough—by pressing ahead of divine timing, manipulating our circumstance, and even acting dishonestly—we may be able to make those wishes reality. But anything gained apart from God will prove to be empty and disappointing. Psalms 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. 20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name forever and ever. Having desires is good—goals drive us and set the direction for our life. But we want our objectives to match the ones God has for us. Longings contrary to His purposes have the power to corrupt the body, mind or spirit and can also cause believers to fall into temptation. 2 Tim 6:9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 07-10-2011 Idleness is an idol upon which we sacrifice our time! Idleness is not a Christian way of life. Anything we say or do without considering the consequences, anything not positive and righteous, leaves our time open to Satan, open to temptation, and down a path that can lead us to ways not conducive to a life that leads us to good ways whereby we can gain the promises of God, of Salvation and Eternal life. Nor will we be good examples to those around us, especially our children. Prov 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. Matt 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. 2 Thes 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. Daily, study and seek God’s way, allow your life to be open to His purpose for your life, watch for opportunities to help and teach others and you won’t have time to be IDLE.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 7-3-2011 Freedom is worth the price whatever the cost. Psalms 105:17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: 18 Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: 19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. 20 The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. 21 He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 6-12-2011 You can never give a kindness too soon.Because you never know how soon it may be too late. Life is fleeting and we never know when the end of our life or the end for those we come in contact with, we should always be ready with a kind word or action. God and Jesus are always ready to help us and never to forsake us so we should accept that man is in the image of God and should be ready to help others in kindness at all times. Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 6-5-2011 Prejudice which sees what it pleases—Cannot see what is plain. Since God created all mankind, those who seek His way and obey His Will are guided to His purpose for them regardless of color or background. Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:Romans 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. Eph 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Col 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Prejudice only gets us in trouble and is a bad example to show to those around us. Many souls have been killed or lost because of prejudice. Paul lets us know that Love is the answer: Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 5-29-2011 Selfishness is like a dirty face it isMuch easier to see on the other fellow.Jesus tells us: Matt 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. 31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. (KJV) 1 Pet 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (NIV) James 3:14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (NIV) Thinking of self first most of the time can get one in trouble We dislike listening to others who always talk about themselves. They monopolize the conversation with “I did this, I want this, My problem is, everything is always worse for them than for anyone else, or they always know of a better way to do something.” The prodigal son is a example of one who thought of himself first and he acted upon it and got into deep trouble. The Pharisee’s were very vain and thought they were the best, putting others down. This built a wall into their heart so that they could not see or hear the truth about Jesus, Their jealousy of his acceptance by the people directed them to try to put him down, they instigated His death on the cross. To point the finger at others selfishness often finds two fingers pointing back to self. We must be careful about our judgments. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN TSUNAMI for the Lord! I know that we all have been amazed at the destruction that the power and suddenness of the TSUNAMI that hit Japan caused. I want us to start a TSUNAMI for the Lord. I want us to start a wave that will reach to the ends of this old earth. Many of us cannot go to foreign Mission fields and many do not feel comfortable with door knocking, and I know that few if any would take our Bibles and into main street and preach the word. However God has blessed us with one of the greatest tools in this old planet. Our computers. How many friends do you know? Maybe your next-door neighbors or close quaintness? Can you just imagine what would happen if we used our computers and let all the people we know about Jesus? With ABBA, facebook and any other program we use daily, lets start a wave that will reach all over the world. We all have heard of Churches closing or declining in numbers for several years now so lets turn that around and believe the words of Jesus in Mathew 16:16-19-- And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. We have gotten been discouraged and said well that's our world today. But I believe in the words of Jesus when He said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, but He did not say that we can destroy the Church with neglect. I know that I am not much of a writer, so some of you guys that are good with words get on the band wagon for the Lord and lets get this wave going. It is such a simple idea some will say it won't work but it will if we get off our duff and use these great tools, the computer, facebook or twitter, when your in contact with friends and family, always send a word of hope and encouragement from God's Word. Political parties and candidates used technology to great advantage during the last election, Satan really uses it. SO CAN WE. Jesus gives us a great tool, prayer!! Matt 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Brother Alphia started this great tool of ABBA to spread God’s word and to encourage others. Well, we have been quiet too long so let's use our abilities and opportunities for furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ. Please don't let this idea die and not use it for the Lord. Not because it is my idea but I just firmly believe that we can reach many souls by this method. As for me and my house we are going to follow Joshua's advice Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 05-22-2011 It is seldom as hard to tell the truth,As it is to hide a lie. 1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 1 John 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. Col 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:1 Tim 4:4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 05-15-2011 ...Set your affections on things that are above… Every forward step in the progress of a saint in Christian living can be measured by resolutions. One is a saint because he has set his life apart to belong to the Lord. The word saint means, “set apart for God, to be, as it were, exclusively His” (Thayer). This dedication of a life is the result of man’s resolution to obedient faith, and God’s acceptance of unmerited favor. We are not saints by sinless perfection in living. The Hebrew Christians were called saints (“holy brethren) in Hebrews 3:1; but later in the epistle they were exhorted, “Let us go unto perfection”Heb 6:1. Although they had not reached perfection, they were pressing on toward it. That was their goal. So must we likewise resolve and these good purposes will set us in the right direction. Resolve in your heart that you will do good to your fellow man. Fix your attention upon personal improvement. Keep Christ and His example as your constant pattern. Col 3:1-3 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Paul’s prayer for those in Rome and could be for all mankind.Rom 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 05-14-2011 Jesus said in Matt. 28:18-20-And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. When we think of the command it seems like it is just not feasible, the command is just too big for us. But think of all the equipment that we have today that the Apostles did not have at their disposal in their day, that bigness appears to shrink down a bit. Just think they had nothing close to what we have today to travel about the world, no automobiles, planes, trains, no satellites or television, radio or phone systems. Compared to us today the apostles were solely handicapped but that did not deter them, why should it seem an impossible job for us today? Consider the job that Gideon was given when God took away all his army except the three hundred with which to fight tens of thousands. God told Gideon in Judges 7:7 And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. It would have been literally impossible for Gedion to have won the battle without God's help. The same is true with us today, we can not accomplish the task of spreading the gospel to the whole world without God's help. But I believe that when God gives us a job to do He also gives us the tools to do it with. It takes a loving, obedient heart for God and mankind and the desire and zeal to share God's Word so that others may have the opportunity for salvation. Eph 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; So once more I ask that we use what God has given us, the computer and all other current technology to the full potential for spreadingHIS GOSPEL OF GRACE AND SALVATION TO ALL THE WORLD. PLEASE PRAY! MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 05-08-2011 Few things are as powerful as customs and habits!Satan uses them to great advantage. Levi 18:29 For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people. 30 Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the LORD your God. We need to press forward with the new covenant to God’s people that Jesus died on the cross for, to leave the old behind as Abraham did when God directed him and moved to a new land that God showed him. Acts 16:14 . . . . this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. Mark 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. When we committed our lives to God, sealing that commitment in baptism, which put to death the man of sin, and left worldly customs and habits behind so to live a new life in Christ. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 05-01-2011 “...FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE” Most people will be about as good as they know how to be. The real problem today is getting people to seek and accept knowledge. To many people are willing to accept the status quo, play the game of life according to the rules laid down by their peers, and let things continue as they are, because “that the way the world is.” This approach to life is considered by too many to be the only reasonable attitude, and the only way to get along in this world in which we live. This “acceptance of the way things are” is not reasonable; it is a selling out to the enemy. What this surrender really amounts to is a matter of “willing ignorance”. We need to correct this attitude. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Paul said in Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. Paul to the church:1 Cor 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: Jesus said: John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
04-24-2011 There’d no use singing about the “Sweet By and By,”If we don’t take care of the nasty now. Matt 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 4 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. We must clean up our lives, putting to death the carnal man and live close to God with our whole being!! MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 04-17-2011 Developing an unwavering faith is the keyTo living abundantly and becoming aPowerful witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. Our faith is the most important aspect of our Christian walk! Without it, we can’t receive Jesus as Savior, trust God to supply our needs, or develop the spiritual fruit that is so important to our growth However, there’s an important “companion” of faith that Christians often overlook. By that, I simply mean something that should be a natural outgrowth of what we believe—something that comes alongside an active and mature commitment to God. That companion is works.James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?Do consider this thought. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 04-10-2011 Compassion is what makes a person feel painwhen another person hurts! Psalm 145:8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. 9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. Matt 9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people .36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. God & Jesus feels our pain and has compassion and gives mercy and is always there to help us when we seek for it. We in turn must follow their examples and reach out to others with compassion as Christians.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 04-03-2011 Trouble is not always a sign that a person is wrong,But that something is wrong. Adversity removes the cloak of ‘what we are supposed to be’ to reveal the truth of what we are. And as painful as it may be, it is only then that God can complete what he has begun. In the facing the problems brought about by a natural disaster we often become aware of what is really important in our lives, not money or fame but to learn of God’s care and purpose for us. We get to know God better, to know he is aware of our situation and cares. This gives us a security and through our prayer and trust we are strengthened and are able to face our trouble and to share this help to each other.2 Cor 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. The Lord’s prayer puts it best:Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. God knows you and is always there, open your heart and mind and learn of Him and the blessings He can provide for you.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 03-27-2011 People take your example far more seriouslyThan they take your advice. 1 Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. James 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 2 Cor 8:10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 2 Cor 8:24 Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. 3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 03-20-2011 Many people tailor their religion toFit the pattern of their prejudices and traditions. Paul explains that the traditions of his fathers was no longer expedient. Gal 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: 11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. 12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. We must be careful to not let traditions and/or prejudices that we allow not to surpass the intentions of keeping righteousness and Godliness in our lives.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 03-13-2011 Love is the key that fits the door to other hearts. John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit The having, or giving of love is as important to us human beings as water and air is to our physical bodies. Babies have died due to lack of love, marriages don’t last due to lack of true love of one or the other parties. Single live-alones who do not have some social outlet often develop physical or mental problems due to lack of having or giving love to others. Church congregations do not thrive when there is a lack of love among the members. Neighborhoods are hard to live in where there is hate, prejudice or selfishness where with love developed it can become a wonderful place to live. Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 03-06-2011 Why is it that opportunities alwayslook larger coming than going. Gal 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Heb 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Psa 24:4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, Seek your opportunities to serve others and spread God’s Word.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 02-27-2011 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psa 27:14 Paul showed much courage in his preaching because he believed that the Power of the Spirit of God and Jesus was with him. 1 Cor 2:And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Acts 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Let us be encouraged that God is with us and have courage to do what we know is right, Courage is standing firm when doubt or fear suggests otherwise. Courage trusts, Courage does not give up. Let us have the courage to live righteously and spread the Word as commanded. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 02-20-2011 Let not your heart be troubled:ye believe in God, believe also in me. JESUS OUR SAVIOUR SAID: John 14:14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. VS 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. . . . 2 Cor 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 02-13-2011 Let the light of loveShine in the window of the heart. Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; . . .for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. 1 Pet 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Paul gives thanks for the love shown to him and his co-workers as well as explaining how Jesus’s love shows through to all mankind. 2 Cor 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. Matt 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 02-06-2011 To leave your mark in lifeMake it with God’s “Permanent” marker of service. Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Matt 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. Jno 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 01-30-2011 Never put a question mark where God puts a period. God means what he says. (period) God does not accept exceptions to his commands. When we question what he demands of us we put ourselves in a precarious position which separates us from God and His protection.Deut 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.Josh 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. We should not question and go beyond God commands letting worldly ways gain pre-eminence in our lives. We often let doubt cloud our minds and say “if they can do it why can’t I.” Luke gives us reasons why that is not wise.Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 01-23-2011 The man is worse than a quitter who refuses to start. If a man does not do anything worthy we consider him not worth anything to anybody, in otherwise we consider him lazy or a quitter. He must begin or start to do what his creator purposed him to do, never quiting but using the strength god gave him. Our greatest example was Jesus who told His Father in:John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 9 And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.1 Pet 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.Heb 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. MAYGOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 01-16-2011 There is no right way to do the wrong thing. Col 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Matt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 01-09-2011 The best exercise is walking with God. Jer 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. 1 Tim 4: 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. Rev 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 01-02-2011 The thought behind giving is often more valuable than the gift. 2 Cor 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. Proverbs 19:6 Many will entreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. Rom 12:8 . . . : he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. 2 Cor 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. Rom 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
12-26-2010 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life;and he that winneth souls is wise. (Prov 11:30) Prov 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. 12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. 13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Heb 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.READ THE WORD, SHARE THE WORD, BE RIGHTEOUS AND WISE. SAVE YOURSELF FROM THE WORLD AND LEAD OTHERS TO CHRIST—A CHRISTIAN OBLIGATION! THINK ON THESE THINGS.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 12-19-2010 Serious meditation is the parent of inspiration Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 1 Tim 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. Psalm 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Meditate on the inspired Word of God, follow his instructions and commands which can turn your life around. Gain inspiration by the fact that with God all things are possible, and with Him & Christ we are never alone or forsaken.MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 12-12-2010 Our character is a sum total of all of our thoughts. Psalm 92:5 O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deepWe need to be like God and consider out thoughts with deep consideration., for they can lead us in respected ways or destroy us. Gen 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. Proverbs 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. 8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. 1 Cor 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 1 Cor 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation (way of life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 12-05-2010 Avoiding a few hypocrites in church may result inspending eternity with all of them in the hereafter. Hypocrites versus hypocrites—not what we should be. James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. 12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; 14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 2 Tim 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 11-28-2010 In the daytime hours, we will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that we must make a choice.Because of Calvary, we are free to choose. Choose love...No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness.Choose joy...Invite god to be the God of circumstances. Refuse to be cynical...the tool of the lazy thinker. Refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. Refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.Choose peace...Live forgiven, Forgive that we might live.Choose patience...Overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing one who takes our place, invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, face them with joy and courage.Choose goodness...Go without a dollar before taking a dishonest one. Accept being overlooked before boasting. Confess before accusing. Choose goodness.Choose faithfulness...Keep your promises. Let not your debtors not regret their trust. By your actions and example your word will not be questioned. Let your family and friends be assured of your ability to keep your word. Choose gentleness...Nothing is won by force. Choose to be gentle, let my demands be only of myself.Choose self-control...You are a spiritual being. After this body is dead your spirit will soar. Refuse what will rot not to rule the eternal. Be drunk only by joy and impassioned only by your faith. Be influenced only by God, taught only by Christ. Choose self-controlLove, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these commit each day. Give thanks when you succeed, seek His grace if I fail. As each day ends place your head on your pillow and rest in God’s care. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 11-21-2010 Speak where the Bible speaks Silence where the Bible is silent. The Christian mind that knows the scriptures is concerned about all the divisions and separation in the religious world, because Jesus in the scriptures tell us that should be one. During the restoration movement many were wanting to return to what the scriptures gave authority for. Jesus’ prayer to God for his disciples:John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Any effort today to soften the demands of the Scriptures is destined for failure. Temporary victories may seem to be won, but the war itself will be lost. There cannot be final victory where the Word of the Lord does not reign supreme. Doctrines associated with Christian faith are to be interpreted in context with the whole of God’s Word. Love, sympathy, understanding, brotherhood and all such matter are included. Christian belief must grow by gaining knowledge of the Wor of God that was the basis for the establishment of the Kingdom of God or the Church which by the power of Jesus, Son of God, the disciples started on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. The eyes of Christians are to be kept focused on the scriptures. Their gaze cannot wander onto that which may seem right at the moment, but will, with passing of time, prove fatal. To be acceptable to God we must “speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silenT”. We are not to add or take from the word of God. (Rev 22:18-19) MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 11-14-2010 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Tim 2:5-6) To redeem something or someone is to buy back; To get back or recover; To set free by paying a ransom;. to deliver from sin and it’s penalties, as by a sacrifice made for the sinner; to make amends or to atone for mistakes made. Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 11-07-2010 Power in the Christian life depends upon our connection with the source of power. Psalm 21:13 Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. Matt 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 10-24-2010 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works Hebrews 10:24 Any way you say it, it is a strong statement. To provoke is to strongly agitate.To spur implies the giving of mild pain to order to produce and appropriate action.(To spur a horse) Most humans do not like to be provoked or spurred. We do not want others digging their heels into our ribs. The Hebrew writer is not concerned with what we want but with what we need. We ought to study and pray, love and serve without being driven to it. But being weak we often find it difficult to stay on track. Part of the reason for the existence of the church is to keep us at our task. This is done gently, if possible—with spurs if necessary. How we react to the spurs of our brothers is up to us. Some take offense, some accept it, some appreciate it, some invite and encourage others to spur them on. In recent years it has become popular for those who want to grow in the Lord to invite someone to help them in this task. Sometimes they have been called prayer partners, or mentors, the concept is that we need each other Jesus taught his followers with strong admonition. John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another Paul prompts the Christians to serve God by serving one another. 1 Cor 12:24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 10-17-2010 History takes us back to our roots And allows us to see that on which we have been built. An honest assessment of history reveals our mistakes and lauds our successes. God must have considered history important because so much of His scripture deals with the history of mankind and His people.Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.1 Cor 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Biblical History: 1. Provides examples 2. Teaches us to not crave evil things 3. Teaches against idolatry 4. Teaches against immorality 5. Teaches against trying the Lord. 6. Teaches against grumbling 7. Is for our instruction today There is a strange thing about history, we don’t seem to learn its lessons and we continue to repeat its mistakes. Prophets of old foretold of God’s promises of a savior which was fulfilled when Jesus, His Son was born and lived an earthly life, sacrificed His life to give us hope of eternal life with God. We need to search the scriptures daily to learn the lessons history gives us in what God wants of us. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 10-10-2010 Ask, and it shall be given you;Matt 7:7a No one ever asked Winston Churchill if they could do his film biography until Jack LeVein came along and did it. Afterwards, he asked Mr. Churchill why he was allowed to do it when there were so many other great photographers around. “No one else had ever bothered to ask me.” Was Churchill’s reply. And so we “receive not because we ask not.” Someone once said, “Heaven is full of un-asked-for blessings.” God wants us to ask, and ask in faith. Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 But many are afraid to ask him for things. How normal would it be for your kids to never ask you for anything? And, how disappointed would you be if they did not? God delights in giving his children good things. John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. Just think, there may be someone out there close to you just waiting for an invitation to study the Bible, or attend worship services, or listen to your story about Jesus. But unless you ask, they may never know the joy of a personal invitation. And it will compliment them that you thought enough of them to ask! MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 10-03-2010 Heaven is a bargain, however great the cost It is a deep desire to be with God, our creator. We are a part of Him as he gave us life. (Mankind does not always comprehend or realize they have this desire.) Psalm 11:4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. Isa 66:1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: We also want to be with Jesus Christ who loved us so much that he gave his physical life as the perfect sacrifice that allows us forgiveness of our sins and the opportunity to return with Him to God the Father.Jesus said: Matt 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Matt 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:Vs 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Due to this viewpoint of the Judgment Day, it to our benefit to learn His word, be obedient to His Will, live a righteous life no matter the cost and trust in His promise that we might be with Him in Heaven. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 09-26-2010 We can’t put our faults behind us Until we face them. 1 Peter 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. Psalms 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Psalms 51:1. . .Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. James1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 09-19-2010 The Church has the only cure for social ills. It alone deals with the disease—SIN—Rather than with symptoms. James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.Col 1:7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. 9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.Acts 14:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.Phil 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 09-12-2010 We fear man so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another. Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Matt 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 2 Cor 6:17-8:1—17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Psalm 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. Psalm 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant. Prov 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 09-05-2010 Worry is a poor substitute for prayer. Matt 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. King Herod was making havoc with the church, he killed James the brother of John, captured Peter and put him in prison with plans to bring him to the people after Easter. (Now we see the power of prayer.Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.Paul had much reason to worry about his safetyAn angel came, woke him up, released him from his bonds and led him out the prison.Vs. 12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. Phil 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Worry has never changed anything but prayer has changed many things.! MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 08-29-2010 The thing that makes men and rivers crooked Is following the line of least resistance. Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. James 4:6 . . . Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 08-22-2010 When we let God guide, He will provide! Psalms 25:8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalms 4814 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Isa 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus.Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 08-15-2010 If God is kept outside Something must be wrong inside. Matt 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Jesus realized that his time on earth was coming to an end, and he gave clues to his disciples but they didn’t comprehend it all. Matt 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. 11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Outwardly Judas Iscariot appeared a loyal disciple but inwardly was full of iniquity. Matt 26:14:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him. Matt 26:21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. 22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? Matt 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. Matt 26:47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. 49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.We must be sure and control our thoughts and keep them clean and purified so that a Christ-like attitude shows outwardly to those about us. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 08-08-2010 Never part without kind words,They might be your last. How many times have you heard someone say at someone’s death. “I wished I had told him that I loved him one more time”, “I should have let him know that I forgave him.” We could have eliminated much unhappiness and guilt if we had. Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 2 Cor 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, Tit 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 8-1-2010 NONE OF US ARE PERFECT! None of us are perfect, nor will we ever be perfect in this life. And we should all thank God that we don’t have to be perfect to go to heaven! However, imperfection is not an excuse for not being faithful to God. It’s heaven’s condition! 2 Corinthians 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Psalms 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. 31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? 32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. Psalms 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. 38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. 39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. Proverbs 11:5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. 1 Corinthians 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Phillipians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
07-25-2010 A smile is a curve that you throw at another,And it always results in a hit. We all know that it is more desirable to be around people who are cheerful and full of joy, their happy countenance is encouraging enough to pull us up from being discouraged and depressed, A smile from a parent or special friend can make our day. Proverbs 15:30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. 14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. 15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Proverbs 15:30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Psalms 68:1 ... May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. 2 As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. 3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. 4 Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds -- his name is the LORD-- and rejoice before him. Eccl 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 07-18-2010 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matt 7:13-14 It is hard to realize that the multitudes who believe that all people are “going to the same place” actually are all going to the same place, for they are all traveling the broad way to destruction. It was God, Himself, through Jesus Christ, who said that few (few!) ever find the way to eternal life. That narrow way to life is only through Christ who said: “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6The word for “way” in both the Old and New Testaments, means a road, or journey. Figuratively, it is often used for a lifestyle. The bible makes it plain, again and again, that there are two ways and two destinies: “The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” Psalm 1:6The first “way” mentioned in Scripture is “the way of the tree of life,” guarded by mighty cherubin and a flaming sword (Gen 3:24) after Adam and Eve had rejected the authority of their Creator. The second “way” mentioned is when “all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth” and God had to decree “the end of all flesh” (Gen 6:12-13)The great tragedy is that while there are relatively few who “do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life” (Rev. 22:14) they way is freely open, through Christ, to all who will come to Him. Therefore, each sincere soul should pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm139:23 - 24) HMM MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 07-11-2010 It isn’t the faith to move mountains we need— It is the faith to move us. Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Paul shows us that his faith in God and and his dedication to his purpose as a worker for Him is more important than worldly afflictions and fleshly desires. Acts 20:23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Matt 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 07-04-2010 Worry pulls tomorrow’s clouds over today’s sunshine. Matt 6:27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? 28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Luke 21:10 Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 "But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Phillipians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Study! Get to know the Lord and his love and care for you, allow your faith and obedience let him guide you and help you through all situations that you meet and gain the blessings and strength that these opportunities present to you. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 06-27-2010 Never part without kind words They might be your last. Many people have been so sorry that they let differences with others go unresolved, and harsh words in anger, jealousy or unforgiveness are left on our conscience. Many have lost parents, siblings or friends in death and wish that they had one more chance to say “I love you” or “I forgive you” but now it is too late. Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 2 Cor 5: 5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many 7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Resolve all differences as soon as possible, preferably before the sun goes down and as a result have a better nights sleep. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 06-20-2010 Life is similar to a boomerang What you give, you get. The Old Testament character, JOSEPH is a great example of one who loved and trusted God. Even though he faced many challenges, he trusted and continually served God and in this giving he received in return God’s protection, guidance, and countless blessings. He went from a shepherd boy to the high position of second in command in Egypt. JOSIAH was another example, He was considered as one of the good kings. He learned about the Law and returned to these dictates and led his people back to God in true service. 2 Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. 2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left. 2 Kings 23:25 And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him. JESUS was the Son of God, he fulfilled his earthly purpose in the sacrifice of himself on the cross of Calvary for the forgiveness of the sins of mankind. He followed the Will of God and lived a perfect life, showing love to all, teaching and healing. He gave his all and was blessed to return to His Father in Heaven knowing that through Him mankind can have a relationship with God and through Him a home eternal with God. The more you give of yourself and your possessions to others the more God will bless you in amazing wonderful ways. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 06-06-2010 The real measure of a man’s wealth is what he hasInvested in eternity. We learn from Jesus’ parable of the talents how to use our life and abilities in insuring our future, by doing the best we can for God and all mankind. Matt 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.Vs 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strowed:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strowed:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 5-30-2010 The empty tomb proves Christianity,But and empty church denies it! THE EMPTY TOMB.Matt 27:58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. THE RISEN SAVIOR TOLD HIS DISCIPLES TO DO AS COMMANDED.Matt 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. THE CHURCH BEGAN ON THE DAY OF PENTECOSTActs 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and breaking of bread, and in prayers. THE CHURCH IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL1 THES 1:7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad: MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN May 23, 2010 The Bible is a reliable map on the road of righteousness!! Mission of John the Baptist to prepare the way of Jesus the Son of God. Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Jesus tells us about our guide to all truth. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. 16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. Paul witnesses Christ: Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. Paul shows the importance in being members of the church! 1 Cor 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. Vs 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. Paul teaches Timothy the importance of learning the Word of God. 2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN May 16, 2010 “Why did my savior come to earth” My savior came to earth because “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” (Heb 2:9) Jesus states His reason for coming to earth: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) Paul said: “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (Gal 4:4-5) Paul told that the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ (Gal 3:24-25) But when Christ came and gave us the gospelthe schoolmaster was no longer needed. The law has been nailed to the cross of Christ and taken out of the wayGal 1:14 "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;" My Savior came to earth to redeem us with His blood. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” (1 Pet 1:18-19)“20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (1 Cor 6:20) We are the Lord’s bondservants and our lives belong to Him, because He bought us. My Savior came to earth to build His church. “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18) My Savior came to earth to provide us with a plan on Salvation designed by God. According to the gospel sinners must hear the gospel, believe on the Lord, repent of their sins, be baptized unto the remission of their sins and henceforth serve the Lord in a faithful life unto the end. 2 Thes 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN May 09, 2010 There is great change involved in conversion,Brought about by God’s love for us. Do you need a spiritual makeover? The gospel is the “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Rom 1:16Tap into this power today and begin your makeover by obeying the gospel. Before conversion one is dead in sins, physical death separates body and spirit, Spiritual death separates a person from God. “This separation is caused by people “walking according to the course of this world.” After conversion, one is a child of God. He is reconciled to God—no longer separated, he has access to God and becomes a member of God’s household, a heir along with Jesus, the Son of God. Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Consider God’s love and power and what he has in store for you if you become obedient to His Will. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN May 02, 2010 The person who sows seeds of kindness enjoysa perpetual harvest!! Follow the example of God’s kindness to mankind and reap a bountiful harvest.Psalm 117:1 O Praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. 2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.A PROMISE FROM GODIsa 54:7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer. 9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. 10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.HE PROVIDED HIS GRACE TO US THROUGH HIS SON, JESUS!Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:WE MUST EXTEND GOD’S PROMISE IN OUR KINDNESS TO OTHERS!2 Pet 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN April 18, 2010 Jesus is the rock that doesn’t roll. JESUS TOLD THOSE WHO FOLLOWED HIM: John 10;27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one.Psalm 62:1 A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.Jesus refered himself as a solid rock that is stable on which believers and doers of his word are wise men. The opposite are in trouble. Matt 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 1 Cor 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. LET US THEN BE WISE AND ANCHOR OUR LIFE ON THAT ROCK. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN April 11, 2010 Make an investment in eternity. Now with the economy in turmoil is a good time to consider long term investments. Not stocks and bonds but your spiritual destiny. Christians are to invest in the lives of others. All the material riches of this world will pass away; only believing souls will survive into eternity. So we must devote ourselves to helping as many as possible reach heaven. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. God offers salvation to the entire world. However, there are people in every country who have not heard that Jesus loves them and died for their sins. (John 3:16) The word “unchurched” brings to mind those living under repressive regimes or in wilderness lives of little education. But in reality it may be your next-door neighbor who knows little or none of the Gospel of Christ. Person to person evangelism remains a most effective way of telling people about Jesus, as unbelievers can get their questions answered and concerns addressed. It is not enough to give money to missionaries on far off countries but “Nearby fields” are also ready to harvest but workers are few.. Matt 9:37) MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN April 04, 2010 “Much prayer, much power,Little prayer, little power.No prayer, no power.”Observe the power of prayer of the congregation praying for Peter in prison.Acts 12:4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.Keep prayer uppermost in your life!!! MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN March 28, 2010 There is no excuse for excusing sin. King Saul was commanded by God to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all that was theirs. (1 Sam 15:1-3) He gathered his army and they smote the Amalekites, taking hostage their King Agag and the best of their livestock, but destroying everyone and everything else.. When faced with the fact that he had not completely followed God’s commands he began making excuses for himself and his army. (vs 13-15) 13 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. 14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? 15 And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed. Samuel told Saul that the excuses were not acceptable, their disobedience to God’s commands held consequences .(Sam 15:22-23) 22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being King. Adam and Eve found that by not obeying God’s command to not eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and that by placing blame on each other and satan was not excuse enough for God not to enforce the consequences which mankind still have to deal with. Our intentions can be reasonable to us in justifying or excusing ourselves or others in doing certain things, but unless it is within God’s Will we can jeopardize our souls salvation and that of others seeing our examples. SO STOP WITH THE EXCUSES AND EXCUSING!! MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN March 21, 2010 Those who fear the future are likely to fumble the present. Psalm 23: 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Paul shares with us that the law of our human nature struggles with our mind but with understanding and trust that God is with us, we can master this and do right today and not fear the future because God is with us and will never forsake us. Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 2 Cor 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:,,10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Matt 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Be patient and not in a hurry that you strive to meet your needs by sinful ways. Be obedient to His Will and ask for his help and He will answer in His time for your real needs. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 03/14/10 “Peace” It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise,Trouble, or work. It means to be in the midst of those things andStill be calm in your heart. To become Christ-like should be our goal, his belief, obedience and trust in His father show in his calmness during the storm. Let’s gain from His example.Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Jesus said: 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:22) Romans 5::1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 2 Cor 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 03/07/10 DOES JESUS LIVE AT YOUR HOUSE? The continued knock brought the mother to the door. A child stood there with a Bible in his hand. Without a word of introduction he asked “Does Jesus live here? The woman, although a member of the church, was so taken aback by the unexpected question that she did not answer. She didn’t even remember what she said next, but watched him slowly walk away. All the day the question kept going through her mind. That evening when her husband came home, she told him about it. He laughed and said, “Why didn’t you show him the church directory with our name in it? You could have told him that we nearly always send our children to Bible class and go sometimes ourselves. Why didn’t you remind him we give occasionally to the church, and look upon ourselves as a respected Christian family?” “Yes,” she said. “that is all true, and I could have told him all that. But he didn’t ask me the things you mentioned. He asked me if Jesus lives here and I have been wondering all day if he does.” WHAT WOULD YOUR ANSWER BE? I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (Abilene Tx-Bulletin Digest) MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 02/28/10 Faultfinders never improve things;They just make things seems worse than they really are. Matt 12:1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath." (found fault) 3 He answered, "Haven't you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread--which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven't you read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple desecrate the day and yet are innocent? 6 I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." Acts 11:11:1 The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them." 4 Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: Matt 19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. (found fault) 14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. 15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Most times we start criticizing or finding fault without the actual facts about the situation and is merely a display of our ignorance. Eph 4:4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF JOAN 02/21/10 The big question is:Where can we put our hatred while we say our prayers? Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Matt 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Prov 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. We need to realize that when we have bad feelings towards others and do not forgive and do not resolve them, that person becomes between us and God. What a sorry state we, as so called Christians, put ourselves in. Our own salvation is put in jeopardy, , as well as those who taste or see our example. God is always with us unless we put sin or someone between us. Jesus said: Matt 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 02/14/10 “Verily God hath heard; He hath attended to the voice of my prayers.” Psalms 66:19 Prayer is our communication with God, to praise him, to give thanks for all he has provided for us, thanks for giving us Jesus, to voice our love for him, and to ask for our desires, for our needs and the needs of others. To pray in the spirit in humbleness, showing our great need for His listening to our petitions. Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 1 Thes 5:17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. After the gospels, the bulk of the mentions of prayers is praying for others! Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 1 Thes 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;We need to follow David’s example and constantly communicate with God whether times be good or bad!!! It is the Christians backbone. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 02/07/10 If your faith can’t be tested, it can’t be trusted. Rom 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. 1 Cor 1:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. 1 Cor 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 01/31/10John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. As a Christian, one of our designated tasks is to witness Jesus and His gospel plan of Salvation to those around us. Here is an example of how it works. After finding David Livingstone in Central Africa, and spending four month with him there, explorer Henry Stanley said: “I went to Africa as the biggest atheist in London, but there came a long time for reflection. I saw a solitary old man there and asked myself, ‘How on earth does he stay here? What is it that inspires him?” For months after we met, I found myself wondering at the old man carrying out all that was said in the Bible—”leave all things and follow me.’ But little by little my sympathy was aroused; seeing his piety, his gentleness, his zeal, his earnestness, and how he went about his business, I was converted by him, although he had not tried to do it.” Acts 26:15 And I (Paul) said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Let us be a faithful witness for Jesus in our attitudes, appearance and works!!! MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 01/24/10 If some people preached what they practice,it would have to be censored.. Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Matt 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Stephen was an example of one who practiced what he preached, however because of his belief in Christ and his trust in God he preached Christ and his resurrection and it resulted in his being stoned to death but gaining eternal life which should be our desire and goal in life. So we need to share our understanding and belief in Christ in what we say and what we do. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 01/17/10 He that would govern others must be lord of himself,And he only is lord of himself who is consciously and habituallyThe servant of God. Like Paul, we have a purpose “to be a servant of God”.Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; There are great consequences in being a servant of God:Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Share with others your God given gifts.1 Pet 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 01/10/10 Spread out your petition before God, and then say“thy will, not mine, be done” The sweetest lesson learned in God’s schoolIs to let the Lord choose for me. David sought God’s will with all his heart.Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.Psalm 143:7 Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. 8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. 9 Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. 10 Teach me to do thy will;for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. 11 Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. 12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant. Jesus gave us an example and taught the disciples.Matt 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 01/03/10To open your mind, close your mouth. Matt 15:10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: 11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.Luke 19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:Proverbs 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Rom 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN 01-01-2010 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010TO ALL THE SUBSCRIBERS OF ABBA. This is a salutation we all will hear in the next few days, however to the Christian it is a greeting we should share every day of the year. As we anticipate the coming days we look forward to sharing the gospel of our Lord and we get to live triumphantly each day of our lives. As we face the future we have no idea what it may bring, but to a person faithfully following the Lord it will be a good day every day of the year. We know there will be some trials and some rough spots in our road but with the Lord to smooth them out life will be glorious. From our house to your house we simply say to live in the grace of God in 2010. MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
