December 27, 2015
PATIENCE, WISDOM AND TRUST BUILDS MY WALK.
Our faith is built over the years through patience and perseverance in the many trials and crises of life, both large and small. Each incident is a building block in our faith foundation. We are taught to rich out in prayer for answers, and follow the directions that we receive as we experience the ups and downs of life, and learn in our seeking and studying God’s Word.
The human mind is vulnerable to the antics of Satan, but the tools of the Bible are available to counteract his efforts. Psalm 46: 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. James 4:7 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.
In silent reflection hear God’s word. James 1: 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 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.
Desire not to that wave of the sea that is tossed about but seek to be a rock, submit to God, standing firm and steadfast in the face of adversity and allow God to flow through your life. Patience is a virtue that must be nurtured in order to receive wisdom. Wisdom is a gift that enables us to find the way forward in faith. Faith is constancy of belief that grows into trust. Trust is the childlike confidence that allows God to answer your prayers in His own way, His own timing and His own authority. Authority is His as He is our Lord and Savior.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
DECEMBER 20, 2015
WHEN WE DO ALL WE CAN, GOD WILL DO WHAT WE CAN’T.
2 CORINTHIANS 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;
1 Tim 4:8 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. 10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
Psalm 4: 3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. 4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
Heb 4: 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
DECEMBER 13, 2015
JESUS WAS CONTENT WITH A STABLE WHEN HE WAS BORN
THAT WE MIGHT HAVE A HEAVENLY HOME WITH HIM WHEN WE DIE.
ROM 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 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.
2 Corinthians 5; 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
DECEMBER 06, 2015
WALKING LIKE JESUS
Few people in this world are able to remain peaceful, loving, and giving during trials. But we can be aware of a particular person that shows that they want to walk as Jesus did. They are generally:
1. Serving others.
2. Always thankful.
3. Happy and full of smiles.
4. Giving
5. Honesty
6. Doesn’t complain.
7. Perseveres in trials
8. Appreciates others and things
9. Puts others first.
10. Forgiving.
Paul advised the members of the church at Philippi to be Christ-like.
Philippians 1: 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
NOVEMBER 29, 2015
ALWAYS HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF THANKFULNESS
FOR THE PEOPLE AND THINGS GOD PUT IN OUR LIVES!!
The Apostle Paul gives us a good example of a thankful attitude:
Philippians 1: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
God gives us a path and purpose in our life that promotes Christian growth in everyone and everything that we take the opportunity to pursue. The people we are to love and the things to use in our endeavors to serve God.
Colossians 3: 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
NOVEMBER 22, 2015
LIFE BRINGS BOTH GOOD AND BAD DAYS FOR US!
We know this from experience, History reveals that this has always been the case with every generation. So we are not surprised when we enjoy some really good days, and we should not be discouraged when the morning brings us a not so bright day.
Christians can handle the responsibilities of the good times and the disappointments of the bad times because of the strength they have in their relationship with Christ. Paul says this best. . .
“. . . for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength>” (Phiippians 4:11-13 NIV)
Learning to be content is difficult for the world because it always wants more and more. But for the Christian, it is a “no brainer”. When we are focused on Christ and our relationship to Him…then it really doesn’t matter if we have much or little in this realm. We are content with whatever a day brings, and with whatever struggles we must endure. That’s because we know it is short-lived and we know that God is in control!
LIFE IS GOOD—EVERY DAY!
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
NOVEMBER 15, 2015
JUST OVER THE HILL IS A BEAUTIFUL VALLEY
BUT YOU MUST CLIMB THE HILL TO SEE IT
Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. 8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
Luke 3: 3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
2 Peter 3: 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
NOVEMBER 08, 2015
DOING GOD’S WILL OUT OF FAITH INVOLVES LEARNING TO
WALK AGAIN IN NEWNESS OF SPIRITUAL LIFE.
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: 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.
He natural man cannot do this; it is for those who have died with Christ. To die with Christ is having died to self. We no longer order our own steps but walk the spiritual path Jesus Christ lays out for us in His Word. Walking with God instead of the counsel of the wicked helps us move from fear to faith.
The children of Israel had many fears as Moses led them from Egypt. The Egyptians were chasing them and they feared for their lives. Then God provided protection for them, the wall of fire that stopped the chariots. They had to walk through the “water tunnel” to get where God wanted them to be. We often have to walk through dangerous and difficult times, and with faith in God’s help we can get where He wants us to be.
We will have tribulations in life and dark valleys through which we will have to walk. But we also have God’s comfort to help us on the way. 2 Cor 5: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 1 John 1: 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I (Jesus) have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
NOVEMBER 01, 2015
THINGS TO BRING TO WORSHIP SERVICES
*Clean Hands/Pure Hearts—Is there guilt on your hands and in your heart? Is there some unresolved, unsettled difference with someone? Have you gone to that person to try to bring about a resolution? Do you harbor animosity? Give those problems to God and get relief from the weight on your shoulders. How could you think your worship is acceptable if you don’t bring “Clean hands and a pure heart?
*A Heart full of joy—Paul said “Rejoice and again I say rejoice.” Or is one thing to parot something but another thing to put that truth into action—that is why Paul sang songs in the night even while in prison. He knew he was right with God in spite of all the hurt he had caused and troubles he had endured. He was saved by the blood of the Lamb.
*Lips that Speak His Wonderful Works: There is enough criticism, cynicism, and hypocrisy in this world without hope! You were lost, now you are saved, you were bind, but now you see! The old message has not changed in spite of a changing world! Thank you Lord for the blessings you have given, especially for eternal life through your son Jesus Christ.
When you come to worship be sure to seek the word of God. Bring clean hands, a pure heart full of joy, and lips that speak of His wonderful deeds!
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
OCTOBER 25, 2015
LOVE IS GIVING OF ONESELF AND NOT ASKING FOR ANYTHING IN RETURN.
Romans 12: 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 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.
Matthew 6: 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
OCTOBER 18, 2015
MORE IMPORTANT THAN LENGTH OF LIFE IS HOW WE SPEND EACH DAY!
Matthew 6: 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.
Jesus left and example of how he spent a day. Luke 21: 37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
Jesus parable teaches us to be ready. Luke 12: 42 The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44 I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45 But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47 "That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
David loved God and left time each day to thank him. Psalm 119: 164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. 165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
OCTOBER 11, 2015
LET US NOT BECOME WEARY IN DOING GOOD, FOR AT THE PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP. (Gal 6:9)
Mankind is continually sowing good or evil, as Christians strive to sow good always.
Galations 6: 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
2 Corinthians 9: 9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
Hebrews 12: 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
OCTOBER 04, 2015
NO ONE BECOMES RICH UNLESS THEY ENRICH OTHERS.
A Christian’s special goal is to learn of God and become like Him.
Psalm 145: 8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. 9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
James 2: 5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
2 Corinthians 8:1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.
1 Tim 6: 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
SEPTEMBER 27, 2015
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT NEVER BECOMES DULL FROM USE!
John 8: 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Ephesians 6: 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:
Colossians 1: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
1 John 2: 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
SEPTEMBER 20, 15
FRIENDS, WE WILL SINK IN THE SEAS OF DIFFICULTY
IF WE TAKE OUR EYES OFF OF JESUS.
Peter was walking on the water to Jesus, but when he took his eyes off his Master and looked at the waves and turmoil around him, he began to sink. We in turn will sink in the seas of difficulty if we take our eyes off of Jesus.
Jesus comes when he is needed, remember 1 Peter 5: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Hebrews 13:7 . . . said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Jesus uses the element we dread as the path for his approach. The waves were endangering the boat, but Jesus walked on them. In our lives are people and circumstances we dread, but it is through these that the greatest blessing of our lives will come—if we look through them to Christ.
Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
2 Corinthians 12: 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
SEPTEMBER 13, 15
THE GOOD MAN, LIKE A BOUNCING BALL, SPRINGS EVER UPWARD FROM A FALL.
Give a thought to the story of Joseph, who, in his trust and faith in God, always landed on his feet after each setback life presented him.
Also, think of Paul, in his sincere desire to serve the Lord, surviving many trials. Again his trust and faith in God kept him going, gaining strength with each trial.
2 Corinthians 11: 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
2 Corinthians 12: 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Psalm 37: 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
SEPTEMBER 06, 15
WHEN GOD MEASURES A MAN,
HE PUTS THE TAPE AROUND HIS HEART NOT HIS HEAD.
Psalm 7: 9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. 10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. 11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
Matt 5: 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Matt 22: 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.
Acts 8: 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.
Acts 11: 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.
Hebrews 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
August 30, 2015
WITH HOPE WE LEARN TO WAIT ON HIS PROMISE.
Romans 8: 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Our hope before us through the weeks and months ahead, is certain to bring things not yet recognized or understood. Our lives each day are given new hope because God is faithfulness to us is new each morning.
God is the same God yesterday today, and for all these tomorrows still ahead. He doesn’t change, or take naps, or vacations. Our constant hope is reaching up to Him: persevering with prayer and the promises of His word.
Ephesians 1: 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Our hope though not yet seen is our constant expectation of an unseen reality. We are saved by grace through faith. We are waiting upon His promise of an eternal life with Him. We wait through hope and perseverance. We will recognize the end result of our faith.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
August 16, 2015
THE FUTURE IS PURCHASED BY THE PRESENT!!
Our faith, trust and obedience to God’s word in present time purchases our future.
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.
Psalm 112: 5 A good man showeth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. 6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. 7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. 9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
Eph 6: 5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Luke 6: 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
August 09, 2015
IT DOESN’T Take MUCH OF A MAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN--
IT TAKES ALL OF HIM.
Matt 22: 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Ephesians 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.
Romans 12: 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.
jESUS, from the beginning of time, in love of the creation of man, with love gave his all in coming to earth, living a perfect life even though being tempted in all ways as we, and sacrificed His body on the cross (giving His All) for the forgiveness of our sins so that we might be in a close relationship with God.
When baptized, we die to the world and Live for God’s service. We vow, in belief in Jesus as the Son of God, to do our best in God’s service as did our Lord Jesus Christ in His short life and purpose on this earth
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
August 02, 2015
CONSIDER THESE PROMISES THAT SOLOMON LISTS IN
PROVERBS THAT IS A RESULT OF OBEDIENCE.
1. The promise of a long peaceful life..
Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Sometimes we are forgetful people but one thing we should never forget is the commandment of the Lord.
2. The promise of favor with God and man.
Proverbs 3: 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
God desires that we exhibit a righteous character, we should want to have steadfast love for God and for others. Our lives are to be built on biblical principles that demand integrity and fairness. When we lose favor with man w lose our Christian influence and can bring reproach upon the Churh.
3. The promise of straight paths.
Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
We are to rely on God and lean on His understanding, not self. In order to accomplish this we must not only study the Word of God but apply it to our lives. The promises in this chapter provide incentive for any Child of God to remain steadfast to the Lord.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
July 26, 2015
TIME SPENT IN SCRIPTURE IS TIME SPENT WITH JESUS!!
The disciples followed Jesus and observed three things about His servant-leadership style.
1. The common people heard Jesus gladly because He spoke their language. Parables were His main method of teaching .
Matt 13: 34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
He applied Scripture to Himself.
John 5: 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
2. His topic “Preaching the good news of the Kingdom” Matt 4: 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3. They saw His healing ministry. Luke 9: 11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
Acts 10: 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Conclusion: Let us go about doing good as we observe Jesus doing in the scriptures. Teaching simply with kindness and gentleness to all around us.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
July 19, 2015
ONE GOOD THING YOU CAN KEEP IS YOUR WORD.
Abraham was an example of one keeping his word. Genesis 22:1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. Abraham followed God’s word and kept his own word ans was going to sacrifice his only son
Colossians 3: 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Instructions to Timothy gives us good direction.
1 Timothy 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.
James 3: 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
July 12, 2015
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Titus 2: 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.
Hebrews 10: 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Hebrews 12: 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
2 Peter 3: 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
July 05, 2015
AS LONG AS THERE IS A WAY UP THERE IS A WAY OUT!
The Apostle Paul sought to look upwards for the way through and out of his struggles and encoAI beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Mark 9: 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Luke 21: 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
June 28, 2015
THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY TO DO A WRONG THING
Psalm 37: 37:1 Of David. Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
Rom 13: 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. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer
Col 3: 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Remember Uzzah in the O.T. wo sincerely did what he thought was right but it was unlawful and he paid the price for doing wrong. Seriously learn what is right and do it.
1Chr 13: 7 They moved the ark of God from Abinadab's house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it. 8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals and trumpets. 9 When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled.10 The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
June 21, 2015
A LITTLE THAT A RIGHTEOUS MAN HATH IS BETTER THAN THE RICHES OF MANY WICKED. (Psa 37:16)
The value of living righteously far outweighs the results of sin.
Proverbs 13: 5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. 6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
Provers 12: 13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. 14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. 15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
Matthew 5: 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 1: 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Ephesians 4: 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
June 14, 2015
THOUGHTS OF HEAVEN SHOULD NOT DEPRESS US
BUT LIFT US UP AND GIVE US GOOD CHEER.
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.
How satisfying and cheering to know that a home is prepared for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A goal of our earthly life in service to God will keep our focus on this heavenly home, our thoughts on higher things which keeps us from succumbing to depression and negative ways.
Matt 5: 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
1 Cor 15: 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
June 07, 2015
TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND JUST
IS MORE ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD THAN SACRIFICE.
Proverbs 21: 2 All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. 3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin! 5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. 6 A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. 7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right. 8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
Romans 12: 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Acts 10: 34 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
STRIVE TO “DO WHAT IS RIGHT!”
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
May 31, 2015
AS WE FIGHT FOR THE LORD, WE MUST BE GENTLE
AND SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE.
Ephesians 4: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
The theme of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus is of soldiers fighting for Christ against Satan and all those who by their actions identify themselves as his followers.
Paul taught Timothy to fight the good fight but with the right attitude, purpose and method.
1 Timothy 6: 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
2 Timothy 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;
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
May 24, 2015
GOD OFTEN DIGS THE WELLS OF JOY WITH THE SPADE OF SORROW.
John 15: 19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. 22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
2 Corinthians 7: 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. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
May 17, 2015
“LET ALL THINGS BE DONE UNTO EDIFYING”
1 Corinthians 14: 26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
Strengthening the church seems to have been on Paul’s mind continually. It was the purpose behind much of his advice and admonition. His desire for the strength and health of the church moved him to write about things that focus on that objective. Three words come to mind around which we can cluster some of his thoughts on the subject.
OTHERS: The Corinthians often justified things they were doing, Paul wrote to them—“…all things are lawful for me” (But focusing on self and one’s own rights and freedoms is not healthy for the body) “all things edify not”. Pride in our knowledge can contribute to arrogance, and arrogance makes it impossible for us to edify others. :”Knowledg puffeth up, but charity edifieth: (1 Cor 8:1) Love takes the mind off self and looks to the needs of others.
UNITY: Resentment, jealousy and division are barriers to edification. Good relationships are essential. “Let us therefore follow after things which make for peace and things where with one may edify another.” (Rom 14:19)
WORDS: Word selection is very important in strengthening another’s heart.
1 Thes 5: 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Worldly communication is often unclean, or it criticizes tears down, discourages and weakens. The Christian is different. Ephesians 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Let us learn to say the right words that will refresh and strengthen hearts.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
May 10, 2015
IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE
2 Corinthians 5: 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 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.
Just as Jesus Christ is our representative to God for us we are commanded to be Jesus Christ’s representatives to the world for Him. Paul expressed this thought of being and ambassador for Christ.
Ephesians 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.
With love in our hearts and putting others before ourselves, Service is the surest way in influencing others.
Hebrews 10: 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:
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
May 05, 2015
CERTAIN AM I OF THE PLACE GOD HAS PREPARED FOR ME!
Promise of Jesus, the son of God.
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.
Faith in His promises:
Heb 11: 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and do His Will to be CERTAIN of a home with God. Rev 21: 16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
April 26, 2015
“THE POWER OF WORDS”
A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life;
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day;
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless. (Author unknown)
Ephesians 5: 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.
Philippians 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.
1 Peter 3: 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Let’s let the fruits of the spirit be evident in our lives and in our thoughts and words to others.
Gal 5: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
April 19, 2015
“MAKE LOVE YOUR AIM”
Matthew 22: 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Matthew 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;
1 Corinthians 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. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1 John 4: 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 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.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
April 12, 2015
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Psalm 56:11
David continues showing his faith in God to protect and guide him: 12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. 13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
In Hebrews we have a repeat of that thought.
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.
1 Peter 3: 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 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: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
Be not faithless as Jesus taught the disciples: Luke 12: 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
April 05, 2015
GRACE is undeserved acceptance and love received from another, especially the characteristic attitude of God providing salvation for sinners through the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Our calling, our witness, our works are all based on the power of God’s grace in our lives.
2 Thes 1: 11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s grace abides in us
1 Cor 9: 12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
The true experience of God’s grace changes one’s life in the direction of righteousness.
Rom 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.
18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
MARCH 29, 2015
SUFFERING: LOVE’S CONSTANT COMPANION!
Love always calls for suffering. It is the price we pay to enter into fellowship with Him who will one day banish all suffering.
After his conversion Paul desired to be with Christ and was willing to sacrifice all to attain that position.
Philippians 3: 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
As in the case of a hurt or sick baby or child in severe pain we find ourselves wishing we could share in the pain and give them relief. When observing the grief of a person standing beside a casket, we would willingly try to share that grief and relieve them. A woman in childbirth discards the possible pain in light of the new life that is coming into her life. Paul accepted the suffering in order to fulfill his desire to the Galatians to gain spiritual growth. Gal 4: 19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
We can understand then, that acts of service, love and sacrifice—the sort of things Christians are called to—might change ones relationship to pain and fear. Jesus put himself between us and hell. Because of the suffering He endured, we found freedom and life. His love and knowledge of this sacrifice for us made it easier for him to follow God’s will. “Thy will be done.”
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
MARCH 22, 2015
WHEREFORE COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, SAITH THE LORD, (2 Cor 6:17)
2 Corinthians 6:17 …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.
1 Peter 1: 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.
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.
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 Corinthians 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.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
MARCH 15, 2015
THE SELF-SUFFICIENT DO NOT PRAY, THE SELF-SATISFIED WILL NOT PRAY,
THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS CANNOT PRAY, NO MAN IS GREATER THAN HIS PRAYER LIFE.
2 Corinthians 3: 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;
Proverbs 15: 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. 31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
Romans 12: 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Philippians 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.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
MARCH 08, 2015
TIME IS NOT A GIFT, BUT A TRUST FOR WHICH WE MUST GIVE ACCOUNT.
Psalm 69: 13 But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
Matthew 13: 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Romans 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.
Rom 13: 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
1 Timothy 6: 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
TIME is one of our most precious commodities and must be used wisely in our service to God, each day at time as we do not know when the end of our life is due. BE PREPARED.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
MARCH 01, 2015
A CLEAR CONSCIENCE IS THE SOFTEST PILLOW.
CONSCIENCE: Human moral awareness that judges an action right or wrong.
Acts 24: 15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
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.
4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
1 Tim 1: 18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Heb 13: 18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
1 Pet 3: 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: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Be of good conscience in your service to God and rest easily!!!!
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
February 22, 2015
YOU CAN’T GET WATER OUT OF A WELL WITHOUT DIPPING WITH A BUCKET.
Water is a necessity to the existence of all earthly creatures; man will die if without water over seven days. Water is comparable with the word of God. We are weakened without water as we are weakened by a lack of God’s saving Word.
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.
Jesus said: “SEEK YOU FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Matt 6:33)
and to the woman at the well in: John 4: 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.
Heb 11: 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
February 15, 2015
THE KEY TO DEFEATING SATAN IS TRULY BELIEVING HE EXISTS AND RECOGNIZING WE’RE UTTERLY POWERLESS AGAINST HIM WITHOUT GOD’S INTERVENTION.
Being aware of this and actually doing it is one of the most challenging and difficult undertakings a believer faces in securing a victorious Christian life. There are two problems making this especially hard to accomplish; submitting to God and believing that Satan actually exists. Submitting to anyone, even God, goes against our natural human inclinations. As Christians we want to do God’s Will, but we still want to be in control and decide how and when we do it. When it comes to resisting Satan? We can’t win a battle if we don’t believe the enemy exists.
Most non-believers don’t believe that Satan exists, but many Christians don’t believe it either. This is odd since the same scriptures that tell of Christ also speak of Satan. How can we believe in one and not the other.
Luke 10:18 And He (Jesus) said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Do we believe in Him? If we do, we know Satan exists and do everything we can to resist him. But first we must overcome the illusion we can defeat him with our own power. We must first learn to corral our inflated egos and trust God with complete control of our life for this to happen.
Matthew 16: 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
James 47 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
February 08, 2015
SAYING YES TO SOMETHING MEANS THAT I WILL HAVE TO SAY NO TO SOMETHING ELSE.
When saying yes to training for a bike, running or swimming event you must say no to other things. The same is true when striving to serve God as a child of God, by a Christian way of life.
James 4: 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
In making a commitment to training for an event we will have to say no to overindulgence, sleeping late, and a sedentary life and say yes to physical and mental discipline, good nutrition and regular exercise. One cannot multi-task when training, and cannot be double minded about our commitment to compete. Committing to compete forces us to focus on the one thing one has pledged to do.
Doing one thing at a time allows us to do it well. When we submit to God and allow His Will to be worked into our lives, then we cannot at the same time place ourselves under the power of the devil. When we worship, consider, meditate and obey the commands of God, we are not allowing ourselves to be influenced by the devil. Moving towards God means we will moving away for other influences.
1 Peter 4: 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
February 01, 2015
THE EASIEST AND BEST WAY TO BREAK A BAD HABIT IS TO DROP IT!
HABIT: A thing done often, hence, done easily; becomes a pattern or custom. A pattern of action that is acquired and becomes so automatic that is difficult to break. (This may explain some of why there are so many denominations) We will be judged by the intents of our hearts, but this needs to be schooled by seeking and following God’s word. Eliminating bad habits and developing good habits and routines can help to keep us on the right path. Paul is an example of leaving a rich past, was converted and changed his life completely in service to God.
Matthew 13: 47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. (KJV)
Hebrews 10: 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
Let us inventory our routines, habits and thoughts and see how they coincide with being Christ like, and living a Christian life. This is for our sake and the sake of those around us.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
January 25, 2015
YOU QUICKLY LOSE INTEREST IN THE CHURCH IF YOU HAVE NOTHING INVESTED.
(In Jesus’ parable of the talents )Matt 25:14-29 we see that those servants who received from their master 5 talents and 2 talents definitely took on the responsibility to invest them successfully and doubled their investments. The one with one talent hid his and received the consequences of his lack of interest and action.
Matthew 25: 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. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Paul when converted from Judaism to the Gospel of Christ, followed this Gospel with zeal and invested his whole life to sharing this Gospel. (Acts 9:1-22)
Phil 3: 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 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.
Let us claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior and invest our interest and time in following Him and strive to lead others to a new life in Christ, using Paul’s life as an example of great zeal in serving God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
January 18, 2015
YOU CAN GIVE WITHOUT LOVING, BUT YOU CANNOT LOVE WITHOUT GIVING.
Jesus expounds to us the attitude about loving and giving that we should have.
Matthew 5: 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 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; 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.
John 13: 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, ( he gave His life for us) 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.
Acts 20: 34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.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.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
January 11, 2015
WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS OPEN THE DOOR.
Galatians 6: 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.
Psalm 34: 12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Consider Solomon’s wisdom and prayer:
1 Kings 8: 36 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
January 04, 2015
Jesus Christ is that light that has no power failure.
Matthew 21: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Matthew 26: 63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. 64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Matthew 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.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
PATIENCE, WISDOM AND TRUST BUILDS MY WALK.
Our faith is built over the years through patience and perseverance in the many trials and crises of life, both large and small. Each incident is a building block in our faith foundation. We are taught to rich out in prayer for answers, and follow the directions that we receive as we experience the ups and downs of life, and learn in our seeking and studying God’s Word.
The human mind is vulnerable to the antics of Satan, but the tools of the Bible are available to counteract his efforts. Psalm 46: 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. James 4:7 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.
In silent reflection hear God’s word. James 1: 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 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.
Desire not to that wave of the sea that is tossed about but seek to be a rock, submit to God, standing firm and steadfast in the face of adversity and allow God to flow through your life. Patience is a virtue that must be nurtured in order to receive wisdom. Wisdom is a gift that enables us to find the way forward in faith. Faith is constancy of belief that grows into trust. Trust is the childlike confidence that allows God to answer your prayers in His own way, His own timing and His own authority. Authority is His as He is our Lord and Savior.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
DECEMBER 20, 2015
WHEN WE DO ALL WE CAN, GOD WILL DO WHAT WE CAN’T.
2 CORINTHIANS 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;
1 Tim 4:8 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. 10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
Psalm 4: 3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. 4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
Heb 4: 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
DECEMBER 13, 2015
JESUS WAS CONTENT WITH A STABLE WHEN HE WAS BORN
THAT WE MIGHT HAVE A HEAVENLY HOME WITH HIM WHEN WE DIE.
ROM 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 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.
2 Corinthians 5; 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
DECEMBER 06, 2015
WALKING LIKE JESUS
Few people in this world are able to remain peaceful, loving, and giving during trials. But we can be aware of a particular person that shows that they want to walk as Jesus did. They are generally:
1. Serving others.
2. Always thankful.
3. Happy and full of smiles.
4. Giving
5. Honesty
6. Doesn’t complain.
7. Perseveres in trials
8. Appreciates others and things
9. Puts others first.
10. Forgiving.
Paul advised the members of the church at Philippi to be Christ-like.
Philippians 1: 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
NOVEMBER 29, 2015
ALWAYS HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF THANKFULNESS
FOR THE PEOPLE AND THINGS GOD PUT IN OUR LIVES!!
The Apostle Paul gives us a good example of a thankful attitude:
Philippians 1: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
God gives us a path and purpose in our life that promotes Christian growth in everyone and everything that we take the opportunity to pursue. The people we are to love and the things to use in our endeavors to serve God.
Colossians 3: 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
NOVEMBER 22, 2015
LIFE BRINGS BOTH GOOD AND BAD DAYS FOR US!
We know this from experience, History reveals that this has always been the case with every generation. So we are not surprised when we enjoy some really good days, and we should not be discouraged when the morning brings us a not so bright day.
Christians can handle the responsibilities of the good times and the disappointments of the bad times because of the strength they have in their relationship with Christ. Paul says this best. . .
“. . . for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength>” (Phiippians 4:11-13 NIV)
Learning to be content is difficult for the world because it always wants more and more. But for the Christian, it is a “no brainer”. When we are focused on Christ and our relationship to Him…then it really doesn’t matter if we have much or little in this realm. We are content with whatever a day brings, and with whatever struggles we must endure. That’s because we know it is short-lived and we know that God is in control!
LIFE IS GOOD—EVERY DAY!
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
NOVEMBER 15, 2015
JUST OVER THE HILL IS A BEAUTIFUL VALLEY
BUT YOU MUST CLIMB THE HILL TO SEE IT
Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. 8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
Luke 3: 3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
2 Peter 3: 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
NOVEMBER 08, 2015
DOING GOD’S WILL OUT OF FAITH INVOLVES LEARNING TO
WALK AGAIN IN NEWNESS OF SPIRITUAL LIFE.
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: 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.
He natural man cannot do this; it is for those who have died with Christ. To die with Christ is having died to self. We no longer order our own steps but walk the spiritual path Jesus Christ lays out for us in His Word. Walking with God instead of the counsel of the wicked helps us move from fear to faith.
The children of Israel had many fears as Moses led them from Egypt. The Egyptians were chasing them and they feared for their lives. Then God provided protection for them, the wall of fire that stopped the chariots. They had to walk through the “water tunnel” to get where God wanted them to be. We often have to walk through dangerous and difficult times, and with faith in God’s help we can get where He wants us to be.
We will have tribulations in life and dark valleys through which we will have to walk. But we also have God’s comfort to help us on the way. 2 Cor 5: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 1 John 1: 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I (Jesus) have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
NOVEMBER 01, 2015
THINGS TO BRING TO WORSHIP SERVICES
*Clean Hands/Pure Hearts—Is there guilt on your hands and in your heart? Is there some unresolved, unsettled difference with someone? Have you gone to that person to try to bring about a resolution? Do you harbor animosity? Give those problems to God and get relief from the weight on your shoulders. How could you think your worship is acceptable if you don’t bring “Clean hands and a pure heart?
*A Heart full of joy—Paul said “Rejoice and again I say rejoice.” Or is one thing to parot something but another thing to put that truth into action—that is why Paul sang songs in the night even while in prison. He knew he was right with God in spite of all the hurt he had caused and troubles he had endured. He was saved by the blood of the Lamb.
*Lips that Speak His Wonderful Works: There is enough criticism, cynicism, and hypocrisy in this world without hope! You were lost, now you are saved, you were bind, but now you see! The old message has not changed in spite of a changing world! Thank you Lord for the blessings you have given, especially for eternal life through your son Jesus Christ.
When you come to worship be sure to seek the word of God. Bring clean hands, a pure heart full of joy, and lips that speak of His wonderful deeds!
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
OCTOBER 25, 2015
LOVE IS GIVING OF ONESELF AND NOT ASKING FOR ANYTHING IN RETURN.
Romans 12: 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 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.
Matthew 6: 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
OCTOBER 18, 2015
MORE IMPORTANT THAN LENGTH OF LIFE IS HOW WE SPEND EACH DAY!
Matthew 6: 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.
Jesus left and example of how he spent a day. Luke 21: 37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.
Jesus parable teaches us to be ready. Luke 12: 42 The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? 43 It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. 44 I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 45 But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. 46 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47 "That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
David loved God and left time each day to thank him. Psalm 119: 164 Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. 165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
OCTOBER 11, 2015
LET US NOT BECOME WEARY IN DOING GOOD, FOR AT THE PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP. (Gal 6:9)
Mankind is continually sowing good or evil, as Christians strive to sow good always.
Galations 6: 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
2 Corinthians 9: 9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
Hebrews 12: 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
OCTOBER 04, 2015
NO ONE BECOMES RICH UNLESS THEY ENRICH OTHERS.
A Christian’s special goal is to learn of God and become like Him.
Psalm 145: 8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. 9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
James 2: 5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
2 Corinthians 8:1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.
1 Tim 6: 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
SEPTEMBER 27, 2015
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT NEVER BECOMES DULL FROM USE!
John 8: 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Ephesians 6: 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:
Colossians 1: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
1 John 2: 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
SEPTEMBER 20, 15
FRIENDS, WE WILL SINK IN THE SEAS OF DIFFICULTY
IF WE TAKE OUR EYES OFF OF JESUS.
Peter was walking on the water to Jesus, but when he took his eyes off his Master and looked at the waves and turmoil around him, he began to sink. We in turn will sink in the seas of difficulty if we take our eyes off of Jesus.
Jesus comes when he is needed, remember 1 Peter 5: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Hebrews 13:7 . . . said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Jesus uses the element we dread as the path for his approach. The waves were endangering the boat, but Jesus walked on them. In our lives are people and circumstances we dread, but it is through these that the greatest blessing of our lives will come—if we look through them to Christ.
Romans 8: 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
2 Corinthians 12: 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
SEPTEMBER 13, 15
THE GOOD MAN, LIKE A BOUNCING BALL, SPRINGS EVER UPWARD FROM A FALL.
Give a thought to the story of Joseph, who, in his trust and faith in God, always landed on his feet after each setback life presented him.
Also, think of Paul, in his sincere desire to serve the Lord, surviving many trials. Again his trust and faith in God kept him going, gaining strength with each trial.
2 Corinthians 11: 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
2 Corinthians 12: 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Psalm 37: 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
SEPTEMBER 06, 15
WHEN GOD MEASURES A MAN,
HE PUTS THE TAPE AROUND HIS HEART NOT HIS HEAD.
Psalm 7: 9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. 10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. 11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
Matt 5: 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Matt 22: 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.
Acts 8: 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.
Acts 11: 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.
Hebrews 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
August 30, 2015
WITH HOPE WE LEARN TO WAIT ON HIS PROMISE.
Romans 8: 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Our hope before us through the weeks and months ahead, is certain to bring things not yet recognized or understood. Our lives each day are given new hope because God is faithfulness to us is new each morning.
God is the same God yesterday today, and for all these tomorrows still ahead. He doesn’t change, or take naps, or vacations. Our constant hope is reaching up to Him: persevering with prayer and the promises of His word.
Ephesians 1: 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Our hope though not yet seen is our constant expectation of an unseen reality. We are saved by grace through faith. We are waiting upon His promise of an eternal life with Him. We wait through hope and perseverance. We will recognize the end result of our faith.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
August 16, 2015
THE FUTURE IS PURCHASED BY THE PRESENT!!
Our faith, trust and obedience to God’s word in present time purchases our future.
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.
Psalm 112: 5 A good man showeth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. 6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. 7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. 8 His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. 9 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.
Eph 6: 5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
Luke 6: 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
August 09, 2015
IT DOESN’T Take MUCH OF A MAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN--
IT TAKES ALL OF HIM.
Matt 22: 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Ephesians 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.
Romans 12: 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.
jESUS, from the beginning of time, in love of the creation of man, with love gave his all in coming to earth, living a perfect life even though being tempted in all ways as we, and sacrificed His body on the cross (giving His All) for the forgiveness of our sins so that we might be in a close relationship with God.
When baptized, we die to the world and Live for God’s service. We vow, in belief in Jesus as the Son of God, to do our best in God’s service as did our Lord Jesus Christ in His short life and purpose on this earth
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
August 02, 2015
CONSIDER THESE PROMISES THAT SOLOMON LISTS IN
PROVERBS THAT IS A RESULT OF OBEDIENCE.
1. The promise of a long peaceful life..
Proverbs 3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Sometimes we are forgetful people but one thing we should never forget is the commandment of the Lord.
2. The promise of favor with God and man.
Proverbs 3: 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
God desires that we exhibit a righteous character, we should want to have steadfast love for God and for others. Our lives are to be built on biblical principles that demand integrity and fairness. When we lose favor with man w lose our Christian influence and can bring reproach upon the Churh.
3. The promise of straight paths.
Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
We are to rely on God and lean on His understanding, not self. In order to accomplish this we must not only study the Word of God but apply it to our lives. The promises in this chapter provide incentive for any Child of God to remain steadfast to the Lord.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
July 26, 2015
TIME SPENT IN SCRIPTURE IS TIME SPENT WITH JESUS!!
The disciples followed Jesus and observed three things about His servant-leadership style.
1. The common people heard Jesus gladly because He spoke their language. Parables were His main method of teaching .
Matt 13: 34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
He applied Scripture to Himself.
John 5: 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
2. His topic “Preaching the good news of the Kingdom” Matt 4: 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3. They saw His healing ministry. Luke 9: 11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
Acts 10: 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Conclusion: Let us go about doing good as we observe Jesus doing in the scriptures. Teaching simply with kindness and gentleness to all around us.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
July 19, 2015
ONE GOOD THING YOU CAN KEEP IS YOUR WORD.
Abraham was an example of one keeping his word. Genesis 22:1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. Abraham followed God’s word and kept his own word ans was going to sacrifice his only son
Colossians 3: 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Instructions to Timothy gives us good direction.
1 Timothy 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.
James 3: 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
July 12, 2015
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Titus 2: 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.
Hebrews 10: 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Hebrews 12: 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
2 Peter 3: 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
July 05, 2015
AS LONG AS THERE IS A WAY UP THERE IS A WAY OUT!
The Apostle Paul sought to look upwards for the way through and out of his struggles and encoAI beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Mark 9: 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Luke 21: 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
June 28, 2015
THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY TO DO A WRONG THING
Psalm 37: 37:1 Of David. Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
Rom 13: 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. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer
Col 3: 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Remember Uzzah in the O.T. wo sincerely did what he thought was right but it was unlawful and he paid the price for doing wrong. Seriously learn what is right and do it.
1Chr 13: 7 They moved the ark of God from Abinadab's house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it. 8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals and trumpets. 9 When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled.10 The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
June 21, 2015
A LITTLE THAT A RIGHTEOUS MAN HATH IS BETTER THAN THE RICHES OF MANY WICKED. (Psa 37:16)
The value of living righteously far outweighs the results of sin.
Proverbs 13: 5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. 6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
Provers 12: 13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. 14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. 15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
Matthew 5: 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 1: 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Ephesians 4: 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
June 14, 2015
THOUGHTS OF HEAVEN SHOULD NOT DEPRESS US
BUT LIFT US UP AND GIVE US GOOD CHEER.
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.
How satisfying and cheering to know that a home is prepared for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A goal of our earthly life in service to God will keep our focus on this heavenly home, our thoughts on higher things which keeps us from succumbing to depression and negative ways.
Matt 5: 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
1 Cor 15: 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
June 07, 2015
TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND JUST
IS MORE ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD THAN SACRIFICE.
Proverbs 21: 2 All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. 3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin! 5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. 6 A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. 7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away, for they refuse to do what is right. 8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
Romans 12: 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Acts 10: 34 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
STRIVE TO “DO WHAT IS RIGHT!”
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
May 31, 2015
AS WE FIGHT FOR THE LORD, WE MUST BE GENTLE
AND SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE.
Ephesians 4: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
The theme of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus is of soldiers fighting for Christ against Satan and all those who by their actions identify themselves as his followers.
Paul taught Timothy to fight the good fight but with the right attitude, purpose and method.
1 Timothy 6: 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
2 Timothy 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;
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
May 24, 2015
GOD OFTEN DIGS THE WELLS OF JOY WITH THE SPADE OF SORROW.
John 15: 19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? 20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. 22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
2 Corinthians 7: 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. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
May 17, 2015
“LET ALL THINGS BE DONE UNTO EDIFYING”
1 Corinthians 14: 26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
Strengthening the church seems to have been on Paul’s mind continually. It was the purpose behind much of his advice and admonition. His desire for the strength and health of the church moved him to write about things that focus on that objective. Three words come to mind around which we can cluster some of his thoughts on the subject.
OTHERS: The Corinthians often justified things they were doing, Paul wrote to them—“…all things are lawful for me” (But focusing on self and one’s own rights and freedoms is not healthy for the body) “all things edify not”. Pride in our knowledge can contribute to arrogance, and arrogance makes it impossible for us to edify others. :”Knowledg puffeth up, but charity edifieth: (1 Cor 8:1) Love takes the mind off self and looks to the needs of others.
UNITY: Resentment, jealousy and division are barriers to edification. Good relationships are essential. “Let us therefore follow after things which make for peace and things where with one may edify another.” (Rom 14:19)
WORDS: Word selection is very important in strengthening another’s heart.
1 Thes 5: 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Worldly communication is often unclean, or it criticizes tears down, discourages and weakens. The Christian is different. Ephesians 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Let us learn to say the right words that will refresh and strengthen hearts.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
May 10, 2015
IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE
2 Corinthians 5: 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 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.
Just as Jesus Christ is our representative to God for us we are commanded to be Jesus Christ’s representatives to the world for Him. Paul expressed this thought of being and ambassador for Christ.
Ephesians 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.
With love in our hearts and putting others before ourselves, Service is the surest way in influencing others.
Hebrews 10: 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:
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
May 05, 2015
CERTAIN AM I OF THE PLACE GOD HAS PREPARED FOR ME!
Promise of Jesus, the son of God.
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.
Faith in His promises:
Heb 11: 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and do His Will to be CERTAIN of a home with God. Rev 21: 16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
April 26, 2015
“THE POWER OF WORDS”
A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life;
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day;
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless. (Author unknown)
Ephesians 5: 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.
Philippians 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.
1 Peter 3: 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Let’s let the fruits of the spirit be evident in our lives and in our thoughts and words to others.
Gal 5: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
April 19, 2015
“MAKE LOVE YOUR AIM”
Matthew 22: 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Matthew 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;
1 Corinthians 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. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1 John 4: 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 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.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
April 12, 2015
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Psalm 56:11
David continues showing his faith in God to protect and guide him: 12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. 13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
In Hebrews we have a repeat of that thought.
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.
1 Peter 3: 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 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: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
Be not faithless as Jesus taught the disciples: Luke 12: 25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
April 05, 2015
GRACE is undeserved acceptance and love received from another, especially the characteristic attitude of God providing salvation for sinners through the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Our calling, our witness, our works are all based on the power of God’s grace in our lives.
2 Thes 1: 11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s grace abides in us
1 Cor 9: 12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
The true experience of God’s grace changes one’s life in the direction of righteousness.
Rom 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.
18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
MARCH 29, 2015
SUFFERING: LOVE’S CONSTANT COMPANION!
Love always calls for suffering. It is the price we pay to enter into fellowship with Him who will one day banish all suffering.
After his conversion Paul desired to be with Christ and was willing to sacrifice all to attain that position.
Philippians 3: 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
As in the case of a hurt or sick baby or child in severe pain we find ourselves wishing we could share in the pain and give them relief. When observing the grief of a person standing beside a casket, we would willingly try to share that grief and relieve them. A woman in childbirth discards the possible pain in light of the new life that is coming into her life. Paul accepted the suffering in order to fulfill his desire to the Galatians to gain spiritual growth. Gal 4: 19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
We can understand then, that acts of service, love and sacrifice—the sort of things Christians are called to—might change ones relationship to pain and fear. Jesus put himself between us and hell. Because of the suffering He endured, we found freedom and life. His love and knowledge of this sacrifice for us made it easier for him to follow God’s will. “Thy will be done.”
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
MARCH 22, 2015
WHEREFORE COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, SAITH THE LORD, (2 Cor 6:17)
2 Corinthians 6:17 …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.
1 Peter 1: 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.
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.
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 Corinthians 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.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
MARCH 15, 2015
THE SELF-SUFFICIENT DO NOT PRAY, THE SELF-SATISFIED WILL NOT PRAY,
THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS CANNOT PRAY, NO MAN IS GREATER THAN HIS PRAYER LIFE.
2 Corinthians 3: 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;
Proverbs 15: 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. 31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
Romans 12: 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Philippians 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.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
MARCH 08, 2015
TIME IS NOT A GIFT, BUT A TRUST FOR WHICH WE MUST GIVE ACCOUNT.
Psalm 69: 13 But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
Matthew 13: 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Romans 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.
Rom 13: 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
1 Timothy 6: 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
TIME is one of our most precious commodities and must be used wisely in our service to God, each day at time as we do not know when the end of our life is due. BE PREPARED.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
MARCH 01, 2015
A CLEAR CONSCIENCE IS THE SOFTEST PILLOW.
CONSCIENCE: Human moral awareness that judges an action right or wrong.
Acts 24: 15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
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.
4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
1 Tim 1: 18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Heb 13: 18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
1 Pet 3: 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: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Be of good conscience in your service to God and rest easily!!!!
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
February 22, 2015
YOU CAN’T GET WATER OUT OF A WELL WITHOUT DIPPING WITH A BUCKET.
Water is a necessity to the existence of all earthly creatures; man will die if without water over seven days. Water is comparable with the word of God. We are weakened without water as we are weakened by a lack of God’s saving Word.
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.
Jesus said: “SEEK YOU FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Matt 6:33)
and to the woman at the well in: John 4: 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.
Heb 11: 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
February 15, 2015
THE KEY TO DEFEATING SATAN IS TRULY BELIEVING HE EXISTS AND RECOGNIZING WE’RE UTTERLY POWERLESS AGAINST HIM WITHOUT GOD’S INTERVENTION.
Being aware of this and actually doing it is one of the most challenging and difficult undertakings a believer faces in securing a victorious Christian life. There are two problems making this especially hard to accomplish; submitting to God and believing that Satan actually exists. Submitting to anyone, even God, goes against our natural human inclinations. As Christians we want to do God’s Will, but we still want to be in control and decide how and when we do it. When it comes to resisting Satan? We can’t win a battle if we don’t believe the enemy exists.
Most non-believers don’t believe that Satan exists, but many Christians don’t believe it either. This is odd since the same scriptures that tell of Christ also speak of Satan. How can we believe in one and not the other.
Luke 10:18 And He (Jesus) said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Do we believe in Him? If we do, we know Satan exists and do everything we can to resist him. But first we must overcome the illusion we can defeat him with our own power. We must first learn to corral our inflated egos and trust God with complete control of our life for this to happen.
Matthew 16: 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
James 47 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
February 08, 2015
SAYING YES TO SOMETHING MEANS THAT I WILL HAVE TO SAY NO TO SOMETHING ELSE.
When saying yes to training for a bike, running or swimming event you must say no to other things. The same is true when striving to serve God as a child of God, by a Christian way of life.
James 4: 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
In making a commitment to training for an event we will have to say no to overindulgence, sleeping late, and a sedentary life and say yes to physical and mental discipline, good nutrition and regular exercise. One cannot multi-task when training, and cannot be double minded about our commitment to compete. Committing to compete forces us to focus on the one thing one has pledged to do.
Doing one thing at a time allows us to do it well. When we submit to God and allow His Will to be worked into our lives, then we cannot at the same time place ourselves under the power of the devil. When we worship, consider, meditate and obey the commands of God, we are not allowing ourselves to be influenced by the devil. Moving towards God means we will moving away for other influences.
1 Peter 4: 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
February 01, 2015
THE EASIEST AND BEST WAY TO BREAK A BAD HABIT IS TO DROP IT!
HABIT: A thing done often, hence, done easily; becomes a pattern or custom. A pattern of action that is acquired and becomes so automatic that is difficult to break. (This may explain some of why there are so many denominations) We will be judged by the intents of our hearts, but this needs to be schooled by seeking and following God’s word. Eliminating bad habits and developing good habits and routines can help to keep us on the right path. Paul is an example of leaving a rich past, was converted and changed his life completely in service to God.
Matthew 13: 47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. (KJV)
Hebrews 10: 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)
Let us inventory our routines, habits and thoughts and see how they coincide with being Christ like, and living a Christian life. This is for our sake and the sake of those around us.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
January 25, 2015
YOU QUICKLY LOSE INTEREST IN THE CHURCH IF YOU HAVE NOTHING INVESTED.
(In Jesus’ parable of the talents )Matt 25:14-29 we see that those servants who received from their master 5 talents and 2 talents definitely took on the responsibility to invest them successfully and doubled their investments. The one with one talent hid his and received the consequences of his lack of interest and action.
Matthew 25: 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. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Paul when converted from Judaism to the Gospel of Christ, followed this Gospel with zeal and invested his whole life to sharing this Gospel. (Acts 9:1-22)
Phil 3: 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 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.
Let us claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior and invest our interest and time in following Him and strive to lead others to a new life in Christ, using Paul’s life as an example of great zeal in serving God.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
January 18, 2015
YOU CAN GIVE WITHOUT LOVING, BUT YOU CANNOT LOVE WITHOUT GIVING.
Jesus expounds to us the attitude about loving and giving that we should have.
Matthew 5: 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 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; 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.
John 13: 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, ( he gave His life for us) 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.
Acts 20: 34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.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.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
January 11, 2015
WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS OPEN THE DOOR.
Galatians 6: 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.
Psalm 34: 12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. 16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Consider Solomon’s wisdom and prayer:
1 Kings 8: 36 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
January 04, 2015
Jesus Christ is that light that has no power failure.
Matthew 21: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Matthew 26: 63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. 64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Matthew 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.
MAY GOD BLESS JEFF & JOAN
