The Conjugal Relation

We cannot look upon marriage in the light in which many seem to regard it--merely as a convenient arrangement in society. To persons of benevolence, intelligence, and refinement, it must be something more--the source of the greatest possible happiness or of the most abject misery-- no half-way felicity. You have not had the folly to discard common sense. You have endeavored to study charitably and carefully the peculiarities of each other's habits, dispositions, and principles, and to anticipate somewhat the inconveniences to which they may lead. And as you are determined to outdo each other in making personal sacrifices, and to live by the spirit of the Savior, you have laid a foundation for happiness, which it is not likely will be shaken by the joys or sorrows, the prosperity or adversity, the riches or poverty, or by the frowns or flattery, of the world. If there is a place on earth to which vice has no entrance--where the gloomy passions have no empire--where pleasure and innocence live constantly together-- where cares and labors are delightful--where every pain is forgotten in reciprocal tenderness--where there is an equal enjoyment of the past, the present, and the future--it is the house of a wedded pair, but of a pair who, in wedlock, are lovers still.

From the book " The Royal Path of Life" by: T.L. Haines 1876

God's song to His child

My Child has my eyes

My child has my face

My child has my heart

My child can't be replaced

You are my child

I hold you close

You are safe

In my embrace

No cause for harm

You're in my arms

You are my child

I love you so

No need to fear

I hold you tight

You are my child

Every thing's alright

I look in your eyes

I kiss your face

The joy you bring

Can't be erased

You are my child

I love you so

You are my child

I will never let you go

 

Behold what manner of love

The Father has bestowed upon us

That we should be called the sons

and daughters of God

(1John 3:1a)

As quick as the lightening strikes

For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Mt. 24:27.

One does well if he remembers these words of Christ for he will not be lead astray by the false christs and the false prophets, who will no doubt show great signs and wonders; insomuch that if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Be as the wise Berean and search the scriptures for your self so that you will know the truth. Don't lean only upon the teachings of man and what a so-called wise teacher might have to say. Learn for yourself, study the Word of God for your own good so that you will be prepared and know how to answer the one who has a question about the end time and the return of Christ Jesus. Be not mocked such as the ones who claim to be prophets and speak of the end of the world, the judgment of God and the day of Christ return. They call themselves ministers of the Word but yet they know not the Word. They are the ones who give true Bible believing Christians a bad name. Do not judge all Christians because of one looney person who considers himself a scholar when it comes to the Word of God and an end time prophet. Back-up everything with scripture and know the truth, for the truth will not lead astray and will always lead to Jesus the Word and what Jesus said..

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2:15-16)

Quench your thirst

Oh how I love the Word of God. I draw all that I need from God's Word and am filled. When I drink in the Word of God it always quenches my thirsting soul. When in doubt I draw faith from His Word. When in sorrow I draw joy. When suffering I draw hope. When fearful I draw peace. When in sickness I draw healing. What is the water you need today? The Word of God says to draw from the wells of salvation joy for this day. God faithfully carries us day by day giving us His love, grace and tender mercies. He is always faithful and never slumbers. His ear is open to our prayers, and He is faithful to answer. Even in our mistakes God is still faithful. He always stands arms wide open saying 'COME". He is always there, close by with a smile on His face. He watches over us. He leads us and guides us along our journey. He is our Heavenly Daddy and He will never leave us or forsake us. Though suffering may come, we will see His glory, and He will share His glory with His own. He performs miracles and never ceases to work His amazing work in our lives. Whatever your hearts cry, God is right there to lift you up and help you along. The end of the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy (James 5:11). The water of His Word is forever quenching the thirsty lives of His children! Cry to Him and draw from Him today. He is waiting for you...
 

Hope is the anchor to the soul

Hope: It whispers liberty to the slave, freedom to the captive, health to the sick, home to the wandering, friends to the forsaken, peace to the troubled, supplies to the needy, bread to the hungry, strength to the weak, rest to the weary, life to the dying. It has sunshine in its eye, encouragement on its tongue, and inspiration in its hand.

Eternal Hope! Hope gilds the future. Hope cheers and rouses the soul. The man who carries the lantern in a dark night can have friends all around him, walking safely by the help of its rays, and not be defrauded. So he who has the God-given light of hope in his breast can help on many others in this worlds darkness, not to his own loss, but to their precious gain.

Hope is an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, that will steady our frail back, while sailing over the ocean of life, and that will enable us to out ride the storms of time-a hope that reaches from earth to heaven. This hope is based on faith in the immaculate redeemer, and keeps our earthly hopes from running riot into forbidden paths. The cable of this hope cannot be sundered until death cuts the Gordian knot and lets the prisoner go free. To live without it, is blind infatuation- to die without it, eternal ruin. (Quotes from the book "The Royal path of Life" by T.L Haines 1876 from the chapter on "Hope")

Who do you say that I am?

I have been on a mission learning to see people through the eyes of Jesus. Through prayer and study of God's Word as well as some research on different personality types, God has help to unfold some very interesting personality profiles (I might add that there is a lot out there that needs a spiritual filter as to sift through the garbage though). The Lord has shown me that for the true "Christians" the real person/personality will be who that person is in Christ and who God created them to be. For example, let's take a look at the person of Peter. Peter comes across as a boisterous prideful man who is so brave and strong and willing to fight no matter the cost. He's a big talker and the first to say, "let me take care of that, I can handle it." I'm sure Peter's personality was annoying to some and that many looked at him as an obnoxious character. Just as there were Peter's then, there are Peter personalities today. Take a look at this, Jesus chose that boisterous Peter to be one of His disciples. Why would Jesus choose such a person you might ask. Jesus knew who Peter truly was, who he was created to be. Jesus knew that if Peter vented his personality in the right direction for the right purpose he would be a power house for the cause of Christ. See how Jesus seen Peter? That is how we need to start seeing ourselves and others. If you take a look at each of the twelve, they all have unique personalities that when surrendered to the purpose and will of God they turned the world upside down. If you look closely into the personality of each, you will no doubt see yourself in one or more of them.

Years ago I read a book that was a required read for a Bible class I was taking. It was a book about the twelve Disciples and why Jesus chose them to follow Him. It was one of those books that made a huge impact on my life. As I read the book I found myself becoming very acquainted with each Disciple and how I could see myself in some of them as well as others that I knew. Because of that book I began to understand, that just as Jesus called Disciples then, He is calling Disciples today, and He is saying, "Come follow Me"! Jesus is saying, rise up and be who you have been created to be. The Bible says that in Him we live and move and have our being, so why not embrace that. Stop allowing the enemy or others critical views, or even your own negative thoughts stop you from being the person that God says you are.

Jesus asked His Disciples, "Who do men say that I the Son of man am?" And they answered and said, some say that you are John the Baptist, others say that you are Elias, and some say that you are Jeremiah or one of the Prophets. Jesus said unto the Disciples, but who do you say that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus answered Peter and said to him, "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto you, but my Father which is in heaven. That boisterous confident Peter stepped right up didn't he? Do you know who your Father/Creator is? Have you proclaimed as Peter who Jesus truly is? Did you notice that when Peter said who Jesus was, Jesus replied back and told Peter who he was by saying he was blessed for the Father had told Him this. You are a blessed man, said Jesus to Peter. When thinking of another, have you taken the time to ask the Father how He might see that person? Knowing who Jesus truly is by revelation of the Father is the first step in knowing who you are as well as seeing who others are. It takes a Spiritual eye instead of a fleshly one to unfold beautiful truths into the Spiritual nature of a persons heart and soul. It will be at this point that you will begin to see that person differently. We can be very critical and deceive ourselves when viewing with the fleshly eye. Until we can see with spiritual eyes we will never behold the true heart of the person in Christ, and will always find it difficult to accept them. When we begin to see with spiritual eyes, we will also begin to see who we are in Christ as well. Sure... we will mess up and falter and find ourselves operating in the flesh at times, but should that cause us to stop and move backwards, No! for grace says repent, learn from it and continue moving forward. Stop beating yourself up and or others and rise above the flesh. May the flesh come under submission to the Spirit. Let that be our prayer.

May we think upon these things and know who we are in Christ Jesus. May we begin looking at others through His eyes and be strengthened in the power of the risen Savior. Arise anew my friend and be the person who God created you to be. Be forewarned, that as the flesh decreases and God increases in you, you may be misunderstood and even hated by some who have yet to see with a spiritual eye. Know that God loves you, and He rejoices over you for stepping up and walking out who you are in Him. Know this my friend, that once you understand how much the Lord truly loves you it will strengthen you in your spirit, and not being loved or accepted by others will not matter to you as much.

Have you received the Holy Ghost since you have believed?

 Jesus breathed upon His disciples and said "receive ye the Holy Ghost" (Jn 20:21-23) herein they were given the power to remit and retain sins. The breath of God which is Jesus Christ the Word made flesh breathed "on" His disciples and sent them forth in the power of the Holy Ghost. On the day of Pentecost the Breath of God (Acts 1:5,8, Acts 2:1-39) came into the room as a sound of a mighty rushing wind and there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as of fire and sat upon each of them and they were all "filled" with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. They were all "filled" with the "Word of God" and went forth in the power of the Holy Ghost and spoke in different languages so that all would hear the saving Word of God (Jesus and Him crucified, resurrected and coming again)! It was also at this point that Peter said to them: Repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the "Gift of the Holy Ghost"(Greek 4151 blast, breath, breeze, air) for the promise (Acts 2: 38-39) is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off (that would include us), even as many as the Lord our God shall call (this also would include us). And many wonders and signs were done by the Apostles. The Promise, The Gift of the Holy Spirit that Peter is referring to here is the Word/Breath (Greek 4151) of God (Jesus) via the Holy Spirit has been planted into the hearts of each one. Faith has been planted in each heart after hearing the Gospel to believe, repent and be baptized (baptism unto repentance) in the Name of Jesus! Thus the beginnings of our faith so as to be "saved". That is where most people stop. By faith and the grace of God I am saved, I have been forgiven and I will make heaven my home. The end.

 

I do not want to diminish the miracle of saving faith and the grace of God. A "changed" heart is the greatest miracle of all but should it be just for the sole purpose of salvation and eternity and nothing more? What about operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit for here and now? Eternal salvation has been taken care of but Paul speaks of the gifts of the Spirit as well. The gifts of the Spirit in operation is essential for us today.

 

The gift of the Holy Spirit (operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit) is not for today many will say. I will have to strongly disagree with such a statement. And here's why:

When the Apostles head off to Samaria word has it that the people there have already received the Word of God and were baptized with water in the name of the Lord but they had not yet received the Holy Ghost. They believed and accepted the Word of Jesus and was baptized in His name but they had not received His Holy Spirit yet (Acts 8:14-17). At that time the Apostles laid hands upon them and they received the Holy Ghost. Correct me if I'm wrong but Isn't the popular teaching out there that when you repent and are baptized and believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ that you automatically receive the Holy Spirit? If so then why does Paul ask this question? (Acts 19) Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied (wow! they seem to be operating in the gifts of the Spirit here) They weren't doing this before when they only believed.

(Acts 10:44-48) While Peter yet spoke these words The Holy Ghost fell upon all of them (Gentiles) which heard the Word, so also upon the Gentiles was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost and they also began to speak with tongues and magnify God, and "then" they were baptized with water in the name of the Lord (ah.. this time the Gift of the Holy Spirit came first and then the baptism with water in the name of Jesus unto salvation came second. (Acts 11:15-17) And as Peter began to speak the Holy Ghost fell on them (Gentiles) as on us (the Apostles) at the "beginning" (still going beyond the Apostles here). Then Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, how that he (the Lord) said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave Peter and the others the like "gift", who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was Peter that he could withstand God (Acts 11:15-17)? The Gentiles are operating in the gift of the Spirit just as the Apostles? They were baptized with water unto repentance in the name of Jesus and they were also baptized with the Holy Ghost? Evidently it doesn't stop with the baptism of repentance/salvation, there's this extra receiving the Holy Spirit gift thing going on.

How does one know if he has received the Holy Spirit since he has believed? Well now that we have established that believing and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit are two different things let's take a look at God's Word and see how one can know. Tongues, Prophesying, Speaking the Word of God with Boldness is all evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost and also according to Apostle Paul in (1 Cor. 12: 7-11 Amp.) here is the manifested presence of the Holy Spirit in ones life: For to one is given in and through the Holy Spirit the power to speak a message of wisdom, and to another the power to express a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Holy Spirit. To another wonder working faith by the same Spirit. To another extraordinary powers of healing by the same Spirit. To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight (the gift of interpreting the devine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between the utterance of true spirits and false ones, to another various kinds of unknown tongues, to another the ability to interpret such tongues. All these gifts, achievements, abilities are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same Holy Spirit, who apportions to each person individually exactly as He chooses. So, if you are a special messenger then you would be considered an Apostle, If you are an inspired preacher, expounder then you are a Prophet of God. Some are teachers, some are wonder workers, some are the healers with the gift of healing, speakers in different unknown tongues (1 Cor. 12:28 Amp.). So with that said, I would say that receiving the Holy Ghost is very much for today and desperately needed in the body of Christ so as we can be about our Father's business.

So now I will ask you, have you received the Holy Ghost since you have believed/Are you operating in the gifts of the Spirit? If your answer is no or even I don't know but you desire to receive the Holy Spirit here is what you must do. First you must whole-heartily open your heart and humble yourself before the Lord. In other words you throw your "mind" back and your "heart" forward with a true desire to receive all that the Lord would desire to give you. This is hard for many especially those who have a hard time receiving when giving is their comfort zone. Peter for example had a hard time receiving when Jesus began washing his feet, but Jesus told him that if you want to have any part of me Peter then you must receive this washing from me (this was a symbolic example of the blood of Jesus that is needed to wash our sins away), It was a truly humbling experience for Peter. Peter said I should be washing your feet Lord, do not wash mine. But when Jesus told him that if he did not receive this washing from Him then he could have no part of Him, it was at this point Peter whole-heartily received and said Lord don't just wash my feet but wash my hands and head also, in other words Peter was saying "wash me all over". That is the key that unlocks the treasure box in receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. One must be willing to humble himself and receive from the Lord "all" that the Lord would have to give him, and one must have the attitude as Peter did.. Do what you must Lord for I desire all that you would need to do unto me so that I may have "all" of you. If that is your attitude then you are open to the receiving of the Holy Spirit. Humble your self before the Lord, lift your hands, or prostrate yourself before the Lord, kneel, just present yourself humble physically as well as spiritually before the Lord your God and say here I am Lord wash me all over and baptize me with your Holy Spirit and fill me to overflowing, for I desire all of you and all you have to give me. I am yours Lord!

The Birth of a Warrior

The storm is violent, the sea is raging

The boat is tossed and darkness engaging

But there's hope in the distance, a Light he does see

Penetrating the night causing the darkness to flee

Clothed in his battle gear, Shield in his hand

With the Sword of the Spirit he takes a stand

He sets his course and aims straight for the Light

Though the wind is blowing he won't give up this fight

JESUS! he proclaims standing strong and tall

He's my Savior my King I will not fall

The shield of faith guards him round about

Quenching and deflecting every mindful doubt

With the sword of the Spirit he does proclaim

"That I'm more than a conqueror in Jesus name"

Salvation is his, he knows in his heart

That the winds must cease and the darkness depart

The Truth is known and now he does see

That the Light of Jesus has set him free

Though the boat is battered

And ripped and torn

Under his mantle

A WARRIOR IS BORN!!

 

The Great Romance

If you read the Song of Solomon you will find the most Intimate Expressions of love in it's purest form. Our almighty God is the Author and Creator of these passionate affections. We all know the world's definition of love, for we see it everywhere. How sad it is that the world has defiled and perverted such a beautiful thing created by God by plastering the televisions, theaters, magazines and books with such a shallow idea of what they consider to be love.

 

There are many people looking for love but in all the wrong places. Sadly, they will continue to remain empty until they look to the Author and Creator of Love (their Great King and Shepherd). Only Christ can fill this void in all of mankind's heart. Oh! to know the love of Jesus that far surpasses all of our shallow understanding. Christ's desire is to flood our being and fill us to saturation and overflowing with His great love. Listen to some of the Intimate Expressions of the Shepherd's great love for His Bride in the Song of Solomon.

HOW FAIR you are, my love [he said], how very fair! Your eyes behind your veil [remind me] of those of a dove; your hair [makes me think of the black, wavy fleece] of a flock of [the Arabian] goats which one sees trailing down Mount Gilead [beyond the Jordan on the frontiers of the desert]. (Song of Solomon 4: 1 Amp. )

 

[He exclaimed] O my love, how beautiful you are! There is no flaw in you! (Song of Solomon 4:7 Amp.)

 

Come away with me from Lebanon, my [promised] bride, come with me from Lebanon. Depart from the top of Amana from the peak of Senir and Hermon, from the lions' dens from the mountains of the leopards.

You have ravished my heart and given me courage, my sister, my [promised] bride; you have ravished my heart and given me courage with one look from your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.

 

How beautiful is your love, my sister, my [promised] bride! How much better is your love than wine! And the fragrance of your ointments than all spices!

 

Your lips, O my [promised] bride, drop honey as the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue. And the odor of your garments is like the odor of Lebanon.

 

A garden enclosed and barred is my sister, my [promised] bride-a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. (Song of Solomon 4: 7-12 Amp).

Will we heed the call from our Great Shepherd the Lover of our souls and come away with Him? He desires to rescue us from any harm or danger from the lions dens and the mountains of the leopards (evil schemes and temptations of the enemy). With one look from His Bride's eyes His heart overflows with love. How He longs to be with His Bride and His Bride with Him. Our praise unto Him is like sweet honey from our mouths and wine from our lips. The garments of His Bride are not defiled. He sees no flaw in her for she is covered with His righteousness. He sees only virtue and honor in His Bride. There is an exchange of pure love between Christ and His Bride. Her heart is only for Him. Christ does not see His Bride as "what" he or she is, but "who" he or she is. Not what we have done, but what we have become. He sees us for who we really are. His Bride is like the beautiful garden that is barred, and His eyes are beholding Her. In His sight, His Bride is as the garden that has already blossomed into all of it's glory and beauty. Christ's love for His Bride is so passionate and strong that it's what held Him to the cross. His love for His Bride is like a spring that is shut up or a fountain sealed. To be with His beloved Bride fills His heart to bursting with love and great joy!

[She said distinctly] My beloved is mine and I am his! He pastures his flocks among the lilies. (Song of Solomon 2:16 Amp.).

A Prison of Harsh Words

Harsh words may come from another man's tongue

How will you respond what must be done

Do you believe the lie and let it have it's way

Or do you believe the truth and listen to what God has to say

Don't live your life inside a prison of harsh words

Be rescued from the lies that you have heard

Choose the Truth and you will see

That this cage of harsh words was only to deceive

 

The Cry of the Humble

The cry of the humble God will open His ear
It's a call for His mercy and He will draw near
The cry of the humble is a heart that overflows
With thanksgiving and praise for the love He bestows
He realizes his need for a Lord and a Savior
And for that God will pour out His unmerited favor
His heart is not proud rebellious or cold
Before God's throne he has come ever so bold
For this is great strength It's humility God sees
For it denies self and falls on its knees
The cry of the humble is true repentance
Death will not hold him it won't be his sentence
The Truth he does see God's Son he believes
For who the Son sets free is free indeed
"Go and sin no more" Jesus does say
"Draw from the wells of salvation Joy for this day"
Remove the veil from off of your face
Let God's splendor shine forth His glory embrace
The cry of the humble God will hear
For it is a heart that is crying "I long to draw near
To my God my Creator my Lord and my King
Jesus my Savior without Him I'm nothing"

Are you wearing your wedding garment?

To know to do the right and yet make a choice to do wrong is rebellion. The Word of God is very clear in what is right and what is wrong, yet so many times we as a rebellious people will still choose wrong instead of right, thus choosing death instead of life. God gives us an example in His Word of a rebellious attitude.

Mt. 22:11-14 (Amp.) But when the king came in to view the guests, he looked intently at a man there who had on no wedding garment. And he said, Friend, how did you come in here without putting on the [appropriate] wedding garment? And he was speechless (muzzled, gagged). Then the king said to the attendants, Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the darkness outside; there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. For many are called (invited and summoned), but few are chosen.

This man knew that in order for him to come to the wedding feast he was required to honor the the king by wearing the appropriate attire.

This parable use to bother me until the Lord gave me understanding on it. I use to think, "poor man he just forgot to put on the right garment, give him a break." But no, this man was a rebellious man. He was insensitive and didn't have a desire to honor the king with the appropriate garment. He said to himself, "I will come as I please and wear what I want to wear." I will do my will, not the kings will!

Sure, we can wear what we want for that is our choice, but don't be surprised when the king throws you out into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. Weeping because you have been caught in your rebellion and now you are paying the price. And grinding of teeth because this angers you. Aren't we entitled to do what we want, and who is to tell us any differently! This is the attitude of the world and sadly the same attitude in many churches.

The last verse goes on to say "for many are called but few are chosen". It was this man's choice to be chosen or not. All it took was honoring the king by placing upon himself the appropriate garments. It was his choice and he made the wrong one and knew better.

What garments are you wearing? Are they honoring the King or are they honoring yourself and or the enemy? Are we wearing garments that was given to us by the world, man or the enemy and not garments that were given to us by our God? Are we clothed in the righteousness of Christ Jesus? Are we clothed with the garments of salvation? Do we have on our garment of Praise unto our God? Are we clothed with Jesus, which is the armor of God? Jesus is our helmet of salvation, Jesus is our breastplate of Righteousness, Jesus is our belt of Truth, for He is the Truth. Jesus is in whom we have faith, He is our shield of faith. Jesus is our shoes of Peace. Jesus is the sword of the Spirit, for He is the Word of God which became flesh and dwelt among us. When God looks upon us and if we are not clothed with the garment of salvation (Jesus His Son), we will be cast out into the outer darkness. To be invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb we must be clothed with God's beloved Son, who is Christ Jesus in us our hope of Glory. If you are trying to get to God through any other means than Jesus, I am sorry my friend, but you will be cast into the outer darkness. No man can come to the Father except through His Son Christ Jesus.

Ask yourself, am I wearing garments of rebellion, anger, unforgiveness, immorality, power, control, greed, manipulation, bitterness, pride? Could I be wearing garments of condemnation, unworthiness, shame, fear? Even these garments are not honoring your King.

 

God knows us inside and out for He is our Creator God, so may we choose the garments which His Son made for us. They are just the right size, and the most beautiful of garments in His sight, and they fit perfectly! May we honor our God and make His Son Jesus our identity.

For who or what we make our identity is who we honor. For what is on the inside, will show forth on the outside. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak. For what comes out of us is what defiles us.

4 Things To Know And Do That Will Totally Transform Your Life

1) Have Faith and Confess:

If you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead you will be

saved. (Romans 10:9 amp.).

2)Receive the Gift of God:

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He (even) gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life (John 3:16 amp.).

 

For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23 amp.).

 

For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgement and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8 amp.)

3) Know that You are not condemned:

I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me has (possess now) eternal life. And he does not come into judgement [does not incur sentence of judgement, will not come under condemnation], but he has already passed over out of death into life (John 5:24 amp.).

THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit (Romans 8:1 amp.).

 

4) Know that You are divinely pardoned of sin:

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will and purpose, thought, and action] (1 John 1:9 amp.).

 

Now that is some really good news!

Becoming Calm And Submissive Goes For Humans Also

Picture of our daughter Jaci and Jack

Our puppy Jack anticipates his play times through out the day. In the mornings when I rise, he knows that soon he will get to play with his football. Every morning before I play with Jack my husband and I have coffee together before he goes off to work. Jack does not like my coffee time with hubby, he  whines and is very impatient. He will climb on my leg and look up at me and then eye the place where we keep his football. If I get up and move around he is right at my heels impatiently whining. I spoke to him the other morning and said, "Jack you know how all this works, when you become calm and submissive then I will play with you, but until then you are going to have to wait and be patient." Yes.. I do talk to my dog that way but I'm not sure if he really understands me. It seems like he does sometimes, and when that happens it's pretty amazing! It usually isn't very long that if I continue with my business and ignore him that he will eventually surrender and lay down, but not before he lets me know just how frustrated he is as he lets out a long and loud errrrrrrrr......"sigh." You know the sound Snoopy makes on the Charlie Brown cartoons when he gets frustrated. When Jack has been in his calm submissive state for a while that is when I will arise get his football and the fun begins.

That particular morning when those words came out of my mouth: "That when you become calm and submissive Jack then we will play" it was as if the Holy Spirit spoke in to my spirit and said, "This is what I am waiting on when it comes to you. A lot of times we can be just like Jack, we whine, we get impatient, we fret, beg and plead when we want something. But God is saying "be still, be at peace and stop being so impatient and rest my child and wait on me." "I am here and I hear your cries and I care very deeply and want to give you the desires of your heart but you must learn to be patient, calm and wait." You know the verse, "Be still and know that I Am God." God does want to move on our behalf but in His own time and in His own way. We must be patient and trust our Father and learn of Him. When we are running around like a crazed chicken, God does have a way of getting our attention if we would just stop long enough to listen and hear Him say "be still and get your eyes back on me."  Sadly, we ignore His voice sometimes and settle in our mind that we will do things our way, which will always leave us feeling frustrated and stressed. The Lord has taught me that when I am feeling frustrated then I am not operating in faith.

What is the purpose, you might ask, for such a lesson in being calm and submissive? Simply I would say that it is a lesson in obedience and reverence to God. Trusting Him to do what He wills for us in His own time. His Word says that His plans for us are for our good and not our harm and to give us a hope and a future. I had to ask myself, "do I really trust my Father with my future, that He is going to take care of me no matter what"? We have so much to gain by not fretting and worrying whether God is listening to us or not. Peace is one thing to gain, which is huge! Know my friend without doubt that God is listening and He sees and cares. Know this, the Word says, "That if we delight ourselves in the Lord He will give us the desires of our heart." Before God gives us the desires of our heart, we should ask ourselves this question: "Are we delighting ourselves in Him or are we just expecting Him to delight Himself in us"? For the Word says, to delight "yourself" in the Lord "and" He will give you the desires of your heart. When we truly delight ourselves in the Lord His desires become our desires! Isn't that amazing!

Is there any harm in God teaching us a little bit of patience in the meantime, maybe some respect and honor as well when waiting on Him? He is our Heavenly Father, our Creator and worthy of our reverence and honor. Be honest, is this not a good character building lesson for all of us to learn? Just look at the world around us, there is so much dishonor and disrespect for others. One example I can think of is the protests that have been taking place at the funerals of soldiers. This is blatant dishonor of the soldiers and their families who have died in battle. All this under the guise of free speech, how sad it is! That is is only one example, I can think of so many more but they would be too numerous to list.

What about when it comes to our Heavenly Father? Haven't we all demanded things of God? We throw our temper-tantrums and sighs of frustration when we have questions and are not getting from Him exactly what we think we should have. Oh yes, and we should get these things that we want in a timely matter that we expect? As if the Creator of the heavens and earth is working the drive-thru of a fast food restaurant for our convenience. Be honest now.. I will admit that I have. But does God hold this against me? I don't think so, He's a patient and longsuffering Father who knows our weaknesses and He loves us unconditionally despite them. His mercy and grace are always more than sufficient for us. If I don't hold my puppy (Jack's) impatience against him why would God hold my impatience against me. He loves us more than all of His creation. Remember this, just because God doesn't hold our impatience toward Him against us, that doesn't mean that He won't use it as a lesson in teaching us something. Sometimes these lessons can be tough ones to learn but they are for our good not our harm. When the flesh starts screaming, the best thing to do is to "Be still and know that He is God" and remember that He is in the midst of our situation and He is working together for the good of them that love Him and who are the called according to His purpose. God does hear, He does care and He loves His children so very much. If you ask for bread from your Father, will He give you a stone? No, He gives His children good gifts. He will meet you where you are and will take care of all things in your life. Trust your Heavenly Father with your life and see how beautiful He makes everything in His own time! 

I See Love

What do you see when you hear or read about Jesus and His death on the cross? Many do not understand the love portrayed on the cross, they only see violence and absurdity. They hold a disdain and a disgust in their heart. I didn't ask you to die for me they exclaim. Many do not understand why those of us who call themselves Christians are drawn to such brutality. Those Christians they will say, are sick, and to glorify such violence is an atrocity, and to even call themselves a Christian is absolutely wrong. How can they do that? They are supposed to be loving and caring yet they look at this brutal death as the bases of their faith. When the Passion of the Christ first came out this was what many were saying, and they would ask the question how can you watch this stuff? They said to much blood, to much brutality. How can you sit and watch a man be tortured and killed in that way? The reply is simple: you may see disgust but I see love. The Bible says that For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). We see the cross as the starting point to a changed life. Some look to themselves to change their own lives. You know the old adage; "If it is going to be it's up to me." So they spend their whole life trying to save themselves when they really know they can't. Something inside of each one of us screams to the truth. Our sinful nature tells us we need a Savior outside of ourselves. For we see love on the cross for by His words; "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing." This was love in it's purest form. Even to the point of death Jesus was thinking of us as he looked through the millenniums to see the result of this one work. No more were our sins just covered but now they would be cleansed. He humbled Himself and took upon him the job of a servant to show our Father's absolute love for us. To reconcile us to Him again.

But alas because we have been given a free will to accept or reject this greatest gift of love the vast majority will reject the work of the cross because of a myriad of excuses. And some hold to the viewpoint that as long as they are denying the cross they can claim ignorance, even though they are not ignorant they will play it off as an excuse even when they know the truth. So very sad isn't it?

My husband was having a conversation with an older man, he was about 70 years of age. The conversation began with the man asking questions about Jesus and how He was born and how He could be man but God at the same time. If you know my husband this was the beginning of a joyous conversation for he takes great delight in talking to people about Jesus/the Word of God. My husband answered his questions so simply it was beautiful. I was smiling inside thinking wow! what an opportunity he has been given to share the Gospel with someone, for I knew how much my husband loves leading people to the Lord. As the questions and answers continued my husband began sharing his own testimony and experience when he was converted. It was at this point the attitude of the man went from curiosity to being defensive and telling my husband that he was preaching to him but wasn't going to convert him because he didn't believe anything he was saying. My husband graciously said that he was not trying to convert him but only sharing his own experience of conversion. The man began saying: "you Christians think your way is the only way and that everyone who doesn't believe this stuff about Jesus and the cross is bound for hell". "Isn't that what you believe" the man demanded? It was at that point that I chimed in and said, "we believe what the Bible says and yes the Bible says that Jesus is the only way that one can be saved and enter into heaven". "Well" he said, "I don't believe any of that". My husband asked, "have you ever read the Bible"? "No" the man said, because I have heard that it is the most difficult book for any one to understand. "Why don't you try reading it" my husband said "and see for yourself if it is difficult to understand"? The man avoided that question and said, "you all know that what you believe makes you the minority don't you"? I said, "Yes and that is alright because we don't mind being the minority when it comes to our beliefs". My husband then said, "the Bible does say the way into life everlasting is the narrow way and only few go there in, so we rejoice in being the minority". He began telling us that he believed he was going to go to heaven because he was a nice person and doesn't treat people bad, therefore that gave him license that in death he would make heaven his home. By the way this man claimed to be agnostic and nothing more. The conversation ended at this point but hopefully a seed was planted and he will continue to think about what was said. This is just one example of one person's idea about the cross. Paul the Apostle hit the nail on the head when he said, how those who are perishing think the preaching of the cross is foolishness. I hope and pray that this man goes from perishing to living in the power of God and will see the cross as love for him before it is to late.

No greater love than this............. and Jesus opened his arms and died on a cross for us, but it did not end there that was only the beginning for you and me.