There is much Hoopla about Valentine’s Day

There is much Hoopla about Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is legendarily known for being the most romantic day of the year. Wow! This is a Day that couples desire to wonderfully express and celebrate life and their love for one another. This day of love is now further extended and expressed in many different ways between friends, families, classmates, teachers, coworkers and many more…

It is a great and marvelous day to annually commemorate your union of “the two becoming one.” Marriage was designed to be a loving, spiritual, committed and pleasurable fulfilling experience.

 

A Little History About Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is said to have originated from amongst the ancient chronicles of ancient Roman history within the early Christian Church. Not all agree; some believe its origin is that of a pagan nature.

 

However, this narrative goes as such.

 

Once upon a time, years ago somewhere in and about the 3rd century AD., many couples who were in love were forbidden to marry. It is said that Emperor Claudius II who was an austere, ambitious and controlling ruler requiring vast armies of men denied them the privilege to marry. He trained his soldiers well yet brutally. He was a hard taskmaster. The soldiers had to be on the road for long extended periods of times and he did not want them engaging in sexual intercourse. This left the lonesome lot of soldiers homesick and half-hearted… Still, the Emperor felt it drained the soldier’s strength and interfered with his goal for them to be victorious on the battlefield. So, he subsequently banned marriages altogether.

 

But one bold, compassionate, defiant priest in Rome named Father Valentine did not agree. He thought that the Emperor Claudius II was unjust and unyielding in this belief. He heroically came to the aid of many couples and secretly married the young lovers anyway. Well, when the furious Emperor got wind of what was happening, he was livid, and he had him beaten with clubs and arrested. It is alleged that the emperor himself began to grow fond of Father Valentine. He came to really like him.

 

Father Valentine eventually tried to no avail to convert the emperor. In turn the emperor wanted and attempted unsuccessfully to make Father Valentine renounce his Faith. They reached an impasse in their relationship. Father Valentine remained incarcerated and was eventually sentenced to death.

 

It is believed that the secretly wedded blissful couples that Father Valentine had married were so very thankful. Filled with elated gratitude they clandestinely visited the imprisoned priest. No doubt that they had pledged their love for one another but for Father Valentine as well. With thankful hearts filled with gratefulness and appreciation they surreptitiously brought him gifts, flowers and notes of gratitude. The couples would secretly pass the notes to him through the bars of his cell.

 

Father Valentine himself being loving, kindhearted, caring and compassionate supposedly too fell in love. How ironic for it was with the jailer’s daughter. Some say she was blind and he healed her… On the day of the condemned Father Valentine’s execution of February 14th around 269, he wrote her a note confessing his love for her and signed it “from your Valentine.” He however was still beheaded and martyred. From here amongst the varied accounts originates our tradition of “Valentine’s Day.”

 

Millions Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Today in this modern 21st century “Valentine’s Day” is one of the most celebrated days on the calendar. It has been festively celebrated by billions of people ever since the days of Father Valentine. This day has become extravagantly and immensely commercialized so be aware that you do not get pulled in. 

 

Yes, do celebrate “LOVE” but be responsible and stay safe!

 

Compare 2012 with 2021

 

This was true in 2012

Here in our beautiful country of America alone over 180,000,000 people celebrate by purchasing and showering roses upon their loved ones. Red is the most often selected color. It is a most prosperous day for retailers! Over 36,000,000 heart-shaped boxes of candy and chocolates as well as thousands of diamonds, dinners, cards and other gifts ranging from extravagant to simple in lavish expenditures collectively totaling billions of dollars are purchased.

 

Hershey the infamous chocolate maker employs 13,000 employees. Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania they make over $5,000,000,000 in revenue per year. They use over 600, 000,000 million pounds of chocolate per year as well as using over 200,000,000 million pounds of nuts and 700,000,000 million pounds of milk and an exorbitant ridiculously extravagant amount of sugar! Hershey Inc. vast quantities of chocolate is made from cocoa plants from all around the world.

 

Past Statistics as of 2021 on Valentine’s Day Spending according to Fortunly

Take note of these statistics because it is important to keep them in a balanced perspective.

Spending on Valentine’s Day in the US amounted to roughly $20.7 billion in 2019.

(MarketingCharts)

Valentine’s Day statistics show that around 61% of Americans planned to buy Valentine’s Day gifts for their partner in 2018.

(Statista)

American consumers spent $886 million on gifts for their pets on Valentine’s Day.

(MarketWatch)

A quarter of all Americans will go Valentine’s Day shopping for their loved ones.

(National Retail Federation)

Valentine’s stats show that 28% of American adults purchased flowers or plants as gifts for the occasion. 37% of those were men and 19% were women.

(The Society of American Florists)

According to Valentine’s Day sales statistics, Americans spent $1.8 billion on candy for this holiday.

(CNBC)

Red roses account for 69% of all flowers bought on St. Valentine’s Day.

(The Society of American Florists)

Some $5 billion is spent on jewelry for Valentine’s Day in the US.

(National Retail Federation)

Men spend up to five times more than women on gifts for Valentine’s Day.

(Bankrate)

Valentine’s Day sales statistics reveal that 85% of all Valentine’s cards are bought by women.

(Greeting Card Association)

Valentine’s Day retail data shows that more than 135 million Americans went shopping for the occasion in 2019.

(Finder)

US citizens are expected to spend $27.4 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2020. That equates to $196.31 per person.

(National Retail Foundation)

 

 

Valentine’s Day Is A Time To Celebrate Love!

 

When couples are in love it is both emotional and physical. The brain produces a neurotransmitter called dopamine. It is a natural stimulant that carries messages from nerve cells to other nerve cell muscles. It is sent to many brain regions creating intense feelings often associated with romantic love. There are also physiological responses that occur by another closely related neurotransmitter called norepinephrine that often creates and intense craving… This explains why kissing for some can be intense because the hormone testosterone is passed between the two when kissing. Hopefully this explains why some can tend to be a bit irrational initially when in love. Love is wonderful when properly and lovingly expressed.

 

There is much more to Love than the physical. In a good nurturing healthy marriage, respect, care, loyalty and concern are evident components. Many are committed to many other things and their marriage is secondary. You want to take time to really get to know this person who you have committed to love. You both made not only a commitment to your spouse but you both made a vow to the LORD, or did you? Remember this all throughout the year and not only on Valentine’s Day.

 

The Beauty of Marital Love Expressed in Song of Solomon 

 

“HOW beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince’s daughter? The joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman. Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor, thy belly is like a heap of wheat set about with lilies.  thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.

Thy neck is like a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fish pools in Hesbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim, Thy nose is as the tower or Lebanon which leadeth towards Damascus. Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like Purple, the King is held in the galleries. How fair and pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!  This thy stature is like a palm tree, and thy breasts shall be as clusters of grapes…” SONG OF SOLOMON 7   Example of: I and my beloved.

 

The WORD of GOD speaks quite candidly here and transparently reveals pure marital love in the form of poetic scripture.

 

MARRIAGE IS SACRED IN THE EYES OF GOD

 

When you truly embrace His principles of Love within your marriage you both will experience an ever-increasing fulfilling union.  (Together you have the freedom to privately express your love to one another in a physical manner.)   God is Omnipresent meaning; He is absolutely everywhere. Invite Him into every area of your marriage and everyday life. God is Omniscient meaning; He is totally cognizant of all things and knows everything. Remember it is He that has created us. He is the creator and originator and knows what is necessary to have a great marriage. It is always your choice to allow Him His place within your life.  It is important to keep GOD in the Center of your marriage. If you have not it is never too late to start… I assure you, you both will be or become a lot happier.

 

 

Suggestions To Celebrate VALENTINE’S DAY

There are many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a couple. Here are a few suggestions:

Start the day off with a nice hug

A relaxing bubble bath or soothing shower is a good way to start your day.

Slip a romantic expression of love note in his pocket or her purse

Compose or read poetry to one another, for starters try, The “Song of Solomon” it is a fabulous book of inspiration and love

Plan a nice Candlelight dinner and or a romantic picnic lunch

Treats of: Cakes, Cookies, Cupcakes, Chocolates, Popcorn and assorted candies

Flowers & Cards

Fruit Baskets

Take in a matinée or evening movie

Select in advance a great movie you are excited about sharing at home

Plan a spa couple visit for the mud baths, mineral springs and for massages

Play nice enjoyable music to relax

Before retiring take a nice temperate, peaceful, tranquil candle light bubble bath

A nice added touch is a scented comfy and pillow puffy rose petaled bed…

All the above are simply suggestions. Each couple is quite different. You might even have some better suitable suggestions. So do what personally works for you.

Everyday  all throughout the year it is always good to Kiss your spouse whenever you part. You never know what a day may bring.

 

Genuine LOVE continues to refine and flourish 

A suggested gift to one another that continues the celebration throughout the year.  Remember to be creative! Do keep love alive in your marriage. Make life healthy safe & exciting for one another.  Simply write colorful to do “IOU’S “on note cards…  Fold and place them in a nicely decorated jar or basket. Pick from them all throughout the year.  

 

Here are a few suggestions; This is your day to do as you wish; An Impromptu no questions asked date, A together Car Wash, No arguing today, Dancing, A no spending date, Golf Pass, Couple shopping fling, Back rub & neck massage, Foot massage, Manicure & or Pedicure, Night on the town, Walk in the park, Let’s exercise together, A picnic, Event of choice or a lovely Evening of Elegance…

The intent is to learn how to enjoy your life together, and be thoughtful and considerate of one another as well as others…  Time is precious. After a while it becomes a part of who you are. And yes, do always take time to study the Word of God together for it is our necessary essential spiritual food for our mind, body & soul! 

When you do begin to partake in some of the above consistently, they will occur naturally….

 

~ “GOD IS LOVE” ~

GOD Defines LOVE in HIS WORD

 

When you SAY that you LOVE someone here are some things to KEEP in mind. Here the TRUE meaning of LOVE is defined.

LOVE is best described herein I Corinthians 13: “LOVE is patient, Love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. LOVE does not delight in evil, but REJOICES in TRUTH. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. LOVE NEVER FAILS…”

Remember this; “GOD IS LOVE!” and His Love lasts through eternity! Father God Bless You Both. ENJOY & CELEBRATE the one you Love! Seek out ways to encourage more and complain less.  Stay committed to your vows you made to God and to one another.  Keep God in the Center of your marriage.

Always remember; “Love is patient, Love is kind, Love is felt most when it is GENUINE!”

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

~ Cleansing us from sin is the business of the HOLY SPIRIT! ~

 

 

~ Cleansing us from sin is the business of the HOLY SPIRIT ~

 

SALVATION is beautiful. However, as believers none of us are exempt from sin.  We are all “SAVED” by GOD’S GRACE.  But what makes us different is we as believers have been given the gift of God’s precious HOLY SPIRIT that dwells within us. We are to ask God to fill us whenever necessary.  Yes indeed, it is through the power of His precious Holy Spirit we can see and experience Miraculous, Healings & Miracles!

 

 

Our body is a Temple where His Holy Spirit, His Comforter resides.  His Spirit is the keeper and restorer of our souls.  And the Holy Spirit has cleansing power and is able to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. “I  AM THE TRUE VINE, AND MY FATHER IS THE HUSBAND MAN.  EVERY BRANCH IN ME that beareth not fruit He taketh away. AND EVERY BRANCH THAT BEARETH FRUIT, HE PURGETH IT, THAT IT MAY BRING FORTH MORE FRUIT.    NOW YE ARE CLEAN THROUGH THE WORD WHICH I  HAVE SPOKEN UNTO YOU.  ABIDE IN ME, AND I IN YOU…” JOHN 15

 

 

Christ Jesus has imputed His righteousness to us. Once we have truly been “SAVED BY THE GRACE OF GOD” come what may we can rest assured absolutely no one or nothing can ever pluck us out of God’s hands.  In the Lord we can be confident! There is genuine grace, joy, peace, security & significance in the Lord. For this we can be eternally thankful.  It is important to always make God our top priority.   For He can keep us on the Narrow Path.  For this is the road less traveled.  There is much going on in the world today that is not of God, this is true both inside and about His Church as well. Many times, the traditions, ways and customs of man take precedent over the WORD of GOD. This should not be. Know God and His Word for yourself. This way you will not be tossed about by every wind and doctrine of man. “So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunningness, by craftiness in deceitful schemes…”  Ephesians 4

 

“Be still & KNOW” God will always show us what is going on and happening around us. Make sure you set aside some time with the Lord in His Word and allow Him to direct your path. Take some time away from all the noise going on in this world.  This way you will be able to better hear, see, detect and discern the things that are not of God. Always allow Him to direct your path. God knows even before we were in our mother’s womb what His plans are for our lives. See Him above all others.  For, it is through the power of His precious Holy Spirit we can see and experience a multiplicity of marvelous Miraculous, Healings & Miracles!

 

Yes Lord! Know GOD and HIS WORD for yourself!

 

“We are to be in the world but not of the world.”

 

 

And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”   Romans 12

 

GOD ALWAYS KNOWS HIS OWN!

 

We as believers are to learn to sin less as we daily “Walk in the Light.”  God’s Word is more than able. “Thy WORD is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. I Have sworn, and I will keep thy righteous judgments.”  Psalm 119 We are without excuse.  For God is always willing and ready to help us in any and every situation.  Therefore, we should always be willing readily to REPENT whenever we realize that we have sinned.  For sin keeps us separated from God. This is true if it is by commission or omission.  Staying connected to God is an admirable attainable goal. Commit to embrace God’s Word daily!  For “God is Love!”  He allows His love to flourish within our lives.  Yet also allow Him to teach you how to “Guard your heart!”  Having God within our lives truly makes or can make all the difference in the world.  It is your choice.  God’s Word is the necessary essential spiritual food for our mind, body and souls. We are to actually embrace, implement and daily “live out loud” His Word as His people!

 

 

“Draw nigh to GOD and HE will draw nigh to you!” 

 

 

We, God’s people from all over the world who have truly accepted Christ Jesus into our hearts as our Lord and Savior make up God’s true Universal Church.   There are many great places of worship throughout the world where we can gather together and worship, thank, glorify and praise God.   But never worship the building, multiplicity of activities, services or the people more than Almighty God Himself.  God knows whenever our worship is sincere. God always deserves the preeminence.  Make your worship personal.  For worship makes us even more aware of who God is. Worship is a time to recognize GOD for who HE is, and what HE means to us. To thank and praise His Holy name.  A sacred time to adore, elevate and focus upon giving respect and reverence HIM!!! 

 

 

God has only (1) one CHURCH. We should always honor God and “Worship Him in Spirit and in TRUTH!”  Know that God is forever omnipresent. Therefore, we can call upon our Lord and Savior Jesus to help us at anytime and anywhere 24/7/365 days year after year.  God is our Almighty Sovereign God, and He is omnipresent.  “What a mighty GOD we serve!” We know not the hour or the day?  However, we are to daily live as though we are expecting Christ Jesus to return at any time. Get your house in order!  For Christ Jesus is coming back for His Church without spot or wrinkle. “BE GOD’S CHURCH EVERYDAY & EVERYWHERE!”

 

 

We are not to demand GOD to do whatever we want.

 

We can pray (talk to GOD) wherever we are 24/7.  Keep in mind His Holy Spirit can keep and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Therefore, we should always approach God in a respectful manner.  We have even been given a sample prayer as to how we should honor Him. Such as: “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done or earth as it is in Heaven…”  For God is not a man nor is he like a genie. Yes Lord, as Almighty Sovereign God, we should always reverence Him.  God is real and He knows without a doubt when we are real. We are to daily exalt God! 

 

Our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus actually spoke everything into existence.  He is the living Word of GOD!  (Colossians 3) You can also discover more about this all throughout the Bible. Each day is an opportunity to build an ongoing, personal intimate, up close transparent relationship with Him. In Him you can discover everything that you will ever need for life, living and eternal life! 

 

Abba Father God already knows what we are going to say or whatever we all are thinking. Therefore, we do not simply demand Him to do whatever we ask. But as men, women and children of God we are to share, preach, teach, proclaim and daily live out loud His Word.   He is our Creator & Maker. He answers all of our prayers according to His Divine and Holy Will!  For He always knows what is best!

 

Know who you are in GOD without doubt. The “CALL” of God is irrevocable.  Know this; “HE DID NOT MAKE IT A CONFERENCE CALL!” We can always & forever trust God and His Word in any and every situation. Through our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus we have the VICTORY!  For God has promised to “Supply all of our need according to HIS riches in Glory by Christ Jesus!” Philippians 4 “HALLLELLLUJAH THANK YOU!!!”

 

 

Unbelievers are encouraged to get to know GOD

 

Know what you say you believe!

 

As for the unbelievers who have not accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are to encourage them to embrace the Truth of God’s Word. Know that there are also those who say they are believers yet don’t really know or understand what they believe?  In order to be more effective, we must first believe, know and embrace HIS WORD ourselves.  We are to point others to Jesus and encourage them to grow in the grace, wisdom and knowledge of His marvelous Word.  Time is of the essence for the “Perilous Days” are upon us!  Always keep in mind the omniscience of God for He is absolutely aware of everything at all times past, present and future. We can always seek Almighty Sovereign God for direction.  We are to demonstrate our faith and belief in God by the manner in which we live and approach life.  God always places us within the Body of Christ as He sees fit. For those who oppose the Word we are to be living examples.  For those who are on a power trip, or those who seek to undermine or question our integrity give them over to God.  Christ Jesus is the only Mediator between us and God. He is the Head of God’s Church.  God’s Church is His Bride. 

 

 

 

We do not have to argue or force GOD’S WORD upon anyone.  Nor do we have to fear them or worry when opposed.   “Christ Jesus is our Best Witness!” Be more concerned about knowing how to recognize the voice of God.   Know that there will be much spiritual warfare to rise up against you.   Study the life of Christ Jesus.  For all and everything is HIS.  Come what may, earnestly continue to daily seek the will and way of God above all.  “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof the world and them that live therein. He has founded it upon the floods…”  Psalms 24  Yet keep in mind that we are living in the midst of a “spiritual warzone.”  Anything and everything goes…  Nothing is sacred to some. They will say and do some of everything… Fret not!  Spiritual warfare comes in all sorts of directions.   Stay on the “Narrow Path.”  & “STAND UPON YOUR SOLID ROCK FOUNDATION!”  Therefore, also stay daily adorned in the “Spiritual Armor” of God. However, you should also know without doubt that The WORD of GOD is HIS infallible TRUTH!   It is our “Spiritual Sword” that cuts both ways whenever it is properly used…  Yes indeed, we can always and forever stand upon GOD’S WORD!   Know it has amazing cleansing & miraculous healing power!  That is once you know it for yourself. In God we have been given much freedom and liberty.  But we are also accountable to Him for how we “live it out loud,” and what we say do, preach and teach in His Name!  We as Believers have a responsibility to the LORD to be a daily reflection of Him to the unbelievers of this world knowing that that this world is on a “slippery slope.”

 

Get your house in order.  Don’t delay for tomorrow is not promised! Seek or begin to seek the will and way of God above all! 

 

A spectacular journey awaits us with a plethora of all sorts of spiritual lessons as well as blessings. God places us within the Body Christ as He sees fit. Absolutely no one or nothing can pluck us out of His Hands once you become secure in Him. It is through the amazing power of God’s precious Holy Spirit we can see and experience marvelous Miraculous, Healings & Miracles!

 

 

“For it is in HIM that we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17

CHRIST JESUS MANIFESTED GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS TO THE WORLD

Famine Of Righteousness Part 1

 

Famine Of Righteousness

Worship goes far beyond, just having an emotional experience. It is during worship one can actually experience a closer spiritual encounter with the Lord. Worship includes adoration, exaltation, magnification, glorification and the giving of thanks to the Lord! Webster defines worship as; an extravagant respect admiration or devotion to an object of esteem; reverence paid to a divine being or supernatural power.

RESET!

Everyday is a precious gift from the Lord.  Your personal  daily devotion to the Lord  is important! God can meet you right where you are.  Regardless as to what is happening in this world or what is,  or is not going  in your life; GOD STILL  DESERVES  to be honored, praised, thanked & worshipped! He can help you meet the challenges that life presents. He can help you rise above them all.   Begin to live everyday starting now: ” TO GOD BE THE GLORY! ” 

 

God’s principles for life, living, His Church, marriage and the family as well as “True Worship” are continuously being abandoned.  God wants each of us to seek Him first. Everything that we will ever need we can discover in Him.  

 

GOD IS!

God is Omniscient therefore He knows all things spoken or unspoken. There is no fooling God.  If you think you can you are only fooling yourself. When you truly believe this you will begin to think and live differently. 

 

God is Omnipotent; meaning all power! God so deserves pure unadulterated worship & praise. God created us to worship Him. It is we who need Him. He did not program us like computers or make us to be robots.  He has made each of us uniquely different.  We have our very own temperament. It is out of His love and mercy that He allows us the freedom to choose to worship Him. This is not the same as being religious.  You can worship just about anything.  However, the true worshippers must worship God; “ In SPIRIT and in TRUTH. ”

 

God is and always will be eternally everlasting. He wants us to live a life of worship. We  are living in the midst of an invisible war zone.  The battle is not ours.  God is able to keep us in the midst of it. However, we must learn to seek Him daily and stay adorned in our spiritual armor. This is why each of us  need Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  Have a spiritual feast. Daily partake in His Word!  Begin to really;  “lean & depend on Jesus.” For He wants us to live our lives to please Him. “ For though we live in the world we do not engage in war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world…” II Corinthians 10.

 

Ezekiel is a great example of a man that chose to live a life of worship and obedience to God.  This is not always easy. He was no doubt a “peculiar” man. He was a priest known for his integrity and purpose although he was carried away to Babylon captivity. He remained dedicated to God. It is a conscious choice to live apart from the world yet, remain within it. Despite what was going on about him, he lived what he preached, proclaimed and prophesied. Look about us and see all that is happening.  He lived a life centered around worshipping God. Today it is also so very important too that your main focus for life and living for the Lord become your main priority. Instead of just focusing only upon the here and now begin to look deeper.

 

This is why worship is so very important. “Be still and know.” When your life is built upon the “Solid Rock” principles of the Lord’s Word you will be able to endure and press onward.  Even in this day and time when much is going on, do not compromise your godly principles and values to be accepted. We must learn to TRUST GOD regardless of what happens. As children of God He still wants us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” Proverbs 3.

 

Today we are currently experiencing a “famine of righteousness.”

 

One must only visit the corridors of scripture to see time and time again the consequences of what happens when the world, a nation, His Church, politicians, or a group of people ignores what God has to say. They often seek to conform to the latest trends. Ezekiel was willing to forego the praises and misunderstanding of God’s people. He did not receive a warm reception, nor was he welcomed or celebrated. Yet he moved all throughout the people serving the Lord.  They instead had chosen to accept and embrace the ways of the world.

 

Our devotion to the Lord must be more than talk. Sometimes it requires that we make grave spiritual sacrifices.  Such as time in personal devotion and more time with the Lord in His Word. We are to; ” Be in the world but not of the world…” We must at times forego the support of others. Less dependency upon being accepted by the masses and more focus on honoring God. Less time seeking to be understood  yet striving daily to understand the Lord and His  marvelous living Word. 

 

We should continually be drawing near to the Lord. 

 

Many are pressured to think in terms of giving sacrifices of material goods or money.  Often to the point some neglect to tend to their own home life.  Their place of worship has actually become a place to escape? To some their little kingdoms?  This is due to many church assemblies have become very material in regards to their constant concern for things for the building.  There is nothing wrong to want a nice place of worship.  But consider the cost before you build. Is it or will it be a continual burden you must bear. Not everyone is spiritually mature… Please do not continue to fleece the sheep of God… Depending on the assembly, often tithes are used  to determine one’s worth, status or their level of participation and influence…

 

Malachi is often used to enforce the Tithe.  It is important to study the Word to know what the Tithe was for and what it actually was…   Malachi  was the last Old Testament Prophet/Priest sent  to Israel by God.  He spoke strong rebukes to both the priests as well as to the people. They had faltered in their commitments to the Lord.  He called them to “REPENT!”  After Malachi there is a silence of 400 or more years.   God will make a way for us to do whatever He calls us to do. “…Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not…  Malachi 3 

 

Things in themselves are not bad.  And it is good to give! But, In some cases money has become some congregations primary focus.  Keep in mind; “God loves a cheerful Giver!”  

 

Seek daily the KINGDOM of GOD an HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

Does not the Lord say; “seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else will be added…” Matthew 6   Well this is true for the assembly of the Church as well.  When the Tabernacle which was a grand tent  was assembled, they carried it  from place to place. Notice all the things that were in the Tabernacle?  What they did?  What they did not do? What was not allowed?   There are 50 chapters devoted in the Bible to the Tabernacle.  17 in Exodus,  18 in Leviticus  13 in  Numbers,  2 in Deuteronomy. It was known to be a place  to gather together to worship & praise God.   It was dedicated as a special place set apart to honor our Lord God;  Yahweh!   

 

The main focus and top priority  was always to worship GOD! Think about it  when Solomon built the Temple.  All that he needed to build the  place of worship was already provided…   For hundreds of years there were no places of worship built  for the Church of God to assemble.  The Disciples and the Apostles built no places of worship…  Jesus built no place of worship.  It is your choice to build a place of worship. Therefore trust God!

 

” Know ye not that; Our bodies are the Temples of GOD! “

 

There has been a priority shift.  Many other things are now included in worship? Some places of worship are more like community centers.  Some of everything goes on in the name of the Lord!   It is important to know GOD and HIS WORD for yourself.  Focus more on Him rather than your issues. Allow Him to strengthen your faith and trust in Him. Think deeper upon the spiritual disciplines.  Our future and eternal life rest in the Lord.  We are each accountable to God for what we do.  Know what God requires of you.

“THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!”  

 

God speaks to His people in many ways.  

 

God never forgets those who are faithful!

 

The name Ezekiel means; God is strong or God strengthens! True success in a spiritual sense is not how the people respond to us, but it is how we respond to God! Ezekiel was called to an “obstinate and stubborn” group of people. We too are often called to share our faith live out loud God’s word, with unkind, ungrateful, disrespectful, rude, hard, harsh and spiritually abusive people…   Yes indeed know; “The wheat and the tares are growing together…” Yet, God Our Father has promised to; ” NEVER LEAVE NOR FORSAKE US!”  He sees everything that is going on.   It is vitally important to develop an intimate personal relationship with Him.  Daily be led by the Spirit of God regardless as to what the majority is doing. ALL of His promises are true! ” GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU/US! “ The Lord wants us to share the Gospel regardless as to how we might be perceived, even today when we are today in this world are experiencing a “famine of righteousness.”

 

When studying the book of Ezekiel if you look closely, you will see just how closely it relates to what is going on in the world right now. Ezekiel genuinely wanted the people to understand who God is. He was sent to the children of Israel to remind them of God’s principles for life, living and worship. The children of Israel were not a nation who did not know God. They had just become “rebellious”. They had turned their back on God and instead embraced many of the ways of the world. Ezekiel went to great lengths to get their attention. For over two decades he wrote, preached, warned and pleaded with God’s people to return to His principles.

 

In reading Ezekiel one must not be so removed from him that he is thought of as a fictional character with an irrelevant message. To embrace the overwhelming genuine concern he exudes one must be daily adorned in their spiritual armor and open their spiritual ears and listen attentively. Ezekiel tremendously, ferociously and vehemently cries out as he prolifically expounds God’s Truth. Since he had been labeled as being “strange” the people were quite reluctant to listen.

Ezekiel wanted the people to return to God.  We too should want the people to return to God!

See Part 2

Read more

Contending for the Faith Part 2

God never intended for Christianity to become a legalistic doctrinal concept of rules and regulations.  God will  write His laws within your heart as you embrace His Word. Christianity is a daily lifestyle! The HOUSE of GOD is supposed to be the PILLAR of TRUTH! Learn to  focus more on the Lord than upon your issues when you are in worship. Yes, be mindful and cognizant of what is going on all around you. For spiritual warfare persists everywhere…  And remember  your place of worship is supposed to be a place where the Spirit of the Lord is welcomed. Many gather and assemble together to worship, thank, honor, adore and praise GOD.  

It is written!

The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy. He was concerned about what was going on during worship. He was well aware of the contentions as well as the false unspiritual teaching that was circulating. Paul charges Timothy as a Pastor to teach sound doctrine, war a good warfare, embrace his faith and steadfastly adhere to the Word of God. These concerns remain today. Paul writes;

“These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

But if I tarry long, that thou oughtest to behave thyself in the House of God, which is the Church of the living God, the Pillar and Ground of Truth.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received into glory.” I Timothy 3

Jesus came to give us a better life!

Christ died so we could have an abundant spiritual life in every way. Yet today many make their issues the theme of life and ministry. Jesus did not come to build hospitals or mausoleums.  He could have built places of worship for all his disciples or simply spoke them into existence… Think about Joseph his earthly father was a professional carpenter. The Gospel is about Christ Jesus from the beginning.

Jesus came to give us a better life and to teach us the way; centered upon God. He came to overcome sin in the flesh and show us how to live victoriously in the Lord.  Everything was spoken into existence through Him and everything consists by and for Him. He came to share with us the beauty of His creation. And to direct us on; “the path of righteousness for His namesake.” Yes indeed, He died on the cross and rose with all power for us all to have an abundant life in every way.

Much is going on in these latter days.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils…” I Timothy 4

Jesus made no one feel comfortable in sin. It is so very important to know God’s Word for yourself. This way you will not easily be misled. Notice what happens  as  you read  His Word. Your understanding will expand and your faith will increase. You will learn how He always stood for what was right.  

Jesus was terribly misunderstood by those who should have known better.   He was falsely accused.  As a matter of fact it was the religious leaders that conspired to discredit Jesus and secretly sought to destroy Him. How ironic they called Him evil. All due to their own insecurity. They actually chose to go into denial rather than embrace the principles of Truth of His Word.  Does any of this sound familiar?

The Holy Spirit will convict us of sin!

No, things will not always go your way. But the Lord can bring you through any situation with His peace. He wants you to draw closer to Him everyday. God has a plan for your life. It is our choice to discover it. For; “Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life!” The Bible is the inspired Word of God. “It is a Lamp unto our feet and a Light unto our path…”

The gift of Salvation and Eternal Life is one of the most precious gifts one can ever receive. Along with that gift comes the promise of His Holy Spirit; the Comforter and ultimate internal Teacher. As you learn and apply His Word it will be written upon the table of your heart. Your desire to live for the Lord and contend for the faith will grow.

Jude extends to us mercy, peace and love in abundance through Christ Jesus.  When Jesus ascended to heaven He fulfilled that promise that; the Holy Spirit would come. Jesus prepared His disciples for His departure. He knew when He came that He would eventually return to Heaven. At His appointed time Christ Jesus will return for His Church that still remains.

He told them “Nevertheless I tell you the TRUTH. It is to your advantage that I go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they do not believe in Me, of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. I still have many things to say to you, BUT you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of TRUTH, has come, He will guide you into All truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come…” JOHN 16

Deliverance is possible

Jude known as the brother of Jesus Christ tells us that we have a duty to fight for GOD’S TRUTH! Not in a physical carnal way. Our weapons are not carnal! But they are mighty. We must daily stay adorned with the spiritual armor.  For we can pull down strongholds… Deliverance is possible.

As believers, our lives don’t belong to us for we belong to God. The Apostle Paul teaches us the importance of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “PRAY also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the GOSPEL, for which I am an Ambassador in chains. PRAY that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” See Ephesians 6

Without doubt we are in the last days and the Word of God is being fulfilled! Look around and be attentive to all the worldwide perils that continue to daily persist. We need not be afraid but prayerful! It is important to persevere knowing that God is with you. For GOD is omnipresent.

Jude says: “But dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times, there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the men who divide you. Who follow mere natural instincts and DO NOT have the SPIRIT. But you, dear friends build yourself up in your most HOLY FAITH and pray in the HOLY SPIRIT. Keep yourselves up in God’s LOVE as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh…

There is no recession in heaven

One must only watch the news, read the newspaper or search online to see that time is near! By the way; everything you see or hear that is going on via face book is not true. Daily; just about “Anything goes!”  This world is on a “Slippery Slope!”  There is was not only ongoing consequences from the   Economic Recession but a “SPIRITUAL RECESSION” continues as well. 

But know this; THERE IS NEVER LACK OR A RECESSION IN HEAVEN! Many of our churches are sometimes allowing carnal worldly teachings… Bible study on some occasions have even turned to group think and mind conditioning.  Often ridded with many coded messages to point out those who do not conform to the group. God never intended for us to give up our individuality.  Uniformity is not the same thing as unity. 

Righteousness

Respect for God and His Word are  all too often laid aside; carnality takes the forefront because somebody says; “I’m human” The time of increased Apostasy is definitely here! Meaning the abandoning of Faith. LORD HELP US! Anyone can be subject to error.  Remember, when someone says something that you know is not true.  Know that it is not from GOD! This is why we all need His Holy Spirit to convict the heart of sin and keep us pointed unto righteousness. What is righteousness? It is right living and thinking in the eyes of God! Sin is anything that separates us from God! Jude says: Remember Sodom and Gomorrah?  well, God has not changed. This is why Jesus left us His Holy Spirit!

Live or begin to live each day; “To GOD BE the GLORY!” Having an encounter with God regularly will bring you closer to Him.  Take time throughout your day to “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!” Shift your mind to the Lord continuously.  This is how you stay connected to the Lord.  Remember God is omniscient He wants to open your understanding and make you even more aware. He can and  will open your “spiritual eyes.” This is also why we must daily contend for the Faith, so know His Word and stand firm! 

Thank You Holy Father for sanctifying us through Christ Jesus and calling us  as your Elders/Ministers and Ambassadors. We are not called to conform to this world. But to uphold HIS WORD. We are called to to daily “Contend for the Faith!”

REPENT!!!

If you have grown slack in your commitment to God; He can speak renewal and strength into your heart. If you are depressed or oppressed  He can lift you up and take you to wherever you need to be. When GOD says He can deliver you HE CAN! However, you must humbly submit to HIS WILL and diligently pursue TRUTH!

GOD can bring a plan and a purpose into your life like no other. This is what Jude leaves us with;  “To HIM who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great JOY to the only GOD and SAVIOR be GLORY, MAJESTY, POWER and AUTHORITY, through JESUS CHRIST our LORD, before all ages, now and forevermore! AMEN!!!”

In HiM we live and move and have our being Part 1

“In Him we live and move and have our being”

There is no way getting around God! You can  try to ignore Him. You can choose not to believe in Him. You can have a surface relationship with Him that makes you feel  comfortable?   You can have a weekend relationship with Him and simply   just attend Worship Services every Sabbath Saturday or Sunday and just go right back to living however it is you please all during the week.   But you will not experience his abiding inner peace.  Or, you can make it your goal to draw closer to Him everyday and  really invite Him into the messiness of your life. This is how we can build a strong secure solid  intimate relationship with Him.

God will and can give you His peace that surpasses the understanding of man.  It is your choice!  God does not force Himself into your life. Everywhere you are God is there.  He is The Most High God. He is Omnipresent!

“The GOD who made the world and everything in it is The LORD of Heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  And He is not served by human hands,  as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all  men life and breath and everything else.  From  one man He made very nation of men, that they should inhabit  the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and  the exact places where they should live.  God did this so  that men would seek Him and perhaps  reach out to Him and find Him though  He is not far from each one of us ‘For in HIM we live and move and have our being.’ As some  of your own poets  have said. ‘We are His offspring.”  Acts 17

Christianity is meant to be an ever growing daily life long lifestyle! It means that we are supposed to learn, embrace and implement the principles of His Word within our lives  everyday.  Remember HiM = Him in me!

“God is Love!” God is eternal and  so is His Love.  He created us so we could learn how to love, grow spiritually,  enjoy life  His way and extend His love that begins to  flow through us  naturally when we are connected to Him. His love draws others to us.  With love comes much responsibility this is why we must learn to become disciplined.  There is much deception about us due to spiritual warfare. It is important to know that you cannot fool GOD.  Not everyone understands what true love really is.

“GOD IS LOVE!” True love does not manipulate!  God’s love is patient, kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record  of wrongs.  His love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth.  (See  Corinthians 13)

God’s love does not suffocate. Nor does it make you comfortable in sin. It protects not out of insecurity but out of concern. Sin is anything that separates you from God.  It was Moses’ Mother who loved him enough to allow him to float down the Nile River in “an ark of bulrushes” to safety. The King of Egypt had given an order for the Hebrew babies to be killed. This is one of many examples of the power of God’s protection. Moses is known as one of the greatest Biblical leaders. He spent many years encouraging the children of Israel to live lives pleasing to God.  For more details See Exodus 2. Take some time to learn more about God’s love in His Word.

Society gets confused between love and lust.  God’s Love is Eternal. There is a worldly love that mimics His love. It is selfish not sincere. This is what I call “intoxicating affections.”  It is important to be able to distinguish between the two.  One should pray for spiritual discernment.

God created us in His image for a purpose.  It is God’s desire for us to continuously build an ever increasing up close and personal growing relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  During our fellowship and personal devotion time with Him we are being transformed.  God has placed a void in all of us that only He can fill. The more we become like  Him we learn how to  better properly love.  God’s love is eternal.  God’s spiritual gifts begin to grow and multiply within our lives as we stay connected to Him who is the ultimate source of love.

 

Know that God is totally aware of; where each one of us are or where we are not.  He knows our strengths and weaknesses. As we grow in His Grace and the knowledge of Him our weaknesses diminish as we wholeheartedly embrace and apply the Truth of His Word within our daily  lives. He gives us the power to over come them.  He continuously shapes and mold us in His image as we embrace and apply His Word to our lives.

 

God has given each one of us an inborn unique  natural temperament.  He did not create us to be like anyone else. He extends His grace and love to us daily. He wants us to have better home lives, better marriages, relationships and better families.

 

He even wants you to have better lives if you are single. He wants all of us to have better relationships with one another as the family of God. He does not want us to conform to the ways of this word. Nor does He want us to compromise HIS principles. Many of the ways of the world have nested themselves within the midst of God’s Church. He wants us to have better  healthier worship services, work, school, play  and recreational environments as well. God did not create us to become puppets. He wants us to become whole!  Becoming whole means to be complete in Him. God wants what is best for us in every area of our lives. But all too often He is left out of the equation when deciding what we want and what really is best for us.

Part 2

Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth 10

~ Spiritual Food For Thought & Spiritual Growth! ~

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of The GOSPEL of CHRIST. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you STAND firm in one SPIRIT, contending as one man/woman for the FAITH of The GOSPEL without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be SAVED! ~ and that by GOD! For it has been granted to you on behalf of CHRIST not only to BELIEVE on HIM, but also to suffer for HIM, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had and now hear that I still have.” Philippians 1 ~ WORD FOR TODAY ~

~ THOUGHT FOR TODAY ~

The Apostle Paul continuously encourages the believers to TRUST GOD and STAND upon HIS WORD! He does not seek to make anyone comfortable in sin. It was not his intent to allow them to become dependent upon him, but to be ever mindful of the LORD’S presence in their daily  life wherever they were. Accepting JESUS CHRIST into your heart does not mean that life will always be; “A bed of roses without thorns.” It is clear that Paul’s goal was to strengthen them in their walk with the LORD and encourage ALL believers to STAND firm upon the WORD of GOD if alone or together wherever they were.

God always has intended that “Christianity” be a daily lifestyle centered around Him. 

” HE IS THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE!” 

 

” Latter Day Spiritual Warfare”

There is much dissension within the CHURCH today in these “Latter days” over denominational differences and practices. The Spiritual Warfare has heightened.  Many embrace a liberal and somewhat lax approach to the WORD of GOD others are dogmatic, quite controlling and or legalistic. Some a bit comical and saturated with much worldliness. Some congregations have a somewhat cult like environment that encourages “group think” and exclusivity among their members. Quite often they idolize their buildings and worship  one another more than they worship GOD.  They are in many cases told who and who not to respond to. Unconditional acceptance is given to those who comply…  Some make it their top priority to impress others to join and want to increase membership, attendance, tithes & offerings.

 

“KNOW YE THAT YOUR BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF GOD!” 

 

LORD HELP US ALL!!!

 

 

PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT!

The majority, however, are very inviting to all yet still STAND firm on THE WORD… Therefore, one must be discerning & prayerful whenever or wherever in attendance. Be cognizant of what is going on around you. Study fervently and daily apply and embrace the Truth of God’s Word. Be attentive whenever the Word is going forth. Let this not “quench the Spirit” within you. “Yet simply, have an “exit ear” to the things that are contrary to sound doctrine. “PRAY without ceasing” ALL throughout worship and invite the presence of the LORD for ALL to benefit. KEEP YOUR FOCUS on the LORD!

 

“More GOSPEL; less gossip.” The “Last Days” are upon us.

“PREACH THE WORD; be prepared in every season and out of season; correct rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the TRUTH and turn aside to myths. But you keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist …” II Timothy 2

 

” I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my Help. My Help cometh from the Lord which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121

THE CHURCH BELONGS TO GOD. THE CHURCH IS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST.  GOD’S CHURCH CONSISTS OF THOSE WHO HAVE ACCEPTED CHRIST JESUS INTO THEIR HEARTS AS THEIR SAVIOR & LORD.   HEAVEN IS GOD’S THRONE AND THE EARTH IS HIS FOOTSTOOL.  GOD IS PREPARING & CLEANSING HIS CHURCH TO PREPARE HER FOR THE COMING OF CHRIST JESUS! NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR HE ILL RETURN. THEREFORE WE ARE TO LIVE AS THOUGH WE ARE EXPECTATING HIM EVERYDAY!

CHRIST GAVE HIS LIFE FOR HIS CHURCH; “…THAT HE MIGHT PRESENT IT TO HIMSELF A GLORIOUS CHURCH, NOT HAVING SPOT OR WRINKLE, OR ANY SUCH THING; BUT THAT IT SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLEMISH…” EPHESIANS 5

 

We serve and all knowing omniscient God!

GOD is absolutely and totally aware of everything that has happened within HIS CHURCH. He knows ALL that is happening and ALL that will happen within HIS CHURCH. He also knows what is happening within ALL of our lives throughout this world. God is amazing! Nothing comes our way that He is not aware of, He either ordains it or allows it. In HIS time He works it all together for our good when we are “Called according to HIS purpose.” God wants to be a part of every area of our lives. Each day is a day to draw close to the Lord. To allow Him to manifest and multiply the Fruit of HIS Spirit within us.

 

 

It is important to STAND upon the WORD of GOD. Yes, there are times when we will be misunderstood… But so was CHRIST JESUS! Suffering is part of being a Believer. Know that GOD will bless us despite of what others do. They cannot undermine who we are in the eyes of the Lord. It is important to live your life daily to please God regardless of what others say or do.

 

WE CAN “STAND UPON GOD’S PROMISES” KNOWING THAT NO man, or woman ,nor anything can ever pluck us out of HIS HANDS! HOLY FATHER, WE THANK YOU FOR THE “SECURITY & SIGNIFICANCE” WE HAVE IN YOU!

 

When you STAND for what is RIGHT the LORD STANDS with You! “The gates of hell WILL NOT PREVAIL ” against the LORD’S CHURCH! Keep in mind that we the people are GOD’S TRUE CHURCH! Daily be adorned with  the spiritual  Armor of God. “BE GOD’S CHURCH EVERYDAY AND EVERYWHERE!” True unity in the SPIRIT is based upon our desire and determination to share and daily live out the infallible GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST!

~ LIVE EVERYDAY; “ TO GOD BE THE GLORY! ” ~

Getting Your Joy Back! Part 3

Know that You are not alone for God is Omnipresent!

How are you when you are alone?  Know that you are never really alone because everywhere you are God is present. God’s omnipresence is wonderful! Spending time alone with God can be refreshing. This is a time to build spiritual intimacy and grow in His Word. A time to pray and release your burdens to Him. But most of all a time to Thank Him for being GOD! This also is a  great time  to get your JOY back!

If you are lonely you need to connect more with the Lord. God really is everywhere you are. He can fill the void in your life. He has placed in each of us a space only He can fill. You can reach out to the Lord wherever you are. Momentarily lay aside whatever is distracting you. Become cognizant of what is happening around you as you then invite the presence of the Lord all around you. Take this time to pray and seek His direction.

“Praying without ceasing” is a state of mind. You do not even have to utter a word. You simply discipline yourself to shift your focus upon the omniscient God. This is also what keeps you connected to Him as well. God is the Creator and Sustainer of life.

There needs to be a balance in your life

The point here is that there needs to be a balance in your life.  For all this to happen you must begin to relate to the Lord differently.  GOD is a SPIRIT! As you develop an intimate relationship with the Lord He reveals Himself to You more and more. 

All the books in the world cannot totally explain GOD and HIS infinite wisdom and knowledge. The Word of God gives us a factual spiritual account of who He is. God has given us His Holy Spirit who can and will open our spiritual understanding. He will bring His Word to our minds as we study and embrace it within our hearts. We can continuously grow in His grace. KEEP IN MIND GOD KNOWS ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING!  In the Lord you really can discover everything that you will ever need for life, daily living and eternal life.

Worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth!

There is nothing I enjoy more than a marvelous Spirit filled Worship service. God should  always  be the main attraction in and during worship. Some  come to be entertained, socialize  and need an escape?   Some because they need a quick fix? Some often simply come out of habit?  Some will come because they do not know God and are searching? Some sincerely come because they want to worship and praise the Lord. They know that God really  is everywhere that they are. 

It is important to always be aware of what is going on around you regardless of where you worship. Too much has entered into worship from the world.  Worship is no longer sacred to many. GOD KNOWS why we all do what we do as well as why we worship Him.  Think about it  for a moment.  Is the objective of worship to make everyone feel good? Or, Is it to make them want to give?  God is continually revealing Himself to us. As we diligently worship Him we can better understand and realize that life and living really is all about God.

I Thank & Praise God for His Living  Word Christ Jesus and His Holy Spirit! Truly God is the Most High God!  God deserves the Preeminence! He is due our sincere worship and praise. God will provide whatever it is we need in order to fulfil His purpose within our lives. Have Faith in God we can forever trust him. To please the Lord we must always worship GOD in SPIRIT and in TRUTH!

Life is full of many experiences

Life brings about a plethora of experiences. But through them all the Lord is present. Yes, at some time we all are going to experience a degree of  anxiety, conflict, sickness, disappointment, grief or turmoil at some point in our lifetime. A little anxiety is actually healthy because it helps you to put yourself in check. As followers of Christ Jesus God has told us that we are going to have tribulations while in this world,  but through Christ Jesus we can always emerge victoriously! Not because of who we are, but because of who’s we are.

 

Get to know God intimately

 

You should want to daily develop a closer walk with the Lord. It is important to get to know God intimately especially since you say you want to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. God is able to keep us in any situation. Knowing this in advance will help you to prepare for what’s ahead. Everyday on this side of Heaven is a precious GIFT from the Lord.

It is important to acquire some preventative coping skills, so you can become better prepared as you go through any turmoil and not become stagnated. See this as a time to allow the Lord to strengthen you. There is much spiritual warfare to undermine the importance of  growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. To oppress, depress and distract you from daily drawing closer to the Lord.  Reach out to the Lord. God has promised to be with us always!  This is a promise you can believe and stand upon. God is willing and able to help us in every situation.

Know God and His Word for Yourself

 

Once the enemy knows and realizes that you “GET IT” that you are aware of his many entrapments, he will do all he can to harness and undermine your good intentions and influence and solicit others to try and help disrupt your life.    You  become a treat as well as a target. He will use those who are  not believers who are weak  to try and pull you down. He will also use believers who have been misinformed. Pray for Discernment!

 

Remember he loves darkness. Therefore he slips around behind you in the dark lurking to undermine your sincere efforts to shed LIGHT to a world that is ignorant of his many devices.   But get this; he can not do anymore than the Lord allows. “Resist the devil and he will flee…”   Fear not keep your focus upon the Lord and remember He can keep you in perfect peace. It is important to know God and His Word for yourself.
 

Put yourself in check and daily adorn yourself with God’s Spiritual Armor.

There is VICTORY in CHRIST JESUS!

 

CHRIST JESUS has the VICTORY over life, living, death and the grave! He did not die for us to live unhappy lives. Wherever you are and whatever you have been through the Lord knows. Our Lord wants us to have abundant lives in every way. He wants to daily multiply and manifest the Fruit of HIS SPIRIT within us who believe. We are to “Walk by Faith!” His Word is the necessary spiritual food to help us and His Joy is available to strengthen us. God wants to “supply all of our needs according to HIS riches in CHRIST JESUS!” Philippians 4

Always be willing to receive correction from the Word of God. Always be willing to readily repent whenever necessary.

http://alpha7.org/index.php?s=Getting++Your+Joy+Back+Part+4

 

We are God’s Offspring Part 2

We are God’s Offspring
Part 2

Know God and His Word for Yourself!

 

GOD DWELLS IN THE HEARTS OF HIS PEOPLE

God is an awesome God! He has made marvelous provisions for us. There is contentment knowing that we as believers are God’s offspring. Everyday is a precous “GIFT” from GOD!  Therefore each day is a good day to worship and praise Almighty God.  We are His Church. When you truly realize and grasp the fact that; “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;
neither is worshiped with men’s hands as though HE needed any thing, seeing HE giveth to ALL life & breath, and in all things;

And hath made of one blood ALL NATIONS of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

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:

“FOR IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING; as certain also of your own poets have said; WE ARE HIS OFFSPRING”

Forasmuch then as we are the Offspring of God, We might NOT to think that the GODHEAD is like unto gold, or silver, or stone graven by art or man’s device.

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; BUT NOW COMMANDED ALL MEN EVERY WHERE TO REPENT!!! ACTS 17

 

 

God’s Holy Spirit

In the past God patiently overlooked the ignorance and foolishness of mankind. There is a plethora of examples within the Old Testament. As we come into the knowledge of God, He holds us accountable for what we know. He expects us to readily REPENT! God is Not like man. He is infinitely superior. GOD IS A SPIRIT! He blesses the living everyday with the breath of life. Christ Jesus is the Head of His Church. God has given us His Holy Spirit to lead us to all TRUTH!

“If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And ask the Father, and HE WILL give you another COUNSELOR to be with you forever ~ the SPIRIT of TRUTH. The world cannot accept HIM, because it neither sees HIM nor knows HIM. But you know HIM for HE LIVES WITH YOU and WILL BE IN YOU. I WILL NOT leave you as orphans; I WILL COME TO YOU…” John 14 (NIV)

 

GOD IS OMNISCIENT!

He knows whatever we do, why we do it or do not do it and when. He knows ALL our actions, thoughts & motives… No one can manipulate God! He has given us His precious Holy Spirit that helps us to sin less. Keep in mind that everything belongs to God. He has already Blessed us with every Spiritual Blessing in the Heavenly realms in Christ. He chose us to be Holy and blameless before the foundation of the world. This does not give us an excuse to sin. But should inspire us to become even more cognizant of His Omnipresence. When you do you will begin to relate to God and His Word quite differently. As His offspring He does not bless us because of who we are, He blesses us because of who HE IS!

In order to please GOD you must have FAITH in HIM! “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!” HEBREWS 11 He bestows us with both Spiritual and Material Blessings as He sees fit. No need to covet or envy… Rather seek HIS will and trust God to disburse what you need as you walk in obedience. Faith does not mean doing nothing. You must believe and know that there truly is wonder working power in the precious BLOOD of CHRIST JESUS!

 

 

Worship the LORD in SPIRIT and in TRUTH!

As long as His Breath of Life is within Your body, you have an invitation to know Christ Jesus as your Savior and Lord! ” Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of FAITH, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our FAITH without wavering (for HE IS FAITHFUL that PROMISED) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching…” Hebrews 10

 

Yes we can delight in worshiping together when on one accord.  We can assemble ourselves  together with a few, many or a multitude. We can also make an altar within our hearts for His Holy Spirit dwells within us. Our hearts can be on fire for the Lord as we daily cherish and embrace His Word.  Each day is a day to honor, praise, thank and worship the LORD.   Everyday is a precious “GIFT” from the LORD!

 

 

In the LORD you can become whole!

We have personal access to God through Christ Jesus. We are His offspring and inherit the rights and privileges of Salvation… We can trust God in any and every situation. Through Christ Jesus we are made perfect. This means in Him we can become whole. We do not have to embrace the ways and traditions of man over the Word of God. We should pray before, after and during worship.

 

Worship is or should be a marvelous time devoted to giving the Lord the honor, praise and glory due His Name!  Yes, do worship God within the assembly. Truly the Lord is worthy. It is important to consistently spend time with the Lord in His Word.  Take some time also  each day to worship, honor, glorify, thank and praise the Lord. Still quiet moments are also a part of worship.  This helps to increase our Faith and also enhances our worship and Praise. Through Christ Jesus we have been set FREE to live everyday for God!

Faith means to believe and rest in what God has done in the past. It means to trust Him for what He will do in the future… We should make a point to yoke up with the Lord. Whenever or wherever we come together to worship God He is supposed to receive the preeminence! As His offspring; we know as the “True worshippers we must worship God in Spirit and in Truth!”

~ “HAVE FAITH IN GOD!” ~

We are God’s Offspring Part 1

We are God’s Offspring!
Part 1

Have FAITH in GOD!

 

The Offspring of GOD!

It is important to know that as believers we are the offspring of God. We have been adopted into the family of God. Christ Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth by coming and being our only sinless perfect example. He overcame sin in the flesh for us. This way none of us are without excuse. We can all look to His example and see a need to improve. Jesus could have said: ALL YE BE HEALED! If this would have been the case; it would have been done. But evidently this was not the plan of Our Holy Father.

 

We all need JESUS!

Jesus never sinned. He faithfully never separated from God. He humbled Himself to death upon the Cross and remained obedient. He became the only worthy sacrifice and died for the sins of the world. He then arose from the dead with ALL POWER! He brought us SALVATION through HIS GRACE! We ALL need Him as SAVIOR and LORD! It is by HIM we become sanctified through the offering of His sinless body. See Hebrew 10 Christ Jesus atoned for the sins of the world so we could be reconciled back to God our Creator and Maker. It is by His Grace we are saved!

Everyday is a precious Gift from God.
God does NOT need any of us. WE ALL NEED HIM!

God allows each of us everyday the choice to decide “IF” we are going to live our lives for Him. Or do we choose to embrace the ways of this world. We as believers are supposed to LIVE each DAY in EXPECTATION AS THOUGH WE ARE EXPECTING OUR LORD TO RETURN! WE are to study diligently working to learn and know His Word for ourselves. This is what it means to be a Christian. We are to daily embrace and live out His principles by implementing them within our very own personal lives. “… Work hard so you can present yourself to GOD and receive HIS approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” II Timothy 2 NLT.

 

There is always HOPE in the LORD

There is always HOPE in the Lord when we know we are His Offspring! God’s Word is what equips us to be able to share with others the reason for the HOPE that lies within us. We are to hide His Word within our hearts. ” … the FAITH and LOVE that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel…” Colossians 1 NIV His Word is necessary Spiritual Food for our souls. As we grow in His grace and trust Him; His Holy Spirit will bring it to our remembrance.

We all will live eternally some place whether you believe in HIM or not. God is faithful! There is inner peace with God, when you know where your final destination will be. GOD patiently allows us time here on earth to prepare to LIVE with HIM in HEAVEN through ETERNITY! It is important to know that Christ Jesus His Living Word is the ONLY Way to Heaven. there is no other way. “HE IS THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE!”

See Part 2

 

Next Page »