Shocking But True! By Francis Chan

~ KNOW GOD & HIS WORD FOR YOURSELF! ~

THANK YOU LORD FOR DISCERNMENT!

Do NOT allow anyone to manipulate you into being or doing what they want you to do and say… Many take their instructions from and follow after man rather than GOD’S WORD! Sharpen your conscious with HIS WORD. The LORD has given us HIS WORD and HIS PRECIOUS HOLY SPIRIT to lead us to ALL TRUTH. Ask HIM to embed it deeply within your heart. GOD IS OMNIPOTENT and OMNISCIENT! He wants us to daily live spiritually rich lives. GOD WILL BE there for You in any and every situation. In these “Latter Days” some of everything is gong on. Continuously throughout your day stay connected to the Lord; “Pray without ceasing.” KNOW; HE IS OMNIPRESENT!

“TRUST IN THE LORD with ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN not TO YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATH STRAIGHT…” PROVERBS 3

~ “THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!” ~

“Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of GOD’S mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, HOLY and pleasing to GOD, which is your spiritual service of worship. DO NOT BE CONFORMED to this world, but BE TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND. Then YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DISCERN what is the GOOD, PLEASING, and PERFECT WILL OF GOD. For by the GRACE given me I say to EVERY ONE OF YOU: DO NOT think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with SOBER JUDGMENT, according to the MEASURE OF FAITH THAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU…” ROMANS 1

GOD holds each of us accountable for what we know.

“NOT everyone who that saith unto ME, LORD LORD, shall enter into the KINGDOM of HEAVEN; but HE that DOETH the WILL of the FATHER which is in HEAVEN.
Many will say to ME in that day, LORD LORD, have we not prophesied in THY NAME, and in THY NAME have cast out devils? and in THY NAME done many wonderful works?
And then WILL I profess unto them, I NEVER knew You; DEPART from ME, Ye that WORK INIQUITY.” MATTHEW 7

~ LORD HELP US ALL! ~

THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR HOLY SPIRIT; YOUR COMFORTER!

“REPENT!” While the LORD’S BREATH of LIFE is within your body begin to really live each day to please the LORD! There really is Grace, Joy & Peace in the Lord! ONLY GOD CAN GIVE YOU HIS PEACE THAT SURPASSES THE UNDERSTANDING OF MAN! KNOW THAT THERE IS VICOTRY IN CHRIST JESUS!

What Is Repentance ?

 

 

Repentance is when one is truly sorry for a wrong action. Sincere repentance causes one to change their sinful direction. Genuine regret will facilitate a move towards Godly direction. It does not mean to say you are sorry then commence to repeat or express the same previous behavior. One must not confuse repentance with guilt. Oftentimes when one’s sinful behavior is exposed or they become self-conscious of wrongful behavior they will experience conflict. To alleviate their discomfort they may say “I’m sorry.” Saying sorry releases the immediate pressure. Don’t let sorry become a sorry meaningless word. True repentance impacts one to the point that the desire to modify their actions overrides the once prescribed behavior.

 

 

When one has compulsive behaviors their ability to relinquish such behavior may not immediately manifest. But admitting to oneself that their behavior needs modification is a favorable inception. The process to extinguish compulsive behaviors can sometimes be lengthy in some cases. However, the benefits yield self-control. Self-examination is a prerequisite on the road to recovery. Remember nothing is impossible with God.

 

When we become aware of behaviors that don’t produce the fruits of the spirit we should be thankful. Remember God is a spirit of truth. His truth will constantly allow us to see the folly of our ways. Some of us are stronger than others. What you practice you become. “God is not a respecter of persons.” His Holy Spirit is available to all of us. When we diligently read and digest the scriptures they will promote spiritual growth. Spiritual growth will enlighten your perspective.

 

 

The old nature within us is enmeshed with a faulty response system. As we spiritually mature we must repattern our responses by fostering an internal environment which invites the infilling presence of the Holy Spirit. The new nature can arrest the old nature. Remember the power of God is stronger than anything! God’s power is unlimited. We never become the power but as His children we have access to His Power.

 

 

The Lord can make you whole! Becoming whole in the eyes of the Lord means becoming complete in Him! Becoming whole means you seek the approval of God rather than others. In the Lord you can discover everything that you will ever need for Life, Daily Living & Eternal Life! The WORD of GOD has a plethora of examples that magnificently displays HIS OMNIPOTENCE! Believe it when GOD teaches us “I CAN DO ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me…” Thank You Lord for Your Holy Spirit!

 

 

~ THE GREAT COMMISSION ~

“Then opened HE their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures, And HE said to them;
‘Thus it is written, and thus it behoved CHRIST to suffer and rise from the dead the third day;
And that REPENTANCE & REMISSION of sins SHOULD BE PREACHED in HIS NAME among ALL NATIONS, beginning at JERUSALEM. And ye be Witnesses OF THE THINGS…” LUKE 24

 

We are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ. A disciple is a learner. Disciples must exercise discipline. Remember a fool speaks his whole mind. We should be slow to speak, quick to hear and slow to anger. God has given us His written WORD and His internal COMFORTER to lead guide and direct each of His children. Whenever we find ourselves in err we should welcome a repentant spirit. Our desire should not let pride nor man’s opinion prohibit humility.

 

John the Baptist constantly preached repentance! He boldly stated; “Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand.” We have  in many cases been thoroughly conditioned to respond in fashions that actually hinder our spiritual development. We can be consumed by what others think or how it appears rather than what God knows.

 

Never sacrifice inner peace for exterior acceptance. Don’t allow others to control you by remote. When they try to provoke you to anger don’t get pulled in. When they hurl insults don’t engage in verbal combat. Let self-control intercede. DON’T be disrespectful NOR let anyone disrespect you. Wait and respond when and if you feel it’s necessary. Just let them feel the impact of their own tongue. There are many things that won’t be understood on this side of heaven. Just remember God knows your heart. The spiritual armor must become a habitual attire.

 

 

Our purpose is or should be to please and Worship God. Worship does not only exist between 11:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m. on Sunday morning. The true worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth. We should live a life of worship everyday. We do this by acknowledging His authority in our life and being obedient to HIS WORD. Not in a legalistic way. In a way as a believer that your conscience becomes increasingly sensitive to the unction of His Holy Spirit. We should encourage others to embrace the scriptures and accept Jesus as their personal Savior. We do not have to force our belief in God or His Word upon anyone. His Holy Spirit is the heart opener. We must simply sincerely present His Word and trust God. Let’s be about our Father’s business. Repent! Repent! The Kingdom of God is at hand!

 

Don’t just go to church!  BUT;  “BE  GOD’S  CHURCH EVERYDAY & EVERWHERE!”

 

The truly repentant soul has an innate inclination to please God after one’s genuine experience salvation. You embark upon a change from the inside out… Priorities yield to inner peace and contentment. To compromise and join the way of the majority looses its intimidation. Spiritual maturity becomes an attainable goal.

 

Jude encourages us to pluck others from the fire. Satan is such a deceiver. His deception allows tradition, superstitions, lies and old wise fables to parade themselves as the WORD of GOD. When you study and show yourself approved to GOD it will allow you to discern and properly navigate through the deception. It is good that the Pharisees knew the WORD; yet sad because the could not recognize CHRIST JESUS! Salvation goes far beyond learning how to quote scriptures. Don’t be fooled like the Pharisees who could not recognize Jesus; but be schooled by the scriptures and led by His Holy Spirit. The Lord will never lead us to do anything that goes against His Word. Know God and His Word for yourself!

 

REPENT for the Kingdom of GOD is at hand!!!

Learning To Lean Not To My Own Understanding

Trust is a very crucial ingredient in any relationship. When you have trust in someone or something you are confident that you can rely on them or assurance that it will do or function as it should. The trust one has in the Lord supersedes anything else. You trust a chair when you sit in it? When you trust the Lord you begin to realize that your life is not your own. Upon this revelation you begin the process of slowly and surely relinquishing the things that inhibit your spiritual growth. Your desire to please Him becomes your main priority. You are also actually better able to relate to those around you.

Proverbs 3 says “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” Of course this is easier said than done. But there is a significant value lesson in this Truth. What does it mean when we say all? Is it not to imply that we exclusively, wholly or entirely commit to whatever it is we are trusting? Trust is developed over a period of time within a relationship. Once trust is developed it brings about a certain stability that is indicative of the relationship. It also yields a sense of security and permanency.

When you truly put your trust in God you can unquestionably rely on Him. God is not like us He does not change! There is no doubt that He will do just what He says. In order to know what He says you must take time in His Word. This is also why it is so important to develop an ongoing relationship with Him. God knows our hearts. Before we even ask Him anything He knows what is best for us. To the degree you exercise your trust in Him you begin to grow spiritually.

You know that whatever happens in time (even the bad stuff) GOD WILL work it out for your GOOD!

You begin to lean on Him more. Your understanding begins to open and you become more aware of people, places and anything surrounding you. Your insight and perceptions of Him also broadens. You embrace His Son Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord! When this happens your desire to acknowledge Him more and more in your life is cultivated. You gradually begin to take fewer detours and shift your priorities. You are able to relinquish many of the things and plans that are contrary to what His plan is for your life. No, This does not mean you become rigid or legalistic. Just the opposite you acquire a new found freedom. Remember this type of trust opens your understanding. You consciously realize that you are fully exposed to God. “Those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” I Corinthians 4

Trust again is a very crucial ingredient in any relationship. On our country’s currency it even says “In God we Trust.” But do we really? I often wonder since there has been a plethora of attempts to remove this statement from money; has this type of reasoning contributed somewhat to the overall downfall in our economy that has resulted in a universal recession? Due to the shifting in our ever changing moral barometer, has this too resulted in less trust? Does this gesture display a lack of trust in the Creator who our founding pioneers founded this country upon? It is important to always give credit where it is due. It is always important to keep in mind from whence we have come.

According to Proverbs it is quite clear how very important it is “to TRUST in GOD in ALL our ways” in order for our path to be made straight.” I believe all of God’s Word! As I grow spiritually daily it is my prayer that I continually shift to leaning on Him and not my own understanding. As His child I want to “acknowledge Him in ALL my ways so He will make my path straight.” Life is precious and trusting in God, our Creator and Maker of heaven and earth the Author and Finisher of our FAITH, you really can’t go wrong. It is important to remember from whence we have come…

“TO GOD BE THE GLORY!”

JESUS = Jesus Enjoys Saving Us

JESUS = Jesus Enjoys Saving  US!

 

 

Christ Jesus and John the Baptist

Did you know that John wrote the book of John so that you would believe that “Jesus is the Christ!” The book of Luke starts out expounding on the joyful events that surrounded the birth of Jesus. Luke also tells us how Elizabeth’s unborn baby who was John the Baptist leaped in her womb. This took place at Elizabeth’s home when she was greeted by Mary while she was pregnant with Jesus. The Bible says; “ Elizabeth was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit.” Elizabeth told Mary. “Blessed are you among women and the child that you bear…..” many others shared in her joy. 

 

The Ascension of Christ Jesus! 

God the Father openly expresses how He was well pleased with Jesus! When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, heaven opened and the Spirit of God descended upon Him in the form of a dove. Jesus’ birth, life, crucifixion, death and resurrection was all for us! This is why we can have fellowship with His Holy Spirit. Do you know that Jesus wants to be the joy of your strength? Jesus Enjoyed Saving us! Do you know what joy means? It means to have a sense of well-being and gladness.

 

Jesus endured many unpleasant experiences. Between the time of Jesus’ earthly birth and His crucifixion many events took place. Jesus was raised in Nazareth. Nazareth was thought of as a place where nothing good could come out of. But, the Bible says “the child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.” It says that Jesus was obedient to His earthly parents. He was also obedient to His Heavenly Father. In spite of all the things that were going on around Jesus the presence of the Lord’s joy surrounded Him. Our Joy in Jesus is not contingent on someone or what’s going on around us. When you truly know Him as your Savior and Lord you too can experience unspeakable joy!

 

Luke ends describing  Jesus Christ’s beautiful  Ascension.  Gloriously rising into Heaven “He lifted up His hands and blessed” His disciples! The Bible says that they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.  In spite of what was going on about Jesus the presence of God’s joy was always  with Him.

 

 

The Joy of the Lord allows you to soar above the noise of the world!

Joy and Music are two wonderful gifts from God. We are able to express our inner feelings through them. Jesus did not die for us to live life unhappy, discontented and in bondage to sin. My wise Mother always told me “do not let people stop you from being who you are; because of who they are.” God really does have a better way for us to live. Jesus does not want you to have a yoyo existence. He wants you to have a consistent life.

 

GOD’S joy will give you the melodic ability to soar like an eagle above suffering, covetousness, jealousy, false accusations and mistreatment. Did you know that eagles are committed to their mate for life? Have you ever noticed how they can sit contently on a rock? While seemingly idle they are being internally refreshed and strengthened. Did you know that Jesus is a solid Rock? Nehemiah tells us, Jesus wants to be the joy of your strength. He wants His true believers to live out their faith and daily life in the presence of God.

 

Joy in Jesus will give you the ability to “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”    Galatians 5 Jesus yoke is easy and His burdens are light. He even tells us if you are even insulted because of His name, that you are blessed! That the Spirit of God will rest upon you! God is so awesome! He is truly worthy of our praise!

 

Do you know what happens when Jesus is really not the center of your Joy? Do you know what happens when you do not really worship Him in Spirit and in Truth? You cannot manipulate or orchestrate the Spirit of the Lord! Have you ever wondered why things turn out the way they do sometimes? Revelations 3 says; “What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.” He also says, “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my Word and have not denied my name…”

 

 

There is VICTORY in CHRIST  JESUS! 

Did you know that when you are obedient to God He will take care of those who oppose you?  That is if we are standing upon HIS TRUTH!  You can not curse what God has blessed! Halllelllujah Jesus!!!  You do not have to hem, haw and fight with anyone. But you do have to STAND upon  GOD’S WORD!  It is very important to keep in mind that absolutely nothing gets by God.

 

It is a reality that in life you will always be faced with some type of trouble.  We live in a Spiritual Warzone.  But the battle is not ours.  Keep  yourself adorned daily  in your Spiritual Armor. “Draw nigh to GOD and HE will draw nigh to you!”

 

Just know God will use any trouble or trial  to strengthen your character, faith and trust in Him! By remaining focused you can still experience His Joy.   However you must  actually BELIEVE,  TRUST & exercise YOUR FAITH in  GOD!   “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

 

You can have joy knowing the Lord in His time will reward you  and reward everyone  else for what they do.  With GOD’S help we can overcome evil WITH GOOD! Whether it is good or evil HE knows…   We serve an omniscient God! Isaiah 61 even says that God will give you “The oil of joy for mourning. The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. That they may be called trees of righteousness ….. Everlasting Joy shall be theirs!”

 

Do you really know who Jesus is? Do you really want to be made whole? Do you really want to experience His Joy? Begin seriously getting to know Jesus for yourself!  Spend time with the LORD in HIS WORD! Ask Him to give you today and every day, daily bread from heaven. Begin to put your trust and hope in God and not man.

 

The JOY  of the LORD is your strength!

“There is no greater Joy than to know that His children are walking in truth!” III John 1.   GOD knows when we are really walking in truth!   Commit to  begin to walk in Truth!  You will be able to experience God’s Joy regardless as to what is going on in the world.  Don’t follow after the masses. Follow Christ Jesus!   Remember He spoke everything into existence in Heaven and in earth.   He came to the earth and overcame sin, death and the grave so we could live better lives.  He rose from the grave with ALL POWER! 

 

Don’t compromise what  you is know is right  regardless as to what someone else says or does… The truth really does set you free! When Jesus returned to the Father He left His disciples with these words; “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete………” God really does have a better way for us to live.

Here is a little something I discovered while praising the Lord. Did you know that JESUS name has an acronym to remember, meaning? 

 

JESUS ENJOYS SAVING US!

J= Jesus

E= Enjoys

S= Saving

US =Us!

Has JESUS enjoyed saving you? If He hasn’t know, He is just a prayer away. Do you want to experience His unspeakable joy?  HE IS NEVER FAR FROM ANY OF US! Do you know Jesus really is coming back?   JESUS IS COMING BACK FOR HIS CHURCH!   Sincerely ask Him into your heart today.  Truly  having the LORD within your life will make all the difference in the world.  Jesus wants to walk with you each and everyday.

 

JESUS is able to  present you faultless.  HE CAME TO EARTH TO SAVE US! “Now unto HIM THAT IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU from falling and to present you before HIS glorious presence without fault and with great joy!”   Jude   Praise God!  &  Thank You Lord!  Begin to  live each day; ” TO GOD BE HE GLORY! ”