THE TRUTH

 

   Paul wants us to know that we can be justified by faith and not by what we do.  When Paul went to Jerusalem with Barnabus he went there to explain his view of Christianity.  The leaders listened and gave him the right hand of fellowship.

     Paul said that we cannot find favor with God through our own works but through our faith in God.  It is the finished work of Christ that makes that happen.  Unforuntaely many in the church world have fallen away from this truth and have gone back to the work syndrome.  All religions in the world promise eternal life through your works.  Christianity does not.  You must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and that is the only way to be saved.  So how does one stay true to the faith today.  Stay in the word and in prayer. Go to a Bible believing church and share your faith.   Nothing makes your faith stronger by sharing it with others.  We overcome by the blood of the lamb and our testimony. 

SOMETHING TO THING ABOUT

 

          Jesus Christ is the greatest person that ever lived.  In 1987, during the White House Christmas gala the then president read on national TV the poem one solitary life talking about Jesus Christ has affected humanity greater than any person who has ever lived. 

     Jesus Christ won the victory over death, hell and the grace on Easter morning.  He came out of the tomb.  He is now living in the hearts of those who love and serve him.  If there weas any time in history, it is now that we need Him.  Jesus did not come to this earth to just heal and teach wise words.  He came to seek and save the lost which is all mankind.  He came to deal with our sins and give us ternal and abundant life. 

     Easter is a time of joy.  Christ paid the penalty for our sins.  It is a time to remember what his death, burial, resurrection, broken body and shed blood has done.  It is a time for self examination and finds our place in God.  See where you stand and act. 

LOVE NOT THE WORLD

 

John tells us to not love the world.  Maid in Canada has claimed the lives of 75,000 people.  The divorce rate is over 50%.  Canada is drifting in a moral slide.  The world is not creation.  It is attitudes humanism, evolution, post modernism.  It is manmade concepts about what mankind is.

     We live in a world where common sense is no longer common.  Here is a truth the war between the sexes is over because man has won it.  Men can now go into women’s spaces and play women’s sports just by putting on a dress. 

     John says that we are not to love the world or anything in this world.  Christian is in this world but not of this world.  The problem today is many Christians have forgotten that.  John reminds us that you cannot serve two master’s and that we cannot be lukewarm. 

     The world has three ways to tempt a person.  Lust of the flesh which is passion.  Lust of the eyes which is materialism.  Pride of life which is pride in what we do and what we are.  John reminds us that they are passion away.  You can’t take it with you.  Solomon reminded us that all the things this world has to offer is vanity. 

     The ancients saw this world as a place to life, but they knew this world is not worthy of the child of God.  We are pilgrims passing through, Life is like a vapor one moment you are here and the next you are gone.  Two hundred thousand people will die today and pass into eternity. 

     Jesus Christ is coming back soon.  We must live with that reality.  He is coming for us either through death or through the rapture.  The world is passing away so put your trust in Jesus Christ because he doesn’t pass away and someday, we will be with Him.

THE BANNER

 

Oct 12 – The Banner - Isaiah 62:8-10

 

     The Lord has sworn by His right hand which is a recurring theme through the book.  In battle when a ruler or sovereign raise their right hand it spoke of authority and power.  So by the authority and power of the Lord never again will their food or grain be given to the enemy.  The resources that belong to the people of the land will be enjoyed by the people of the land.  No more oppression and thievery. 

     The people are encouraged to pass through the gates and prepare the way for all the people.  This is also a direct reference for what will happen in Jesus’ day through John the Baptist.  Build a highway and remove the stones standing in the way.  Raise the banner.  Including results for what is a banner used in the bible.  A banner in the Bible is a symbol of identity, purpose, and unity.  It represents the dependence on God and the victory He gives.  A banner is a sign that gives a group a rallying point and arouses their emotions and devotion.  Moses recognized God as his banner, or flag, and proclaimed that He is their source of strength and power in the Lord. 

WISE SAYINGS

 

     Parents don’t be a hindrance to your children from coming to Christ by your example.  A parent’s biggest responsibility to their children is not one of provision but conversion.  You can have a well

cared for child and still have them go to hell.  Parents are the living example of Jesus Christ in their home.  Children are a living reflection of who we really are and not who we think we are.

     The fool thinks that there will be no penalty for what we do and wise knows that there will be.  The greatest cruelty act ever preformed in the realm of man is unbelief destroys and takes away our

brightest and sweetest hope.  Did you notice that all creation obeys God except man.  The greatest of His creation refuses to obey.  That is why the rest of creation groans.

     Man Is out of harmony with the Lord and will never have until we obey.  The reality is God will have it one way or another.  You can humble yourself or you can be humiliated the choice is yours.  When heaven is your home the trials, problems of this life will never shake you because this world is not your home you are just a pilgrim passing through. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 

     Since it is Thanksgiving, here are some quotes on the subject.   “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy.  “Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” — Charles Dickens   “Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.” — William Faulkner

     “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.” — Melody Beattie   “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” — Meister Eckhart

“Gratitude is the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” — Amy Collette   “To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.” — Johannes A. Gaertner

     “Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.” — Jacques Maritain   “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” — Albert Schweitzer

     Today I am so blessed because I have my children and grandchildren joining us for Thanksgiving dinner.  In total there will be over 25 people gathered around our table.  I never could have believed how wonderful it is to be the Patriarch of such a wonderful family.  Truly thankful today.

YOU CAN DO IT.

 

     This past June I had the privilege to attend my grandson’s graduation.  Whenever there is a graduation speech, they always tell you that you can do anything you want which is of course horse hockey.  You can’t do anything you want because you may not have the natural talent or skill set.  Perfect example is a person who does not have a singing voice trying to sing.  It is just painful to hear. 

     Most people don’t figure rout what they are going to do in life until their mid twenties and today people can change their profession as many as five times during their work life.  Those who chose to be a leader are not born they grow into it. 

     Here is wonderful thought concerning leadership based on the word follow.  Failure, you must take a risk and grow from it.  Originality, look for every chance to do things in a new way.  Listen, nobody has learned anything from talking all the time.  Lean, become dependant on the guidance of the Lord and seek the counsel of friends and family.  Obedience, It is never a sign of weakness to say yes to God and listening to others.  Willingness, be willing to do what is necessary to get things done.  You can be taught certain things but stay within your talents, giftings and skill set and you will never be disappointed.