Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

During the apostles ministry there were good times and very bad times. People witnessed a paralyzed man who became healed because of his faith in Jesus Christ. People were so moved and in so awe of the Power of God, that they began to claim Paul and Barnabas were the Greek gods (Zeus and Hermes) incarnated.

However there were others who were so offended by the message of Jesus Christ, they stoned Paul and and left him for dead outside the city. Little did they understand that no one will disrupt Gods ultimate plan. No weapon formed against us shall prosper, even though Paul was beaten down, he shook the dust off and continued to press on to his higher calling

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Paul understood this during his ministry, he seen many miracles during his ministry, even meeting Jesus Christ face to face on the road to Damascus. However Paul also paid the price for his discipleship. He has been hated, beaten, imprisoned, and left for dead. However no matter how horrible his circumstances were , he pressed on towards his higher calling to serve Jesus Christ!

Don’t allow bad circumstances or troubles distract you from your higher calling also. God has called you and has a plan for you, trust in him to lead you!

Heavenly Father, we pray that we can trust in you , even during our worst times and tribulations, Father we ask you to continue to renew our strength in Jesus Name Amen!

But He whom God raised did not undergo decay. Acts 13:37

Paul began to preach in the synagogue about how Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecy of being raised from the dead before his body would decay. This prophecy was fortold in Psalm 16 and most Jews believed it was referring to David. However as Paul points out, Davids body was never resurrected and decayed, while Jesus rose from the grave after 3 days, and lives forever

Once we understand this prophecy and how Jesus fulfilled it, as a Christian it gives us great hope and victory for the future. No matter how bad things are going in your life right now, even if your facing death. Remember Jesus overcame the grave and sin , and we have victory through Christ.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

This is what Jesus was saying, he knows you are going to have problems and issues. However there is hope because Jesus has defeated death. Jesus has overcome the world, and because of this you can have the peace of God which is beyond all comprehension.

This is why the resurrection is so vital to Christianity and our lives. The resurrection has changed everything , including us. As we can now overcome death also by the blood of Jesus Christ!

Heavenly Father, I pray that this message gives hope to the hopeless, that everyone understands that Jesus has overcome sin and death, and we are victorious through him in Jesus Name Amen!

When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” Acts 12:11

Things looked hopeless for Peter, he was chained in a prison, surrounded by guards, and planned to be executed in the morning. From a natural perspective it appeared this was the end for Peter. However God has the final say, and nothing is impossible for him

The angel that rescued Peter told him “Get up Quickly” Peter obeyed and the chains fell off his wrist. What would have happened if Peter disregarded the angel and layed there in pity and self-defeat. As Jesus told us “Faith can move Mountains” (Matthew 17:20) Even when our situation looks dire or impossible, its important to Keep The Faith, because our God is an awesome God

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; (Isaiah 61:1)

Peter was in a physical prison, in a pit of despair, where he thought his only outcome would be his death. Maybe today your are in a “Spiritual Prison” or maybe you are in a “Physical Prison” Know that Jesus came to Set The Captives Free!

Just as the song says, because of Gods Amazing Grace, our chains are gone and we are set free through Jesus Christ. Don’t lose your faith, fix your eyes on the “chain breaker” Jesus Christ

Heavenly Father, we ask that you set us free from our prison and from our chains. We know that you are the only way in Jesus Name Amen!

An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels Proverbs 31:10

Today we celebrate the birthday of my wife Heidi, and although I usually try to refrain from posting about personal topics, I felt it necessary to write about my wife today. Not only because my wife is the greatest wife and mother , but also because I  want to reflect on how important  she is and blessed I am to have Heidi as my wife.

Recently Heidi has been going through some health problems, and of course when going through these times, the dynamics of the family change. Heidi being superwoman and self dependent, has to now rely more on us for her for daily life. And although this can be frustrating and challenging for her , it provides us an opportunity to reflect on how blessed we are as a family to have each other.

The old question or topic of Christianity always is suffering, how can God allow this to happen? I feel God allows these times to happen, to bring us closer to him, to bring us down to our knees. I feel we have gotten closer as a family, because we are relying on each other more and also relying on God

Heidi is an excellent wife and mother ,she  is the center of our family. When she suffers, the whole family suffers because she is the heart of the family. We appreciate her more for all that she does for us! I know Heidi will make it through this because she is a strong and courageous person, and we know that God will get us through this!

Happy Birthday Heidi and Thank you God for providing , healing, and blessing us in Jesus Name Amen!