Category Archives: Advent

Prodigal Son

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Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them”. Luke 15:11-12

One of the best parables in the Bible, The Prodigal Son, who asked his father for his inheritance and took off to live it up. Many of us can probably could relate to this story in one way or the other, whether you’re the Prodigal Son, The Father, or you’re his brother.

Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. Luke 15:13-14

In just days he spent his entire inheritance on partying, sounds like fun until reality hits him. In days he went from living the lap of luxury to poverty. He went from being an employer to being a servant. Our decisions in life greatly effect our  outcome. How many of us have squandered great opportunities in life to pursue foolishness?

I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants Luke 15:18-19

Pride can be our biggest enemy, but the Prodigal son was smart enough to come to his senses. He learned humility and swallowed his pride. How many of us had to do this?  How many of us is our Pride effecting our life?

. So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him..’ Luke 15:20

The Prodigal Son figured he was done, not worth of even being called his son. But his Father showed great compassion and mercy. Just like our Heavenly Father shows us great mercy, when we wander away, squander our blessings, he still is there to receive us once again with open arms.

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 22-24

This is what happens in Heaven also when a sinner is saved, when the lost if found. God celebrated the return of his children. Do you demonstrate mercy and forgiveness like the Father? Or do you condemn and judge?

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. Luke 28:29

His brother wasn’t as happy to see him, instead of celebrating his brother’s return he was filled with anger and bitterness. So which one are you? The Forgiving Father or the Condemning Brother?

Our Heavenly Father knows us, and sees your good deeds and they won’t go unnoticed. So when a lost soul is found, lets be grateful and celebrate in Jesus Name Amen.

Lost Sheep

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“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? Luke 15:4

Picture this, your sitting in church waiting for service to begin. And in walks a stranger to the church, a notorious sinner to the community. What is your reaction? Do you look at them with condemnation or do you rejoice?

Jesus was criticized for socializing with sinners, with outcasts, with unclean people. But Jesus said he did not come to condemn the world but save it. Are you condemning the lost sheep in your community or are you trying to save them?

(Luke 15:7) “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

Our mission here is to save people’s lives, not condemn them.  Jesus loves us all, he showed that by dying for us all, including the Lost Sheep. You really want to make God happy, make the heavens rejoice, find some Lost Sheep and bring them back to the Great Shepherd.

Anyone who is willing to return to our Good Shepherd, Let’s Rejoice for our Father in Heaven is rejoicing with you.

(John 10-10-11) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Satan is like a Lion looking to devour his prey (1 Peter 5:8) you are the prey. On your own you are weak, vulnerable. But we have a Good Shepherd who is also the King of Kings watching out for us.  Who loves his sheep so much he laid down his life for them.

Your mission is to find the Lost Sheep and bring them back. Maybe you’re a Lost Sheep? It’s time to come back, back to the Good Shepherd who loves you and died for you so you can free for all eternity in Jesus name Amen

Prepare * Study* Pass

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So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:44

For the past few months my wife has been preparing to take her CNOR exam, a  very difficult certification for Registered  Nurses. During her preparation she took a class, read and studied several books, took many practice exams. All this preparation has helped her successfully reach her goal of passing the certification exam

This is the same with the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. We need to be prepared for his return by using all our resources available including studying the Bible, praying, going to Church, and maintaining a relationship with our Lord. Are you prepared for the return of Jesus? How are you preparing for this day?

(Luke 12:35) “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,”

Before the test my wife made sure she was prepared, she went to the testing center early to make sure she got there on time. She reviewed her notes again right before the test to make sure she didn’t forget anything. And all this preparation made her successful for passing the test.

This should be the same in our spiritual life. When things are good in life we can get complacent and lazy. But it’s important we continue to study the scriptures and maintain a strong relationship with our Lord. Will Jesus know us when he returns? Will your lamp still be burning or will you let it run out?

(John 14:26) “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

Part of my wife’s preparation for the test was she took a weekend class lead by a teacher who taught her students what they needed to know for the test.  Having a teacher to guide you can be priceless.

We have a spiritual teacher  thru the Holy Spirit, God wants to give us the guidance from the Spirit but he can only do that if we ask and want this wisdom. When your feeling lost or confused about anything, call on the Holy Spirit to be your teacher.

Life is a test, we need to be prepared and continually learning and seeking knowledge. Don’t let your lamps burn out, be prepared and you will be ready for your test in Jesus name Amen.

Laws of Life

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Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land. Leviticus 25:18

This year my son is learning Baseball, one of the hardest parts is teaching him the rules of  the game and actually getting him to follow them.  As we know you truly can’t play the game of baseball unless you actually respect the rules of the game and respect your teammates.

This is the same with life, everybody wants to get to Heaven but many people want to do it on there terms, not follow the laws of God.  Just like you can’t truly be a baseball player until you learn and respect the rules of the game, you can’t truly be saved unless you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

(John 1:7) “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

The same commandments God gave Moses on Mt. Sinai, are still the same commandments today. Many people think because Jesus saved us for our sins, that we no longer need Gods law anymore. But it’s simply not true as Jesus said he did not come to abolish the law but fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).

Just as in Baseball there is a reason for rules including to keep the players safe, this is the same with Gods commandments. There are not to control us but to keep us from harm.

(Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Sin equals death, it provides temporary pleasure but the consequences are eternal.. The reason for Gods commandments are a Fatherly advice, stay away from sin and you will live a more peaceful life.

When you become a Christian and give your life to Jesus, you become transformed and these sins are not part of your lifestyle. Although we slip up and God has mercy on us, we should be living a transformed life like Christ.

(John 14:6) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus is the only way to Heaven,if you don’t follow him there is no other way. Just like in Baseball if you don’t play by the rules, you can’t be allowed to win. This is the same with God, if you don’t accept Jesus are you savior and follow his commandments, you can’t truly be saved.

Maybe in your spiritual life you’re at a Tee Ball level or maybe your at a Major League level, whatever it is we must continue to keep learning and practicing the ways of The Lord on a daily basis in Jesus name Amen

70 X 7 Times

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Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22

Peter asked Jesus how many times should we forgive someone and Jesus gave him a shocking answer. Jesus basically was saying we should forgive each other forever just as God has forgiven us. But why did Jesus use an equation to demonstrate this? To understand this, we need to understand the old Jewish law of forgiveness.

(Amos 1:3) “This is what the LORD says: “For three sins of Damascus, even for four, I will not relent. Because she threshed Gilead with sledges having iron teeth,”

Jewish rabbis interpret this scripture to mean we should only forgive 3 times, this is why Peter asked Jesus this question. What is more interesting is Peter understood the symbolism of the number 7, which symbolizes perfection, and used that number instead of 3.

So when Jesus answers seventy times seven he is referencing 70 (completeness) times 7 (perfection) meaning we should always forgive.

(Luke 17:3-4) “So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

Jesus teachings in Luke reinforce what he was teaching 70 X 7 times, if someone ask for forgiveness, you must forgive them. Forgiveness seems like an impossible thing to do sometimes, but you are actually empowering yourself by forgiving others.

Sin is control, when people do you wrong, there trying to control you. Forgive them and they can’t control you. No matter what is done to you, it can’t overcome you.

(Matthew 6:14) “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Most importantly forgive and you shall be forgiven by God. You can’t expect to be forgiven if you’re not willing to forgive others .  When you refuse to forgive, you’re controlling that person which is sinful.

Let go and let God take over. Forgive and you shall be forgiven. 70 X 7 times in Jesus name Amen

Power of Words

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Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:26

Your mouth is a powerful weapon, you have the ability to bless our curse somebody’s future with it.  Ever wonder why when somebody says profanities they call it “cursing”? That’s exactly what they’re doing. We must take control and responsibility of our words, if you don’t your religion is worthless.

The Jewish people have a custom Shabbat where every Friday evening they place there hand on there children’s head and bless them.  These are customs that haven been practiced all the way back to the book of Genesis, did you ever wonder why Jesus sits at the right hand of God?

(Proverbs 15:1) “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

The way we respond and answer people also will determine the outcome of a situation. We all know there are people who love to “stir the pot”. But what is there intention? Is there any good to come out of there instigation?

When somebody is upset, a kind word can make all the difference. If we are to truly be Christians we should be seeking peace and not hatred. Sometimes its best not to say anything at all.

(Proverbs 26:20)” Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”

Gossip has become a hobby for some people, and they mostly think its harmful fun. But what gossip does is create division among spouses, families, and churches. Somebody hears a rumor and spreads it like fire.

Before you gossip, ask yourself what good will come of this? Do I want people to gossip about me? Most Gossip ends up being fabricated lies that damages relationships and lives.

(Matthew 15:11) “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

The high priests were falsely accusing Jesus of breaking Gods laws, Jesus told them by making false accusations and spreading lies, this is what makes us unholy and is truly breaking Gods laws.

Remember you are what you speak, be careful of your words, when you curse someone you are literally cursing them and yourself. Use your words to inspire, encourage, and most importantly speak truth which is thru our Lord Jesus Christ Amen

Worry is for The Birds

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Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

The older we get, the most stressful life seems to get. We have more responsibilities therefor we have more worries.  We worry about paying or mortgage or rent, providing food for our families, and clothes and other necessities. However as Jesus has taught us we can learn a lot from The Birds.

The Birds don’t work for a living, they don’t waste a moment of there lives stressing out, yet God still provides all there needs.  Do they deserve it? But our human standards we would say no, but God believes they deserve it, don’t you think he believes you are worth of being taken care of also?

(Matthew 6:27) “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

This might be one of the best questions of all time, and of course we know it doesn’t. However this won’t stop us from continually worrying about everything in our life. When do we come to a point where we can trust in God to provide for us?

We can learn a lot from The Birds, they go about there daily lives singing beautiful songs and don’t spend a single hour worrying. You might say well they don’t know any better, don’t they? Or do we overthink everything? Worrying is for The Birds.

(Exodus 17:4)” Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

When Moses lead the Isrealites out into the wilderness to find the promise land, everyone began to worry. They complained there was no water, there was no food. Moses was overwhelmed  turned to God. And as always God provided.

(Exodus 17:5) “The LORD answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go.

What seemed humanly impossible was nothing for God, he created a flowing river in the middle of the desert to supply all his people with water. If these people trusted God, just as The Birds do, they would have nothing to worry about.

(Matthew 6:30) “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you–you of little faith?”

God supplies everything, including the grass, flowers, birds, ect with everything it needs to survive, why don’t you think God will supply your needs also?

Take a lesson from the Birds, instead of worrying, sing songs of rejoice because God loves you and will take care of all of your needs in Jesus name Amen

Are You a Doubting Thomas?

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Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” John 20:27

Even though Thomas was a disciple of Christ, he still didn’t believe Jesus had risen.  Thomas blalanty told the other disciples he would not believe unless he seen the marks from the nails and the spear make in his side.

You would think Jesus would be insulted with Thomas lack of faith, but it was the opposite, Jesus came to Thomas and proved he was resurrected from the dead. Are you a Doubting Thomas? Will you not believer Jesus is the Messiah unless you see his hands?

(John 20:28)Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Once Thomas saw Jesus he was a believer, but Jesus said Blessed are those who have not seen and still believe. It’s natural for our human minds to require physical proof, but it takes true faith to believe Jesus is our Lord without even seeing him.

Jesus knows this, and that’s why you are blessed. But know this God is everywhere around you. The Holy Spirit, that rose Jesus from the dead, lives inside you also. Once you understand these principles the physical world seems elementary.

(2 Corinthians 5:7) “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

This truly should be your anthem, to be a true Christian you have to have faith. It’s impossible to love someone if you have no faith in them. Why does God require faith? Why not just unveil everything to us?

True love is freedom, if God is going to give us free will, he needs to let us worshiping him our choice. While the rest of the world wants to control you, God is allowing us to make a choice. We know the evidence, you accept Jesus as your Messiah or you don’t , it’s our choice, it’s our faith.

(John 20:31) “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

But those who do believe in Jesus the reward is great, thru Jesus we have eternal life. Everyone has a different journey how you get there, however it is as long as your journey leads to the cross.

Are you a Doubting Thomas? Jesus loves us enough to give up his life for you, have faith in the only one who can grant you eternal life. Become a believer just like Thomas in Jesus name Amen.

Feed His Sheep

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But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. John 21:4

Peter felt defeated, he denied his Lord three times and believed Jesus was dead. Not to mention the disciples were in hiding, for fear of being killed also by the Romans. So Peter didn’t know what else to do with his life at this point, so he returned to what he knew best, he went fishing.

Did you ever feel this way? Did you ever feel like you failed and let God down? Feel like he would never accept you again? This is exactly how Peter felt at this moment but our Gods mercy endures forever.

(John 21:5) “He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered”

What the disciples didn’t realize was Jesus was the man standing on the shore calling out to them. See Peter thought Jesus would be done with him, when in fact the opposite, Jesus came back looking for them including Peter.

Jesus will never leave us or stop loving us. We may think we messed up for the last time, but Jesus mercy is everlasting. He will always love you just as he did Peter.

(Hebrews 13:8) “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Your relationships with people might change on a daily basis, but one thing you can count on is your Lord Jesus Christ always remains the same. He stands on his promises with mercy and love. You know in this life there are a lot of “fair weather” friends but Jesus is the “all weather” friend, he will stick by you thru the storms and the sunshine.

(John 21:17) “The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

Jesus message to Peter and the disciples was “ Feed my Sheep” What did he mean by this? He was telling his disciples to spread the gospel of Christ throughout the world. As it’s written we can’t live on bread alone but the bread of the word of God.

See we can physically feed our bodies but still be sick, we need to spiritually feed our bodies with the Word of God and the love of Jesus Christ.  It’s your time to dust yourself up, Jesus still loves you and he needs you to “Feed his Sheep” in Jesus name Amen

Easter Sunday- He Is Risen

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He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:6

On the third day Jesus has risen from the dead, just as he promised. The stone has been rolled away, the tomb is empty, Jesus has conquered death forever. The resurrection power of God can’t be defeated, Satan is powerless against us, praise the Lord.

The resurrection is not only the most important day in humanity, as we now have eternal life thru Jesus Christ but it also has been prophesized throughout the Bible

(Acts 13:35) “Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

(Psalm 16:10) “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”

Prophecy of Psalm 16 was fulfilled as told in Acts 13. God promised he would not forsake Jesus and raise him from the dead.

(Matthew 22:44) “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool”

(Psalm 110:1) “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”

The prophecy of Psalm 110 was also fulfilled as referenced also in Matthew 22. Jesus literally made all his enemies his footstool as he ascended into heaven.

 (Acts 13:33) “God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.”

(Psalm 2:7) “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.”

The prophecy of Psalm 2:7 referenced in Acts 13 was also fulfilled. Jesus was raised from the dead just as God promised. The only begotten son, our Messiah lives forever.

As you celebrate Easter Sunday remember this is probably the biggest day for all man kind, Jesus resurrection not only fulfilled many prophecies but he has giving us eternal life thru his blood shed on the cross. So today rejoice Hosanna for He is Risen Jesus Christ lives forever Amen