Category Archives: Bible

Obey God Not Man

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“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:28-29

Peter and the disciples were forbidden from ministering in the name of Jesus. But as Peter said they will obey God and not Man. They knew there lives would be at risk, but they also knew with Jesus they would live forever.

Being a Christian in todays world is not popular either. As Jesus said many people will hate you because of him, but why?  Because Jesus is the truth and has come to fulfil the law. The world doesn’t like truth because its exploits there corruption.

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Acts 5:30

The high priest wanted to cover up the crucifixion of Jesus and hoped everyone would just forget he existed. But even today, over 2000 years later, Jesus is still being praised today, Why? Because he has risen and he lives evermore.

The world today is still trying to kill Jesus. They create false religions and false prophets to blasphemy his name. There is only way to the Father and that is thru the Son.

God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. Acts 5:31

Jesus is exalted the name above all names, the King of Kings, sitting at the right hand of the Father. He didn’t come to condemn the world but to save it. Jesus is the only way to redemption.

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32

God has giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit, the same power that resurrected Jesus from the dead, lives inside those who believe Jesus is the Messiah.

By his Word and Spirit, God has equipped us to continue to fight the good fight and make disciples of all the nations. The world will be against you, but if God is for us nobody can stand against you. Remember to Obey God and not Man in Jesus Name Amen

My Virtuous Wife- Happy Birthday Heidi

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A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband Proverbs 12:4

Today is my wife’s birthday Heidi, so this blog is to honor her as she is my crown, soulmate, and best friend. God couldn’t have picked a better partner for me, as she completes me. We’ve been together 17 years, married 10 years, and have 2 beautiful children. God has blessed me with this family and I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD Proverbs 18:22

God has shown me great favor with Heidi, as she is a blessing from God. We need to remind ourselves of this about our marriages. It’s easy to become complacent and take your partner for granted. But remember you are blessed with your marriage, as I am blessed with Heidi.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10

As the saying goes Money can’t buy you love. Our love is priceless. To have someone stand by you thru good and bad times is priceless. True love can never be bought, I have been blessed to be married to Heidi and experience true love.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26

Heidi is very smart and talented, when I need advice I can always go to her. We need to remember this in our marriages, God has giving us a partner to help us.  When you make decisions as a family, you make wiser choices. As it says in Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one

Also Heidi gives me words of kindness and encouragement when I need them. This is important to remember in your marriage, to life each other up as a team as it says in Proverbs 27:17 As Iron Sharpens Iron

How beautiful you are and how pleasing, my love, with your delights! Songs of Solomon 7:6

I am blessed with my beautiful wife, Heidi, I still remember that day we first met 17 years ago, it was love at first sight. What an awesome God we serve to give us this wonderful life.

So this is the day the Lord has made and also the day the Lord made my wife. And for that I’m grateful. Happy Birthday Heidi love you always in Jesus name Amen

We Are The Church

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Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ 1Corinthians 12:12

When you think of the Church, what comes to mind? A building? The original Greek word used in scriptures is “Ekklesia” which means “congregation”, So when we refer to “The Church” we are referring to an assembly of Christians.

Just as the above scriptures states, “The Church” has many different people, with different backgrounds and personalities. But we are all one thru Jesus Christ.

Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 1 Corinthians 12:15

When you bring many people together, personalities start to clash. But just as a successful team, everyone needs to learn there roles, and contribute there talents and strengths

Just like the foot is no more important than the hand, everyone is important. Everyone plays a critical role for a successful Church.

so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 1 Corinthians 12:25

As Jesus taught us, a house divided among itself will fail. Satan wants to divide “The Church”, in order to have a strong Church , there must be unity. Gossip and slander are just cracks in the foundation that begin the division of “The Church”

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26

When a member of your Church is suffering, we are all suffering. For “The Church” is one. We rejoice when another member is blessed and we mourn when a member is going thru trials.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

We The Church is one body, therefor when any part suffers, the whole Church suffers. No part is greater than the other. A thriving Church is a united healthy Church.

Don’t let division infect your Church, you are all one body of Christ. Stand united as We are the Church in Jesus name Amen

Your Test is a Testimony

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The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. Isaiah 40:8

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/04/16/lady-antebellum-tour-bus-tire-catches-fire/25873131/

Recently popular country music group singer, Hillary Scott,of  Lady Antebellum tour bus caught on fire on her way to the American Music Awards.  According to the singer she posted on Social Media;  “Everything in the back lounge of the tour bus was destroyed except for her Bible. Not one page was damaged”, she goes on to say “Gods Word will stand forever.”

So might say this is just a coincidence.  Random things just happen, just like the Heavens and the Earth randomly formed itself.  But God will use your test as a testimony.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

https://instagram.com/p/1ifoBJzOyr/

Her Instagram post got over 7,500 likes, her problem had become a platform to praise God.  In her post she says “He is for you, Will protect you and his love for you will never fade”

We can learn from Hillary, she is praising God in the storm. Instead of looking at things in the natural, her bus is destroyed, she was in route the American Music Awards, she looked at the big picture and praised God.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, Philippians 1:9

She ends her post by saying “My faith is forever deepened because of today. I hope this story deepens yours.”  This is how our response to issues should be. Every time something goes wrong in your life, do you take a step back and think “Thank you God for delivering me from that” or do you blame God for your obstacles?

What is your story today? What obstacle has God helped you overcome today? Your testimony could change someone’s life, be bold and praise God in the storm. Trust in The Lord, for he is for you and not against you  in Jesus name Amen.

In The Beginning

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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Jesus is the beginning and the end, Jesus is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow. Many people are trying to recreate Jesus, make up false gospels and false religions. The same Lord who stood with God as he created the Heavens and The Earth, is still the same Lord who will return when that trumpet sounds.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelations 22:13

Many people try portray Jesus as not knowing he was the Messiah until he met John the Baptist, or imply Jesus didn’t know he had to die on the cross.

The atonement of Jesus Christ was prophesized since the Book of Genesis. Jesus always knows the beginning from the end because he is the beginning and the end.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26

When you examine this scripture, notice it says “Let US Make Man in OUR Image” Since the beginning of creation Jesus is sitting at the right hand of our Heavenly Father.  Nothing is or was a surprise to Jesus, he was here from the beginning and he will be here till the end

“This is what the LORD says– Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Isaiah 44:6

Jesus is the First and the Last, Jesus is the King of King, Jesus is our Redeemer of sins, Jesus is our Lord and Christ. Apart from Jesus is the only way our Father. He is the beginning and the end for evermore in Jesus name Amen

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