Category Archives: Blog

Thank you Veterans!

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Today is Veterans Day, a day when we need to honor our real true heroes of this nation, past and present. Today’s society defines hero as a reality star or pop star. But if you want to see a true definition of a hero look no further than the men and woman who sacrificed it all for you!

I’m proud to say my Father is a hero, a Vietnam Veteran who spent 3 years in Hell for all of us. Without him I wouldn’t be able to even write this devotional, think about it. You have freedoms in the country including religion and speech because of heroes like my Dad, don’t let anyone take those freedoms away. They were not gained in vain.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Jesus sacrificed his life so we can have eternal life, this is called “Agape” which is the highest form of love that is not selfless but sacrificial and spiritual. Jesus showed us what the ultimate act of love is, it’s an act not just a feeling.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Theres a time for everything, Veterans have been through the worst of times, let’s support them and help them see a time of healing and peace. We know that the only Peace for our soul is thru Jesus Christ, let them see that Peace through you.

Honor and Thank all Veterans today, past and present. Remember the sacrifices they suffered and the sorrows they had to bear for all of us. May God give them faith , hope , and love in Jesus Name Amen

Blessings Stored In Heaven

The faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world–just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. Colossians 1:5-6

When we truly understand God’s grace that has been delivered to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, then we have expectations of blessings from Heaven. We know we can overcome the world because Jesus has already overcame the world.

Notice the scriptures says “hope stored up for you in heaven” As I taught in an earlier devotional, the original Greek word for Hope is Elpida which mean expectation. So we can expect blessings from Heaven when we store them up thru prayers and thanksgiving to God.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, Colossians 1:9-10

We can’t underestimate the power of prayer, its your greatest weapon. When we pray from the heart, our prayers release and aroma of sacrifice to God (2 Corinthians 2:15)

Just like in the Old Testament when they used to burn incense for a pleasing aroma for God, your prayers to God release a pleasing aroma to God.

being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:11-12

We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength, we all have heard this, but we need to believe it , think it , and live it. The power of The Holy Spirit has been giving to us all from God, welcome The Holy Spirit into your life today.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

The atonement sacrifice of Jesus has rescued us from the condemnation of death. Satan has a dominion of darkness right here on Earth and its looking to devour you like a Lion. But thru Christ we are victorious, give praise and thanksgiving daily to our Heavenly Father and store up the blessings in Jesus Name Amen

Parable of The Fig Tree

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. Luke 13:6

The parable of the barren fig tree is very short and simple, yet it describes perfectly the relationship between God, Jesus, and Man.

We are Gods creation, which we represent the Fig Tree. God not only made us in him image but expects us not to follow the ways of Satan. Sin only produces bad fruit which equals death.

So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ Luke 13:7

God makes its very clear those who continue to follow Satan and live a life a sin will be cast into the lake of fire. But the good news is we have an advocate, a redeemer.

Because of the blood of Jesus we are worthy to stand before God. What fruit are you bearing in your life? If God looked at your life would he consider you fruitful or barren?

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'”  Luke 13:8-9

Because of Jesus we can live, our past sins have been forgiven. But the journey doesn’t end there, when we accept Jesus into our hearts we become transformed and begin producing good fruit by faith , hope , and love of Christ.

Remember Fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom and understanding, if we don’t respect our Maker how can he respect us? It’s a Father/Child relationship. Be obedient and faithful to God and he will give you everlasting life in Jesus Name Amen

Together As One

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. John 10:25-26

Jesus was once again being attacked for being The Messiah. Many refused to believe or accept Jesus because they would rather accept their religion and rituals.

This is still true today, many still deny Jesus as Christ even though he rose from the grave and conquered death. But us that do listen know he is The Good Shepherd and we are his sheep.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

Jesus cares for us just like a Shepherd cares for their flock. When we obey his commands and follow him we are giving the gift of eternal life.

But there are wolves out there looking to devour us, we must be careful and who are following and listening to. As we are instructed by God to “Test the Spirits”

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.” John 10:29-30

Again here Jesus identifies the Trinity as He and God are one. If God is for us, who can than be against us? Our God is an awesome God, he is the creator of The Heavens and The Earth, just in your Father, follow Jesus and you will have eternal life.

Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” John 10:31-32

But even after all the miracles and great works Jesus had performed in the name of God, they still chose to kill him. The only one who can give us eternal life, had his life taking away by for your sins.

Which are you today? Are you one of Jesus sheep listening to his voice or are you a wolf looking to devour? Some might say I’m neither, this isn’t true. If you only follow yourself this is self-worship, which is the core beliefs of Satan. There is only way to eternal life, there is only one way to The Father and its in Jesus Name Amen

The Word of God

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35

Many cast doubt or validity of The Bible, the Word of God. But as Jesus promised his Word will never pass away. That means we can have confidence that the Bible we are reading today is still the same Word of God spoken back then.

But many will say why there are so many translations of The Bible? You first need to understand that many Hebrew and Greek words could have multiple English translations.

For example the greek word agape means love (NIV) and charity (KJV) therefor both translations are correct even though there different English words.

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19

It’s always important to remember God is the potter and we are the clay, just because we don’t understand doesn’t mean we shouldn’t obey.

We know the Bible is truth because God doesn’t lie. As Jesus said we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. When we listen to Gods word it breaks the chains of sin and corruption of this world.

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

Just as Jesus said, God said thru Isaiah. This world and everything in it will eventually pass away but Gods Word and his Kingdom are eternal.

Many today will say the Bible is outdated and not relevant to today’s world. But know God has seen everything under the Sun, there is nothing new or a surprise to him. Gods word is still the same today, yesterday, and forever. It does not change to conform to the sins of the world

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

The Word of God is a gift to guide us to eternal life. Our Lord Jesus was a gift who is the living Word and gave us grace. God does not change, the sins that were an abomination from The Torah are still an abomination today.

In an ever-changing world, God and his Word are a foundation we can build and trust on. Follow Jesus because he is the truth, life, and the way in Jesus Name Amen

Despised and Rejected

He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. Isaiah 53:2

Jesus was delivered here on Earth from a virgin birth, a birth that seemed ordinary and normal to many. But it anything but ordinary, it was the deliverance of The Messiah that would crush the head of Satan and conquer death forever.

Many worship pictures of Jesus made out to be a model, but we know from the scriptures this was not true. Jesus was just an ordinary man, even called unattractive. He was so ordinary when The Roman guards came to arrest him, they had to ask Jesus twice to identify himself, even though he was standing right in front of them (John 18).

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Isaiah 53:3

Jesus was God in The Flesh (John 1:14) but yet was rejected by many including the Jewish High priests because he spoke Truth that cut them to their hearts. They wanted religion Jesus wants a relationship with us.

Everyone looked at him as The Carpenters Son, what good could ever come out of Nazareth? But they didn’t understand Jesus lowered himself below the angels not only to save us, but to show us he understands what it feels like to be us.

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:4

Jesus was without sin, the only sinless human to ever walk the planet. Yet he took the punishment for our sins. Even though he gave us his life and gave us the gift of grace, people mocked and rejected him still.

Many religious leaders claimed Jesus was being punished by God but Jesus was following Gods will and became the atonement sacrifice to save us from our sins.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

The crucifixion of Jesus was brutal and horrific. But Jesus said Greater Love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for ones friends (John 15:13)

Jesus knew the suffering he was going to endure, but he went thru it all for you. How can you reject the one who loves you this much? All he asks is for your heart in return in Jesus Name Amen

Faith Is Hope

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

The original Greek word used for hope is elpida which means expectation and trust. So when we say to hope for we mean to expect Gods deliverance. Most people when they think of hope, they believe its false hope or throwing a penny in the wishing well. But we must have confidence in our faith.

Jesus said “Blessed are those who have not seen yet still believed” When you put your trust and hope in God, you will be blessed

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3

God spoke the Heaven and Earth into existence, he formed us in the womb. Many will say that is not enough for me. Even though the signs of an intelligent designer are clearly present in all things, most won’t have faith. For we walk by faith and not by sight, it’s important to understand this principle.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Imagine raising your children and they deny everything you tell them. That’s what it feels like to God when we deny his existence and his Word. He has giving us everything including sacrificing his only begotten Son Jesus to save us. God measures your heart, if you go to him with a false heart he knows. You must take that leap of faith and trust in God.

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. Hebrews 11:7

Noah trusted in God, even though everyone mocked and laughed at him. Because Noah trusted in God he not only saved his family but the entire human race. Many today still mock this event, but there is actually lots of scientific evidence that supports The Flood was an actual historic event.

What level is your faith at today? Are you confident that God will deliver or are you hopeless? Jesus said anyone with faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains, do you have a mountain you need moved today?

Jesus Still Heals

When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak

because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”

Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering Mark 5:27-29

In Mark 5 we learn two examples of Jesus healing power. It all started when a man name Jairus, a synagogue leader seeked Jesus to save his dying daughter.

But along the way another woman showed a great deal of faith by just touching the cloak of Jesus and her daughter was healed. Jesus says to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering ( Mark 5:34) Notice her faith activated Gods healing
He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”)

 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. Mark 5:41-42

Then by the time Jesus was able speak to Jairus his daughter had died. It’s important to first realize Jairus was a synagogue leader. It took him a lot of faith not only to believe in Jesus but to risk losing his position.

And immediately Jesus spoke life into the girl’s body, we must realize not only is there power in the name of Jesus but there is power in the Word of God.

The scriptures we read and speak are messages giving to us directly from God. But you need to have faith to activate the power of God’s word and your prayers.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

If your looking for a miracle or healing today, speak the words of Isaiah 53:5 with faith. By the sacrifice of Jesus, he conquered the grave. If you believe it, then you will receive it in Jesus Name Amen

 

Demons Tremble

For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.  Luke 8:29

Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. Luke 8:30

And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. Luke 8:31

Jesus has the power and the authority of God because he is his only begotten son. Even demons know this and tremble at his very name. Notice these demons beg Jesus not to thru them into hell, why would they say this?

Because they know the power Jesus has, also they know that the book of Revelation is true. Jesus will one day throw Satan and his followers in Hell. There is power in the name of Jesus!

“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” Matthew 8:29

Another account of the story in Matthew, the demons not only beg Jesus not to torture them but confirm he is the “Son of God”

If Demons, who are the enemy of God and you, understand the power and authority of Jesus shouldn’t you?  There is no attack on this Earth whether it be sickness or death that can’t be overcome by the power and blood of Jesus.

“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Mark 1:24

Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” Mark 1:25

During one of Jesus sermons, a man possessed with demons cried out. Why? Because demons shudder at the name of Jesus, they also confirmed he is “The One of God” meaning the only begotten one.

If you reject Jesus or deny his power, you are not only condemning your future but leaving yourself defenseless to an evil prey that will devour you like a Lion.

You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.. James 2:19

Be aware that there is an enemy against you on this Earth, the reason is you are Gods creation his child. Satan hates you because he wants to be God, therefor he’s wants to destroy you. But God sent us a savior his name is Jesus Amen

God Answers with Fire

Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. 1 Kings 18:21

The Israelites had forgotten about God, left him to worship a false idol named Baal. But God sent Elijah to bring his people back, to show them our God is the one and only true God

How many of us waver today between God and this world? As it says in the Book of James to be doubleminded is unstable, you must choose who you are going to worship

Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire–he is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good.” 1 Kings 18:24

The challenge is now set, Elijah called out the follower of Baal to prove their false idol is real.  Many today still ask God to reveal himself, but he did reveal himself thru our Lord Jesus Christ. The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us.

So they took the bull given them and prepared it. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made. 1 Kings 18:26

The followers of Baal called out to their false idol all day but nothing happened. Why did nothing happen? Simple because Baal was just a manmade statue. This is why God strictly prohibits Idolatry because people become mesmerized by manmade objects that have no real purpose

What false idols are people relying on today? How about money? When times get tough everyone believes green paper is going to save their soul, but there is only one who can save your soul, the same way he created your soul, Jehovah Jireh our Lord and provider

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:36-37

Finally after the followers of Baal gave up, Elijah said this prayer to God. Notice he comes to The Lord as his faithful servant and not arrogantly. Its important we approach God humbly and not full of pride because its let his will be done and not our own

Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD–he is God! The LORD–he is God!” 1 Kings 18:38-:39

The God immediately answered Elijah’s prayer and sent fire down from the sky and consumed the sacrifice. All the followers of Baal immediately fell down and worshipped God because they knew now who the real true God is.

What’s it going to take for you to realize who the real God is? You can start by getting to know his Son Jesus, because nobody gets to The Father without going thru the Son. Call out to him and he will answer you in Jesus Name Amen