Tag Archives: Advent

Faith Is Hope

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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

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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

 

God Answers with Fire

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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

Hope In The Lord

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“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Isaiah 40:25

Many today still deny or don’t know God is, but if you want a personal relationship with God it starts with Jesus Christ. Yet people still find other  idols such as money and drugs to try and fill there void. These things never created anything but destroy life. They are creations of Satan to rob and steal you of your existence.

Who could make the Heavens and The Earth? Who could breathe life into dust and make us? Who is the “intelligent designer” behind all creation?

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26

God not only created every star but knows each one by name. Did you ever try to count all the stars? God knows every strand of hair on your head. Even though we are just a vapor in the wind, God cares for us deeply.

He showed his love and mercy by sacrificing his only begotten Son Jesus so we may be freed from the slavery of sin and consequences of death.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom Isaiah 40:28

Jesus is the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Kingdoms and nations will rise and fall but our Lord Jesus will reign forever. He is the King of Kings, Immanuel, all governments will rest on his shoulders and he will rule with a rod of iron.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

To those who are weary, he will give you rest. I can do all things thru Christ that gives us strength. The same power that rose Jesus from the dead is living inside of us.

Do you know God? Jesus is the truth, the life, and the way nobody gets to The Father except thru him, you want to know God, get to know Jesus Amen

To Live Is Christ

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For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  Philippians 1:21

What a bold proclamation by Paul, as Christians we often feel abused and rejected from the world. But the truth is we are in a win/win situation. Thanks to our Lord Jesus who gave us grace thru his sacrifice on the cross, we will live forever and we can be empowered thru the Holy Spirit.

As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing” When you understand who Jesus truly is and what he truly did for us. Then you can live with the peace and confidence of To Live is Christ and To Die is Gain

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Philippians 1:23-24

As we read John 14 and Revelations we know Heaven is going to be awesome, however our work here is not done yet. God has sent us here for a purpose and your mission is not completed until God says it is.

Don’t keep avoiding the present and assume for the future. Remember as Jesus taught us in Matthew 20, everyone’s reward will be based on the work you have performed. God has blessed you with gifts and talents, he expects you to use them for his glory.

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Philippians 1:25-26

Paul realizes this, God has giving him a mission and he still had a lot of work to do. Paul boldness and deep insight of Jesus. He received lots of opposition also including persecution, however Paul knew whichever way it was going to go we are victorious thru our Lord Jesus Amen

Jesus Heals on The Sabbath

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Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. Mark 3:4

The story of Jesus healing on the Sabbath shows you the hypocrisy of religion and how mislead we become by being stubborn.  Instead of people rejoicing that a sick man was healed and the fact that Jesus, the Messiah, was in there presence, they hardened there hearts to fulfill there own laws

When Jesus asked them whether its lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath nobody would answer them, because common sense would tell you since God is love, he would approve of someone being healed on the Sabbath. Why do we choose to follow ourselves instead of God? Make sure you know the doctrine you are following is of God and not Man.

He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Mark 3:5

Notice Jesus looked at them in anger, a lot of times people portray Jesus as weak or unpersonal. But Jesus is the Son of God, he came to Earth with a purpose. Don’t think he won’t be angered by evil, any evil is an abomination to The Lord and will truly anger him..

Jesus went ahead and healed the man to show us  “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:7) So what did Jesus mean by this? Well God created the Sabbath as a day of rest for all of us from our week of hard work, if you wish to do something Holy also on the Sabbath then its justified by God

Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. Mark 3:6

So picture this, Jesus just healed a man right before there eyes, proven he was the Messiah. Yet the Pharisees still stubborn and ego driven, decided to plot to kill Jesus instead of worship him. Are there things you are doing in your life that you know are wrong, yet decide to continue to do them because your stubborn also?

Don’t harden your hearts and be misled, follow Jesus and he will show you the truth, life, and the way in Jesus Name Amen

Dogs Under The Table

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“First let the children (Jews) eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs (Gentiles).” Mark 7:27

A Greek Woman came to find Jesus and heal her daughter, even though she was not a Jew her faith was strong. Jesus tested her faith by saying to her “First let the children (Jews) eat all they want.

See Jesus is the Jewish Messiah, he came to save the Jewish people even though they didn’t recognize him. But as Jesus is about to demonstrate, his grace is for everyone. As he didn’t come to condemn the world but to save it

“Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Mark 7:28

You would think the woman would have been greatly offended by Jesus statement, especially if he said this today in our “politically correct” world. But the woman showed shockingly strong faith and almost a revelation that the world has accepted Jesus as the Messiah

Notice the humility of the woman saying we are hungry enough for the “Bread of Life” that she’ll eat the crumbs under the table. In a world we live in today where everyone believes they are born privileged and should be treated like royalty, it pleases Jesus to show humility the same way he showed to us as being crucified on the cross

Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” Mark 7:29

That instant her faith activated Gods miracle and healed her daughter. See it’s only by our faith that God can work in us. It doesn’t take any courage or strength to doubt, we can all easily refuse to believe anything and throw pity parties for ourselves. But to take that walk of faith, is a huge step

She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Mark 7:30

Notice Jesus didn’t even have to touch the child to heal her, the faith of her mother was enough. Another thing to point is this child was being tormented by a demon. We need to come to the realization that we are in a Spiritual Warfare with Satan. If our faith is weak we leave not only ourselves vulnerable but our whole family.

Don’t be to proud to be beg for the crumbs of Jesus, humility is the beginning of understanding. God resists the proud. Know that Jesus came to save you also, cast your cares up The Lord and he will sustain you in Jesus Name Amen

Story Of Hezekiah

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In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” Isaiah 38:1

Hezekiah was the King of Judah he reigned around 715 BC, he was one of the more favored Kings in Gods eyes because he returned Israel back to worshipping God and eliminated false idols. We know he had strong faith and relationship with God

For example in Isaiah 36-37 Israel was under attack by Assyria, Hezekiah instantly prayed to God to deliver them and God answer by putting to death 185,000 soldiers of Assyria

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, Remember, LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Isaiah 38:2-3

Hezekiah was a man of faith, when times got tough, including facing death he put his trust in The Lord. How many of us put our full trust in God? If you are facing a crisis today, do you pray to God or just put your trust in yourself?

Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 19:26 “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”

Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. Isaiah 38:4-5

God heard Hezekiahs prayers and saw his faith, there for granted him 15 years of more life. What would have happened if Hezekiah just gave up and never talked to God? Remember Faith without works is dead, we need to show God our faith to activate his miracles.

Our God is the creator of the Heavens and The Earth, he breathed life into us. Nothing is impossible for him. If you need a miracle today, why not call out to the one who can create a miracle in Jesus Name Amen

Chains For Christ

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Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Philippians 1:12-13

Paul endured a lot during his ministry, he was often beaten and imprisoned. But thru his suffering people could see that Paul was sincere with his doctrine about Jesus and wasn’t using it for his own gain. There are still many today who accuse Paul and others, for making up Christianity for there own personal agendas.

But Paul never profited by the world, nor did the other disciples, from spreading Christianity. In fact almost all of the early disciples of Jesus were executed eventually

The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, Philippians 1:17

I once heard a pastor say “If Christians attacked Satan as much as they attack other Christians, Satan would be in trouble”. This is so true, Christians spend most of there time and energy debating and criticizing each other over Biblical interpretation differences.

As Paul says here “What does it really matter?” Our main goal should be teaching people about Jesus and his grace he delivered us on the cross. When Jesus gets removed as the Godhead of the Church, that’s when we need to be concerned.

for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. Philippians 1:19

Your trials and suffering, just like Paul, will be used by God to exalt Jesus and show the world we can do all things thru Christ who gives us strength. Don’t fear opposition, embrace it, for God will use you to give him Glory. He will never leave you or forsake you in Jesus Name Amen

Don’t Judge

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Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2

Judgement is a hot topic that is often debated, first notice what Jesus says here that “for the same way you judge others, you will also be judged”.  Condemning people for there sins will  probably condemn you. Remember we are all sinners and all a work in progress, its our job to lead people to Christ not to become a road block

Jesus has been granted authority as Judge of the World (Matthew 25:31) its not our job or authority to judge people. Overstepping this authority shows your lack of discipline and respect for Jesus. Now I know its human nature to judge people but we need to be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye Matthew 7:3-5

If we’re going to be instructing people to live like Christ, we need to make sure our lifestyle reflects Christ also. Being a Christian you are held under the microscope by society because any faults or failures are quickly pointed out and your called a hypocrite.

While this may seem unfair, this is part of being a disciple of Christ, we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard. Many people are drawn by your actions and not your words. It’s important we focus on the plank in our eyes and not the sawdust in others eyes. Meaning worry about your own sins and shortcomings and not others.

Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6

Don’t confide in people who don’t truly love you or they will use your faults against you. We naturally want to open up to people and share our lives but as it says in Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else guard your heart for everything flows from it”

Remember Jesus chose 12 disciples to confide in and share his gospel with them. Judas betrayed that trust and lead to his death. Be careful who you are confiding in, and most important leave judgement up to Jesus and remove the plank from your own eye in Jesus Name Amen