As the New Year approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the year ahead. For Christians, this can also be a time to consider what the Bible has to say about the New Year and how we can approach it in a way that is pleasing to God.
The Bible does not specifically mention the New Year as we know it today, as the concept of a new year beginning on January 1st is a tradition that dates back to the ancient Romans. However, the Bible does speak about the importance of new beginnings and the hope that comes with them.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites celebrated the new year with the festival of Rosh Hashanah, (Numbers 29:1-6) which marked the beginning of the civil year. Rosh Hashanah is still celebrated by Jewish people today, and it is a time of reflection and repentance. The festival is seen as a time to start anew and make right any wrongs that have been committed in the past.
The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of new beginnings. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse highlights the transformative power of faith in Jesus, who offers us the opportunity to start anew and become a new creation.
As Christians, the New Year can be a time for us to rededicate ourselves to following Jesus and living out our faith. This might involve setting spiritual goals, such as reading the Bible more, praying more consistently, or getting more involved in a church community. 2 Chronicles 7:14
The New Year can also be a time to focus on becoming more like Jesus in our everyday lives. This might involve working on becoming more patient, kind, or selfless. It could also involve serving others and showing God’s love to those around us. John 13:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Titus 2:12
In addition to setting spiritual goals, the New Year can also be a time to set personal goals related to our health, relationships, careers, or other areas of life. The Bible encourages us to work towards becoming the best version of ourselves, Colossians 3:9-10, and setting goals can be a helpful way to do this.
However, it’s important to remember that our ultimate goal should be to glorify God, not just to achieve personal success or happiness. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
As we approach the New Year, it can be helpful to spend time in prayer, asking God to guide us as we set goals and make plans for the year ahead. We can also ask for His strength and wisdom as we strive to follow Him and live out our faith.
The New Year is a time of hope and new beginnings, and as Christians, we can approach it with a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that God is with us and has a plan for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 Let’s start the New Year off right by seeking God’s guidance and working towards becoming the best versions of ourselves, all for His glory.
Dear Heavenly Father, guide me through this new year helping me to always consider what You want. Guide every step I take, every thought I have, and every path I choose. In Jesus Name Amen
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. For when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman. Then they will in no way escape. But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. You are all children of light and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness, so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep in the night; and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. But since we belong to the day, let’s be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do. 1 Thessalonians 5:1:11 WEB
So with everything that’s going on right now we look around and sometimes it makes us doubt that God has control of everything that’s going on. We’ve been told in the Bible that the devil was given control over this world, 2 Corinthians 4:4, likewise we were given free will to choose which way we are going to do, Joshua 24:15. As we look around we see governments that are controlling people and they’re oppressing their people.
We see friends and family that are divided against each other. When we look at it the one thing that we need to remember is no matter what happens inevitably those institutions that are above us, government, state leaders, you name it will always look out for themselves. No matter how bad it seems we need to always make sure that we’re looking out for each other. Those around us, our family, our friends, you know the ones that we’ve always known and that have always known us.
With that statement we need to remember the following Bible verses from Psalms: You have rebuked the nations. You have destroyed the wicked. You have blotted out their name forever and ever. The enemy is overtaken by endless ruin. The very memory of the cities which you have overthrown has perished. But Yahweh reigns forever. He has prepared his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness. He will administer judgment to the peoples in uprightness. Yahweh will also be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble. Those who know your name will put their trust in you, for you, Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:5-10 WEB
Right now it’s so important to pay attention. Our morals are being questioned, our children are being attacked, and we are being told that we’re the ones that aren’t good. We have been told in the Bible that there will be a time were evil is good and good as evil, Isaiah 5:20. We are told that if we don’t agree with everything that’s going on within the world right now that we’re the ones that are evil. We are told that Jesus Christ himself would’ve supported all of the evil that we have surrounding us right now.
Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Revelation 3:3 ESV
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 WEB
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Revelation 2:5 ESV
If you read the Bible you’ll know that that view point is completely wrong, it is not what God told us. In fact the New Testament in some aspects holds us even more accountable than it ever has before. In the Old Testament we were given the 10 Commandments in the New Testament they added more to it, now if we even look at somebody the wrong way we have committed a sin. This is why it is so important to know exactly what the Bible says and not what somebody thinks the Bible says. It is so important right now to make sure that you’re reading the Bible and knowing exactly what it says I cannot say that enough. We have to pay attention right now more than ever before, Romans 13:11-12, we need to make sure we know exactly what God wants us to do. There are so many things that surround us right now that will make us doubt exactly what he said if we don’t know what the Bible says.
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. You know where I go, and you know the way.” John 14:1-4 WEB
When everything seems like it is going wrong as human beings we tend to look for things to comfort us that aren’t always our best decisions of comfort. Sometimes we will look to the wrong people for comfort. Some of us will look to drugs, alcohol, and relationships. Some of these things are real bad for us, mentally and health wise. Sometimes the wrong people will tell us what we want to hear and not what we should hear. Sometimes they do it out of the best of intentions because they want you to feel better because they’re good friends.
But that doesn’t always mean it’s right, or what God wants you to do. I by no means I’m sitting here pointing the finger and saying I am better than anybody else. I’ve done the drugs, I’ve drank the alcohol, I’ve tried to find comfort in friends that weren’t appropriate. Sometimes it makes me wonder why God forgives me or has taken care of me as much as He has. I have a Multiple Sclerosis.
The MS has been a learning experience, I was deaf, blind, and couldn’t walk for a while; God’s taken me through all of this. You would think that that would cement a relationship with God, it has, but there are days I still question it. I still think I can do it better even though He has done so much for me. It’s human nature, not an excuse and not the best but it is part of what makes us human. God tells us over and over again to not to be afraid, not to be anxious, and to always depend on Him.
But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient. Matthew 6:33-34 WEB
When looking around we can see all of the misinformation, the oppression, and any other bad choice that seems to make us doubt. We need to remember the things that we’ve been told in the Old Testament and how His people were treated throughout history. What’s going on right now is not new, human beings seem to repeat themselves and do the same thing over and over and over again. Something I say a lot is that 2000 years ago they were riding in chariots, today we’re driving SUV’s but we’re still dealing with the same issues we have always done. This is why it’s so important to understand the Bible verse that is next don’t forget so you don’t repeat:
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ Isaiah 46:9-10 ESV
Redemption
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
His Love
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
So with everything that’s going on right now we look around and sometimes it makes us doubt that God has control of everything that’s going on. We’ve been told in the Bible that the devil was given control over this world, 2 Corinthians 4:4, likewise we were given free will to choose which way we are going to do, Joshua 24:15. As we look around we see governments that are controlling people and they’re oppressing their people.
We see friends and family that are divided against each other. When we look at it the one thing that we need to remember is no matter what happens inevitably those institutions that are above us, government, state leaders, you name it will always look out for themselves. No matter how bad it seems we need to always make sure that we’re looking out for each other. Those around us, our family, our friends, you know the ones that we’ve always known and that have always known us.
With that statement we need to remember the following Bible verses from Psalms: You have rebuked the nations. You have destroyed the wicked. You have blotted out their name forever and ever. The enemy is overtaken by endless ruin. The very memory of the cities which you have overthrown has perished. But Yahweh reigns forever. He has prepared his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness. He will administer judgment to the peoples in uprightness. Yahweh will also be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble. Those who know your name will put their trust in you, for you, Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:5-10 WEB
Right now it’s so important to pay attention. Our morals are being questioned, our children are being attacked, and we are being told that we’re the ones that aren’t good. We have been told in the Bible that there will be a time were evil is good and good as evil, Isaiah 5:20. We are told that if we don’t agree with everything that’s going on within the world right now that we’re the ones that are evil. We are told that Jesus Christ himself would’ve supported all of the evil that we have surrounding us right now.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 WEB
If you read the Bible you’ll know that that view point is completely wrong, it is not what God told us. In fact the New Testament in some aspects holds us even more accountable than it ever has before. In the Old Testament we were given the 10 Commandments in the New Testament they added more to it, now if we even look at somebody the wrong way we have committed a sin. This is why it is so important to know exactly what the Bible says and not what somebody thinks the Bible says. It is so important right now to make sure that you’re reading the Bible and knowing exactly what it says I cannot say that enough. We have to pay attention right now more than ever before, Romans 13:11-12, we need to make sure we know exactly what God wants us to do. There are so many things that surround us right now that will make us doubt exactly what he said if we don’t know what the Bible says.
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. You know where I go, and you know the way.” John 14:1-4 WEB
When everything seems like it is going wrong as human beings we tend to look for things to comfort us that aren’t always our best decisions of comfort. Sometimes we will look to the wrong people for comfort. Some of us will look to drugs, alcohol, and relationships. Some of these things are real bad for us, mentally and health wise. Sometimes the wrong people will tell us what we want to hear and not what we should hear. Sometimes they do it out of the best of intentions because they want you to feel better because they’re good friends.
But that doesn’t always mean it’s right, or what God wants you to do. I by no means I’m sitting here pointing the finger and saying I am better than anybody else. I’ve done the drugs, I’ve drank the alcohol, I’ve tried to find comfort in friends that weren’t appropriate. Sometimes it makes me wonder why God forgives me or has taken care of me as much as He has. I have a Multiple Sclerosis.
The MS has been a learning experience, I was deaf, blind, and couldn’t walk for a while; God’s taken me through all of this. You would think that that would cement a relationship with God, it has, but there are days I still question it. I still think I can do it better even though He has done so much for me. It’s human nature, not an excuse and not the best but it is part of what makes us human. God tells us over and over again to not to be afraid, not to be anxious, and to always depend on Him.
But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient. Matthew 6:33-34 WEB
When looking around we can see all of the misinformation, the oppression, and any other bad choice that seems to make us doubt. We need to remember the things that we’ve been told in the Old Testament and how His people were treated throughout history. What’s going on right now is not new, human beings seem to repeat themselves and do the same thing over and over and over again. Something I say a lot is that 2000 years ago they were riding in chariots, today we’re driving SUV’s but we’re still dealing with the same issues we have always done. This is why it’s so important to understand the Bible verse that is next don’t forget so you don’t repeat:
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ Isaiah 46:9-10 ESV
Redemption
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
His Love
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Thankfulness seems to be a lost art today. Warren Wiersby illustrated this problem in his commentary on Colossians. He told about a ministerial student in Evanston, Illinois, who was part of a life-saving squad. In 1860, a ship went aground on the shore of Lake Michigan near Evanston, and Edward Spencer waded again and again into the frigid waters to rescue 17 passengers. In the process, his health was permanently damaged. Some years later at his funeral, it was noted that not one of the people he rescued ever thanked him.
Our Daily Bread, February 20, 1994
One of the most forgotten complements that we can give is a simple thank you. Think about how much you appreciate it when someone thanks you. Look back and reflet on how much God has done for you. He gives us peace, love, and direction. He is our light in the dark when we need it the most. Rejoice always,pray without ceasing,give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you. Thank you for all that You do for me. You give me strength when I feel to weak to go on. You give me light when it seems to Dark to see any way out. In Jesus Name Amen
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 ESV
Refuge
Set forth your case, says the Lord; bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob. Let them bring them, and tell us what is to happen. Tell us the former things, what they are, that we may consider them, that we may know their outcome; or declare to us the things to come. Tell us what is to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; do good, or do harm, that we may be dismayed and terrified. Behold, you are nothing, and your work is less than nothing; an abomination is he who chooses you. Isaiah 41:21-24 ESV
The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. Psalm11:1-7 ESV
Redemption
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
His Love
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Citations:
WEB
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3 ESV
Know Your Idols
Tell us what is to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; do good, or do harm, that we may be dismayed and terrified. Isaiah 41:23 ESV
Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.” Jeremiah 10:5 ESV
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ Isaiah 46:9-10 ESV
Redemption
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
His Love
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Tell us what is to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; do good, or do harm, that we may be dismayed and terrified. Isaiah 41:23 ESV
Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.” Jeremiah 10:5 ESV
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ Isaiah 46:9-10 ESV
Redemption
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
His Love
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Set forth your case, says the Lord; bring your proofs, says the King of Jacob. Let them bring them, and tell us what is to happen. Tell us the former things, what they are, that we may consider them, that we may know their outcome; or declare to us the things to come. Tell us what is to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; do good, or do harm, that we may be dismayed and terrified. Behold, you are nothing, and your work is less than nothing; an abomination is he who chooses you. Isaiah 41:21-24 ESV
The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. Psalm11:1-7 ESV
Redemption
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
His Love
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Citations:
WEB
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 ESV
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. James 5:7-9 ESV
But as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger 2 Corinthians 6:4-5ESV
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy Colossians 1:11ESV
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Tell us what is to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; do good, or do harm, that we may be dismayed and terrified. Isaiah 41:23 ESV
Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.” Jeremiah 10:5 ESV
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ Isaiah 46:9-10 ESV
Redemption
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
His Love
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
“The strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” John 1:27 ESV
Redemption
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
His Love
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face. Psalm11:1-7 ESV
Redemption
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
His Love
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Citations:
WEB
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:1-9 ESV
Given to You
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15 ESV
In whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his graceEphesians 1:7 WEB
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:4-7 WEB
Be Ready!
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Citations:
WEB
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Open bible info
Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.
As we get rid of the “stuff” that is always #haunting us we will be attacked, our war is a #spiritualwar Ephesians 6:12 that is being fought for our souls. So when things are going good expect that there will be road blocks 2 Timothy 3:12. Some get ticked off because of the attacks; can I give you some perspective? You are that important to God that the devil is attacking you trying to make you doubt what you are doing trying to make you think that you are not worth it or even making you think that you are doing it wrong.
What have you ever done that was worth something and was easy to do? Sit back smile and know that you are loved by God, you’ve been chosen John 15:16, you are being attacked by someone so consumed by jealousy he wants to destroy you, the devil is attacking you. The definition of Doubt: a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction, questioning the truth, fear and being afraid. When you let all of that “junk” in do you think you will be able to see clearly? Remember when you feel like you are drowning look to your guide. The one that if you allow him will be your life preserver, the light to your path John 1:5.
Know that when you are in the thick of it we are reassured: If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you. Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy; no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their indication from me, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:15-17 ESV
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Citation:
Open bible info Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.
“How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them? Numbers 14:11 ESV
Have you ever sat down and considered everything that God has done for you throughout your life. The little things that only you know about that cannot be explained by “logical” reason.
We as humans try to analyze and explain everything and when it does not fit our goals we have a tendency to dismiss it. I have even heard scientist say we have to fill in the blanks with our imagination to explain how things work.
Some will say it is all caused by satin. The devil’s goal has always been to keep us apart from what God is doing, and wants done. The devil has injected himself into the foundation of our lives. But do realize that it is not always the devil but our own selfish desires.
Sometimes we do not want to see it, other times it is an attempt to make excuses for the way we want to act. God has given us so many chances to get to know Him and have the opportunity to be with Him for eternity. If you read the bible you can see through His word that there has been so much prophesy full-filled that you will know He is knock at the door screaming hurry I am coming in.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to see You and all the things that You do. Help me to see those things that from the devil and see the things that are my desires. Please give me the strength to help fix it the way that You have always intended me to be. Thank you Lord for everything that you have done for me. In Jesus Name Amen
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
I hear the statement “I am so bad there is no way that He’d ever accept me”. We are told something different in the Bible. Those whispers that you keep on hearing that tell you you are not good enough do not come from God. He tells us: “This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40 WEB For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. John 3:17 WEB
When we follow Jesus and have the relationship that He desires. He will help us through this life. We will experience things that hurt, things that are joyful, and sometimes things that are unexpected. God will walk with us every step of the way. He has not told us that we are going to be rich beyond our wildest dreams, He’s not a genie in a bottle. Likewise we have not been told that we need to live like a popper. Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them. Mark 11:22-24 WEB
All of us sin we are not different than anybody else, sin is sin, And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world. This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments. 1 John 2:2-3 WEB
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Your patience, putting up with my anxiousness that comes from my lack of trust. My always thinking I know better. My unwillingness I have not letting You take over. Lord I have an issue with letting anyone take the wheel. I cannot say it enough. Thank you for Your kindness! In Jesus Name Amen
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
There was a rock hound named Rob Cutshaw owns a little roadside shop outside Andrews, North Carolina. Like many in the trade, he hunts for rocks, then sells them to collectors or jewelry makers. He knows enough about rocks to decide which to pick up and sell, but he’s no expert. He leaves the appraising of his rocks to other people. As much as he enjoys the work, it doesn’t always pay the bills. He occasionally moonlights, cutting wood to help put bread on the table. While on a dig twenty years ago, Rob found a rock he described as “purdy and big.” He tried unsuccessfully to sell the specimen, and according to the Constitution, kept the rock under his bed or in his closet. He guessed the blue chunk could bring as much as $500 dollars, but he would have taken less if something urgent came up like paying his power bill. That’s how close Rob came to hawking for a few hundred dollars what turned out to be the largest, most valuable sapphire ever found. The blue rock that Rob had abandoned to the darkness of a closet two decades ago — now known as “The Star of David” sapphire — weighs nearly a pound, and could easily sell for $2.75 million.
John MacArthur, Grace to You Newsletter
Do you or have you ever consider yourself worthless, not good enough, or inadequate? Do you look at those around you and say “man they really have it together, I could never be like that.” Do you feel like no one loves you, cares about you, and that you’d never be missed? God wants you to know that you are just like this sapphire to Him, you are priceless even though you do not see it yourself.
Did you know that Christ hung out with the “sinners,” not the people sitting in the temples? He would hang out with the people everyone else classified as losers and misfits. We’re told that we are all the same in His eyes the person that is sitting on the street corner or the CEO of a multi billion dollar company. Your local homeless shelter volunteer and the person that is sitting on death row.
Without Jesus in their lives they are lost and hurting just in different ways, we all have something we are working on. He repeated so many times that He came to save those who did not know his love. They questioned Him why He would do that and attacked Him because of the company He chose to keep. Do not ever think that you are not good enough. He loves you; in His own words: For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.Luke 19:10 Those that are sitting in church have been found that does not mean they are perfect. They are still working every day with the help of Gods love and direction. Never forget only one was free of sin, Jesus Christ, we all have our battles. Nobody is above you and nobody is below you!
Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I have to admit that I do not understand what you’d see in a person like me. I mess up all the time, I am not always bad but I fall short sometimes. You suffered and got nailed on cross to put a road block between me and the devil. Lord thank you. In Jesus Name Amen
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
The Sunday before He gave His life on the cross so that our sins might be forgiven. As He rode into town the people on the streets knew He was the “King”. When he got all the way into town the “religious” elite who “knew everything” and didn’t want to loose their power attacked and crucified Him a few days later. Remember to depend on Him He gave us the word to live by, know the bible so that you’ll never be deceived. Test everything by the owners manual that we have to reference, don’t trust me or anyone else read your bible and trust the lord.
He Came for You
So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:13 ESV
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for how awesome You are and for all of the blessings that You have given to me. You have walked beside me when I felt like I could not take another step. You have given me breath in my lungs when I felt like I could not take another breath. You have opened my eyes when I was being deceived and You have kept me looking forward when all of the distractions were so great that I to this day do not know how I walked through it except that You had me. Lord help me to see the path through the fog so that I am never misguided or fall for those things I want to hear but are not from You. In Jesus Name Amen.
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Citation:
Open bible info Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.
Why do we want to keep on putting ourselves in that cage that Jesus unlocked. He knew us before we walked on this earth Jerimiah 1:5. He chose you because He knew what you have in you and knows the strength that you have. He chose you for a time like this, to stand firm, justified through His name. You’re back is covered by the greatest army that has ever been created 2 Kings 6:17. Do not submit, do not back down, when it is put in front of you move forward do not step back. Yell “bring it” this “stuff” does not control you, it is not who you are. You are a child of God sent to fight for those who can’t Isaiah 1:17 seek justice, correct oppression. Destroy the cage that you have put yourself in and never go back God has plans for you and is waiting to get them done.
There is no limit to what the Father will do for those whom His Son calls “friends.” F.B. Meyer
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 ESV And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:30 ESV
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Citation:
Open bible info Editor: Stephen Smith. Publication date: Apr 10, 2020. Publisher: OpenBible.info.
Dear Heavenly Father; help me to understand all that is going on so that I do not overreact to the decisions that I have in front of me. In Jesus Name Amen
Take a Deep Breath
Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding; a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity. Proverbs 14:29 MSG
Every year we celebrate a day that I will say was one of the most important days in the history of the whole entire world. You see three days ago He was tortured, humiliated, and put to death over false acquisitions. We come together we celebrate with little eggs talk about bunnies, baby chicks and buckets full of candy (Yes we have kids and do it to). Do you know what Easter actually is a celebration of? This is the Day that Jesus, like He said: “Destroy this temple and I will build it again in three days.” John 2:19 ESV, would come back from the tomb as proof of who He was. There are a lot who have heard that parable; I am going to focus on one little point that does not get mentioned a lot. When the disciples found out that He was not in the tomb, Mary Magdalene said: “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” John 20:2 ESV Her first reaction was not, “oh wow Jesus has risen from the dead” it was someone stole His body. She was with Jesus all the time and did not see or realize what was in front of her and the disciples were not much better.
Standing in Front of Them
Mary went to the disciples and told them that someone stole the body, by their reaction they had a normal Human response. They were angry they ran as fast as they could irritated that someone would do such a thing: So Peter and the other follower started going to the tomb. They were both running, but the other follower ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down and looked in. He saw the pieces of linen cloth lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter finally reached the tomb and went in. He saw the pieces of linen lying there. He also saw the cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. It was folded up and laid in a different place from the pieces of linen. Then the other follower went in—the one who had reached the tomb first. He saw what had happened and believed. (These followers did not yet understand from the Scriptures that Jesus must rise from death.) John 20:3-9 ESV It says they believed not that Jesus had rose from the dead but that someone had removed Jesus’s body from the tomb. Later Jesus did appear to the disciples Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them. He said, “Peace be with you!” As soon as he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. John 20:19-20 ESV There was one that was not there when Jesus appeared and showed them that He was alive and well. His disbelief was so strong he even said until I can actually put my finger through the nail holes and thrust my hand into His side where Jesus had been cut open on the cross, without this there is no way he would ever believe. This disciple was: Thomas (called Didymus) was one of the twelve, but he was not with the other followers when Jesus came. They told him, “We saw the Lord.” Thomas said, “That’s hard to believe. I will have to see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side. Only then will I believe it.” A week later the followers were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand here in my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:24-27 ESV
Standing in Front of You
We are the same way as the disciples, we know, there is enough recorded proof, and no matter how it is explained away Jesus lived and there is proof. So every year we go through the motions, watch the Easter movies about the bunny, get a big basket full of candy, we run around and celebrate the hidden eggs. But what are we celebrating? I do not think it is bad to celebrate Easter and the opportunity to bring your family together, family is so important. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5 ESV Is what I am trying to say is that it is awesome to get our families together when ever we can but let’s talk about what this day represents. We have so much that God has provided for us to know Him better than any other generation that has ever lived. We have access to bible study tools like e-Sword* for desktops or the Blue Letter Bible* for online and phone. We have Bibles online* that will read out load to you and tools to look up Subjects* that you want to learn more about and a cross reference tool* as well. Jesus is trying to reach out more than any other time, His word has been translated into so many different languages. He can now touch you no matter where we are in this world. He is responsible for giving people the knowledge to create these tools that we have been given to get to know Him better. He is reaching out to us: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 ESV “When you continue to embrace all that I teach, you prove that you are my true followers. For if you embrace the truth, it will release more freedom into your lives.” John 8:31-32 TPT
Jesus Prayed for You
“Father, the time has come. Give glory to your Son so that the Son can give glory to you. You gave the Son power over all people so that he could give eternal life to all those you have given to him. And this is eternal life: that people can know you, the only true God, and that they can know Jesus Christ, the one you sent. I finished the work you gave me to do. I brought you glory on earth. And now, Father, give me glory with you. Give me the glory I had with you before the world was made.
“You gave me some people from the world. I have shown them what you are like. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me. They have obeyed your teaching. Now they know that everything I have came from you. I told them the words you gave me, and they accepted them. They realized the fact that I came from you and believed that you sent me. I pray for them now. I am not praying for the people in the world. But I am praying for these people you gave me, because they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And my glory is seen in them.
“Now I am coming to you. I will not stay in the world, but these followers of mine are still in the world. Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of your name—the name you gave me. Then they will be one, just as you and I are one. While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power of your name—the name you gave me. I protected them. And only one of them was lost—the one who was sure to be lost. This was to show the truth of what the Scriptures said would happen.
“I am coming to you now. But I pray these things while I am still in the world. I say all this so that these followers can have the true happiness that I have. I want them to be completely happy. I have given them your teaching. And the world has hated them, because they don’t belong to the world, just as I don’t belong to the world.
“I am not asking you to take them out of the world. But I am asking that you keep them safe from the Evil One. They don’t belong to the world, just as I don’t belong to the world. Make them ready for your service through your truth. Your teaching is truth. I have sent them into the world, just as you sent me into the world. I am making myself completely ready to serve you. I do this for them, so that they also might be fully qualified for your service.
“I pray not only for these followers but also for those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray that all who believe in me can be one. You are in me and I am in you. I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me. I gave them this glory so that they can be one, just as you and I are one. I will be in them, and you will be in me. So they will be completely one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you loved them just as you loved me.
“Father, I want these people you have given me to be with me in every place I am. I want them to see my glory—the glory you gave me because you loved me before the world was made. Father, you are the one who always does what is right. The world does not know you, but I know you, and these followers of mine know that you sent me. I showed them what you are like, and I will show them again. Then they will have the same love that you have for me, and I will live in them.” John 17:1-26 ESV
Our Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you; it is unimaginable to think that all you have done for us and continue to do for us. You are waiting for us to accept You into our lives even though we don’t answer the door after You have knocked over and over again. Sometimes You are beating on the door hard enough that it seems like it would burst open shattering into pieces. In Jesus Name Amen.
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
*I am not a representative of these tools, I am not speaking for them in no other way than they are awesome tools that help me learn more about Jesus Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father, the sacrifice that You gave is unimaginable, You humbled Yourself by coming to this world. You didn’t have to! Then from the start You suffered humiliations that would of been unbearable, beaten almost to the point of death and then nailed to a cross and treated like a criminal. You did all of this so that I could be with You and know You; You knew there is no way that I could be perfect. No matter how good I am, no matter how hard I try I can’t do it without You. You walked this path of heartache and dishonor for everyone not just a few. Even with our imperfections You gave Your life up on the cross to cover our wrongdoings with Your blood. Thank you Lord. In Jesus Name Amen
Something to Think About
There is not much that can be said to add to this, His word explains it best. When reading this, read it slowly, praying and reflecting on what it says, let it absorb into your mind. He did so much for us even though we do not deserve it. How many people do you know that would suffer this much just to save your life?
An Unimaginable Sacrifice
The fact is, it was our suffering he took on himself; he bore our pain. But we thought that God was punishing him, that God was beating him for something he did. But he was being punished for what we did. He was crushed because of our guilt. He took the punishment we deserved, and this brought us peace. We were healed because of his pain. We had all wandered away like sheep. We had gone our own way.
And yet the Lord put all our guilt on him. He was treated badly, but he never protested. He said nothing, like a lamb being led away to be killed. He was like a sheep that makes no sound as its wool is being cut off. He never opened his mouth to defend himself. He was taken away by force and judged unfairly. The people of his time did not even notice that he was killed. But he was put to death for the sins of his people. He had done no wrong to anyone. He had never even told a lie. But he was buried among the wicked. His tomb was with the rich. Isaiah 53:4-9 ERV
He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption (recovery). For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify (approve) for the purification (sanitization) of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator (referee) of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance (legacy), since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions (wrongdoings) committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9:12-15AMP
“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant (promise) in my blood. Luke 22:20 ESV Yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession (intervention) for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. 1 John 2:12 ESV
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Citation:
“Bible Gateway Passage: – English Standard Version. version=ESV.
Dear Heavenly Father, with everything that is happening right now around the world there is so much that I do not understand. Lord be my guide, be the light so I can see through the darkness, and Lord open my eyes so that I can see what you want me to do. I know I am only one part of the body and that I cannot do what others are doing, but I want to do what You want me to do Lord. Be my escort as I face this path. In Jesus Name Amen
Fear Not
I have been talking with people who are afraid, frustrated, and confused. It is normal to be afraid when there is something going on that can harm us and even worse that we cannot control. God has told us over and over again not to be afraid, I know it is hard when looking around and everything seems to be going crazy. Being concerned for family, friends, and loved ones recall and meditate on what God says: For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 ESV For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13 ESV “Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36 ESV
Frustration
We look around and see people with Covid-19 licking toilet paper in grocery stores and other people helping in ways that you cannot because of your circumstances, and this makes us want to do something. This is so frustrating; we see the guy in the grocery store trying to get people sick, this brings feelings of disgust and raises the question WHY. People are hoarding toilet paper, because of fear, not leaving anything for others, on the positive note there are people handing out food and helping others, but if you helped there is a good possibility that it would make you sick. God tells us that there is a time for everything: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, 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 ESV This frustration is normal but remember God’s got this He is in control you can do your part and pray be the support for those who have none; call, send someone a thank you letter. Doing this is something Timothy told us to do: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV
Confusion
Don’t be confused: For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 ESV Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word! Psalm 119:169 ESV I cannot say this enough; God has got your back pray the prayer that Elisha prayed: Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6: 17Pray to have your eyes opened so that you may see Gods plan for you, when this plan becomes apparent you will be able to see the “chariots of fire” that He has given you to fight with. Yours will be different than others that is why we are told that we are one part of the whole body: For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:3-5 ESV Become the “one part” that He has intended you to be.
We have the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions
God has given us so much, His grace is over-whelming! The power that has been given to us with the faith of a mustard seed will allow us to move mountains; “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him Matthew 11:22-23 Moving beyond that we are told of the authority that we, as Christians, have been given. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Luke 10:19 ESV They will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:18 ESV You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. Psalm 91:13 ESV When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. Acts 28:3 ES When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2 ESV That is some kind of awesomeness, to know that God takes care of us with every step taken.
We must test all things
With all of this authority that we have been given there comes great responsibility. With that responsibility making sure that when using this authority it is not used in the wrong way. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 ESV But test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ESV “But he knows where I am and what I’ve done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I’ll pass the test with honors. I’ve followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way. I’ve obeyed every word he’s spoken, and not just obeyed his advice—I’ve treasured it. Job 23:10-12 MSG
Why do we think we need to test Christ?
Where does it say test God? I do not see anything about testing God, I do however see over and over again test the spirits, men and ourselves. Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Matthew 4:5-7 ESV Looking at that gives complete insight on who likes to bring up questions about faith and trust. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 1 Corinthians 10:9 ESV When we look at a different version it really puts it into a whole different perspective of how important it is that God is not tested. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—“First the people partied, then they threw a dance.” They paid for that, remember, with 23,000 deaths in one day! We must never try to get Christ to serve us instead of us serving him; they tried it, and God launched an epidemic of poisonous snakes. We must be careful not to stir up discontent; discontent destroyed them. These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence. 1 Corinthians 10:6-12 MSG
Guilt
This is not meant to call anyone out, this is for those of us that need to stay home instead of going out and trying to help. STOP beating yourselves up! But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 ESV I know it is frustrating because lending a hand when there are others in need is second nature. We have been told to: Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV Ask yourself am I going to be better trying to lend support in different ways that do not require walking through a fire that God did not intend to be walked. After doing this, remember, God is not someone who condemns us: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 ESV There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 ESV Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 ESV Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 ESV For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 ESV Do not fall for the lie being whispered in your ear that by not being present for certain things you are not doing the work that God wants you to do. Read that again, “works”. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” Isaiah 6:7 ESV
Do not be deceived, Armor up!
The best way to shut out these whispers that keep on coming through is to armor up, remember that the devil disguises himself as an angel of light: And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 ESV I know this is repeating this point but it cannot be stressed enough! When reading the bible, our owner’s manual, it’s seen that satan even tried to deceive Jesus while He was being tempted: Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you, and On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” Matthew 4:5-7 Looking at this passage helps one realize the devil has no shame! I know that the devil has been glamorized, even made into the victim, on TV, when looking at that it kind of helps us grasp the concept that it is part of satins grater plan, the devil has had thousands of years to perfect his approach. ARMOR UP: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20 ESV
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Citation:
“Bible Gateway Passage: – English Standard Version. version=ESV.
1“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.
3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.
4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Have you became so focused on your walk with Jesus that you have become a robot? So focused on trying to be perfect, always making sure that if someone is doing something they should not be without correction, you make sure they are rectified. I know it is hard when God has done so much for us that we do not understand how others can’t see the way we see it. We will become course in our correction, this abrasiveness is unfeeling lacking in love. The bible does say that as; Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Galatians 6:1 ESVSo as you can see we are supposed to help correct those who have fallen, but notice that it says in gentleness. Gentleness, in love, tenderness is the key to what it is telling us to do, if you read on it tells you “lest you be tempted”. Be tempted? As it says in Rev 2:4 we are told that you can lose the love that you once had. That is not good we are supposed to love or neighbor, without that love we are doing the opposite of what Jesus told us to do. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 ESV So have you ever wondered exactly what love looks like: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV There are some that have been convinced that because we are Christians that we can do no wrong because God will always forgive us (“do the works you did at first”), that is correct but if we keep on doing the same things over and over again we are told that we need to repent. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. 1 John 3:9 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 ESV Then there are those that have been praying for what is or seems to be years, remember in both instances: The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 ESV My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 ESVDo not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 ESV
Getting to Know Him
Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him you Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..
Citation:
“Bible Gateway Passage: – English Standard Version. version=ESV.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all that You have done for me. Your protection, guidance, and forgiveness are immeasurable. You guide me in every decision, step, and breathe I take. You have even made sure that I am taken care of when I die. In Jesus Name Amen
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 ESV
Dear Heavenly Father; help me to see everything the way You see it Lord. I begin to feel sorry for myself convincing my mind that I am the only one that has gone through the things that I am going through, thinking that You have abandoned me, Lord that You are disregarding me. Lord I am sorry all of these are issues in my mind that are making so I do not see all the great irrefutable things You have done for me. Lord eradicate these reservations that I allow to creep into my mind, surround me with all of Your fortifications not allowing these uncertainties to become part of my thoughts or part of my existence. In Jesus Name Amen
There are days when we have convinced ourselves that everything just sucks, it would just be easier to not care and just be who we used to be. Why would we want to do that, times of self-pity, doubt, fear, isolating ourselves, walking around in a stupor. If we look back to what we had was it really always that good? Was a second of self-gratification fulfilling enough to say “that was worth it”? You see God knows what we are going through that is why He, through the bible, has given each one of us directions on how to deal with what we have going on. When we go into self-pity mode He tells us: to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, Ephesians 4:22 ESV When Doubt is creeping in He tells us: the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 ESV And when fear has convinced us that there is no way we can do it He lets us know that: Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. Proverbs 29:25 (TPT) We will make so that we become more and more isolated and begin to convince ourselves that its right and begin to blame everyone else: Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1 ESV When we walk around in this stupor we fail to see or understand what God is doing for us: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” Romans 11:8 ESV . Sometimes it is so difficult not to over emphasize the environment that we have landed in. It has the tendency to make so we put up a shield that we think is the best way to protect ourselves. By doing this we are listening to those little suggestions that are being whispered in our ears. If we would always keep our focus on God instead of all of the distractions that come our way it will help solve a lot of the problems that we face. If we enter every situation with love, even when it seems impossible, it will shield us (Gods shield) from loads of heartache.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 ESV He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place the Most High, who is my refuge no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. ”Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:1-16 (ESV)
So you ask; “How do I do this”? The best way to do this is to get to know Jesus. Read your bible, find a church that follows the bible, make some friends that are believers so that you can have a support system. In the bible God tells us how: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it’s time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don’t understand why you don’t join in with the old gang anymore. But you don’t have to give an account to them. They’re the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself. 1 Peter 4:3-4 MSG
ith Covid-19 licking toilet paper in grocery stores and other people helping in ways that you cannot because of your circumstances, and this makes us want to do something. This is so frustrating; we see the guy in the grocery store trying to get people sick, this brings feelings of 
God? I do not see anything about testing God, I do however see over and over again test the spirits, men and ourselves. Then the 
these whispers that keep on coming through is to armor up, remember that the devil disguises himself as an angel of light: And no wonder, for even 
To the Church in Ephesus
Drink of Jesus 
You must be logged in to post a comment.