Honest God Truth

 “Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭65:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Lord choose me to be a part of your family.  Lord choose me to dwell in your temple.  Let those who are chosen be glad and prepare themselves to be in the presence of a holy, righteous, loving God.  Lord prepare our hearts to enter into your presence with thanksgiving and praise.  Let us bow down and worship you and give you all the glory.  Oh how exciting that day will be.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

 “So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God’s rest is completion and perfection.  Struggles and temptation occur is God’s way of showing his mercy and grace to his children.  This path to God’s rest is full of sorrow and joy for his ways are not our ways but they are sure to lead us to the promise land if we trust him.  Pray that the Lord Jesus will give you faith to trust and obey him on our path to his eternal rest.  Amen 

  We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. (1 John 3:14) How do we know that we are saved and have eternal life?  Because we have love for other believers.  When our faith in Jesus’s life and death to save us is working to change our actions toward others then we know our faith is real. If we say we have faith and see a believer in need our heart will go out to them in love.  The result may be different but it will show care for their need.  Oh Lord increase my faith so I can love others and you.  Then my insurance will be sure to enter into your rest.  Amen 

 Philippians 4:15 (ESV) “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.” We all want to be a part of something great. It gives us purpose and a sense of importance.  God has put in our heart the ability to give even when it goes against our desire of self preservation. Let us give when the Lord shows us a need and trust him to help when your needs arise. Faith in Jesus is more precious than gold, even much gold.  Amen 

 “The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭58:10-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ There is a place when a righteous person sees God’s wrath on evil and rejoices.  Yes we are to love our enemies that they may be saved but when God’s will is to display his justice and righteousness through punishment of sin we who see this can rejoice and for those who have not been saved should flee to God to escape his wrath.  The wages of sin is death and the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus our Lord.  Amen 

 “For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Our rest is in the Lord.  If we deep down know that because of Jesus love for us  when we believe that he died for our sins we are saved.  Our pursuit for peace with God is complete and our eternity is sure and we can rest from trying to be important.  We can rest in the truth that the Lord loves you and therefore You can love others because the competition is over for you. You have won the victory by faith in Jesus.  Be at rest so you can love God and show others his love.  Amen 

 “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. But you, O God, will cast them down into the pit of destruction; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭55:22-23‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Those who call upon the Lord will be saved.  So all will be saved?  No, only those who call him.  Why don’t we call on him because we don’t believe he can save us.  We only ask for help to those who we think can help.  Oh Lord let us call on you for our needs and trust you can and will help us.  For your glory Jesus.  Amen 

 Philippians 4:13-14 (ESV) “I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.” The biggest sin we can do is believe we can do anything without God. Our Lord is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He holds all things together by the power of his might. Paul’s confidence and our confidence also should be to know Jesus so well to trust him in every part of our life. We know that his plans for us are always going to turn out for his glory.  When we desire to live for him and praise him in all things then we can say “we can do all things through him that strengthens me.” We have a mighty, wonderful God who loves us.  Let us praise and honor him today. Amen 

 Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. (1 Timothy 6:9) We as believers are rich because of our relationship with God who owns everything!  Being rich allows you to think you can have all you desire but it also increases your covetousness.  Being rich is not the end of coveting but opens its floodgates.  Having the ability to receive all you desire can destroy your faith in Jesus.  Our hearts are to sinful to have that much power!  Lord help us to be rich in faith and not in money so you get the glory and we flee destruction!   Amen 

 “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭47:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Let us praise the Lord for he is God who is greatly to be praised.  God is to be feared for he is all powerful and holds all things in his mighty hand.  Let up worship with joy that the one who we should fear for he loves us and is our shield and rock of our salvation. Fear the Lord with gladness.  All for your Glory Jesus

 ““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬ This verse tells of the need of our complete dependency on the Lord.  In great times and terrible times the cause is the Lord.  He gives and takes away.  If God is on our side who can be against us?  No one, but sometimes it feels God is against us because of all our hardships.  The conclusion is to be still and know that the Lord Jesus is God.  If you know him you will learn to trust his love for you.  Amen 

 Philippians 4:8 (ESV) “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” When we want to think on what will give us joy it always starts with Jesus and ends with him.  Jesus is the source of all things and when we love others we begin by thinking how we can please them since they are made by Jesus and in his image.  When we forgive others we think about Jesus who died for our sins and we give up our own rights by forgiving them. When we hope for future joy we think on Jesus preparing a place for us so we will live with him forever.  Therefore think on joyful things is having our minds saturated in the love of Jesus.  Amen 

 “Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:25-26‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Two truths the Lord gives us first ruin of the wicked will come and second the Lord will keep you safe.  Therefore, we should not be afraid when trouble comes because we know that the Lord will be with us when it happens.  This is the peace that overcomes all situations for we trust in Jesus our Lord, Savior, and God.  Amen 

 Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) ...”do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer with thanksgiving will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  What a wonderful truth this is to all who have the Holy Spirit.  Ask and you will receive if you don’t doubt but trust with thanksgiving. For we know God the Father gives good gifts to his children. A thankful heart knows that Jesus has given us eternal life through his death on the cross.  When we pray we have hope that doesn’t fail us because we know all things work together for good to those who love God. Let our prayers of thanksgiving give us joy in our trust and patience living for, in and by Jesus. Amen 

 “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness,” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3:7-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The Holy Spirit says today, not yesterday or tomorrow but now if you hear his voice.  We must hear God’s voice everyday, by reading and meditating on his word.  The Holy Spirit most always uses scripture to open our ears, eyes and hearts to hear God speaking to us.  We must desire and strive to hear from Jesus everyday.  For he has the words of eternal life.  Amen 

 Philippians 4:5 (NASB) “Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near.” A gentle spirit is not a weak spirit. It is a spirit that knows God.  It treats its relationship with Jesus as precious and foremost important. It thinks of others more than itself because it knows God will be on its side. When the Holy Spirit lives in your heart you can become a gentle person because you know that Jesus loves you.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ How can you trust in the Lord with all your heart? By not being wise in your own eyes. We see the present but can’t see the future, only God sees the future.  Therefore fear the Lord for he sees and holds the future.  Do what he commandments and ask for forgiveness when you don’t.  And stay away from evil practices, that is trusting in the Lord with all your heart.  Please help us Jesus today.  Amen 

 “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:3-4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We should love others and trust the Lord’s laws to find favor and good success with God and people.  Both love for others and trusting God commandments must stay together for if your love for others causes you to stop obeying God your motivation is wrong.  Loving others must come from honoring God.  Glorifying Jesus matters most.  Lord help me to know what is my motivation and let it come from wanting to please you.  Amen

Philippians 4:4 (ESV) “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” My friend has Parkinson’s disease and can’t play the clarinet that he gave all his efforts to do well. It is devastating to him. Lord send your Holy Spirit to fill his heart to trust that Jesus loves him and has a purpose still for his life.  Oh Lord give him and all of us the joy that comes in your presence even when we lose something precious. Help us to know that you are the source of all good things and you will never leave us.  Let us always rejoice in you Jesus. Amen 

 “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7   This verse is most helpful when there is disagreement between believers. When we lose peace it usually means your heart is falling away from trusting Jesus. Trusting Jesus is wisdom because it leads to fearing the Lord instead of winning a disagreement.  Lord help me to keep you in the center of my mind and heart so your peace will satisfy my desires to be right.  Amen 

 Philippians 4:1 (ESV) “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and my crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” Let your light so shine that they may see your good works and glorify the Lord your God.  God gets glorified when we reflect his light working in us by sharing his gospel of love to others.  Discipling is sharing the fruit of the Spirit in your life to other believers.  When the fruit of love and good works are seen they are used by Jesus to grow more fruit in others.  The joy of God using us to help produce light in others is awesome.  Jesus use me today to disciple others for your glory and my joy.  Amen 

 “He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17:5-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ This is a picture of heaven!  The apostles were full of fear in the presence of almighty God and we will be also.  But there is Jesus our Savior, our advocate, our Lord and friend who is right there giving us comfort.  We must know him now if he will know and help us then.  Our relationship with Jesus is our only hope.  Jesus open our eyes to see and love you today.  Amen 

 Psalm 147:11 says, “The Lord takes pleasure . . . in those who hope in his steadfast love.” How do we please and glorify Jesus?  By obeying his word, trusting in his promises.  We obey and serve him by receiving his gift of salvation.  He is the living water that we need to live and praise him. He is the source of all our joy. When we come and drink this living water we please and glorify him.  We demonstrate that he is the best thing to receive in all the universe.  Jesus let me drink of you today.  Amen 

 ““He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭22:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Psalm 22 is filled with images of Jesus being crucified.  How amazing that God’s plans are perfect and we can trust what the Bible says for if God said it who can stop it from happening?  Verse 8 challenges me because it states that Jesus did trust God perfectly and on the cross, the greatest evil ever occurred, yet Jesus by trusting in his father turned it into the greatest gift of forgiveness. I pray that during my small trials I can trust the Lord that he will carry me through and he can receive glory in my trusting him.  Jesus help me to trust and obey you for there is no other way to be happy.  Amen 

 Philippians 3:20 (ESV) “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ... “ Home is where your heart desires. Often it is with the ones you love, where you get comfort and support. When times get tough we long for home.  It is a place and we think about it often.  As believers in Jesus we long for him and want to be with him.  Jesus is in heaven preparing a wonderful place for us.  The Holy Spirit gives us that longing to see Jesus face to face. Jesus come back soon to talk us to our new home and be with you forever.  Amen 

 Philippians 3:18-19 (ESV) “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with their minds set on earthly things.” Jesus and he alone is what saves us from sin that is all around us and also in us.  His word gives us knowledge and truth about what he has done and is doing in our life.  We must guard our minds and heart not to add to or take away from the truths about Jesus.  His most clear statement is “ I am the way and the truth and the life no one comes to the father except through me.” John14:6.  Therefore we must love, trust and obey Jesus and keep from the sins that are apart of our life both within and outside us.  Please help me Jesus to stay away from sin.  Amen

 “So the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭18:24, 32‬ ‭ESV‬‬ David states two truths that we must in brace, one that we must be righteous in our thoughts and actions for the Lord to bless us.  Two, the Lord gives us the ability and direction to be righteous.  If we desire God’s blessings we need to be connected to Jesus.  He is the vine and we are the branches and can do nothing righteous without him.  So we must ask ourselves if we have a relationship with Jesus.  Do we love him, desire being in his presence, share his love with others?  Lord help me to be righteous by knowing you are the source of all meaningful life.  Amen 

 “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1:2-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We can never stop hearing the amazing worth of knowing and loving Jesus.  God speaks to us through his son Jesus.  We all want words of help from someone who can help us.  Jesus is God and God can do all things because he holds all things in his hands.  How do we know what he says to us is good for us?  If God loved us so much to die for our sins how much more will he guide us to live with him forever!  Oh how precious our the words of love from our Savior Jesus.  All praise and glory to him. Amen 

 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭16:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ David certainly was a man who desired God.  The Lord makes known to us the path of life which leads to heaven.  It is a path full of joy even in difficult times.  With God holding your hand all of our desires are completely met for he is the source of everything beautiful.  Amen 

 Philippians 3:17 (ESV) “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” When we see Jesus face to face we will be like him. What a wonderful day that will be, no more sin and the fullness of joy when we reflect his glory. Therefore be careful of what you see for it does affect your desires.  Homes with a view are more valuable!  In some Christian faiths there are photos and statues of Jesus and his followers.  Maybe they can help us keep our eyes on what is good! Lord Jesus help us to be more like you today.  Amen 

 “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. You, O Lord, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭12:6-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The words of the Lord are pure and everlasting because whatever Jesus says or does is righteous and eternal.  Just think when he sent his Holy Spirit to open our eyes and believe in him, that truth is forever!  Forever forgiven, loved, a child of God and justified by the blood of Jesus forever!  Hallelujah praise you Jesus.  Amen 

 Philippians 3:15-16 (NIV) “All of us who yare mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” Let us live up to what we have attained is a great statement to live by each day.  Sister Anna said to me years ago “God blesses you so you can bless others.” So Lord Jesus help us all to share what we have learned about you to others so you will be glorified.  Amen 

 “But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭9:7-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Like Job, David desires justice from the Lord.  He knows that the Lord judges righteously and when the evil seem to be winning he prays to God for it not to be what he is seeing.  We all need to be reminded that Jesus is sitting on the throne reigning right now.  And we know that he loves us and is all powerful and always does what he pleases.  Jesus help us trust in you always.  Amen 

 “Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Be angry is not a command but a reality that happens to all of us.  The command is do not sin!  Sinning often comes after sin so the Lord says before we respond to what causes us to be angry we should ponder in our hearts why we are angry and then, if needed, after some time respond.  Our sinning will decline and our joy will increase.  We will realize how    wise and wonderful Jesus truly is when we trust his word.  Amen 

Philippians 3:12-13 (ESV) “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead...” Striving forward to the goal of Christ likeness reminds me of “work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God working in you...”.  It’s like working on a piece of stone where you chip off some rock to reveal the beautiful image that was in the mind of the sculptor.  But the joy of being a rock in Jesus hand is that we participate in the chipping away of the sins that cling to us. The image in the rock is being formed from the inside out.  When we choose to give up something that we desire, but know it hinders us becoming more like Jesus, we honor him. It shows others that he is worth our sacrifice.  Lord Jesus help me to become more like you toda...

 “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:20-21‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Do we really want Jesus to come soon?  The first time he came some wanted him and some wanted him dead.  It was  Jesus grace (undeserved gift) that made the difference of either loving or hating him.  So do we want him to come now?  Maybe when I am old and sickly or poor and helpless you can come Jesus.  If my life is good, can you wait awhile for I got lot of fun to do.  Yes I am thankful but please don’t change anything for I am happy.  Jesus I love your but I don’t want to be extreme.  Oh Lord open our eyes to your love, your truth, and your glory so we will desire you more than any of life’s fleeting pleasures.  Jesus come soon.  Amen 

  Philippians 3:9b (ESV) ...”not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith...” This is great news that when we believe the penalty for our sins is put on Jesus and therefore God sees us as justified therefore forgiven.  What is even more amazing is that Jesus gives us his righteousness. Jesus did everything his father wanted him to do therefore he was counted right with God.  Our faith in Jesus life, death and resurrection makes us righteous for we are made right with the Father by believing in Jesus.  Living correctly is believing Jesus will do everything the Bible says about him.  That faith pleases the Father and we become righteous.  Oh how gracious Jesus you are to us, you even give us faith to believe in you.  All for your glory Jesus.  Amen 

 “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jesus said I am the way and the truth and the life.   It makes sense that living water comes from him. God is the source of all life and in the new city the truth of God’s love and power is on full display.  It is that way now but so often sin causes us to lose sight of the truth of the Lord.  Jesus help us overcome our doubt in your love and power to save us and keep us with you always.  Amen 

 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭42:5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Hope in future grace from the Lord.  It is easy to lose hope if it is a hope in better times.  We have to ask ourselves what is our hope in?  Ourselves, luck, other people, the weather, these things have no power in controlling the future.  Hoping in the God of the past, present, and future makes sense if we trust Jesus.  How can you trust him if you hardly know him? The more we know Jesus the more we love him because he is faithful and just.  Hope in the one who died for you and promised to never leave you.  Jesus I trust in you.  Amen 

 “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37:4-5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ How do you delight yourself in the Lord?  By trusting in his promises.  The more you trust him the more you will know him. Jesus said you have not because you ask not.  The more you know the Lord the more you know he wants to share with you life.  Joyful live now and eternal life forever. Therefore delight in the Lord today he will give you the desires of your heart.  Amen 

  Philippians 3:8-9a (ESV) “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him…” In Christ is believing that Jesus is who he claimed to be; all knowing, all power, always with us, loves us so much to die for our sins, controls all things, and will bring us to see his glory now and in heaven.  Therefore, whatever we go through in life; diseases, poverty, death of loved ones, hardship of any kind, we say that we count it all joy when we go through trials of all kinds for knowing Jesus better and loving him more is great gain.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

 “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭36:7-9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Serve the Lord by drinking from his rivers of delight!  Glorify the Lord by desiring more of his wonderful light.  Praise the Lord by taking refuge in the shadow of his delight.  God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him!  Amen 

 Philippians 3:5-7 (ESV) ...”circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, as to the law, a Pharisee, as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” Love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself is what it means to be righteous.  Yes I am guilty as charged for I can’t do either one of those requirements.  I therefore am a unrighteous sinner and God’s justice means that I deserve death. But God showed mercy to me and sent perfectly righteous Jesus to be a substitute for me and die for my sins!  Amazing grace!  Now I live by the power of the Holy Spirit which God sent to me when God opened my heart and eyes to his good news of forgiveness.  All other actions are rubbish compare to knowing Jesus.  Dead to sin alive in Jesus Christ!  Hallelujah and Amen.  

 “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭33:18‬ ‭ The eyes of his favor on those who fear the Lord and hope in his steadfast love.  Fearing the one you love if it is God is a wonderful thing.  The balance between fear and love is holy and true.  We need to have the motivation to obey the Lord and the love to enjoy him forever.  If we only fear we God we would not enjoy him.  If we only love him we would struggle obeying him.  Jesus help us to delight in and obey you for our hearts fear and love you.  Amen 

 “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Lord Jesus I pray my name is written in the book of life which you have written before the world began because you loved me so much to die for my sins.  Let me live my life rejoicing in your grace to me and be a light to others so they will know your love.  Amen 

  Philippians 3:2 (ESV) “Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. We are saved by faith and that is a gift.”  Jesus came, lived a perfect life, died on the cross to pay for all the sins of his people, and rose from the dead to justify all who believe in his work, all for us. All he did including our faith is a gift from God.  But sometimes we don’t know if we have received this gift.  So,  how do we know that we received this gift?  If we love him and obey his word everyday!  We don’t love him perfectly or obey him completely but we want to most of the time. Lord come soon so when we see you face to face we will be like you and our sinning will be over.  Praise you Lord Jesus, Amen

  Philippians 3:1 (ESV) “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.” It is not easy to rejoice in the Lord when you are being tempted by the world and it’s momentary pleasures. Rejoicing in the Lord comes from a heart that knows God and desires more of him. When we are struggling to rejoice in Jesus we must recall all that he is and what he has done and is doing for us right now.  He is our rock and our sure foundation and in him, and by him, and for him, do we have our salvation. Let us rejoice and be glad today. All for you Jesus, Amen