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Showing posts from August, 2021

God is for us

 Aug 31, 2021 “For behold, I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭36:9‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God is for us to make us what he wants us to be and for his children it is to reflect his glory in the most amazing way.  It will take patience, trials and discipline but the Lord will be faithful to his word and never leave or forsake us. Jesus help us trust in you.  Amen 

Baptism and Holy Spirit

 Aug 30, 2021 Colossians 2:12 (ESV) ...”having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Jesus said you must be born of water and the Spirit. You must be born again.  Born of living water which represents the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to the lady at the well that he would give her living water which was the Holy Spirit.  When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist the Holy Spirit came on him.  God uses baptism and the Holy Spirit in a special way to those who are born again.  Amen 

The Father’s will glorify Jesus

 Aug 27, 2021 “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭12:50‬ ‭ESV‬‬ What is the will of the Father for all his children?  To glorify Jesus in everything we do and say and think.  Jesus came to do God’s will and that is why he lived and perfect life, did miracles and taught about the kingdom of heaven.  Then he died for all of our sins and rose from the dead.  Therefore whoever praises and worships Jesus in word, deed and thought is glorifying Jesus and doing the Father’s will.  Amen 

All to Jesus

 Aug 27, 2021 Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV) “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. Christ in you the hope of glory.” Jesus open my eyes that my heart will love what my mind does know that you are everything I need.  You are the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega, the great I Am!  All to Jesus I surrender all to him I freely give.  Amen

Glorify Jesus today

 Aug 26, 2021 “And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Here we see a glimpse of heaven on earth.  Jesus was glorified by all.  This is the ultimate purpose for all mankind to glorify the Lord, Savior, Creator, God.  Jesus came to make a way for us to glorify him.  He did it by living a perfect, righteous life and dying to pay for our sins.  Let us glorify him today and forever more.  Amen 

Be great in Jesus

Aug 24, 2021 “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23:11-12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jesus doesn’t say don’t desire greatness, he just tells us how to obtain it and it goes against the world’s ways.  God gives out reward for he is the final, ultimate judge.  He rewards those who humble themselves because when a person dies to his will and obeys God’s will he glorifies Jesus.  The more Jesus is glorified in us the greater our reward will be.  Therefore be humble servants to all God’s creation for Jesus owns it all and we are honoring him.  And that gives Jesus glory.  Desire to be great God’s way.  Amen 

Be not deceived

 Aug 24, 2021 Colossians 2:4-5 (ESV) “I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” Your word have I hide in my heart that I might not sin against you. The best way to keep from being deceived is to know scripture. When Jesus was tempted by the devil he responded with scripture. We are bombarded with ideas and actions that seem good but go against Jesus’s teachings and lifestyle. Lord help us to love your word more than any idea or action that may look good but goes against your word.  All for your glory Jesus.  Amen 

Reach out to Jesus

Aug 23, 2021 Colossians 2:2-3 “that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” The great mystery of Jesus Christ is that by believing in him we have eternal life.  Jesus is life and when he lives in you by the Holy Spirit you too have life. Our old sinful life has died and new everlasting life now lives in us. We must reach out and grab this truth with all our heart for we know that Jesus is reaching out for us saying come follow me I have the words of eternal life. Jesus help us never stop reaching out to hold on to your mystery of life.  Amen 

Judge not

 Aug 22, 2021 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:1-2‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The judge has the final say in situations of right and wrong.  The judge must have all the facts from both sides.  The judge must know God’s law to determine innocence or guilt.  There is only one judge who can know the motivation of the heart. Therefore we must not judge others but let God judge.  In so doing we show that we are God’s children and forgive others like Jesus has forgiven us.  Jesus help us not to judge.  Amen 

No boasting except in Jesus

 Aug 21, 2021 “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:28-29‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Everything we are and have comes from the Lord Jesus.  Everything in the universe comes from him.  When Jesus opens our eyes and heart to see his beauty and wonder we rejoice.  We know that our redemption,righteousness, and sanctification comes from him.  Where is boasting and pride in the truth of the gospel? No where and because of that Jesus gets all the glory and we receive wonderful joy!  Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

Never broken hearted

 Aug 20, 2021 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.” ‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭2:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Our hearts try to substitute our love and desire for Jesus with many things, people, places and things.  Nothing can satisfy Jesus’s love for us and our love for him.  When we love the wrong thing it really is not true love and fails miserably.  Being broken hearted is a terrible thing!  For you think that it will last forever but it can’t.  Lord help us to love you for we will never be disappointed or broken hearted by you.  Thank you Lord Jesus.  Amen 

Live in abundance in Jesus

 Aug 20, 2021 “For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ If we live for God we will inherit heaven and all of Jesus’ love and glory.  If we live for self we will, when we die, lose what we have and end in hell with nothing but misery. Jesus thank you for loving us and by faith giving us all things in you.  Amen 

All for your praise Jesus

 Aug 19, 2021 “the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:21‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The reason you were made was to declare the glory of the Lord Jesus.  The heavens declare God’s glory, all nature declare God’s glory and we who were made in God’s image are made to give God glory.  Our sinfulness robs Jesus of his glory but when we confess our sins and turn to Jesus for his forgiveness of our sins, God is most glorified.   We glorify God for his mercy to us for we deserve his justified wrath but by grace Jesus gives us salvation.  Let’s praise him today for his mercy on us, a sinful people, who glorify him as children of mercy!  All for your praise Jesus.  Amen 

Need forgiveness everyday

 Aug 18, 2021 “and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3:6, 17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ These two verses explain a heart that truly knows Jesus. If you don’t realize your need of help everyday because your heart desires sin and repent you won’t see the need for the perfect Son of God.  Jesus I need you every day for I am a sinner saved by your grace to me.  Praise you Lord Jesus.  Amen 

Stay faithful by the word

Aug 18, 2021 Colossians 1:23 (ESV) ...”if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister” Your truth have I hide in my heart that I might not fall away from your love. Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus.  If we continue in God’s word and believe it is true by walking in it’s ways, the Holy Spirit will keep us close to Jesus. Jesus said he will never leave us or forsake us. Lord keep my eyes and heart open to your daily love.  For your glory Jesus and my joy in you.  Amen 

God’s word is true

 Aug 17, 2021 “But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2:22-23‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The word of the Lord will be fulfilled because his word is true. Prophecy will be fulfilled either through angels, prayers, fear or through sin.  God’s plans always get accomplished.  We should learn to trust the Bible and have our eyes open to God working in our lives and throughout the world.  We can trust in you Jesus.  Amen 

I can do all things through him

 Aug 16. 2021 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Do we spend our time trying not to sin or trying to glorify the Lord? The answer will help you know the desires of your heart.  Do you live saying I can’t do this or do you say I am going to do that? When the Holy Spirit lives in you and you feed it the word of God your desires change from can’t to can, from no to yes, from hate to love.  Lord help me to love others today because I can do all things through you, Holy Spirit, who strengthens me.  Amen 

Keep your desires in Jesus hand

 Aug 15,2021 “You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬ When desires and wants are not brought to the Lord they can lead to sinful actions.  When are relationship with Jesus is close we can ask him about our hearts desires. If they are in line with his will then they will occur in his perfect time.  If they are not then he will lovingly guide us back on the right path.  We must cultivate a closeness with Jesus so his will be done and we will have less desires that lead us to sin.  Jesus help us to trust and obey you everyday.  Amen 

Jesus rose from the dead

 Aug 14, 2021 Colossians 1:18 (ESV) ...”He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” Since Adam all humans have died. It was and is the penalty of sin. God in his justice punishes sin by death.  Jesus came to die for our sins. Being the only God-man he could die for all those who believe in him.  That is great news but even better news is that our Savior lives.  Death could not hold him because he is God.  He rose from the dead and lives forever with his father reigning as King of kings and Lord of Lord.  We also who believe in him will not die but be with him forever. And when Jesus returns and lives on earth our bodies will be raised from the dead and be like his body.  There is so much amazing joy ahead for those who believe in Jesus.  All because Jesus died and rose again.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

Jesus is everything

 ““I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Why is it important for Jesus to be the beginning and end of all things?  He is saying all of life, the universe and all reality is about him.  There is nothing bigger, more important than him. He is what we were made for and our purpose is whatever he desires for us.  He gives us awareness so we can rejoice in him.  Everything there is and will be is secondary to him.  Our greatest reality is knowing and rejoicing in him.  Jesus is our purpose for living.  Amen 

Jesus is the head of the church

 Colossians 1:18a (ESV) “And he is the head of the body, the church.” Jesus is the Lord God almighty who was and is and will be forever. Yet in a very special way he is the head of his church.  All believers are promised many things from Jesus. He will never leave us, will protect us like a shepherd, he loves us and died for our sins.  Jesus is working all things out for his glory and our good. Since Jesus is on our side no one can stop him from preparing us to be with him forever as his bride. Believers in Jesus are truly blessed and we must declare his glory everyday.  Amen 

Do not envy sinners

 “Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Our hearts have been changed by faith to be able to understand and love the truths of the Bible.  Unfortunately they still are open to the temptations of sin. This verse warns us to keep ourselves from envying the pleasures of sin.  For God hates sin and punishes those who have not learned to fear the Lord.  The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Lord keep us close to your love and not your anger.  Amen 

Share your light with others

 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God has given us faith to believe in Jesus our Lord and Savior.  This faith reveals Jesus to us and that truth gives light to our hearts.  We are forgiven from our sins by Jesus dying on the cross.  This good news brings us joy, love and hope.  It lights up our world.  When we share this light it brings joy to all who believe and glory to God. Therefore we have the great privilege of sharing God’s light, Jesus, to the people in our world.  Lord help me to share your love to others today.  Amen 

Lord help me to change

 “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:37‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The righteous do what there are suppose to do to get into heaven.  Even when they don’t know what they are doing!  God puts in the heart of his children the desire and ability to please him.  No not all the time but often.  We need to analyze our life and see if we are trusting and pleasing Jesus.  Lord help me to be honest with myself and give me the desire to change what needs to change for your glory and my joy.  Amen 

Hold unto Jesus

 “I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Hold unto Jesus for he holds unto you.  Jesus is God and if you love and obey him then he is giving you the power to hold on to him.  That means to believe in him, to love his word, to obey his commandments, and to trust in his promises.  Lord help us to hold unto you today so we may glorify your name and experience your eternal joy.  Amen 

Mouths that show learning hearts

 “it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Wisdom is knowing what to do and say and knowing when to do it or say it.  Love takes wisdom and uses it for other people’s good not self promotion.  When Jesus says what comes out of your mouth defiles a person it was in response to eating unholy things.  What is unholy is our heart because it is self seeking and not other loving.  When Jesus gives you a new heart to mold into his, you learn to desire Godly things and the mouth response with kindness and encouragement.  God is slow to anger and abounding in mercy and love.  Lord help us to have mouths that show our hearts are becoming like yours. Thank you Jesus.  Amen 

We give a sacrifice of praise

 “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:15‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The fruit of lips that acknowledge Jesus is Lord glorifies him.  We need to recognize and share the good news everyday of what Jesus has done and is doing in our lives and throughout the world.  This sharing of his good news is reflecting his glory.  Christian’s were made to share Jesus’s amazing love and beauty to an often dark world.  Let us be willing to sacrifice for his glory by proclaiming his greatness where ever we go.  For your holy name Jesus. Amen 

Be not anxious

 “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.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Being anxious comes from uncertainty of the future.  It robs us of peace and joy.  As believers we must learn to know Jesus and his character more than trying to understand the situation approaching.  Jesus is God, our Savior and he loves us.  Therefore we can trust him for our present condition and our future circumstances.  Our biggest enemy is doubt and the devil loves to attack us with it.  We must pray often and ask the Lord to fill our hearts with the assurance of his word so we can have confidence and peace knowing Jesus will never leave us or forsake us.  Lord Jesus help us to trust and obey you today.  Amen 

Reverence and awe

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:28-29‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Reverence and awe must be a part of worship to God.  Jesus loves us and died for us is true.  But oh we should not think that he is weak or tolerant toward evil.  He is the solid rock in which we stand or fall.  He is a consuming fire that purifies our souls.  Oh that we may fear him and love his mercy for with out his grace we would have no hope!  Let us worship him with reference and awe today!  Amen 

Worship with reverence and awe

 “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:28-29‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Reverence and awe must be a part of worship to God.  Jesus loves us and died for us is true.  But oh we should not think that he is weak or tolerant toward evil.  He is the solid rock in which we stand or fall.  He is a consuming fire that purifies our souls.  Oh that we may fear him and love his mercy for with out his grace we would have no hope!  Let us worship him with reference and awe today!  Amen 

Character is what matters

 Colossians 1:11-12 (ESV) ...”being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” This great truth that God gives us the power to change our character not our circumstance is full of love.  If we can know and believe that we will inherent the glory of Jesus in heaven we can patiently with joy endure all things.  God you are in control of all things. Nothing surprises you and your plan for us who believe in Jesus’s salvation is for ultimate joy in you.  Therefore Lord give us the power to trust in your promises and endure in your testing so we will glorify you now and fully in your kingdom. Jesus help us to live in perfect obedience to the Father like you did by the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We are truly blessed by your amazing  grace.  Amen 

Jesus keep my faith strong

 “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God gives us trials in life to show us that the faith he gives us is true and will last unto the day we see Jesus face to face.  Not all trials will we succeed but in winning or losing we will continue to praise God for his victory or for his mercy.  Lord help me to overcome the temptations of sin in my life by trusting you.  And when I fail bring me to the cross for my redemption is there in your blood.  Jesus keep my faith in you strong each day I pray.  Amen 

Be renewed every day

 “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:22-24‬ ‭ESV‬‬ These verses are for everyday of our life.  Since each day, until Jesus returns we will struggle with sin (selfishness).  The great news is that we can learn by renewing our minds in meditating on scripture and reflect on our actions. We will learn to ask Jesus to forgive us and help us to walk the narrow path of righteousness.  The great news we will grow in the grace of God by learning to depend on him for every step of the way.  Never lose hope for we put our trust in Jesus our God and Savior.  He who began a good work in you will complete it. We will finish the race set before us because it is Jesus working in us.  Praise you Lord Jesus. Amen 

Hope of seeing Jesus glory

 Colossians 1:5 (ESV) “...because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,” The hope to see, experience and be marveled by the glory of Jesus is a longing for all who truly know Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Throughout scripture God’s people longed to see his glory.  On the mountain of transfiguration Peter was overwhelmed with the glory of Jesus and wanted to stay there forever.  Lord Jesus thank you for your Holy Spirit that gives us a taste of your glory now and the desire to want more (hope) of your glory in heaven.  May we experience and share this hope in you today.  Amen 

Fear God and be a overcomer

 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ If we fear God then everything else should not hinder us.  If we have a good relationship with Jesus by grace then we have learned that nothing can separate us from his love.  All other fears melt away when God is on our side.  He will give us the power, love and self control to walk in humble confidence knowing that all things work together for our good.  If God is for you who can be against you?  No one, nothing.  Praise your Lord Jesus.  Amen 

Trust in the Bible

 Colossians 1:1 (ESV) “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,” Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.  This verse of an old hymn takes for granted that we trust in God’s word. Our faith starts with believing the truth of scripture. Historically, it’s the best place to go for the evidence is overwhelming.  Many people trust the Bible to be true but only born again believers love it and desire to obey the Lord in the Bible. Jesus thank you for your word, you are the Word of life, that is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Heaven and earth will pass away but your word will never pass away!  Jesus let us take in your word and eat it as true food so we may know you more and love and obey you with all our hearts.  Amen 

Serve for joy

 “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:35‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Helping those in your life is your source of true joy.  When you learn that God gives you strength when your heart is willing to love others more than yourself, you will desire to love.  Our greatest need is to experience Jesus love daily.  When we learn to serve others we will receive his love.  Jesus loves you so you can love others.  What a wonderful God we serve. Amen