Honest God Truth

 “And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We must listen to the word of the Lord or the consequences are devastating.  Our faith is more precious than we realize.  We must be very thankful for God giving us the desire and often the ability to obey him.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God is full of wonder and amazement and when he reveals himself the respond from people is always the same.  The difference is some see the wonder and amazement as terror because many love darkness and not light.  Is there something in your life you hide in darkness?  Come to the light and find God in joyful wonder and be thrilled of his amazing love for you.  Praise you Jesus 

 “They will console you, when you see their ways and their deeds, and you shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, declares the Lord God.”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The Lord's discipline and wrath have a purpose.  It is to cause his people to repent and turn to him.  When they say meaningless, all is meaningless they don't know God or how he hates sin.  The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is Jesus Christ who alone can forgive sin by his blood.  God is loving and yet always just.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭43‬, ‭47‬ ‭ Awe and wonder is a sign of God moving in the soul of his people.  The joy of living in the presence of the Lord is full of awesome joy and holy wonder.  Praise you Jesus for living in me.  Amen

 “And the inhabited cities shall be laid waste, and the land shall become a desolation; and you shall know that I am the Lord.”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭12‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God always punishes sin!  That truth should bring fear to our hearts.  Sin takes life away and brings death.  The reason why people die is because of sin.  It might not be quick but it is sure.  God is ruler of this world and his holiness demands that sin will be judged.  If sin occurred without judgment there would be chaos.  Since we are all sinners we all must die.  Our only hope is to believe Jesus died for our sins, giving us eternal life with him.  There is no other way!  Be warned and accept our only salvation.  All praise to you Lord Jesus.  Amen

 “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭39‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Do you believe in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ?  If you say yes and obey Jesus as your Savior, Lord and God, then you have been called by God the Father into this faith.  Oh how gracious God is to choose us before the foundation of the world to believe in his only begotten Son Jesus.  Everyday we must choose to trust and obey the one who first loved us and died for our sin.  All glory to God in all things.  Praise you Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen 

 “And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The truth of the gospel when it is proclaimed always results in to ways.  It is either embraced as amazing good news or mocked and rejected as foolishness.  Lord may our hearts always be open to your love seen through your life death and resurrection for our salvation.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

“And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Lord you know the heart of everyone and we know that you love us.  Help us to live to glorify you and follow your way with joy.  Please keep us from turning away from you and go our own way.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “And the Lord said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭9‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God chooses people who love and know him.  Do you love God and hate when you don't obey His will?  Sometimes people question the Lord's love because they think they know better than he, but that is impossible since only God knows the future.  Lord we don't like suffering and injustice yet when we lose our trust in you, which is the most injustice, since you are the creator and holder of all things.  In you are only yes and amen.  Jesus your love has forgiven us of our sins and we ask for mercy instead of your justice!  Lord we ask for your mercy and grace today.  Amen

 “and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God always has more for us.  When we think everything is finished the Lord has more to show us, for us to learn, to experience his joy.  Jesus will come again and is working now to make us holy like him.  Therefore let us never stop loving, hoping and trusting in the one who was, is, and is to come!  Praise you Lord Jesus. Amen

 “Therefore I will act in wrath. My eye will not spare, nor will I have pity. And though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them.”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ How often do we treat God and his worship with heartless routine instead of praising him with thankful hearts?  We must serve and worship our Lord and Savior with clean hearts who know that God loves us and expects us to love him.  Jesus help us to love you with all our hearts. Amen

 “I will bring the worst of the nations to take possession of their houses. I will put an end to the pride of the strong, and their holy places shall be profaned.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Pride is an indicator of the heart.  The more proud the heart the less gratitude of God's grace.  This is how God tests the heart of his people.  Do we love God or ourself?  When our eyes are opened to the greatness of God we respond in humble thankfulness or we despise God and put our selfish pride on God's throng.  Repent now from this most terrible sin and bow done to the one who loves you and died for your sins.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

Jesus is God and as God made all things and holds all things together by his might.  To deal with sin that separated his people from him, Jesus became man and lived with us as the perfect man so he could die for our sins.  We who believe and trust his gospel have received eternal life through his blood on the cross..  We live to honor and glorify his name and look forward to be with him forever in paradise.  All praise to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit now and forever more.  Amen

 “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with  joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We in the USA have a hard time with leaders because we feel they are not special but just like us except they have more luck!  This is a very dangerous opinion of leaders.  They are chosen by God to lead us into righteousness even if they are flawed.  We must believe especially in the church that submitting to leadership is a gift from God for our good and God's glory.  We must believe in God's love and his sovereignty.  Lord gives us faith to trust in your providence.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen 

 ““Thus shall my anger spend itself, and I will vent my fury upon them and satisfy myself. And they shall know that I am the Lord—that I have spoken in my jealousy—when I spend my fury upon them.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God hates sin and his fury against it is strong and powerful.  We must understand how terrible the act of sin truly is to God.  We are so blessed that Jesus took that fury on himself to satisfy God.  Without Jesus it would be hopeless to please God wrath on our sin.  Praise you Lord God, help us realize the wickedness of sin and flee to Jesus.  Amen

 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Why is the love of money a sin against God?  Is it not a replacement for trusting in Him?   Money can buy you your desires if you think we only live today and tomorrow ends everything.  No God, no judgement of sin, no heaven, no hell, only today's pleasures and with the money you have the more pleasure you can receive.  But if you believe scripture and the good news of Jesus there is joy for today and great hope for tomorrow.  Jesus said come and buy live everlasting without money.  You can't buy with money Jesus love and forgiveness only by faith in his fullness.  When you realize God's sacrificial love for you, there is nothing money can give you.  Jesus' love is more than enough, it is a well spring of living water overflowing into eternal life.  Praise you Lord Jesus. ...

 “I will do this that they may lack bread and water, and look at one another in dismay, and rot away because of their punishment.” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God loves his people but hates sin therefore he punishes his people for their sin.  Our need of a Savior to pay for our sin is so great.  Lord Jesus thank you for forgiving us of our sin by dying for our sins.  God help us realize how terrible sin is and flee from it in our heart.  All praise to you Jesus.  Amen

 “But if you warn the righteous person not to sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning, and you will have delivered your soul.”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We have a privilege to share the gospel wherever we go.  But should we not be responsible to tell the greatest story in the universe?  The Lord has given us a tremendous gift to share with others let us encourage one another to love our neighbor enough to share the good news about Jesus with them.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen  

 “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Holiness can be defined as set apart for something special.  Keep yourself clean on the outside for Jesus has cleaned your heart by his blood.  Remember that you are a child of God, a part of the eternal family.  When making choices we must remember that we are to live like Jesus lived serving others and giving up our rights for we know God loves us so much.  Then we live with the truth that all things work together for good for us who were called and love the Lord Jesus.  Oh Lord help us to be holy so we may see you.  Amen

 ““But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.”” ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ When we read the word of God we must take it in to our very being like when we eat food and we bring it into our body.  It the word does not become part of our thinking and speaking and acting then we are not obeying God.  We must meditate on the Lord Jesus for he is the Word of God.  Praise you Lord God.  Amen

 “For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God loves us so much he sent Jesus to save us by dying on the cross.  God who by definition is in control of all things tells us in this verse that when difficult experiences arise in our life God is discipling us to become holy.  If we truly are a child of God we will realize we need to be disciplined because we know our holiness is lacking.  Therefore we count our trials as joyful reminders that Jesus loves us so much.  Amen

 “of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Faith is the most wonderful gift God gives to his chosen people.  Without it we would not know God, love God, believe in Jesus and his gospel and not hope for heaven.  Without faith it is impossible to please God.  Lord Jesus please give us more faith in you each day so we may glorify your name in all things.  Amen

 “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭26‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Faith looks forward to the reward by and in Jesus Christ.  Faithful people can endure and trust in God when they see the future glory of Jesus.  Believing in the promises of God gives people of faith the ability to suffer much on this world.  Lord give us the strength to endure our trials by knowing our rewards in heaven.  All for your glory Lord Jesus.  Amen

 “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Faith is a gift that God gives to those he chooses and it causes us to believe on him.  When we trust God to fulfill his promises we glorify him who has made us and given us all things we need unto salvation.  Lord thank you for the gift of faith please help us to walk in faith of your love every day.  Praise your Lord Jesus.  Amen

 “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭36‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We must persevere through trials of many kind so that we will receive the reward of our faith.  Our faith saves us from the wrath of God by trusting in God's promises of love.  When it seems to hard to trust we must believe in the word of God. He will never leave us.   Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The hard work of a Christian is to be strong in love.  It takes all our effort to love God and others.  Our society thinks that love is only an emotion that comes when you receive what you want.  Love is an act of the will to give up your desires for the care of others.  This takes great effort and strength from the Holy Spirit.  Lord give us the power to love today.  Amen. 

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭56‬-‭57‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Sin causes death for all have sinned and all will because the law says the wages, payment for sin is death.  Jesus gives us victory since he never sinned and therefore death has no hold on him.  And he gives us the victory by believing on him.  Lord save us from our sin and bring us to eternal life.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭22‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We were represented before God by two men. One perfect man failed and sinned against God and caused us to be sinners which leads to death. The other man, who is the Son of God, was victorious over sin and lived a perfect life.  When he died for our sins and he rosed for our justification, we now will live forever with him.  All praise to Jesus. Amen

 “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Grace is the undeserved gift of power to do the will of God.  Yet God won't give it unless we want it and use it.  You don't deserve it but you want it and will use it for God's glory or he won't give it.  Therefore if you don't receive a gift from God change your heart to love and glorify him.  Only through Jesus then ask and it will be give to you.  Amen

 “But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭ESV‬‬ God uses his word  to convict our hearts of evil.  It is sharper than a two edged sword that can penetrate our hearts but it goes through the mind.  There are many parts of scripture that are mysterious, like Jesus is God and man, but there are words of conviction and comfort that God uses to convince our minds and brings  us to him.  Lord help us to read and share your amazing word more each day.  Amen

 “The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭7‬:‭23‬-‭25‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jesus is our high priest for his sacrifice allows us who believe to draw near to God the Father and therefore be saved forever.  Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the law.  He lives forever making intercession for us when we sin.  Lord help us resist sinful temptations and trust your love for us as our high priest forever.  Amen 

 “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ How can we learn to distinguish good from evil?  Pray often, read and meditate on scripture and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  The more we practice these steps the more mature we will become in knowing what is good.  Satan will tempt us to ignore these practices so he can bring evil into our life.  Lord help us to fight the good fight of faith so we may become mature, holy children of God.  Amen

 “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭26‬ ‭ESV‬‬ We believers are connected in a very real fashion to each other.  We often don't live with this understanding and it is a field day for Satan to keep us from one another.  We need to live loving our fellow believers.  Lord help us to pray and care for the family of God.  Amen

 “For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭29‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The Lord's supper is an opportunity to eat together in remembrance of Jesus sacrifice for our sins.  It is for the family of God to be together in unity of need and purpose centering on all Jesus has done for us.  Lord help us to humble ourselves to, as a community of believers, come and receive you as our Lord, God, and Savior.  Amen 

 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13 Only God and his word can know the intentions of our heart. If we desire to enter heaven, God's rest then we must know that our heart is made new by the Holy Spirit and our desire is to glorify the Lord Jesus.  Let us finish the race as believing saints.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬ The source of love is God and the one who truly loves selflessly is born, a child of God.  Other people who love with strings attached are not born of God.  When we believe in the gospel of Jesus, his perfect life, death for our sins and resurrection, then the Holy Spirit comes into our life and we are born from above or again.  Then we know we are loved by God then we can love in a selfless way like God.  Lord thank you for giving me the gift of love so I can share it with others.  Amen

 “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Do what I say and not what I do is a terrible but common statement for those who lost their first love.  They know what to do but lost the desire and power to continue going.  If we serve, love, fight in our own strength we will fail and give up.  But if we die to our own ability, which is humbling to do, then  turn to Jesus, who will give us living water that never runs dry, we can say and do holy and loving things all the way to the finish line.  Then we will fall into the arms of our Lord Jesus and he will say well done my good and faithful servant!  Amen

 “Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Moses was great as one person who was faithful within God's servants.  But Jesus was faithful as the Lord over all servants.  He is the God man who was a servant and Lord over all of us.  We should follow his examples but realize that we need him more than an example but as a Savior.  Jesus we need you every hour oh how we need you.  Amen

 “If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Knowledge is important because God made us to think about him.  If we receive understanding we must know that all our knowledge is limited because we have no understanding of tomorrow.  Only God knows all things.  Therefore our task is to love God and realize that the truth of all knowledge is that he knows and loves us.   

“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Jesus is our Savior that died for our sins and because of his death and resurrection we are free from the penalty of sin.  Jesus also was tempted like we are tempted to sin yet Jesus never sinned.  We must through and by the Holy Spirit ask for the power and desire to overcome temptation and live holy, victorious lives.  Lord Jesus help us to be overcomes and glorify your name today.  Amen