Saturday, December 30, 2006


The 7 "I AM"s

In the book of John, Christ gave 7 analogies of Himself -- "I am .....". By studying these "roles", we try to understand the nature of Christ, so that we can better imitate Him.

1. John 6:35 "...I am the bread of life...."
The characteristics of bread: portable, perishable and filling. Without food, we will be weak. Similarly, without eating the word of God, our spirits will be weak and we will be easily overcome by Satan. But he who believes in Christ will never go hungry and thirsty. (John 6:35). Note that in Matthew 4:4, Jesus quotes that "man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Deut. 8:3)"

2. John 8:12 "...I am the light of the world...."
The function of a light is to light up the way so that we can see. Jesus light shows our sins, so that we know that we are sinful and will repent and receive salvation. He promises that if we follow Him, we will never walk in darkness but have the light of life (John 8:12).

3. John 10:9 "...I am the gate..."
A gate is an entry to another place. It protects people who are inside the gate by preventing outsiders from stealing in. Those who believe in Christ have entered the gate and will be saved. Those outside the gate will be "stolen by thieves".

4. John 10:11, 14 "I am the good shepherd ...."
A good shepherd leads the sheep, protects them from the thieves and wolves. He knows the voice of his sheep, his sheep knows him and he knows his sheep (v.14). When a sheep is missing, he will go and find it (Luke 15:4). He is even willing to lay down his life for his sheep. In contrast, when disaster strikes, a hired hand abandons his sheep and runs away.

5. John 11:25 "...I am the resurrection and the life..."
Those who believe in Christ will never die, but be resurrected.

6. John 14:6 "...I am the way and the truth and the life ...."
Truth -- constant, does not change. Just like God's nature.
Way -- The only way to get to God is through Christ, i.e. believe in Him.

7. John 15:1 "I am the true vine ..."
A gardener will trim branches that do not bear fruit. Branches grow from the vine, they need the nutrients from the vine to live and grow. Jesus is the true vine, and we are branches. When He is in us, we will bear much fruit. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

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Sunday, December 24, 2006


I believe in CHRISTMAS



I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.

I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town; and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world, in towns both large and small.

I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room, and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today.

I believe in the one whom the rulers of the earth ignored and the proud could never understand; whose life was among common people, whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.

I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible.

I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother’s arms, whose modest home in Nazareth had love as its only wealth, who looked at persons and made them see what God’s love saw in them, who by love brought sinners back to purity, and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of GOd.

I confess my everlasting need of God: the need for forgiveness for our selfishness and greed; the need for new life for empty souls; the need for love for hearts grown cold.

I believe in God who gives us the best of himself. I believe in Jesus, the son of the living God, born in Bethlehem this night, for me and for the world.

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Wednesday, December 20, 2006


The Faith Connection

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom. 5:2).


It is so important to develop your faith. Why? Because faith is what connects you to the blessings of God. It's the force that gives those blessings substance in your life (Hebrews 11:1). And besides that, it pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).

It's faith that reaches into the realm of the spirit, grasps the promise of God and brings forth a tangible, physical fulfillment of that promise. It brings spiritual blessings. It brings that financial blessing you need, or the healing for your body. It brings action or manifestation in this earth.

Romans 5:2 says we have access by faith into the grace (favor) of God. Therefore, if you want grace for the new birth, you must receive it by faith. If you want God's grace in your finances or any other area of your life, you must get it by faith.

I like to think of it this way: When you believe the Word of God, you open the window to your life and give God the opportunity to move there. Oddly enough, that bothers some people. They can't understand why God needs an opportunity. After all, He is God. Can't He do anything He wants?

Yes, He can. And He wants to respond to our faith. You see, He is not like the devil. He doesn't force Himself on you. He waits for you to give Him an opening by believing His Word. When you believe His Word, and make your stand, even in the midst of the most impossible situations, God moves in on your situation.

Speak the Word: "Jesus has given me access by faith into the grace by which I stand. I rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." (Rom. 5:2)

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Saturday, December 16, 2006


The Definition Of Faith


"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)


Faith Is Substance

Faith is the "substance" of things we hope for. The word "substance" comes from the Greek word, "hupostasis", that means "a setting under or support"...in other words, a foundation. Faith is the foundation of those things that we hope for...the support on which we build all our ambitions, dreams and life's goals. Without faith to believe that everything will turn out OK we are certain of an unhappy, insecure and unsuccessful life. But with faith, all things are possible to him who believes.

Millions of people are hoping for eternal life...and their foundation for that hope is the faith they have in God's mercy and eternal plan of salvation through His only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Any spiritual hope, or foundation of faith, must be built on a solid rock of truth. Faith in any other salvation than what the One true God has provided is a faith built on sinking sand. There is one opportunity in life to prepare for the next life. Life is too short and death is too certain for our faith to be grounded on any other hope than the solid and credible foundation of truth as revealed in God's word.


Faith Is Evidence

Faith also is the "evidence" of things not seen. From the Greek word "elegchos", which means proof or conviction, we have our English word "evidence".

This is a word that most modern day people understand, as it is used in our legal system and our scientific communities. We are a people who demands documented evidence as the credible source of our belief systems. Unfortunately, that demand is often abused and sidetracked. For instance, our educational process has totally sidetracked the evidence of "evolution" while it teaches this theory to our children in public schools as a real science...although there is no credible documentation to prove it as fact.

But when it comes to spiritual matters, only those who have truly searched the truth of God and His word for themselves, appreciate that the evidence is unquestionable and without challenge. There is no legitimate argument against the existence of God or against the truth of the Bible, His word.

The "evidence" of things not seen is found in the reality of God, in the reality of His word, in the reality of pure human experiences throughout the ages...and the reality of those all around us that continually support everything God has spoken and promised in His word.

We may not be able to see God with our physical eyes, but we who have a personal relationship with Him know very well that life without Him is not an option.

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Tuesday, December 12, 2006


23rd Psalm:

The Lord is my Shepherd
That's Relationship!

I shall not want
That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters
That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul
That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
That's Guidance!

For His name sake
That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
That's Testing!

I will fear no evil
That's Protection!

For Thou art with me
That's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies
That's Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil
That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over
That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
That's Security!

Forever
That's Eternity!

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Friday, December 08, 2006


My Commitment as a Christian

(Written by a young African pastor and tacked on the wall of his house.)

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me - my banner will be clear!

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Tuesday, December 05, 2006



Take God At His Word






And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, "I will come and heal him." The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority." When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." (Matt. 8:5-10)

The Roman centurion had great faith because he understood Jesus' words had authority over sickness and disease. The centurion was willing not only to believe the words of Jesus, but to act on them as well.

The centurion didn't say, "Jesus, I need You to come to my house." He said, "You just speak the Word, Jesus, and I'll take that Word and act on it!" In Verse 13, Jesus responded to the centurion's faith: "Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the same hour."

The centurion didn't need a special manifestation or special feeling. He just heard the incorruptible seed of Jesus' words, and said, "I believe what You say." And when the centurion acted on the Word he heard, his servant received his healing.

That's what God expects us to do. He doesn't expect us to wait for some special manifestation, even though that may happen at times. God expects us to simply take Him at His Word, believe we receive His promises and boldly act on them in faith.

NOTE: The Roman centurion was not a Jew nor was he a Christian but based on what he had seen and heard of Jesus he was willing to believe and that enabled him to receive. How often we who call ourselves the Chruch of Jesus Christ fail in this simple principle.

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Saturday, December 02, 2006

G U I D A N C E



When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, I kept seeing "dance" at the end
of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement
doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person surrenders and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to
flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing
lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.

The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from
one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE. When I saw "G," I thought of
God, followed by "u" and "i."

God, U and I Dance.

God, you, and I dance. This statement is what guidance means to me.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get
guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you
and your family on this day and everyday. May you abide in Him as He abides in you.

Dance together with God, trusting Him to lead and to guide you through
each season of your life.

Author: Unknown

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Monday, November 27, 2006


The Love Walk


The phrase "walk in love" expresses our entire relationship with God and mankind (Matt. 22:37-40).

Paul says: "Therefore be followers of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma" (Eph. 5:1-2).

Those who love God are followers (imitators) of God as His dear (beloved, dearly loved) children. The phrase as beloved children denotes that we are following God because of His love for us. And because God loved us, we love Him (1 Jn. 4:19). Therefore we imitate Him as dear children.

Now take a moment and think about God. Think about His goodness and mercy toward mankind. Think about His kindness, love, and grace. Think about His love to give Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins. And think about Jesus' love for us to die on the cross. To imitate God is to be like God thus to love (Matt. 5:43f) - God is love (1 Jn. 4:16). Jesus left an example for us (1 Pet. 2:2) and Paul commands us to imitate him as he imitates Christ (1 Cor. 11:1) whereby we imitate God

And he (Jesus) answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. (Luk 10:27)

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Thursday, November 23, 2006


THANKSGIVING



In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thess. 5:18 KJV)


We are instructed to give thanks to God "in" everything, not "for" everything. Not all things that happen to us are good nor are they from God.

But even in the midst of the trial, in the midst of the struggle with pain or sickness, we can always give thanks to God for who He is and for what He is doing for us.

The Message Bible says: "Thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."

It pleases God when I praise and thank Him for the fulfillment of His promises in my life, even before I see the results. The more I express my faith in God's ability to work all my issues out, and give thanks "in" everything, the better the results I experience.

I have found that the more I magnify God in my life with thanksgiving and praise, the more He magnifies Himself in my life with influence and power.

I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify him with thanksgiving. (Psa 69:30)

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Wednesday, November 22, 2006



THINK!!!!!!!


For as a man thinketh within himself, so is he: Pro 23:7


Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life. What you speak about, you can bring about.


Watch your Thoughts, they become Words.
Watch your Words, they become Actions.
Watch your Actions, they become Habits.
Watch your Habits, they become Character.
Watch your Character, for it becomes your Destiny.

In the search for Me, I discovered Truth.
In the search for Truth, I discovered Love.
In the search for Love, I discovered God.
And in God, I have found Everything.


Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Phi 4:8)

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Saturday, November 18, 2006


The Nature of Temptation

1. The lust of the flesh
2. The lust of the eye
3. The pride of life




"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:14-15 (KJV)

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For ALL that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John 2:15-17 (KJV)

Let's first deal with the word "lust". It comes from the Greek word "epithumia" which means "a forbidden longing or desire" ... in other words "an uncontrollable desire".

Jesus our Example - Matthew 4:1-11

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (Mat 4:1)

Notice: that Jesus was tempted in these three areas of life...the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and pride of life

Lust Of The Flesh... Satan said to Jesus, "make these stones bread". After 40 days of fasting Jesus undoubtedly was hungry and weak. While it is no sin to be hungry and desire food, it would have been sinful for Jesus to use the powers that God had given to Him for selfish desires of the flesh.

Pride Of Life ... Satan put Jesus on a high building with the suggestion to "jump off and before you kill yourself God will send the angels to save you". The idea behind this temptation was that Jesus could have instant credibility...but He had to tempt God to save Him from a foolish act. In other words Satan said Show-Off!

Lust Of The Eye ... Satan took Jesus to a high mountain to show him the kingdoms of the earth. "All this I will give to you if you serve me..." Jesus was shown the wealth, power and glamour of the world where He could be rich, famous and powerful. The temptation 'see what you could have.'

(Hebrews 4:15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

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Wednesday, November 15, 2006



The Sunday School Lesson


Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

ENOCH

A little girl went to Sunday School one morning and when she came home her mother asked her "what did you learn in Sunday school today" the little girl answered "Teacher told us about Enoch and how he walked with God." Her mother said, "Well what about Enoch?" And this is what the little girl said to her mother.

It seems that one day God came by Enoch's house and said to Enoch, would you like to walk with Me? And Enoch came out of his house and down to the gate, and went walking with God. Everyday God would come by and ask Enoch if he wanted to go for a walk with Him. Enoch got to the place that he enjoyed it so much that he would be waiting at the gate of his house every day. And God would come along and say, "Enoch let's take a walk." Each day Enoch and God would walk farther and farther for God said "I have much to tell you". Then one day God came by and Enoch and God walked and talked so long that finally Enoch said, "My, it's getting late in the afternoon. I'd better get back home!" And God said to him, "Enoch, you're closer to My home than you are to your home so you come home with Me." And so Enoch went home with God.

Author: Unknown

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Saturday, November 11, 2006


What’s in a Name

The 12 Tribes of Isreal

1. Judah: object of praise
2. Isschar: there is reward
3. Zebulon: dwelling
4. Reuben: behold a son
5. Simeon: heard
6. Gad: good fortune
a. Levi: joined
7. Ephraim: doubly faithful
8. Manasseh: causing forgetfulness
9. Benjamin: son of the right hand
10. Dan: a judge
11. Asher: happy
12. Naphtali: wrestled for

When we read these name in the order of the above list then we fine:

In GOD the object of praise to them whom he has called. there is reward for them who diligently seek him. Behold a son is given and it was heard throughout the land, our good fortune that GOD had sent the son of his right had. God was doubly faithful in causing forgetfullness of our sins; in that while we were yet sinner he loved us. Now being joined with his dear son, he being a judge has judged us faithful whom he wrestled for from the hands of the enemy. For this cause we are happy as we look forward to dwelling with him forever in that place prepared for us.

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Thursday, November 09, 2006


WORSHIP

Keeping it Simple

If the purpose of our worship is to glorify, honor, praise, exalt, and please God. Our worship must show our adoration and loyalty to God. Jesus says in the book of John "God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." The word "must" makes it absolute. There is no other way we can worship God and be acceptable to Him. The word "must", according to Webster, expresses "an obligation, a requirement, a necessity, a certainty, and something that must be done". When "must" is used it means that it is not optional. Here the word "must" is expressing that in spirit and in truth is the only way to acceptably worship God.

Worshipping God in spirit to me means that it must be done from the heart. Worshipping God in truth to me means that it must be done with an honest and sincere attitude. Worship is a time when we pay deep, sincere, awesome respect, love, and fear to the one who created us. Worship should cause us to reflect on the majesty and graciousness of God, contrasted to our own unworthiness. It is not God who needs our worship, but it is we who need to worship Him. Worship helps us develop a God-like and Christ-like character. When we worship God we begin to value what God values and gradually take on the characteristics and qualities of God. When we worship God we develop such traits as forgiveness, tenderness, justice, righteousness, purity, kindness, and love.

There is a worship that involves the spirit, and worship that involves the mind, and a worship that involves the body. There is a worship that is giving praise upward, a worship that is receiving instructions from above, and a worship that carries out instruction in the world around us. It is directed to God. It is expressed by the lips in praise and by the life in service. It is personal between the individual believer and God.

Worship involves our entire relationship with God: our words, our attitudes, and our actions. Our words may be normal conversation, songs or prayers. In any style of speaking, we can declare God’s praises and express our faith reliance on him. We are to worship wherever we go, doing all things to God’s glory, praying always, giving thanks always, never ceasing to be a temple of the Holy Spirit.

NOTE: See comment section for a theological prospective for this article

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Tuesday, November 07, 2006

FEAR...


False
Evidence
Appearing
Real


F stands for FALSE. We cannot trust every person or spirit to be true. 1 John 4:1 says Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: Because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

E is for EVIDENCE. We must always check the facts. 1 TH 5:21 says Prove all things: hold fast that which is good.

A is for APPEARING. We must look beyond the natural with our spiritual eyes. John 7:24 says, Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

R
is for REAL. We must be real as we seek for what is true. John 4:23 says But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the father in spirit and in truth: for the father seeketh such to worship him.

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Saturday, November 04, 2006

FAITH WORKS

You can't fulfill your destiny on a theory, it takes WORK. None of the secrets of success will work unless you do. You are made for action. Success simply takes good ideas and puts them to work. What the free enterprise system really means is that the more enterprising you are the more free you are.

Shakespeare once said: "Nothing can come of nothing." A belief is worthless unless converted into action. The Bible, a book of faith, talks about work over 500 times. Often, the simple answer to your problems is: go to work.

The only time a lazy person ever succeeds is when he tries to do nothing. Some say nothing is impossible, yet there are a lot of people doing nothing every day. Robert Half said it best: "Laziness is the secret ingredient that goes into failure, but it's only kept a secret from the person who fails."

"Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven't planted" (David Bly). What you believe doesn't amount to very much unless it causes you to wake up from your dream and start working. You cannot just dream yourself into what you could be.

Some do things while others sit around becoming experts on how things might be done. The world is divided into people who do things and people who talk about doing things. Belong to the first group, there is far less competition.

Jam 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

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Wednesday, October 25, 2006

The 7 "I AM"s

In the book of John, Christ gave 7 analogies of Himself -- "I am .....". By studying these "roles", we try to understand the nature of Christ, so that we can better imitate Him.

1. John 6:35 "...I am the bread of life...."
The characteristics of bread: portable, perishable and filling. Without food, we will be weak. Similarly, without eating the word of God, our spirits will be weak and we will be easily overcome by Satan. But he who believes in Christ will never go hungry and thirsty. (John 6:35). Note that in Matthew 4:4, Jesus quotes that "man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Deut. 8:3)"

2. John 8:12 "...I am the light of the world...."
The function of a light is to light up the way so that we can see. Jesus light shows our sins, so that we know that we are sinful and will repent and receive salvation. He promises that if we follow Him, we will never walk in darkness but have the light of life (John 8:12).

3. John 10:9 "...I am the gate..."
A gate is an entry to another place. It protects people who are inside the gate by preventing outsiders from stealing in. Those who believe in Christ have entered the gate and will be saved. Those outside the gate will be "stolen by thieves".

4. John 10:11, 14 "I am the good shepherd ...."
A good shepherd leads the sheep, protects them from the thieves and wolves. He knows the voice of his sheep, his sheep knows him and he knows his sheep (v.14). When a sheep is missing, he will go and find it (Luke 15:4). He is even willing to lay down his life for his sheep. In contrast, when disaster strikes, a hired hand abandons his sheep and runs away (v. 12).

5. John 11:25 "...I am the resurrection and the life..."
Those who believe in Christ will never die, but be resurrected.

6. John 14:6 "...I am the way and the truth and the life ...."
Truth -- constant, does not change. Just like God's nature.
Way -- The only way to get to God is through Christ, i.e. believe in Him.

7. John 15:1 "I am the true vine ..."
A gardener will trim branches that do not bear fruit. Branches grow from the vine, they need the nutrients from the vine to live and grow. Jesus is the true vine, and we are branches. When He is in us, we will bear much fruit. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

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Friday, October 20, 2006

There's No Excuse

"Ninety-nine percent of failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses" (George Washington Carver).

You are never a failure until you begin to blame somebody else. Stop blaming others. You can learn from your mistakes if you don't waste your time denying and defending them.

"It seems to me these days that people who admit they're wrong get a lot further than people who prove they're right" (Deryl Pfizer).

"Work brings profit; talk brings poverty" (Proverbs).

"Some men have thousands of reasons why they cannot do what they want to do when all they really need is one reason why they can" (Willis Whitney).

One of the biggest alibis is regret. The truth is, a thousand regrets do not pay one debt. Live your life so that your tombstone reads, "No regrets."

"The most valuable thing I have learned from life is to regret nothing" (Somerset Maugham).

"Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can't build on it. It's only good for wallowing in" (Catherine Mansfield).

When a winner makes a mistake, he says, "I was wrong."
When a loser makes a mistake, he says, "It wasn't my fault."
A winner explains; a loser explains away.

Idle people lack no excuses. The word can't usually means you won't try. The word can't weakens our resolve and many times does more harm than slander or lies. Can't is the worst excuse and the foremost enemy of success.

"The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You don't blame them on your mother, the ecology or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny" (Albert Ellis).

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Saturday, October 14, 2006

Grace - 1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am:

Grace is unmerited favor. It is God's free action for the benefit of His people. It is different than Justice and Mercy. Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we do not deserve. In grace we get eternal life, something that, quite obviously, we do not deserve. But because of God's love and kindness manifested in Jesus on the Cross, we receive the great blessing of redemption.

Grace is God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Grace rules out all human merit. It is the product of God, that is given by God, because of who He is not because of who we are. It is the means of our salvation (Eph. 2:8-9). We are no longer under the Law, but under grace (Rom. 6:14). (See Acts 15:11; Rom. 5:2,15-20; 2 Cor. 12:9; and 2 Cor. 9:8).

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Thursday, October 12, 2006

Who is my Father?

Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

1Jo 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Heavenly Father - Connected by Jesus Christ

GOD (Jehovah)

Jesus speaks to Mary: Joh 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Spiritual Father - Connected by Spirit

Jesus Christ (Priest of the Church) - (Shepherd of the Church)

Jesus Speaks to the sick of palsy: Mat 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Covenant Father - Connected by Covenant

Pastor (Priest of a Congregation) - (Shepherd of a Congregation)

Paul writes to the Church: 1Co 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

Earthly Father - Connected by Flesh or Law

Dad (Priest of his Family) - (Shepherd of his Family)

Hebrews speaks of God's chastisement: Heb 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

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Sunday, October 08, 2006

Salvation 101

We Receive Christ by Personal Invitation


[Christ speaking] "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him" (Revelation 3:20).

Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (repentance) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive our sins and to make us what He wants us to be.

Just to agree intellectually (in your mind) that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins is not enough. Nor is it enough to have an emotional experience.

We receive Jesus Christ by faith, as an act of the will.


BEFORE: Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

AFTER: Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.


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Friday, October 06, 2006

Pro 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.


Knowledge - is acquired through the learning process. knowledge is: "right knowing."

Wisdom - is the ability to apply this knowledge through experience, without having to think about what you are doing. Wisdom is: "right doing."

Understanding - is the knowledge of why to apply wisdom. Understanding is: "right reason."


Note: Every Peacher or Teacher of the Word of God must operate in these gifts to some degree if they are to teach truth. Because the Word of God is not learned it is revealed.


Knowledge - Answers the question of "What"

Wisdom - Answers the question of "When or How"

Understanding - Answers the question of "Why"


Example: Changing ceiling light fixture


Knowledge: Tells you what to do - unscrew bolt, use 3/4 inch wrench, unscrew counter clockwise.

Wisdom: Tells you when and how to do - make sure you have a way to keep the light fixture from falling once the bolt has been unscrewed

Understanding: Tells you why you do - because of the law of gravity says anything that goes up must come down if not held up by some force. ie. the bolt.

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Thursday, October 05, 2006

Movie: Day after Tomorrow and the Gospel

Movie: In this movie I saw a young man who found himself separated from his father and in jeopardy of drowning in the waters of the ocean.

Just as I found myself separated from my father (Jesus) and in jeopardy of drowning in a sea of sin.

Movie: I watched as this young man called his father in his distress and his father answer wait for me I will come for you.

Just as one day I called on my father (Jesus) and he answered my prayer and saved me and said I will come for you.

Movie: I watched the young man as he attempted to convince others that his father would come and that he was able to save them

Just as I try each and everyday to convince the people I meet that my father (Jesus) is coming and that he is able to save them.

Movie: I watched as some of the people with him looked out of the library and saw that other people were attempting to saved themselves. Then made a decision not to wait for the young man's father but go there on way.

Just as I see people leaving the safety of the church because they look out and see what the world is doing and decide they can save themselves. These people do not believe my father (Jesus) is coming and they go their own way.

Movie: I watched as the young man pleaded with the people, telling them that his father had told him that If any leave that they would perish. Many left but a few stay behind with him.

Just as I plead with my brothers and sisters who have lost their way, telling them my father (Jesus) said that the wages of sin is death. A few find there way but many are lost.

Movie: I watched as the young man and the few who remained struggled to survive their environment while trying not to lose the hope that his father would come.

Just as I struggled to survive the environment of this world while trying not to lose my hope nor forsake sharing the hope that my father (Jesus) will come.

Movie: I watched as the day came when the father arrived as they sat in a darken room. As the light shined on the young man's father, someone asked who is it? The young man answered it's my father and they were all saved.

Just as I look forward to the day when my father (Jesus) arrives and I look up and say it's my father (Jesus) and we that believe will be saved. For the bibles says "Mat 4:16 - The people which sat in darkness saw great light"

Movie: Finally, I watched as the movie closed with those who were saved on this helicopter and one of the men was clutching a book. Someone noticed and asked what is that you have in your hand and the man answered the Gutenberg Bible (The Word of God) I had to saved it because it was the most important book in the library.

I found it ironic that a man who had previously in the movie indicated he had no belief in the God was placed in a position of having a desire to save the first book ever printed also had to carry the Word of God. 1Pe 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.

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Monday, October 02, 2006

What is faith?

The dictionary would define "faith" this way: "A confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, and idea, or a thing. A belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. Theology: a secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will."

The principle Bible definition is in Hebrews 11:1 -- "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Now notice, Faith is the SUBSTANCE -- the marginal rendering says "ASSURANCE" -- of things HOPED FOR. You do not HOPE for that which you already HAVE. So FAITH comes BEFORE possession.
Once you have RECEIVED the POSSESSION, you no longer HOPE for it. But even before you receive it, you have it in SUBSTANCE -- and that substance -- that ASSURANCE that you SHALL possess it, is FAITH.

Then again, faith is an EVIDENCE -- the evidence of things NOT SEEN. Faith PRECEDES the actual receiving of what you ask for. And faith is the EVIDENCE you have, or SHALL have it, BEFORE you even see it. It is the EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT YET SEEN. You do not have it. You do not SEE it, or FEEL it -- yet faith is your EVIDENCE that you have or shall have it -- faith is the substance, the ASSURANCE of receiving that you still HOPE for.

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