MY SHEEP KNOW MY VOICE (PSALM 23)

DAVID SHARING WHAT HE LEARNED AS A SHEPHERD ABOUT GOD'S WATCH CARE OVER EACH PERSON IN HIS FLOCK.

You are my caretaker. I do not have to worry about my physical needs (Matthew 6:25-34).

You place me in environments where I can grow better (Philippians 4:19/Acts 17:26)

You show me how to obtain peace of mind (Philippians 4;6,7/Mark 6:31)

You revive my spirit (Psalm 51:12)

You show me how to live right in this world (Proverbs 3:6); so that You get the glory (1 Peter 2:9-13)

If I end up in dangerous situations, I will not be be afraid, because I know that Your presence is there (Psalm 91:9-13/Deuteronomy 31:6,8)

You uplift me with your right hand and send the Holy Spirit to be my Comforter(John 14:16)

You cause me to be invited to events with those that hate me and there provide for the nourishment of my body (Psalm 103:5)

You Baptise me with Your Spirit (Matthew 3:11)

I have so many blessings, that I have to share with others (Malachi 3:10)

I am certain that joy and forgiveness You will give to me as long as I abide with You (Psalm 16:11/1 John 1:9)

And by your grace, I will work in Your vineyard (Psalm 84:10/ Philippians 2: 12,13) and my name will not be blotted out of the book of life (Revelation 3:5)

Amen

A PSALM OF PRAISE

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods

(Psalm 95:1-3)

7 GIFTS OF GOD ON MY BIRTHDAY

Thanks be to God for another day of life. By the Grace of God, today is my 35th year on the earth. I am learning that every day with Jesus is truly sweeter than the day before. The trials still come like a flood because we are born in sin and shaped in iniquity, and we have to live with, work with, shop with and commute next to people in the same human condition.

What do I want for my birthday today? I am thankful that I have all that I need.

Below are 7 gifts God has given to me and how they have sustained me thus far in my life.

His grace is sufficient in times of weakness. Jesus the living water quenches my thirst for righteousness when I go to Him and He fills me. I see the good or fruit of my labor each day in my family, my friends and those I know casually. The Holy Spirit has kept me from much trouble and danger (when I let Him). The cross of Calvary stands as a reminder of the eternal life Jesus Christ purchased to redeem me from sin. By faith, each day I believe and claim the promises of God’s word on my behalf (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, Psalms 138:8, Isaiah 49:25, Isaiah 59:19, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:2 and many more). He keeps me pure in body when time, fasting, distance or circumstances prevent me from rendering due benevolence to my husband.

Wherefore he saith, when He ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men [and women]” (Ephesians 4:8).

7 Gifts of God:

Grace (Ephesians 4:7)

Living Water (John 4:10)

To Enjoy the Good of our Labor (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

The Holy Spirit (Acts 8:20)

Eternal Life (Romans 6:23)

Faith (Roman 12: 3-8)

Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7)

I love you all with the love that I've received from the Father. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.

LOVE LETTER FROM GOD

Love Letter From GOD
My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty GOD

Compiler Unknown

HE/SHE IS A GOOD PERSON

We are not good people. The bible makes it clear that we are sinners and that there is none good, no not one (Romans 3:10 and Psalm 14:3). All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 and 5:12). We are sinners in need of a Savior, a Redeemer. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father (God) but by Him (His Son Jesus Christ) (John 3:16 and 14:6).

Beloved, surrender your sinful self to the Lord today and accept the gift of salvation. Repent and be baptised and begin a new life with the Master today (Matthew 3:2 and Acts 2:38).
Today is the day of salvation.

God loves you with an everlasting love.

RANDOM QUOTES

“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” Ellen G. White, Life Sketches, p. 196

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

It’s the most wonderful time of year for many. From gifts, to feasting, to carols and hymns, to decorations, there is something for everyone to enjoy this time of year. People are a little nicer, the air is a little crisper, and an overall exciting buzz is in the air.

This time of year is also a perfect opportunity to share with those who have never been told that each of us, as wonderfully made as we are, were sinners, but that God sent His Son, Immanuel (God with Us) to redeem us from the penalty of sin (death). We can choose to have a new life in Jesus Christ. Old things can pass away and all things can become new in our lives. Many have not heard these truths and search in vain for the peace that only God can give.

Christians, Jews and African Americans have this time of year carved out for different celebrations.

If you are into history, the following site has the History of Christmas covering time periods before (B.C.) and after (A.D.) Christ, Christmas Traditions by Country, Santa Claus History, Christmas Origins and Trivia and lastly, Christmas Books.

http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/

The History of Chanukah
http://www.beingjewish.com/yomtov/chanukah/history.html

The History of Kwanzaa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

In the midst of traditions and tall tales, there is a Truth that will set men and women, boys and girls free. Today is the day of salvation.

THANK YOU, LORD

THANK YOU, LORD

Thank you, Lord, for simple things
That brighten every day
Like sunshine in the morning
And daffodils in May.

Thank you, too, for friends who care
When tears begin to fall
And thank you too for answered prayer
The greatest gift of all!

Thank you for each spring bouquet
And for the summer rose,
For rainbows in the meadow
And every stream that flows.

Thank you, Lord, for simple things
Which really are quite grand
For each is a miracle
Wrought by the Master’s hand!
Clay Harrison

THE GARDEN IN EDEN: EARTH'S FIRST FAMILY

During the week of creation, God planted a garden and put the man Adam whom he had made.

A river that had four openings, flowed out of Eden to water the garden.

In addition to the trees that God made to provide food, two special trees were put in the garden.

One was the Tree of Life and the other was the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

God gave man another job, to take care of the garden.

God told Adam that he may eat from any of the trees that were for food, but not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

God warned him that in the day he ate from that special tree, he would surely die.

Remember what Adam’s other job was, to name the animals, fish and birds?

Well, while he was naming them, he realized that they all had a partner, but he didn’t have one.

God already knew that it was not good for man to be alone, but now Adam knew it too.

God put Adam to sleep and performed the first surgery by taking a rib from Adam’s side and using it to make a partner for him.

Adam called her woman and she became known as Eve, the mother of all living.

During that time, the man and his wife didn’t wear any clothes, but they were not embarrassed and did not seem to notice.

Since there was no sin on the earth, this family could have lived happily every after.

(C) Leuanna N. Matheson 2007

CREATION: THE FIRST WEEK OF EARTH

L.A.N.D. Children Living Bible Series

Once upon a time, when nothing was in the world, God made Heaven and Earth.

The Earth was dark and empty, except for the Holy Spirit who was hovering over the Earth.

So on day 1, God made light and separated it from the darkness and called them day and night.

On day 2, God made the atmosphere, separated it with space and called the top part heaven.

On day 3, God made land on the bottom part and called it Earth and made seas, then added herb plants, grass and fruit trees.

One day 4, God made the sun for daytime and the moon for nighttime, so that we could keep track of time.

On day 5, God made fish and other sea creatures and birds and they had babies and multiplied.

On day 6, God made land animals and two people, a man named Adam and after that, a woman named Eve, his wife.

God put the man and woman in charge of the animals, fish and birds and even let the man name them.

God told Adam and Eve to have lots of children so that the Earth will be filled with people.

God also told them that they could eat the fruits and that both they and the animals could eat the herbs.

Everything God made was good.

On day 7, God was finished creating the Earth so he ended his work and rested.

God blessed the 7th day and made it special and told Adam and Eve to enjoy that special time with him and rest also.

(C) Leuanna Matheson 2007

"PRACTICE MAKES BETTER"

"And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at his coming. If ye know that He is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth (practices) righteousness is born of Him...he that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked...Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth (practices) righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous."

References:
1 John 2:28,29
1 John 2:6
1 John 3:7

EXAMINE YOURSELVES

Paul asks us to examine our selves (2 Corinthians 13:5). We must work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

Here are 7 questions* that will help with that personal assessment:

(1) Am I a Christian?

(2) Is the Word of God my study?

(3) Is Christ dwelling in my heart by faith?

(4) Is the law of God the rule of my life?

(5) Do the searching truths I profess to believe, penetrate into the secret places of my life?

(6) Do I carry out its principles in my business or home life?

(7) Is the influence I exert, having a saving power on those with whom I associate?

*I don't recall where these were obtained from

THE WILL OF GOD

"...if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth." (John 9:31)

Romans 8:27 - That He (Jesus) that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit (Holy Ghost), because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

1 Corinthians 12:11 (see v. 7-10*) - That all these (the 9 spiritual gifts described*) worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing (distributing) to every man severally (individually) as He will.

Galatians 1:3-5 - That Jesus Christ game himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 5:17:21 - That wherefore ye be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves on to another in the fear of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any thing: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Peter 2:13-16 - That ye submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God.

1 Peter 3:17 - For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 4:2,19 - That ye no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God...Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing , as unto a faithful Creator.

SEARCHING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

After talking about what we should not worry about, Jesus in Matthew 6:33, says "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

This portion of the Sermon on the Mount is summarized by the statement seek ye first the kingdom of God. The disciples who have pledged their allegiance to the King must continue seeking the kingdom and its righteousness. The present imperative form of the Greek verb indicates a continual or constant seeking.

The contrast between the spiritual and the material is emphasized. The believer is to seek first the righteousness that is characteristic of God's kingdom and then all these things (material things) shall be added unto him. When our priority is spiritual, God will take care of the material, for where God guides, He provides.

We need not even worry about tomorrow, for sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (v. 34). This meas that each day has its own troubles and challenges to be responsibly handled, without worrying about the hypothetical problems that could arise tomorrow.

Edited commentary from the King James Study Bible, pg. 1424, 1988, Nelson Publishing.

UNLEARN

"Seeing is believing."

This is an unbiblical teaching. It's the theme of songs, books, movies, and many other forms of instruction.

The unfallible Word of God states, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen"(Hebrews 11:1).

From birth, we have been in the school of the enemy of our souls. It's time to unlearn his unbiblical teachings and learn what "Thus saith the Lord!"

THREE (3) IMPORTANT TRUTHS FOR THE END TIME

(1) God, the creator, who is Love, seeks each day to demonstrate His great love toward us.

(2) Jesus, our Advocate and intercessor is coming soon to redeem those who reflect His character in thoughts, words and actions.

(3) Morning by morning, by the choices we make, we are being transformed into Christ's image or not.

THE CONDITIONS OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

God's love is unconditional. He loves us with an everlasting love and everything He does is with the express purpose of showing us His love.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten love, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and [then] all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

Ye shall search for me and find me when ye seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 33:13).

If my people that are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sin, and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

If you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

If thou seekest her [wisdom] as silver and searchest her [wisdom] as for hid treasures, then shall thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:4,5).

THE LOVE OF GOD

Satan is determined that men shall not see the love of God, which led Him to give His only-begotten Son to save the lost race; for it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. Oh, how shall we succeed in setting forth before the world the deep, precious love of God?

In no other way can we compass it than by exclaiming, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1)!

Let us say to sinners, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)! By presenting Jesus as the representative of the Father, we shall be able to dispel the shadow that Satan has cast upon our pathway, in order that we shall not see the mercy and love of God’s inexpressible love as manifested in Jesus Christ. {1SM 384.2}

Emphasis mine

See the whole inspirational thought at www.growministries.net

WRAPPED UP: THE BOOK OF ENDINGS

The last book of the Holy Bible begins, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ..." (Chapter 1: verse 1).

Eight key themes, which are woven into the whole bible (old testament and new testament Scriptures, are summarized in Revelation Chapter 1. Interestingly, they all begin with "S":

SCRIPTURE (see verses 1-3) - The Bible and the Bible only (Sola Scriptura); "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17); "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15);>"...the truth of the Lord endureth forever..." (Psalm 117:2).

SALVATION (see verses 4-6) - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16); "Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live..." (Ezekiel 33:11).

SECOND COMING (see verses 7-8) - "...I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again* and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:2,3).

*He didn't say that we would go to meet Him before He returns (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17)

SABBATH (see verse 10) - "And on the seventh day God ended his work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all his work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Genesis 2:2,3); also see Exodus 20:8-11; Isaiah 58:13,14; Hebrews 11:1-4 & Revelation 14:7.

SANCTUARY (see verses 12-13) - "Thy way O Lord is in the Sanctuary, who is so great a God as our God" (Psalms 77:13); [Everything in the Jewish Sanctuary and its corresponding services pointed forward to Jesus Christ and the mystery of SALVATION]

STATE OF THE DEAD (verses 17,18) - "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23); Death is a sleep (see Job 7:9,10,21; The dead know not anything (see Ecclesiastes 9:5); The righteous dead will be raised at the SECOND COMING of Christ, before the 1000 years, to receive their reward [life without end], and the wicked dead will be raised after the 1000 year, to receive their reward [death with an end] (see Revelation 20:1-6,14,15).

SPIRIT OF PROPHECY (verse 9) - "The Lord will do nothing but He revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7); "I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily raising and sending them..." (Jeremiah 7:25); also see Revelation 19:10 & 22:9,10.

SAINTS (see verse 20) - "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as we see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24,25); "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love" (1 John 4:7,8); also see Luke 6:27,28 and ending at v. 36); "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galations 3:29); "...that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through* Jesus Christ: that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith" (Galatians 3:14).

*And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:2,3).

Look up the fascination Geneologies of:

Judah (the son of Israel) to David, the King (Ruth 4:12-22)
Abraham to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17)
Jesus to Adam (the first man made in the image of God)(Luke 3:23-38)

WHOSE FAMILY TREE ARE WE A PART OF?

Since the creation, and subsequently sin, men (and women) and our descendants can be traced to one of two lines:

God's or Satan's

Seth's or Cain's

Abraham, the father of the faithful or not

Jacob's or Esau's

The righteous or the wicked

Him that serveth God or Him that serveth Him not (Malachi 4:13)

The children of God or the children of the Devil (1 John 3:10)