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.

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.

RANDOM QUOTES

"The great test of every Christian is not preaching what he's [or she's] learned, but living what he [or she] preaches" - Dave Meyer

"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.

PERFECTION OF CHARACTER

Perfection of Character

One of the current errors in Christianity is that there is justification (Romans 4:24, 25), i.e. saved by grace (Ephesians 2:5, 8) without sanctification, i.e. change of character and habits through obedience to the truth (Acts 16:26, 1 Peter 1:2). Study these precepts in the following lines, Romans 8:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Acts 26:18. The two work together.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently (1 Peter 1:22)

Jesus said to the demoniac and to the woman caught in adultery, “go and sin no more”. Sin is transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). The law of God is spelled out for us in the 10 Commandments (Found in the Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, all the way to the Gospels, Paul’s letters and finally in Revelation).

Recurring themes: victory over sin; overcoming; being perfect; purifying our souls; and many more

Living a sinless life through the merits of Christ is possible!

Since you’re interested in understanding more of God’s word, here are some texts for further study (this is by no means and exhaustive list of bible texts):

Zephaniah 3:13 [no guile in our mouths]; Revelation 14:1, 5 [the 144,000]; Revelation 7:1-8 [144,000 receive the seal of God]; 1 Peter 1:16 [be ye perfect]; 1 Peter 2:21 [Christ our example]; Hebrews 8:8-10 [the sealing of God’s law in our hearts is the new covenant] and many more

THE REFINED GOSPEL - PROCESSED RELIGION

The Refined Gospel – Processed Religion

“And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man saying, we will eat our own bread and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach” (Isaiah 4:1)*

There is a plethora of religious options to choose from, all claiming to be true. The patient seeker of truth has the guarantee that they will find it (Jeremiah 29:13). In the hodgepodge of religious teachings there is a pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27) and there is a processed religion.

In the processed religion the people say, “prophecy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophecy deceits” (see Isaiah 30:10). The leaders of the people cause them to err (see Isaiah 9:16) and the idolatrous priests…that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven (2 Kings 23:5) are misleading the flock.

When we begin to feed upon the pure, unrefined word of God it will have a powerful effect on our lives. We will preach with power (Revelation 18:1) and there will be no spiritual constipation or a form of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5). Just like food with its full fiber moves the waste and impurities from our bodies, so the pure word of the Lord purges the mind of impure thoughts and false teachings to the perfection of our character (Ephesians 5:26).

The word, however, must be chewed (studied) thoroughly (2 Timothy 2:15). If you’re not used to such full truth, it may be difficult at first, but as you become accustomed to the word of God, it will become easier to understand. Isaiah encourages us to study the word line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:10). By a casual perusal or by trying to take in too much at one time, we will not be edified and confusion and frustration will be the sure result.

Let us choose our spiritual food carefully.

*symbolic language: woman – church (Jeremiah 6:2; Revelation 12:17); bread - word of God (2 Peter 1:20; Matthew 16:12); apparel – character (Revelation 19:8; Isaiah 61:10); man/name – Christ (2 Chronicles 7:14)

SEVEN (7) THINGS THE LORD HATES...

BUT WE THINK THEY ARE NO BIG DEAL

Six Things the Lord Hates; The Seventh is an *Abomination (Proverbs 6:12-19)

Proverbs 6:12-15 and Proverbs 6:16-19:

He that winketh with his eyes - A proud look (haughty eyes)

A naughty person, a wicked man,[who] walketh with a froward mouth - A lying tongue

He that teacheth (points)[accuses] with his fingers - Hands that shed innocent blood

He deviseth mischief (evil) continually - A false witness that speaketh lies

He speaketh with his feet (shuffles)[slothful] - Feet that be swift in running to mischief

Frowardness (perversity) is in his heart - A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations

He soweth discord - He that soweth discord among brethren


*Abomination
loathsome (Genesis 46:39)
defiles (Leviticus 18:30)
cursed (Deuteronomy (7:26)
detestable (Deuteronomy 18:9; 25;16)
odious (1 Samuel 13:4)

[brackets] are my addition

ONE IMPORTANT QUESTION FOR TODAY

WERE THEY TELLING THE TRUTH?

Throughout your life (at home, at work, at school or in the street), you've met people who shared or tried to share some aspect of the gospel* with you. The question is, "were they telling the truth?"

In the myriad of information, you won't know what truth is unless you compare what they said with Truth. Truth is the Word of God found in the Bible** (The Old and New Testament).

I implore you to study*** your Bibles today and find out for yourself what your strength and foundation is build upon.

*the gospel is the good news of Salvation by Faith in Jesus Christ

**the King James Bible is the preferred for its accurate translation into English. Most of the newer versions and paraphrases are based on polluted manuscripts and false doctrines. Some are acceptable for a first time bible reader, but study the matter out thoroughly as you progress

***always pray for the Lord to give you understanding before attempting to study His word, otherwise confusion will be the sure result

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

On December 18, 2009, the European Union...the President signed the first part of... What this means for the Christian is that God's word is coming to pass when, "...the dragon was wroth [angry] with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her [the church of Christ] seed which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ," (Revelation 12:19) is nearer now than when we first believed.

On December 1, 2009, Germany reaffirmed the sacredness of Sunday as a day of worship to be protected. What this means for the Chrisian is that the time when the second beast power, with the backing of the first beast power would, "...cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed...and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the number of the beast, or the number of his name" is nearer now than when we first believed (Revelation 13:15-17).

On December ??, 2009, the District of Columbia sanctioned gay marriage. What this means to the Christian that, "...as in the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:37-39).

There are two groups of people we can be in during these times. One group will be looking at the coming crisis and respond with anxiety, fear or worse yet, despair. The other group will be watching, praying and working, and as they see bible prophecy being fulfulled, their faith will be strengthened in the certainty of the coming Christ.

This past year has brought about more changes to our world and way of life then we could ever have imagined. Some have been stirred to action or even more effective, self-examination and prayer. Some have missed the signs, being cleverly distracted by well-timed expositions of Tiger Woods' sins, Michael Jackson's well-publicized death, Rihanna's personal problems and the unprecedented inaugration of the first dark-skinned man in America's Presidental history.

Friends, my appeal is simple, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 24:44).

"WHEREFORE GOD ALSO HATH HIGHLY EXALTED HIM, AND GIVEN HIM A NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY NAME: THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW,...AND THAT EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER" (Philippians 2:9-11).

REST A WHILE

Come ye yourselves apart into a deserted place and rest a while (Mark 6:31).

Jesus recognized that even His disciples needed quiet time to themselves. Even He made it a regular habit to go to some mountainside or secluded place to commune with His Father.

A couple weeks ago, we went to the mountains and stayed with a wonderful family. The area was so quiet and peaceful that the Lord was able to share some wonderful truths with me. I sooo wanted to share them with you, but instead of asking permission to use their computer and working on the blog right then, I presumed to do it when I came back to the city.

Of course, all the precious truths have since left my mind and may possibly be lost forever. Sorry!! I now recognize what the Lord was saying to each of us when he said, "Come ye yourselves apart into a deserted place and rest a while" and why.

Our spiritual growth is severely hampered in a place where there is constant noise, distractions, sin and debauchery. The hustle, bustle, business, wasting of time and foolishness is so overwhelming, and oftentimes alluring, that there is no time or desire to study the word of God. We're always tired, stressed, pressured, pulled and beaten down, that the things of God hold no power or beauty in our lives.

Oh, brethren, let us go to those retired places so that we can know what God's will is for our lives. When we feel that things are going out of control, jump off the hamster wheel and let God catch you. It may mean major lifestyle changes, major opposition from the world, but God will be there to help you.

It's getting harder to hear the still small voice of God in all the construction noise, the car horns, the train rattlings, the public cell phone conversations, the news alarms and terror alerts.

If He's saying, "this is the way, walk ye in it" (Isaiah 30:21), how will we know where to go if we can't hear Him?

REVELATION OF HOPE

(1) Revelation's Predictions for the New Millenium

(2) Revelation's Biggest Surprise

(3) Revelation's Greatest End-Time Signs

(4) Revelation's Star Wars: Battle for the Throne

(5) Revelation's Peace Maker

(6) Revelation's Final Event

(7) Revelation's Most Amazing Prophecy

ANTI-SOCIAL CHRISTIAN?

Today I went by my parents for a block party that their community was having. I stayed inside for the whole time and didn't get to meet one single neighbor of theirs. In my passing in and out the front door, I said Hello to whoever I passed. Truth be told, I didn't even make eye contact and could not describe one person who was out there.

My excuse to my parents (not that they asked), was that I was anti-social.

As the words left my mouth, I was convicted that that was one of the biggest oxymorons I'd ever said. An anti-social Christian? How is that possible? A Christian is a follower of Christ and He certainly was not anti-social. As a matter of fact, He received much criticism because He mingled with anyone and everyone who was willing to listen to Him and even with those who were not willing.

The message this Sabbath was on evangelism. The great commission was to "go ye therefore and make disciples," (Matthew 28:19,20). That can't happen if I'm being anti-social.

The real reason behind my anti-social behavior was the problem that Peter had in Acts 10:9-36. Peter was a respecter of persons and the Lord was showing him that He is Lord of all. There has to be love for others and a willingness to endure some uncomfortable situations in order to reach people.

Don't use this as an excuse to go to the club with the "mission" of reaching the lost. This is not an excuse to indulge our sinful desires and cloak it in "being all things to all people."

This is about being like Jesus who mingled among the people desiring their good.

That's my prayer. Let me start in my home with my husband and children (inreach), then take it to the neighbors, friends, strangers and the world (outreach). This is a hard thing--for me, but thanks be to God, with Him, all things are possible.

WHAT IS ATHEISM

Definition:

Atheism is the religion* of making one's self God. Atheists deny the Sovereign God and place themselves in the position of God. They trust in what they believe to be inherent power within themselves, therefore are needless of anything greater.

When Atheists get sick and they are powerless to help themselves or when they face the death of a loved one, then reality sets in.

For those of you who have family or friends who claim to be Atheists, this is a good place to start. Lovingly show them that there are things that just would not happen in and of themselves and without a "higher power."

*Atheists may claim not to be religious, but the belief that you are your own god is a religion in itself.

BATHING SUIT RELIGION

Last summer my friend and I took our children to the beach. The beach was jam packed with people of all shapes, sized, colors and constitutions. I wore what I had, a one-piece bathing suit that was a hand-me-down from four years ago. Four months had passed since I gave birth, so naturally, my body was getting back to its pre-pregnancy state. In short, nothing was as it should be.

I felt uncomfortable, not only because of the high heat and humidity, but also because the bathing suit did not fit properly. As time went on and I surveyed the crowd of women at the beach, my uneasiness subsided and I summoned the courage to take off my outer garments and reveal the "too-stuffed sausage look." Don't laugh, it wasn't cute. I justified my appearance by saying that there were people who looked just as bad and some who looked worse. Although that was true, what did that have to do with me.

Upon my return home, I uploaded my photos to my computer and to my utter shock and dismay, the image that looked back at me was shameful. What was I thinking? I know! In a crowd, it's easy to justify wrong actions because everyone else is doing it. It takes that one bold and courageous person not to conform to evil for everyone else to acknowledge what should be obvious.

Needless to say, that lesson last summer did not cause an immediate change in my choice of attire. I've had to struggle with my old nature and the new creature I want to become. The two are constantly waring against each other. The flesh against the spirit. I see the same struggle going on with other Christians and am less apt to judge now. Now I know that the outward appearance is truly indicative of what is going on in the heart.

This could be a deeper religious discussion about dress, but that has to be something that the Holy Spirit convicts individual hearts about.

"Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."