A tribulation is defined by suffering under something. It can be a person or group, or it can be spiritual, physical or mental and we all can have them at different times. I had one of mine this past week when I had 2 surgeries on my prostrate and then developed blood clots. The clots made so much pain and not to mention not able to get rid of waste and then on top of that to add catheters and probes! I never want to go through all that again!

   So many have it worse than me though. I have a friend who has gone through kidney cancer and surgery recently and one who had a stint put into her heart area. These are all things that can be scary, life threating and painful. Usually in time we can get back to normal, but it is that time of healing that is hard. 

   NOW let us add to all that physical pain losing your house to a fire or losing a loved one in the fire but still having physical issues. Then the mental game may begin. Depression and hopelessness may take over as well as fear and anxiety.

   Then there are those in other countries who have suffered tremendous loss due to religious or terrorist attacks. They kill for the fun of it or just want to have power and dominate others. 

   We all may go through tribulation but as believers we always have hope, and we must lean on and be dependent on Christ more than ever during these times of suffering. No matter what tribulation you are going through dwell on, and be dependent on our Lord regardless and keep that hope alive!

The power of Christmas is not in the birth of Christ but in the conception of Christ! Women have been giving birth to babies since the beginning of time but none ever like Jesus! Mary was a virgin, and the Holy Spirit gave her this life within.

 

Luke 1 starting in verse 5 gives us a timeline to this. Zacharias was the priest and Eliabeth his wife was older and had no children. He did his priesthood duties in the 8th month (read 1 Chron 24) which is called Abia or Abijah, this would have been around May-June range in our calendar year. Eliabeth became pregnant with John the baptist and 6 months later in November-December Mary became pregnant with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Now 9 months after that we end up around August to September and Jesus was born. 

 

By the way when was Jesus alive in Mary? At conception!

Was he able as a human to take care of himself? NO!

When any baby is born can they take care of themselves? NO!!!

He was alive within Mary at conception and so are ALL babies! Think about that when it comes to abortion rights!!! One more thing why do they put on trial a person for murder of two when the mother is pregnant???

 

Now the power of Christmas is not in the birth but in conception and that conception is by the Holy Spirit and just like that new baby we too are made alive in spirit by the Holy Spirit the second we believe! We too are made a NEW CREATURE by the Spirit! 

 

The Power of Christmas is in Christ through the Holy Spirit IN You! 

Have a Christ-filled day! 

 

 

 

Honesty is something that should come natural to a believer. If one struggles to be honest then something is wrong. It means they are not listening to the Spirit or conscience nor obeying the word, and it also means they are NOT loving the body.

 

I have had people say over and over they are going to give financially to the ministry and never do. Usually, it is so they can get my attention and wanting me to talk with them. This is manipulation and deceitful and hurts their testimony. I would rather they never say they would give than to keep promising and never do it. Funny I will usually talk with them no matter what unless it becomes a roller coaster of control, self-pity or self-indulgence. 

 

If you are a believer and not honest your conscience will bother you so listen to it. If a believer does not see their lie as sin, then they have become callous to lying and being dishonest and will continue to be carnal. So always be sensitive and honest and choose your words carefully for they have a lot of power and meaning behind them. 

We sometimes miss the obvious! At times we can overlook and justify without even realizing our obvious sin! Let's read about David in...

 

David knew the law and he knew it was sin yet didn't really think about it but lusted and took what he wanted. He put his needs above God's desire and law as well as hurting Bathsheba and Uriah. this tells us we can know scripture and know law in black and white and still not do it. It also tells us that although the Holy Spirit is convicting us of this wrong, we can ignore it and do whatever we want.

 

Let's read from 2 Samual 12 now...

 

 

FINALLY, the Body meaning another person came and addressed the sin! FINALLY, David came to his senses and realized his sin! FINALLY, it took a man to help him see his sin!

 

You see we have 3 ways we can grow. 1.The Word, which tells us the doctrine and heart of our Lord. 2.The working of the Spirit within and 3. The Body which can help us, especially if we miss the first two. Now many so called "super spiritual" people say "I only need the word and the spirit", but they can't see the obvious sin, hurt and pain they have caused others. They want to live in doctrine only but that only tells HOW to live it does not MAKE us Live it, that is our choice and at times we choose to ignore it just like David! When we do not "do" the word and do not listen to the spirit we will often become independent, prideful and arrogant. We then need to be confronted with truth. We need counseling, discipleship and teaching.

 

Don't be a lone ranger and try to live apart from others in the body. We need each other and we need direction and guidance.

Give God the Glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

 

We sometimes miss the obvious! At times we can overlook and justify without even realizing our obvious sin! Let's read about David in...

 

David knew the law and he knew it was sin yet didn't really think about it but lusted and took what he wanted. He put his needs above God's desire and law as well as hurting Bathsheba and Uriah. this tells us we can know scripture and know law in black and white and still not do it. It also tells us that although the Holy Spirit is convicting us of this wrong, we can ignore it and do whatever we want.

 

Let's read from 2 Samual 12 now...

 

 

FINALLY, the Body meaning another person came and addressed the sin! FINALLY, David came to his senses and realized his sin! FINALLY, it took a man to help him see his sin!

 

You see we have 3 ways we can grow. 1.The Word, which tells us the doctrine and heart of our Lord. 2.The working of the Spirit within and 3. The Body which can help us, especially if we miss the first two. Now many so called "super spiritual" people say "I only need the word and the spirit", but they can't see the obvious sin, hurt and pain they have caused others. They want to live in doctrine only but that only tells HOW to live it does not MAKE us Live it, that is our choice and at times we choose to ignore it just like David! When we do not "do" the word and do not listen to the spirit we will often become independent, prideful and arrogant. We then need to be confronted with truth. We need counseling, discipleship and teaching.

 

Don't be a lone ranger and try to live apart from others in the body. We need each other and we need direction and guidance.

Give God the Glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

 

There is a coach in most team sports, and he is the one who calls the plays. He says go do this play and the team is supposed to do it, but that does not always happen. "Why didn't you run the play that I told you to run" he says to the team. "I don't know coach we thought our play was better"! 

 

This is how we sometimes run our lives apart from coach Jesus isn't it. Paul tells Timothy this

 

"Men shall be lovers of their own selves" says Paul and isn't that the truth. I could stop there but won't. This can be true of the best of us. There are many good teachers in the body of Christ especially those who teach after the Pauline pattern and the gospel of Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. But just because you teach good doctrine doesn't mean you are living it.  There is "more than doctrine" for doctrine is the starting point. Living it out is the hard part and often the overlooked thing. This why we need more than just teachers teaching a sermon in the body. The body needs those who see the people for who they really are. That can tell the preacher "He's not running the right play so to speak". 

 

I often find it interesting that many teachers won't take criticism from someone in the church or from someone that may not know as much as them when it comes to the bible but will take instructions from their wife who still doesn't knows as much as he does scripture wise. This is because she knows HIM and sees his anxiousness, anger or insecurities. She can see more than doctrine she sees HIM! A church and pastor that allows others to minister is of great value to the body and the pastor that allows others to minister to him is even of greater value!

 

We need people and counselors who disciple and mentor more than ever in the church. We need those who are not afraid to speak truth and to help others grow in faith.  If we don't have these, we end up with a one man show who ends up thinking he can run it all and he will either burn out or become prideful.

BE THANKFUL! 

 

When I go to the hospital and see so many hurting folks that really take their pain well in whatever they are going through, I really have a thankful heart. Yet we don't want to just look at ourselves and be thankful for not going through what they are going through, but we should be thankful for what Christ did for us and for what He has given us which is eternal Life in Him!

 

This thanksgiving be truly thankful for Christ work and life and give glory to God no matter what you are going through for He is Greater than any issue you have!

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you all 

Everyone struggles in life, and it is normal to have some battles within. How we handle those battles tells us Who is trying to handle the issues in our life.

 

For instance, if someone has cancer and is scared and fearful they may try to fix by any means possible and they are anxious and worried with no peace. They may not sleep well, and then other things begin to move in their mind and think about other issues.  Or if someone gets into an argument with someone the mind begins to dwell on the argument and person. What they did wrong and how to get back or fix the situation. We may worry about this person or try to fix something we cannot fix. We try to control the world and people around us and nothing seems to work. We panic and want to "DO" more to fix this issue. Our mind wants to "DO" more and more, and it just keeps running. 

 

All this is because we are not the WHO that can fix the problems within. We are not resting in the Lord nor are we walking in who we are in Christ. We are not comforted in His love but trying to find comfort in fixing the issue and relying on ourselves. Sometimes forgiveness is needed on top of that. We hold someone responsible for some wrong they have done, and we are angry with them. It eats us up that they could even think of doing this horrible thing. We are trying to be "God"!

 

Let us remember and renew our minds in who we are and that we are deeply loved, totally accepted and completely forgiven in Christ. We belong to Him and He so deeply loves us! Let us find comfort in that alone and the peace of God will come over us. We do not need to fix the fix that He has fixed! 

 

Integrity is something we all seek from others. When we go to a mechanic, we want a man of integrity who won't over emphasize how bad something is just to make more money. When we go to the Doctor's we don't want someone who wants to run a bunch of tests that are not necessary and charge us or the insurance. There is always something wrong with our cars or our bodies it seems but does everything need to be fixed and what a price we may pay.

 

We want leaders to be men of integrity too. Integrity means being honest and having good strong moral principles. It seems that many who run for office that have some Christian values still lack integrity.

 

All believers should have integrity and stand in the principles that God has set. Let us be honest and think of others instead of ourselves. Let us NOT let the perverseness of others destroy us!

Grace to You! 

This week we send in our ballots and vote for who will be our next President. All Christians should vote for it is our way of keeping your rights and being free in the U.S.! SO, VOTE!

 

Now I encourage you to vote not for the person as people are flawed. Jesus is not running sadly although He probably wouldn't win as so many vote for personality, self-centered and extreme liberal ways and not righteously. But Both candidates are flawed and so we shouldn't vote for a person so much as we should for their policies and what they stand for. It is these policies that make the difference in society and affects you and I the most. What they do personally may always be looked at in history, such as Clinton's affair or Nixons Watergate but it is the policies that make everyday living and also life decisions forever. 

 

Are they Godly policies or not is a question. Democrats want no limits on abortion where Republicans want 15 weeks in most states. I don't like either one, but I'll take the 15 week one because it is better than no limits.

 

It was Democrats that pushed and got same sex marriage and therefore keep pushing this agenda which as a believer is allowing our children and grandchildren to be numb and accept the homosexual agenda not to mention the wicked way, they go about recruiting them.

 

It was Democrats that allowed the Transgender movement to be birthed in society as being acceptable and has reached into our children's schools, bathrooms and sports!

 

I can't tell you honestly that one person is better than the other, at least on a personal level, but one platform is "Godlier" than the other, so get out and vote! 

Suffering!

Have you ever noticed how people react to the death of a loved one? Or how people change when they go to prison? Many come to Christ in these times because suffering brings pain and awareness to our bodies or hearts! Suffering brings the heart and mind to the understanding that we are not in control and there is something bigger than us. People call out to God when they think they are dying or in pain or locked up and hurting.

 

I had the pleasure of going to prisons and many of them come to Christ. Oh yes there are some that say they do come to Christ and have a religious experience or something but don't, and that is no different than those that go to church on the outside and claim to be saved and are not, is it?

 

We all suffer in different ways at different times for different reasons. We may suffer because of our own decisions or someone else's bad decisions. We may suffer because of our health or financially. We all will suffer to a certain extent even if it is just the loss of a loved which we all have to face at some point.

 

Jesus suffered and the bible says in

 

Suffering should bring us to obedience whether for the first time in being saved or our daily walk after being saved. Allow the lord to work while you suffer by going to Him and resting in Him no matter how much you suffer!

Maranatha! 

 

The new buzz word in personal growth and bible study is called mentoring. Mentoring is described by taking someone from their present state and moving forward, which to me is just the same thing as I have said for years discipleship. But discipleship involves the whole package meaning dealing with past, present and future. Jesus took the 12 apostles and showed them their past and need and dealt with that, then to their present salvation and then taught and trained them. If in "mentoring" you only deal with the future, you may miss a big problem from the past! Unforgiveness and reconciliation as well as past sins and habits. If you have dealt and deal with relationships as well as doctrinal issues that were always holding a person in bondage, or how you communicate with others, and all need to be dealt with.

 

The old word for getting help was counseling and I still use that word, yet it has the connotation of someone who only needs help from some mental or emotional problem, but counseling is only a small part of discipleship. 

 

Sadly, most and I mean like 99.9% of most pastors, teachers and church members have never had true discipleship and could benefit from it. Discipleship is NOT just a teaching or class or some type of higher learning and degree. It is not as I have heard from some pastors that they were discipled by a person they never met and they watched on T.V. or knew and perhaps had seen them once a month or so.

 

The church really does not understand discipleship because the leaders themselves have not been through it. They may have the right doctrine and rightly divide correctly and still walk in self-centeredness and unable to receive from others and be taught themselves. Most in the church today think knowledge and doctrine is the key and while that is very important there is a lot more to life. They are unteachable, arrogant and prideful. They learn something new or know right doctrine, then they want to throw it up in people's faces in a rude, controlling and prideful way! 

 

You see you may be the smartest most knowledgeable teacher or person there is on this earth and still walk after the flesh and be rude and selfish! We need the body to minister and correct, rebuke and discipline each other. Now some will say that is what the Holy Spirit and the Word are supposed to do, and they are correct, but do "WE" always do what the word says? Do we ever not listen to the spirit after all does the spirit get in your face and yell at you? Are any of us really following "everything" the word or the spirit says, NO!!!! OTHERSWISE why do we need the body? Why is the bible 90% rebuking correcting and always telling us to separate from the world and its people. NO ONE and I mean NO ONE is perfect and ALL can need help from the body when it comes to our daily walk!    

 

 

Church!

Last week's blog was about church but more in line with what it was and wasn't. This week I want to touch on the study time. ALL churches have or should have a bible study. They may have 1 preacher or teacher, or they may have 2-3 teach every meeting but all should have a bible study. It maybe topical or expository meaning through a book verse by verse. Both can be good as long as the topical is not on the same subject constantly and as long as the expository is not to slow, as I tend to do. Verse by verse doesn't skip teachings and gives a better all-round teaching of the word.

 

Now there are NO rules for how the church should operate per say. In other words, church does not have to be one person teaching a group only. It Can be one leading and teaching while others add and comment like what many might call a bible study. While they think it is just a bible study it really is church, they just have not experienced any other way. But the church is the people who gather NOT the Sunday "service" time or production and seating arrangement. Church is an organism not an organization that meets for 55 minutes. It is not just sitting in a pew; but it is active, and it is serving one another WHILE the meeting is going on. And let me add here that so many mega churches have service on Sunday and then want you to find a "small" group during the week. You see that means a person has to come at least 2 times a week when they could just come 1 time and get what is important and learn to minister and get to know people. The trend is that "BIG" church on Sunday is the main and important time while the "little" mid-week meeting is not as important AND just so you know in general money flows on Sunday's big church, after all we have to keep the lights and salaries going!!!

 

House churches or small groups are better for church life than structured big groups. A non-structured bible study (church) in a home is a better environment for people to learn to minister than a big service sitting and doing nothing. Some may sing, others may share, and some may pray but it is ALL done in one fellowship time.

 

Don't think that a bible study is not the church they are the same. Singing or a Sunday service or anything other thing does NOT make the church, but rather being together, praising our Lord and growing in His grace and Word is all that is needed.

What is church? Well, many would say it is a certain denomination or building or religious organization. Some only identify it with being the Roman catholic church while others only see it as their denomination such as Baptist, Methodist or Amish.

 

But church is much more than a building or a certain group. It is first and foremost Christ and He is alive, and we are a part of His Body which makes us called the Body of Christ! A person, THE person named Jesus is a body and is a living organism that is alive and moving not stiff or regulated to a pew but able to share anywhere to anyone.

 

Church is NOT knowing who is sitting in front of you or having the lights down so you can't see anyone, or 4 songs, and a message or a teaching of some sort. The early churches sat and talked and ate food while mostly meeting in houses. They could share with one another and speak of their needs and desires while IN fellowship. They could just start a song up out of nowhere and then pray with one another and then a teaching and many times by more than one person, and nothing was done in a particular order.  Now of course, that doesn't mean that there wasn't order but nothing was set to the point that it couldn't change.  It was much more informal which actually can bring in all kinds of different rules and control.

 

While some churches are built on the preacher's personality they should really be built on Christ and grace doctrine. They should be people oriented and not performance oriented!

Stop and think about your church fellowship and see if it is a true "FELLOWSHIP" that ministers to people! 

 

 

As we see Israel fighting on multiple fronts, we may have fears for Israel I know I do. We should expect it as they have been attacked over and over again. This is why they are so dogmatic in fighting no matter who gets hurt. Yes, innocent people are killed but these same innocent people harbor and protect the ones that are extremist and killing innocent Israelis too. While not doing anything is not an option so Israel has to choose who is going to get hurt. I, we want to say to those innocent people STOP protecting and STOP giving into these extremists! STAND up for yourselves if you're not with them BUT I think the reality is that they are with them! Yes, the reality is that if they could they too would pick up a gun and kill Israelis! They too would like to see Israel wiped off the earth and they too would like to Islam take over the world.

 

This brings me to my point today and that is if you don't stand against Satan and this world's philosophy you are WITH THEM! If you don't STAND with CHRIST, then you are against Him! There is no sitting on the fence as so many would like to think. You cannot stand with one foot in and one foot out! Your either for Christ or against Him! You are either a believer or not! So, when you make compromises in life you are really saying I'm not with Christ but with the enemy!!!!! 

 

PLEASE DON'T do that, TAKE A STAND for RIGHTEOUNESS, GODLINESS AND CHRIST TODAY! 

 

As I read the comments on my social media post I am reminded of the need for biblical discipleship counseling. Sadly, a lot of saints have not been discipled and therefore have never addressed the way they behave, talk or how their attitude is offensive. While many are truly saved, and some have the right doctrine they don't know how to relate to others in a gentle loving or humble way. They can be arrogant and mean. When approached about their attitude and speech they will defend and usually respond even worse.

 

We all need to state our opinions without attacking, name calling, accusing or being sarcastic! Being discipled one on one helps us grow so much faster than just a teaching in a group. Whether it is in church, or bible study the dynamics are different from one on one and yes it can be tough but worth it. Things are exposed, and people are vulnerable and transparent. Their very heart and attitudes can be addressed. They can be free of their strongholds and habits and healing can take place.

 

Just because you are a Christian doesn't mean you have dealt with things. It doesn't mean everything is healed or that your reconciled with others. As a believer you are reconciled with God, but you may have left a trail of unfinished offences along the way. Knowing how to deal with those you have hurt or with those who have hurt you can be a whole new ball game.  

 

We are not really ONE with one another if we can't talk respectfully and gently with one another. A humble heart goes along ways and is the first thing I look for in a believer. It is something we should desire to have and walk in daily. It doesn't mean we believe every doctrine that comes along nor agree with everyone, but it is the way in which we interact and communicate with each other that shows our real heart. We should want to communicate and show God's love and patience with one another.

 

If you desire Biblical Christian discipleship counseling just go to my website at Biblical Christian Counseling and Discipleship

 

 

 

 

 

It is easy to focus on things that we can see. It is easy to want things our way so we can be comfortable, but life doesn't always go that way does it.

 

I like my Laz-e Boy recliner, T.V. and remote close by. I don't want to get up at all and the more I can watch Gunsmoke, or some cowboys show which I loved as a kid even better but that is not reality is it. Life can be tough for all of us at times.

 

We all have our problems and issues that come from health, wealth and relationships, too political elections, wars or environmental issues. We don't know how we are going to pay our taxes on our property or our car insurance which is sky high now. Our health and body may be hurting or wasting away, and we envision death or pain. Perhaps a broken marriage or kids that don't follow the Lord or some other relational issue as well as 1000 different things that can happen.

 

But ALL of these are just things that are "outward appearance"! These things are NOT eternal or internal as far as our faith and Spirit is concerned. We should keep our focus on Christ. We want to keep our thoughts and affections on Christ!

 

CHRIST WHO IS OUR LIFE!!! That is the key folks. Without Christ we have no life for we were dead already. IN Christ we are alive and Nothing absolutely nothing can separate us from Him!!!  

 

The Love of Christ is also the Life of Christ! No matter what you are going through, stay focused on Him and receive His love as you rest your mind from the worry and anxiety of this world. Don't be controlled by the "outward appearance" of life but control your thoughts and put them on "things above"!

Its fall and football's back. Robin and I love watching football. She loves to watch it just as much as I do so it is fun to see her get excited and cheer for her teams.

 

But while Football is fun it's not life! Football is just a game and not to be an idol. I think football is an idol to many and a way of identifying with something they can take pride in and say this is our team. "I AM A...." 

 

Identity is important as it gives meaning and purpose. The meaning tells us who we are so then we can go "do" our purpose. A fan for a football team has the purpose of cheering and belonging to a certain team. It says we are proud of this city or state.  "We are someone"! 

 

Being a parent is an identity and has meaning and gives purpose. A dad's purpose is to provide, protect and teach his children how to live and get along in life. He will correct and discipline in love and desire the best for them. A mom nurtures, nurses and loves her children. She usually makes sure they eat well and provides a warm environment for them as she also teaches them how to live life.

 

A Christian's is also an identity and that is being in Christ and belonging to God. We are His children and as a child of God our purpose is to worship Him! We are to live godly and righteous as well as tell others by sharing the gospel. Knowing WHO you are gives meaning and purpose, so a saved saint in Christ has many things to do but first we worship and praise the Lord and allow Him to work through us. Our purpose is to love others while sharing the "good news of Jesus Christ". We are to teach and edify the Body while sharing the cross of Christ to the lost. You have meaning as a child of God so fulfill your purpose as a saved saint in Christ.

 

Have fun and cheer for your team but also get excited and Cheer for Christ! 

 

 

I do volunteer work at a local hospital. I walk around the rooms and talk to the patience and families.  Some have family with them but not all and I think it encourages them to know they are not alone.  It is incredibly rewarding for me because many are believers and talk of the peace and faith in Christ. While I get to listen and share and pray with them, they don't know how I am blessed also. While I am limited in what I can share I just want you to know that there are some unbelievable saints going through horrific things. 

 

While I have some health issues myself these people are going through things I can never even imagine going through and they do it with a smile and a thankful heart unto our Lord Jesus.

 

I also get to listen and talk with the staff who are going through their own personal problems. The good thing about staff is that I get to see them more often and can see how they or their loved ones are doing weekly. 

  

If you ever get the opportunity to go to a hospital and volunteer and see what goes on there, I think you will grow in some way, and I guarantee you will at least be touched by someone. 

 

Ministry of any kind if doing it for the Lord is great and rewarding for all.  And not all ministry is teaching or talking with people sometimes just emptying trash or cleaning things can open up ministry opportunities and bring glory to God. The cook or custodians as well as the nurse and doctors all are going through things also and need someone to talk too.

 

Before ending this, I want to thank all the nurses, doctors and those who feed, clean and support staff at the hospitals and clinics. THANK YOU ALL!

The difference between doctrine is most important. Many cults claim to serve Jesus but in works or should I say in doctrine do not!

 

They demand works to be done in order to prove salvation as well as to KEEP salvation! They push law and putting people under law! Law will make you fearful, insecure and "perform" in life! Law comes first to them and is to be obeyed yet they themselves can't keep it, so knowing what right doctrine is vital to the next step and that is LIVING IT OUT! If you have the wrong doctrine you are going to have the wrong beliefs and thinking and if you have the wrong thinking you are going to have wrong actions and behavior and therefore sin! This is "STINKIN THINKIN"! So right doctrine is important to righteous living.

 

So, once we have submitted to right doctrine which is the doctrine given to Paul which is under grace we then can begin to "live out" that doctrine. 

 

To know and be under grace never means to live an ungodly lifestyle. Paul never said just because you are under grace go ahead and sin does he! He never said to go ahead and fornicate, did He? NO! He never said that just because you can steal, lie and murder to go ahead, did he? Again NO, NO, NO!

 

He also never said to be controlling, presumptuous or independent did He! He never said to "SEEK" approval, acceptance or affection from others, did he? Oh No!!! In fact, he said to "GIVE" didn't he! You see just because we understand the doctrine does not mean we are living by that doctrine does it!

 

Allowing Christ to live through us makes Godly living and as we do that, we will have victory but when we don't defeat. We will fail on our own but will be successful at times as we allow Christ to live through us.

 

This is also why we ALL need the body, and the Body NEEDS YOU! We All can help guide, direct and lead others to Christ at different times. We All can counsel and encourage others to choose wisely and to be obedient to God's will. We All are important in God's body to grow in love and faith. 

 

So read and study Paul's doctrine and have the right thinking and behavior and if you need to get help to see yourself honestly then get it from the Body AND then LIVE A VICTORIOUS LIFE IN CHRIST!

I recently put some posts on my Facebook pages about OSAS. For you that are not familiar with that it means Once Saved Always Saved. Just like other topics like tithing, water baptism and the Sabbath day people get real upset and cannot grasp the idea of grace. They see works of the law and performance as being faithful and will argue over these things to the point of madness. Many can't just comment and give their opinion they must control and correct everyone and call me as well as others false prophets or some other name.

 

You see without rightly dividing the word they ALL fall back to the LAW! They All live under and in bondage to LAW! How can one possibly live faithful without works of the law they think! 

 

I once heard a pastor give a sermon and it went something like this.

The thief on the cross was asked by an angel at the gates of heaven, "How did YOU get here"? The thief said, " I don't know the guy on the cross said I would be with Him in paradise"!

The angel said, "did you repent"? "NO" said the thief, "I just said I didn't think He deserved to die and that I believed in Him". The angel said, "do you know hermeneutics"? The thief said "NO, WHATS THAT"?

The angel said, "did you get water baptized"? "NO! he said, "I WAS HANGING from a tree"!

"Did you pay your tithe and go to church on Saturday or Sunday" said the angel! "NO like I said I was in prison for a while and heard about this guy and then next thing I knew I was next to Him on this big cross thing," said the thief.

"WOW" said the angel "I will have to check this out"!!!!!

 

Just like the angel this is the way so many approach salvation today.

But we know it is by faith and faith alone. We also know that we sealed by the Holy Spirit and that is our guarantee.

 

Pastor means shepherd but it also means faithful friend and leader. A pastor can be anyone who leads a group of people and does not necessarily have to be taught in a seminary. Pastors have one very vital qualification and that they must be able to teach. Now not all pastors are as good as others. Some have more knowledge, and some are good speakers while others are not. I have heard some of the best teachings from guys who couldn't speak very well but the message or the point was right on. Some pastors have GREAT entrainment value while others just want to imitate others for show. Some can speak great words that rhyme while others can't put a sentence together. I have heard a very famous teacher talk for 2 hours and never heard one thing that was of value, yet some may speak for 15 minuets and have a great teaching.

 

But the qualification is not in performance but in heart!!! Their faith and genuine sincereness to get the Word of God out to the people. To teach and live out the word daily. To correct, rebuke and edify gently and to oversee the hearts and behavior of their congregation. 

 

The Pastor is the leader and the one which was called to start or lead the local body. The church may be in a house or building or office and does not need to be formal.

 

I want to encourage you to not minimize their work nor worship them but rather pray for them. Pray for them as Paul asked for in Ephesian 6:18 that they would be bold and make known the Mystery of the Gospel. Pray that they would preach JESUS CHRIST according to the REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY!!!
Eph 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," 

 

It is a great calling to be a pastor, one in which in my opinion there is none other. Unlike a business owner or CEO that can fire or live as they please, the pastor must be one who has righteous godly behavior, and trying to grow a Body, and yet at the same time risk losing people over their sin or behavior, not an easy job but one that is so worth it!

 

So, pray for you pastor, teacher and leaders and help them help you and teach others! 

Have a great weekend and give God the Glory! 

 

 

 

 

Social media is a great way to share things. A great way to share the word of God and encourage people. After all the bible was the social media of its day. All of Paul's letters are to encourage the church and to help instruct in the word of God. They were to edify and teach how to live by faith and what faith looked like.

 

Don't be afraid to use social media for the gospel's sake. Now I know a lot of people like to share photos of themselves or family and all that is good to an extent but be careful that it is not ALL you share. Bringing attention to yourself is not healthy and only edifies self. Unbelievers do that too so be different and share the word sometimes. A verse or comment can change a person's whole life sometimes.

 

We don't want to spend too much time on any media things either. Too much is too much and can grow into a habit or a better word is sin. It can be obsessive and an idol.

 

But share the word with family and friends and you will be surprised at WHO comments and WHAT they say at times. You might see the "REAL" person for the first time. 

The Olympics are here, and I enjoy watching so many things I normally don't get to see on T.V sports. I always wanted to go to the Olympics and finally we did go to L.A. in 1984 as spectators. But I had trained in weightlifting and had won state titles and best lifter awards but never made the Olympic team. 

 

And while I love watching it is sad that weightlifting and many if not most other sports are dependent on drugs that are illegal in competition. Most are enhanced by steroids in some way and makes it hard for others to compete fairly.

 

The reason for this comes down to a simple answer, LUST! A lust to win and to be known as the best! The goal of being admired, loved and accepted drives people to the point of cheating and even harming their bodies. I have seen weightlifters who were young and great die in their 20s,30s and 40's from abuse of drugs. Many great athletes die young or have trouble later in life because of the drugs and things they did just to have a gold medal and fame.

 

While most of us will never go to that extent we all can strive for attention, acceptance and adoration! We want to be loved and accepted and for people to say "he was unbelievable, and I want to be like him" or "she was so great, and we love her" but it is a mental and emotional roller-coaster that never is satisfying, I know I was on that roller-coaster!

 

It drove me to my knees and to Christ! And it is only through Jesus that we find that love we so desire! Seek, know and experience the love of Christ and you will win more than a Gold medal!!! 

 

This week we saw the Republican's get together to nominate their man for President of the United States. Mr. Trump will be that person and will be the man in charge if elected. But as believers we need to always know WHO really is in charge and in charge of a bigger things than just the U.S. and things of this world. While we live in this world it is not our home. 

 

Christ is in charge, and He has made away for man to live above all this worldly lust and hate. He has made away for us to live in VICTORY regardless of who ever is in charge. We are more than conquers in Him.

 

It is only when we take our eyes off the heavenly and put them on the earthly, natural things that we get into trouble. We begin to fear and get scared, so we lash out at others who oppose our thinking. We want to crucify the opposite side and get down into the gutter with them. Let's not go there but keep our focus on what really matters.

 

Let us keep our focus on Christ and eternal things. Let us keep our hearts full of faith and remember that the bigger picture is not of this world but of the next!  

Sometimes when you're dealing with health issues it is hard to stay focused and not fear. I think we all can relate to this in some ways, but the more fear the more opportunity we have to spend time in prayer, reading the word as well as renewing our mind and walking by faith.

 

We also have the opportunity to seek prayer from the Body. The Body is a representative of Christ in the flesh. We can pray for one another and talk with one another. Sometimes just listening and visiting with one another is good for the one who is struggling.

 

Ultimately it comes down to FAITH!

Each of us has to do this on our own. No one can live it for you. It is a decision of the will and a faith filled mind. 

Walking by faith instead of sight is vital when the issue is health especially if it a life-or-death issue.

 

Keep your heart and eyes on Christ!

 

Praying for you all and please be praying for me as I deal with my health issues and keep walking by faith and seeking things above

in Christ! 

 

There are 7 areas to life. The Spiritual, Psychological (Soul), Physical, financial, and Social. These 5 areas we all have and the last two some of us have and that is marital and parental. 7 in all but today I want to talk about the financial area. 

 

Today's economic situation is bad. We can blame that on all kinds of things from the President's policies down to the businesses which are profiting from price gouging, but we still have to deal with it either way. I so very much feel for young people who can't afford a house or pay for medical bills or daily necessities. It will be hard for them to ever get ahead, especially if they are not wise with their money.

 

Which is what I wanted to talk about today. Being wise with our money! What we should keep in mind is what the bible says about money and investing in. The bible says there are things we should work hard and use our money in the right way.

1. for our family and housing and taking care of our responsibilities. Paying our bills on time and not going into debt if possible. That is hard if trying to have a house but paying it off early is good idea. Stay away from credit cards and car payments the best you can. Stay on top of things and don't let things get out of hand. I always suggest that the man be in charge of paying the bills if possible as it takes the burden and worry off the shoulders of the wife and mother.

 

2. If possible, help the poor, orphan and widows as much as possible. Those that are truly in need. That may be your neighbor, friend and family member or some organization although we should be careful with organizations that have a lot of overhead, and few dollars go to the cause itself. Pray for them and can be food, clothing and shelter as well as financial gift.

 

3. to further the gospel of Grace through Jesus Christ. This can be for your church, pastor or teacher. It can be for a missionary or buying and giving bibles and tracts away. This can be for organizations like Voice of the Martyrs who help those who are imprisoned or even pay the ultimate price for being a believer in Islamic states. 

 

Let your heart and finances build and edify the body and make God's financial plan your financial plan!  

 

May the love and peace of Christ comfort you today. 

 

 

James has some great insight for us! What causes those fighting's, arguments and divorces?  

 

LUST! SELF CENTEREDNESS! 

It is just like it says in Genesis 3 and 1John 2:16, that there is lust, lust and pride!!! We lust for love, respect and control! We lust and demand our way and don't get it, so we push harder and demand more and get louder and pretty soon we are in all-out war with each other. WHO is going to be God of this relationship? WHO is going to control? WHO? 

 

Well God is God, and we are not.... so, if you find yourself getting upset, angry and fighting with your spouse or anyone else check out your heart and motive! You are lusting and demanding them to do things your way!

 

Now that doesn't mean there aren't right ways to do things nor righteous and Godly things to be done in the right way. But most of the time the things we argue about are not about major things but small insignificant things. Like how the toilet paper should roll out or who should clean up the mess in the kitchen! "You made the mess YOU CLEAN IT UP"!!!! "I DIDN'T MAKE THE MESS YOU CLEAN IT UP"!!! OH MY! Is it 'MY WAY or the HIGHWAY" type thinking....

 

or will we submit to God's love, forgive and love and serve the other, your choice!

Predestination is a word that has been so misunderstood and unfortunately mishandled and misused to the point we have so many different theologies in the Body of Christ today. But as you read ALL the verses below you see that God has blessed us with ALL Spiritual blessing in the heavens IN CHRIST! It is ALL ABOUT CHRIST!!!

 

Before creation God had declared which is what predestinated means that man would be saved through Jesus! He chose Jesus to be the Saviour of mankind and man has the opportunity to come to Christ by faith! Notice it says to be Holy and blameless, well we are not born Holy or blameless we are born sinners and in order to be Holy we must be IN CHRIST! Again, notice it says He hath made us accepted in the beloved well who is the beloved JESUS! So, we are accepted, Holy and blameless IN CHRIST ALONE!

 

It does not mean some have been chosen and others not but that we all can be saved by faith IN CHRIST!  It was God's eternal purpose in Christ that was "declared"! Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: and Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:" and 2Ti 1:9 "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," It was God's declared "PURPOSE" that was foreknown and in Christ before the world began! Jesus was to be the Saviour of mankind and its God's desire that ALL mankind would come to Him and worship Him through Jesus Christ our Lord!!!

 

 

 

God's love is the answer for all things! God showed His love though Jesus and His sacrifice and blood on the cross and it is this love that gives us security! 

 

It gives us first eternal security in Christ. It is a salvation love and the love that brings our eternal spirit to rest forever.

It is a mental and emotional love meaning we can "feel' that love and know that love which brings emotional security too.

 

God is Love and this love is so big, so deep, so wide that we can never stop growing and knowing this Great Love for us! When you feel insecure, anxious or lost stop and dwell on His love. Put on God's love daily for it is this great love that brings peace, joy and security!