When I see people protesting and marching in the "NO KING" rallies, I can't help but think of Rom 13!

 

The rebellion against authority is so great and sometimes and when I see their young children with them it just sickens me. The attitude against our President and authority in general saddens me. Instead of Praying for them they say ugly things and wear signs that are just sickening. These people have no idea what they are doing to their kids and society. It is the devil's playground! 

 

Instead of complaining, pray for them, instead of back biting, pray for them, instead of attacking, pray for them!!!!

What we need is more prayer and less talking about them. What they need is Jesus!  Please join me in not only praying for the President but also for those who are protesting and lost! 

My wife says that I could talk with any one any time, which is true I suppose. I find people interesting and can bring up conversation with most people. Now some people won't talk no matter what, but I try anyway. I find that the one person that people will talk about the most is themselves, so I always start there. 

 

"Where do you work? Do you work outside the home? What do you do for fun when you're not working?

Where are you from? Are you from here? Do have family or kids? How many kids? boys, girls, ages"?

 

I like to use the 5 F'S for reference, Family, Friends, Faith, Fun, Financial, (which is work). If you can remember the 5 F's, you can talk with anyone.

 

This also gives you an opportunity to get to know them and they get to know you and then they put down their walls. I have been around some of the hardest of men and before long they are telling me their whole life story and sometimes some very vulnerable things. When the walls drop then we can share the gospel of Jesus!

 

I often have a bible with me, or in the car or something that grabs their attention and they will say are you a Christian? I then know if they bring it up its time to share! "Yes, I am, are you"? Then depending on their response, I will go from there. It doesn't have to be a deep theological conversation and many times it stops without any great thing happening, but I guarantee they will be thinking about it in some way. 

 

Try making conversations wherever you go. Grocery stores, gyms or work are great places to start practicing. And don't forget about church! Ask them "How's your day going"? Or "I like your hair or shirt"! "Where did you get that"?  Try holding the door open for someone and say "Hi" and see what they say or do. Don't be fake or make up things just let it flow. It's ok to talk about yourself a little bit just as long as you don't talk all the time and keep in mind that the point is to know them. 

 

Sometimes introverts find it hard but remember in Christ you're not an introvert but an ambassador for Christ. Be friendly and respectful and don't feel like you have to convert everyone, every time, just take it slow and easy and start with a smile!

 

 

Life can be so confusing at times. There are those who prosper and never have problems and then there are those who are poor, struggle and have health problems. It doesn't matter if they are believers or not, they still struggle and the ones that prosper without problems may not be believers to begin with.

 

Some believers can preach and reach thousands while other that preach struggle to have 10. Is the one who preaches to 1000 better than the one with 10? Are the big Mega ministries better and more faithful than the smaller ministries? I think some pastors have a way of evangelizing and building big ministries but can't take an honest appraisal and look at themselves very well, while the one who can't reach the 1000's can see eternal struggles of others.

 

I have always said that if your ministry is big, it is probably shallow, and if it is small, it may be faithful but that is not always the case. 

 

Should we compare ourselves or follow after others in search of attention or appreciation. Should the rural church try to be like the mega church? Should the Bi-vocational pastor stop preaching or leave the church because he could move to another town which pays better?

 

You see I think it is easy to compare and struggle in all areas at different times. I think we all have to look at where we are and to whom we can serve right where we live! Who can we influence and bring to Christ. What are our talents and gifts that God has given us. Are we introverted or extroverted? 

 

Who are you and what is your gift and talent? What do you like to do in order to edify the church and bring others to closer to Christ? Don't compare yourself but rather take it one day at a time and minister to whoever is in front of you.

In World War II, President Truman had to make a decision to drop atomic bombs on Japen. Many even today question and even criticize was it needed and the right thing to do. At the time though Japen was not giving up despite losing the war and killing many Americans still. They were going to continue no matter what even if their whole nation was wiped out.

Truman never forgot what was important and that there were many American lives at stake and he had to use the bombs in order to bring Japen to its knees.

 

Truman kept his focus on the main thing! The main thing is THE main thing until the main thing is no longer the main thing! Often times we get caught up with the things that happened afterwards and forget the main thing. Sometimes people will come along and point to something that is a problem, but we forget what started the problem to begin with. This is why when you go to a counselor, they often will point out the root problem and not just the branches. They will want to deal with what has been causing the problem instead of the circumstances or repercussions first.

 

When we stop and think about Israel and Hamas's war, we often just think of the Palestinians who are starving and dying but we also must never forget who started this fight and who is hiding behind their own people. Hamas started this war and have always hidden behind innocent people and to add that the Palestinians have helped Hamas hide and aided them and will not tell who or where they are at. 

 

With that said we do need to remember the families that are starving, hurting and have lost loved ones but let us never forget that IF Hamas lives on more and more Israelites and Americans will be killed also! 

I recently heard that a young Uber driver and passenger was killed in an accident near our home. The driver and passenger were both young married ladies with children. They had their whole lives ahead of them. This will affect their families for life, and the underlying emotional trauma will be there forever. I hope they were saved and pray for their families.

 

They were struck by a drunk driver who ran a redlight. Now this will also affect him and his family forever too. He is looking at prison time plus knowing that his actions took two people's lives and destroyed two families.

 

The bible has a lot to say on drinking and getting drunk. We are told throughout scripture to stay sober. We are not to be influenced by anything that would hinder our thoughts from Christ. One drink affects our physical and mental abilities.  

 

So don't drink and stay faithful mentally and physically. NO ONE NEEDS TO DRINK!!! And don't just not drink and drive but rather don't drink at ALL!!! Stay sober for you never know when you might share the gospel of Jesus and be an influence in someone else's life!

 

Join me in praying for these three families and pray they would come to Christ and be comforted in His love! 

This last week there was a meeting of Senators questioning Robert Kenedy Jr. on vaccines. He says their bad, but others say their good. The question is should they be or not be mandated especially to children and seniors. 

 

Now I don't if they are good or not and certainly not to the extent that they should be mandated on All especially those that are of high-risk heath.

 

But my point in this is that it just one more thing that has grown to be another "conspiracy theory"! Many tend to fall in this category. Everything is a conspiracy against something it seems. There are those conspiracy theories against President Trump, voting results, government in general, or health and climate change.  You name it and it can become a conspiracy theory!!!

 

This is why Paul said to NOT engage in these things.

 

The word "fables" means a narrative, story or talk that is not true or can't be proved. It means a "falsehood, fiction or lie". We are told to not engage in these things because they just bring more questions and confusion. We want to share only sound doctrine and words that build up the Body and encourage others faith. Let us stop with the "conspiracy theories" and start proclaiming Jesus and edifying the Body! 

 

Old friends are great most of the time, right! But old friends can change over time too. Perhaps you were friends from high school or college or when you served in the military together. Perhaps you were neighbors and just started hanging out or even went to church together at some point.

 

None of that is bad by the way but we all change at different points in life.

Sometimes as we get older, we get saved and then we have to decide are we going to hang out with those old unsaved friends.  Sometimes even those same old "saved" friends begin to change church, doctrine and political views and begin to support causes that are ungodly!

 

There are times even with "Old Friends" that we need to separate. They may be believers, but they have strayed from the truth. They may be of a Christian organization that is law minded, cultish or just preach a different gospel which as Paul said in Galatians is not a gospel at all!

 

I have had the good fortune of having good friends that have moved away and are still so precious to me, But I have also had old friends that I had known forever and had to separate from. We all need to evaluate our friendships often and see if those "old friends" are really friends at all! 

I rarely listen to Christian music on the radio. To me it seems to be poorly written, loud and secular like, as well and to be honest I don't hear that well anymore, so I don't understand the words either. But today I was driving around and heard a Christian song called "Don't Stop Praying"! I understood the words for the most part and liked the message!

 

1Th 5: 16 "Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 

AND  

We can thank the Lord and praise Him! We can pray for our lost loved ones as well as this lost world. We can pray for our friends and church family. We can pray for our government and church leaders as well as those hurting and starving around the world. We can always pray for health and daily needs of others and how to reach out to them. There are so many people and things to pray for, So, DON'T STOP PRAYING!!! 

What is a blog? Well, here is the Google definition: "a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style:"

 

A blog can really be anything the blogger wants it to be. It can a teaching or devotion. But most of the time it is to be someone's personal thinking. Their own thoughts and a pouring out of their heart. It can be a personal venture or about their travels or health. It can about food, cooking or family. It can be about animals and work, or even financial things. 

 

I mostly blog about my feelings on certain topics. It might be about politics which I usually stay away from, or it can be about a complaint I have. I have a lot of things that I complain about too. Or I share about my health and how that's going through different updates and things.

 

BUT my number one thing I always want to "blog" about is Jesus Christ! I know all of you that will read this are believers, but I do know that some struggle just like I do in life. I struggle with my thoughts and feelings. I struggle with lust of all kinds and pride just like you do. We all struggle but if there is one thing we know as believers is that Jesus IS the answer and Jesus IS our Peace! Just like Google says "a regular updated" so we need to "regularly update" our thoughts and be refreshed daily with His love, grace and forgiveness. 

 

Peace to you all and may your "blog" always be on JESUS! 

Years ago, when I use to own a gym and compete in weightlifting, I also worked at a sky resort in Colorado. In the summertime we would work on the lifts and change out the cables and sheaves if needed. Well one time we had the whole crew working and we all had to pull and lift this huge cable. At one point we took a break and rested and while talking someone brought up how much could I squat with the bar. Well, I said, which at that time was probably around 500 lbs without wraps and without a suit and go all the way down and stop. Well, there was a local guy who always had to top and "ONE-UP" everyone, so he said he did 600 lbs. Well, I knew that was I lie so I played his game and said Well I really did 700 lbs and the rest of us were laughing and waiting for him to ONE -UP IT to 800 lbs which he did, and of course I knew that was I lie also because the world record was around that. So, I told him he was one of strongest guys alive since that was a world record and we all had a good laugh!

 

I think at some point we all play the "One -Up" game! We just want to be right or better than others. We want that attention and affirmation and for everyone to think highly of us. But when we do that, we are trying to control life and everything and everyone. We want the "love" and "acceptance" and try to get it through getting attention, but it is a false love and a facade.

 

We need to be humble and meek. Notice I said meek not weak. We don't need to be the attention all the time but when it is our turn to speak or lead then we can do that boldly and with confidence! Let us be gentle, slow to seek and speak and always ready to listen and lead!

 

I have been told that I look at things weird. That I have a strange way of observing things. That I can see things others can't see in themselves. I can see men's hearts, motives and sin that that can't see. Now that doesn't mean that I share that every time, but I see it. My wife says I'm like "Monk" the detective on T.V that can see things that the police don't see when it comes to crime.

 

Now I don't know how true that is, but I do know that I see things differently than others. I was born with certain traits or gifts and then trained in those ways and those gifts.  It has been said that there are gifted counselors and trained counselors, and the best are both!

 

I know people who can fix things with their hands, and some have been trained in those areas. My dad never had schooling or taught but could do anything with his hands. He knew how to fix things around the house and build things out of nothing. He built riding lawn mowers out of junk and lights out of wagon wheels. He could whittle things out of wood that you wouldn't believe and even was a professional woodcarver with art in the woodcarver's Hall of Fame. I have other family members that are painters and artist as well and they can build houses and make things out of pottery.

 

Sadly, I can't fix a light bulb, HA! I'm just not good with my hands or doing mechanical things. My giftings are not like my dad's but both of us have something to offer... 

 

Now I believe that all of us are the same way in different areas, and my point I'm making is that we all have certain talents, giftings and abilities and those things can ALL be used to glorify God as well as minister to others in different ways. Don't be ashamed of those gifts and use them to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ!  

Prove It!

I recently received a letter from our county saying I need to prove who I am in order to keep my voting rights in local elections. I don't know about you, but I get so sick and tired of having to prove who I am. I have to prove who I am just to see my social security, IRS or my medical stuff. We are constantly having to prove who we are it seems.

 

The Missouri state slogan is the "Show me state" meaning "PROVE IT"! Well in life sadly we have to prove ourselves don't we. Especially with so many illegals coming into our country we have to prove who we are even more so.

 

Israel always had to prove themselves. Israel had works that showed if they were faithful or not. Their works showed their heart and to whom they bowed down too. It showed who was their God and who they served.

 

But now we don't have to prove it, for our salvation is by faith alone. Salvation is offered by grace and accepted by faith alone it is not a performance-based or conditional salvation. Now don't get me wrong our fruits will "demonstrate" our faith but it does not prove or mean we lose our salvation. 

 

Thank goodness we don't have to "prove" ourselves to God anymore, for Jesus is the only credential we need!!!

 

It's Summer in Phoenix so that means it's time to start complaining. 117 is just too HOT and it hasn't even got to the really hot months yet!!! But I do love to complain don't you! There is something that is so nice about complaining because every ONE does it! I complain about my health or the government or the heat and everyone joins in! I complain about work or others who don't agree with me, and people say, "I know, I know". I complain about my food or how others dress and carry on at times. I just like to complain DON'T YOU!

 

If you stop and think about it there is nothing uplifting about complaining. It is a negative and a part of death! I mean death in the sense of nothing positive or living comes out of it. Lots of things are in that death category. We can be dead spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. We are all born dead spiritually in sin but things like drugs, alcohol and perversion of some form are death too.

Complaining is a form of death and while I say I like it, I just keep on dying from it!!!HMMMM! 

 

Courtesy and respect are so important in relationships. I often teach and tell folks to appeal to people especially those of authority. A "may I share something with you" goes along ways. It shows respect to the person and not forcing it on them. Your asking permission to speak into someone's life and generally they will receive what you have to say. They may not agree with you, but they will listen at least and that's all you can ask for. If they at least listen, then they are not defending nor are they getting mad because you attacked them.

 

When people protest peaceably on the sidewalk or open spaces delegated around buildings and not in streets and slowing down traffic... then the same thing applies in a different way. IF they protest in a way that does not disrespect the authority (law officers or government employees) and peaceably march then they will at least have gotten their idea across and perhaps the authorities will listen to them even if they don't agree.

 

BUT if you DEMAND, ATTACK OR DISREPECT you will not get your way, and you will reap the consequences. Just like a child who throws a fit you will get disciplined. It does not matter IF YOUR RIGHT, YOU LOSE!!! 

 

These marches in L.A are not peaceable protest but rather RIOTS which entice criminal behavior against our law enforcement, government and frankly our freedoms in America! 

 

There is a right way to demonstrate your dislike or disagreement and a WRONG WAY! 

 

Catholics may be the most deceived, blind and stiff-necked of all churches. They are constantly misusing scripture and adding or taking away from the context and meaning. They are a performance, works based theology that would rather see their flock die than be saved and free in Christ.  All of this works mentality only keeps them in bondage. They constantly use the law to maintain works and do not rightly divide the grace dispensation from Israel's law.

 

Sadly, a lot of protestant churches do the same thing only watered down some.

 

Is it by Grace or Not? 

 

Let us remember and stand strong in our conviction that salvation comes by grace through faith ALONE!!!!

I don't know who I would die for do You? Most of us would say our spouse, kids or grandkids. Maybe a dear friend or even a stranger in a unique place like a shooting or car accident. I don't know if I would volunteer to die for a wicked or ungodly person especially someone who is prideful and arrogant. Or Someone who I dislike and don't want to be around and
has not a humble bone in his body and just wants attention or who hurts others.  

 

If you stop and think about it, we all were arrogant, prideful and not humble at some point. But Jesus died for the worst of mankind. The Hitlers, the Stallins and the Mansons type....... 

 

 

He died for all mankind before they had even committed a sin knowing they were going to be born in sin! He had seen what He created become unfaithful and disobedient. He had seen what man can become if left to their own vices. 

 

As Resurrection Day (Easter) approaches let us remember that Great Love and sacrifice our Lord made for us! 

 

 

Satan is a deceiver and if he can keep believers confused and not understand the differences between Jesus's earthly ministry to Israel and today's heavenly ministry to the gentile world then he has won. I hope by this one example it can help you understand that difference.

 

Jesus told Israel to pray this way... Mat 6:12 "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

 

Notice he tells them to forgive others but IF they don't, THEY will NOT be forgiven by God the Father! WOW!!! Now that is conditional isn't it!!!!! Thats harsh and straight forward! Notice that Jesus has Not died so there is NO blood or Holy Spirit upon man and no gentile church.

 

FORGIVEN YOU ALL TRESPASSES!!! WHAT! YES! ALL SINS! He has already forgiven you All your sins by faith in His death, burial and resurrection!!! THAT'S NOT CONDITIONAL!!!

AND then he says 

Eph 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
AND

 

Because we are forgiven and filled with the Spirit, we now can forgive others! We have a choice and can forgive or not! He has empowered us by the Spirit and example of Christ! SO BE THANKFUL AND FORGIVE!

Understanding the differences can make ALL the difference in the world! 

When reading social media post I often come across this scenario. The person says please pray for me in one post and then I see another post that says, "I hate so and so, and they are blankety, blankety, and blankety, blankety" and on and on........ you get my point I hope!!! Running down and cursing others because they felt rejected and offended, they said or did. They are bitter and angry and usually at the world about all kinds of things. Some are just nasty and controlling in every area of life. Some have been defiled which means poisoned by their parents and end up just like them.

 

When I read these hateful belligerent and nasty posts, I think is this person saved? They claim to be, and they want others to pray for them, but the post would indicate that they have no idea who Christ is! They have no idea how to forgive others! They believe they are God, and they can behave and say whatever they want!!! They are disrespectful, unloving, and unforgiving! They are prideful and arrogant and have no thinking of righteousness or humbleness! This always tells me the "real" person and character of the person.

 

As believers we are to forgive and be humble. We are to love and edify along with Walk Worthy of Christ after all we are His ambassadors, aren't we? Social media may show how we really are in private and what you really believe so let us be Godly, righteous and kind to one another and not hurt the name of Christ! What we share and our attitude on social media shines more than you might think! 

Sometimes more is caught than taught in our daily lives! 

 

I was watching a documentary on the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary. They became famous in the 60's for folk, peace and

anti-government songs. So, I wanted to know more about them, I began to research a little and found some disturbing things out about the group's leader Paul. Now they had always come across to me as a good, moral group while standing up for the rights of all, but His life didn't always show this. I will let you follow up on this if you like but my point is that while we all fail in areas and we all sin we must not idolize others based on a general persona they may have. 

 

 

We may never know everything about every person and should be somewhat cautious until we do know. I remember when working at our counseling training center years ago. In training someone to counsel others we would assign a new trainee to a staff person and then we would take data which is background information on that person in FRONT of everyone. This taught us how to take data but to be real, honest and open about our lives as well as everyone knew everything about each other NO one was above another.  This can be uncomfortable, but you learned to be transparent and not fear what others thought because we knew who we were in Christ.

 

Now verse 25 tells us that "good works" which are always by faith are manifest also. They may be small or quiet and not seem like a big deal to some but they still manifest because they are by faith.

Do "good works" not to be saved but because you are!

Be Faithful and always Walk Worthy! 

Arguments!

When counseling I often come across those who are "not ready" for counseling. I work only with those who want help and grow but those who want to argue and battle for their "rights" are not ready yet! 

 

These type who argue all the time and it doesn't really matter what the subject is often want to point out either the other side like a devil's advocate or just want the last word. They want to control the conversation and therefore always be "right"!

 

But an argumentative spirit is one who is not content nor humble in Christ. They won't hear criticism, correction or sound words. They just want to be right, control and be heard.

 

You can't really help them until they are broken and that may never come. They have to be dealt with harshly meaning usually separation from them. I have separated from many simply because of their argumentative, controlling heart. After all, if you don't want to listen, learn or respect my thoughts why would I want to be around you.

 

We want to be humble and willing to listen, learn and allow others to speak and have their own opinion. Hopefully that opinion lines up with the Word but if it doesn't, we want to correct gently. As long as we are humble and willing, we can communicate and grow in unity. we can be there for each other and edify one another.

"The Times They Are A-Changin'"

Bob Dylan once wrote a song called "The Times They Are A-Changin'"! Now they are certainly Changin for sure. I think they are Changin for both the better and the worse. We see sin growing and the worlds views are going even more downhill, but with that downhill sinful mind set comes hurting and rejected people that find Christ.

 

For many of us we were in a terrible struggle when we came to the Lord1 We were hurting and felt rejected and cried out to the Lord, "HELP ME". It is during these bad times that many come to a genuine faith! A genuine, sincere relationship with Jesus!

I remember years back when I use to go to the prisons and the testimonies, I heard were unbelievable. They were hard hearted sinful men who were broken and saved and now serve the Lord in horrible conditions. They are free for the first time while being in bondage to the prison which holds them. Sometimes bad times and bad conditions brings death which in turn brings life, eternal life in Christ!

So, while we see unrighteousness growing remember that "Time are a Changin" for the better also! 

Grace to You today 

I don't think most believers really understand what sin is. They tend to put sin in the category of the 10 commandments only, even though most people couldn't tell you what the first commandment is, and for now I will let you figure that out on your own for now. (ref. Ex. 20)

 

But most people think and say to themselves or defend themselves by saying "I didn't steal or lie or commit adultery" but they miss so much of what is sin. Sin is trying to be God and rule our own life and be independent of God. Sin is missing the mark and can be in our attitude and motives! Sin is anything that is not Godly or righteous and therefore unloving. Now I'm not talking about romantic love or mushy emotional love but Godly love. Love that only has another's best interest with their relationship with God through Christ.

 

So back to sin being in attitude and motive, and for example as relationships go this is when we see sin appear even more. How do we really talk and relate to others. Do we control the conversation and environment all the time. Do we only talk about ourselves or our interest or are we genuinely concerned about the other person or people. Do we make our selves more important or less even to manipulate to keep the relationship even though it is ungodly or allowing others to lead or control. Do we boss others around or do we appeal to them in a gentle way before correcting them. You see we can do so much, and it may even seem normal because that is how our parents behaved and operated and how we have lived our whole life. 

 

Stop and check your motive and attitude just as much as your actions because that is where sin lives to begin with. 

 

There are a lot of cute sayings in Christendom, such as "where God guides, He provides"! Some are true and some are not, and some are half-truths meaning it could be true but not in every situation or only half of what is said is true.

Sadly, we sometimes make these sayings into law and pastors teach them and use them as LAW! And that is my point that "cute sayings" are not to be relied upon as doctrinal truths. Doctrinal truths are found in the bible and are always true and are concrete where the "sayings" are manmade and maybe useful at times but not always.

Just because some well-known and popular pastor uses them does not mean there true. Test all things to scripture and be careful not to go by manmade sayings but build yourself up on biblical doctrine that is rightly divided!

Walk Worthy

 

I have been out of it for most of January with health issues and this is my first blog since then. We have a New Year and a New President, and we can have a NEW release on life if we desire. Many will take into this new year the same old attitude and thinking as they have always had, or they will start out by making new resolutions that they will break in a month or two.

 

But I hope that you will join me in growing in our Lord Jesus Christ! We can grow in love, grace and faith, by reading and studying more. Start by reading the word and if you don't read start and if you do, try reading one more chapter or book or even every day. Be willing to take an honest appraisal of yourself by taking your thoughts captive and renew daily. Learn to receive and rest in our Lord! To forgive and reconcile with others. Visit and pray for others and keep on reaching out to others as much as you can and wherever you can. Never think that your little 2 second words of encouragement don't affect someone because they do.

Let us celebrate our Lord and make this year our best year for our Lord Jesus!

in hope and with love, grace and peace,

Howard 

   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.