A Baby Changes Everything

Isaiah 9:6 proclaims       For a child is born to us,       a son is given to us.    The government will rest on his shoulders.       And he will be called:    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

And Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Luke 2:11-14 exclaims: 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:        14 “ Glory to God in the highest,       And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

This babe... lying so innocently, wrapped up in strips of cloth to the anyone on the street looks like any other baby. However, He wasn't just any baby. The bright star that let to HIM, that the shepherds followed, and the wise men sought after Him meant something special.

God knew from the beginning when He created humans we were going to be needing a Savior. It was decided that God's own son, Jesus, would take on the task. It's a tall order. Jesus willingly gave Himself for us.

In order to do this He had to become human. God found favor in Mary. She was chosen to be the virgin mother of Jesus.

I've seen this posted by many people in various social network websites and sent to me in email:

Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

God wants a personal relationship with each of us. Jesus' birth, crucifixion and resurrection makes it possible. HIS blood spilled washes us white as snow. The Holy Spirit is given as a comforter and guide to dwell within our hearts. Listen to Him. He is our comforter. No matter how bad, ugly or horrific things in life can be; they'll never hold a candle to what Jesus went through for us. There will never be another like Jesus.

What will you do with Jesus?

Let the presence of GOD wash over and soak in you as He blesses you this Christmas and everyday.

Walk the walk

Acts 19:13-20
¹³ A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.

¹⁷ The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. ¹⁸ Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. ¹⁹ A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. ²⁰ So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.

Well now! There's some impersonators walking around out there. Are you an impersonator? An impostor? A poser as some say.

The enemy knows the difference. God's word above shows proof in verse 15. The enemy will chew up each of us posers and spit us out anytime one confronts him. It will take more than a poser to knock the enemy down.

Why do we hide behind the impostor mask? God knows our hearts and minds. He can see right through us just like the enemy can. We're not fooling anyone.

Pretending to be a Christ follower won't get anyone into Heaven.

If you wants to make it to Heaven for eternity you're going to have to stop impersonating and become the real deal. Walk the walk. Don't just talk the talk.

You can follow God's Simple Plan of Salvation to make it right and use the name of Jesus to call out evil spirits for real. Just click above and follow the link. Read through and talk it over with God. He'll make it all right. He loves each of us and wishes that none should perish.

Matthew 18:14
In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father God, I lift up the impostors to You and seek that they will be made right with You in Jesus name. Thank You Father God for showing a clear and truthful path to YOU. I pray that each one who comes here today seeking refuge in You that they find it. I pray for their salvation through the bought blood of Jesus. In Jesus' name, amen.

Letter From Hell!

Please watch this video!

Christian, Jesus Follower, please share Jesus & His salvation gift with those around you. The worse thing they will tell you is they don't want to hear it. Try anyway! Don't shove salvation down their throat. Simply show them compassion and ask them if they know and believe in The Savior, Jesus. Follow their lead. Pray about it. Allow the Holy Spirit's calling on you.

Thank You Father God for Your gift of salvation through Jesus. I pray that we as Your children will step up to the plate and share Jesus and His gift of salvation. I personally thank You for being my Sovereign Almighty God who carries me through the tough times. In Jesus' name, amen.

Are you good?

Well now, it's time to get back on track with the word list for the year using the fruit of the spirit. I missed all of the month of June. I will do my very best to catch us up to speed. You can find all the other posts in the word list tags, <--- just click.

The next word on the list is: 'goodness'. Let's take a look at the definition of goodness:

1. the state or quality of being good.
2. moral excellence; virtue.
3. kindly feeling; kindness; generosity.
4. excellence of quality: goodness of workmanship.
5. the best part of anything; essence; strength.
6. a euphemism for god: Thank goodness!

Everyone will say they have a measure of goodness in them. Even I did at some point. The problem with this train of thought is, being good will not get you into Heaven. God's words tells us in Romans 3:10-12:

¹⁰ As it is written:
      “There is none righteous, no, not one;
       ¹¹ There is none who understands;
      There is none who seeks after God.
       ¹² They have all turned aside;
      They have together become unprofitable;
      There is none who does good, no, not one.”

Here's a a video for "The Good Test". See if you pass.

Without Jesus you will not get to Heaven. He is our salvation; our savior. Again, I ask the question, are you good enough? Have you repented of your sins and accepted Jesus as your Savior? If not, and you would like to, click here, and follow God's Simple Plan of Salvation. He wishes for none to perish! Without God, we will perish and be in hell for eternity. It's not a fun place. It would be a life of torment. I don't know about you, but, I would prefer not to be tormented. I was tormented here on Earth by the adversary for some time. I still struggle with it. However, because I have the Holy Spirit, the adversary has already lost the battle. Send him on his way and let God work in your life and know that you will be in Heaven with Him some day.

Let's pray: Dear Father God, thank You for Your message and for sending Jesus to be our Savior so that we can meet You in Heaven some day. I pray that the person reading this post and seeking Your salvation gift will surrender their all to You Father. I thank You for allowing me to post and share here. In Jesus' name, amen.

TSMSS [20100508]

Click image
to participate and
check out others.

Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken
from Grace Community Church.

Jesus is my life. I wouldn't "live" without Him! What about you? Where is Jesus in your life?

Jesus Tempation

Different religions have different methods of sin purification. One such is the Kumbh Mela Festival (Grand Pitcher Festival) in Norther India every twelve years. They held this festival last year. See the video below:

India's Kumbh Mela Festival from Javier A. Salinas on Vimeo.

Can you imagine having to do this every 12 years? I could not. Christian - Jesus follower, or anyone else for that matter. There's a savior, Jesus Christ, who went to the Cross to take on ALL the sin of the World for ALL time so that you and I can be forgiven of our sins. The victory is won. There's no need to keep going back and seeking a way of forgiveness of sins. All you have to do, right where you are, only travel required is to fall on your knees right before GOD, is to repent and ask HIM for forgiveness and it will be done! See scripture below about Jesus being tempted by the devil.

Matthew 4
New Living Translation (NLT)
The Temptation of Jesus

 ¹ Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. ² For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

 ³ During that time the devil^[a] came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

 ⁴ But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,

   ‘People do not live by bread alone,
      but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’^[b]”

 ⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, ⁶ and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

   ‘He will order his angels to protect you.
   And they will hold you up with their hands
      so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’^[c]”

 ⁷ Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’^[d]”

 ⁸ Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ⁹ “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

 ¹⁰ “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,

   ‘You must worship the Lord your God
      and serve only him.’^[e]”

 ¹¹ Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 4:3 Greek the tempter.
   
2. Matthew 4:4 Deut 8:3.
   
3. Matthew 4:6 Ps 91:11-12.
   
4. Matthew 4:7 Deut 6:16.
   
5. Matthew 4:10 Deut 6:13.
   

---

2 Corinthians 5:21
New King James Version (NKJV)
²¹ For He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

See God's Simple Plan of Salvation here. If you haven't accept Christ as your savior visit the link. Read the page. What have you got to lose? Sin? O' Mighty God, take my sin. Praise You Jesus. If sin is the only thing you got to lose, do it. Sin isn't all it's cracked up to be. In fact, it will crack you up. Literally! Delve into God's word and you'll find multiple places in scripture that tell about Jesus healing mentally disturbed people and restored them to new minds. Wouldn't that be awesome? I know it has been for me. Yes, I've had my moments of being mentally disturbed. Only God knows the depths I dove to. He can help you too.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly God, Father, thank You for Your son Jesus taking on my sin and all the sin of the World making it possible to have eternal life in Heaven, with You. I pray God for all those who are lost, teetering on the fence and those who just simply need an encouraging word to lift them out of the darkness. I pray that today is the day they are lifted and encouraged and the lost are found. I pray this in Jesus' name, amen.

You ain't seen nothin' yet!

Hello and welcome to the blog today. We're on week 3 of our lessons for longsuffering. See the previous posts here if you need to get up to speed. Last week we discussed persecution. This week, we'll discuss more about persecution.

Here's what God's word says:

Matthew 10:16-23
¹⁶ “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. ¹⁷ But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. ¹⁸ You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. ¹⁹ When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. ²⁰ For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. ²¹ “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. ²² And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. ²³ When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel. [Emphasis mine]

This scripture puts the scripture of dressing in the full armor of God into better perspective. I dunno bout you... but... I don't want to be fighting in my skivvies (underwear). Or another expression; "I don't want to be caught with my pants down". All jokes aside!

Verses 21-22 sounds pretty scary. Everyone will be betraying each other. All nations will hate you! And just because we are followers of Jesus! I love this next part: But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. Backing up to verse 16... we're told to be shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Eghh Uhhmmm [clearing my throat]. We better wise up, don't you think?

When you are put up on trial before the courts will you cower and deny Jesus? Or will you stand firm in your faith and take the opportunity to share Jesus? Because it says right in His word that it won't be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. We're but vessels for God's will. Are you ready, willing and able to be God's vessel to spread the Gospel no matter the cost as long as it's for the furtherance of The Kingdom? I am... I say "bring it on"! Won't you join me on this journey?

Prayer: Dear Father God, I pray that we Jesus followers would step up and be used of You in this battle to share You with the world. Thank You Father God for using me to share You to those who pass by my way. I pray that I am suited up and ready for this battle. Thank You for Your salvation and a home in glory. In Jesus' name, amen.

Persecution & Suffering

Hello and welcome to the blog this day. Last week we started a new word: Longsuffering. This week we'll take a closer look into longsuffering. Come along for the journey.

Longsuffering covers a lot of ground. Today I'll focus on persecution and suffering. In the history of biblical days there was much persecution in the name of Jesus Christ. Is it still happening today? Of course. You've heard and seen stories about missionaries who were imprisoned and mistreated. I believe the biggest and most major type of persecution going on in America is how the public rights are being taken away. No praying in school, no Bible or sharing faith in school. No public display of the ten commandments and a whole host of stuff I am unable to begin to imagine.

How many of you are persecuted for your faith today? Sure we have free speech. I sometimes wonder how free it really is. High School athletes get kicked out of school for proclaiming Jesus. There's so much I don't think I can cover it all. I think you get the idea.

What does God's word say?

1 Corinthians 4:12
And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;

Philippians 1:29-29
²⁹ For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

1 Peter 3:13-16
¹³ And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." ¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ¹⁶ having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

Matthew 5:10-12, 43-44
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 ¹¹ "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. ¹² Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
⁴³ "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

2 Corinthians 4:7-10, 15
⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. ⁸ We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— ¹⁰ always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. ¹⁵ For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

Well, that's a lot of God's word there on persecution and suffering. We're to rejoice and be exceeding glad because our reward will be great in Heaven when we endure for Jesus' sake. Afterall, look at what HE went through; suffered, bled and died, rising again to save our backsides from an eternity in torment. Standing for Jesus is the least I can do in thanks for what HE did for me and you.

This is where we need and must rely on the Holy Spirit. There's no way we can go this alone in our flesh. The flesh is weak. My flesh is weak. As God's word says in Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I've trusted this verse for many many years. I will continue to trust God to provide my endurance through this race. I stand firm. Clad in my armor of God ready for battle against the adversary. Will you join me?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, Father God, Holy Spirit, I lift up myself as well as my readers to You as we face a race of endurance for Your sake. I pray that we will proclaim Your salvation and bring lost souls to You. Thank You for Your word and promises that never fail us. Watch over us and make our armor of God so strong no weapon formed against us can penetrate it. You are the Victory. Praise Your Holy Name. In Jesus' name, amen.

Good Friday [20100402]

Daily Christian Wisdom Good Friday is the mirror held up by Jesus...it turns us to that cross and to his eyes and we hear these words, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." - Robert G. Trache

Luke 23:33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

Matthew 17:45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.

This is the day of remembrance of Jesus giving Himself as my savior. Thank You Jesus, Father God, Friend. I love You with all I am. I bow humbly before You LORD and give myself to Your service. In Jesus' name, amen.

If you don't know Jesus and His gift of salvation and you would like to, you can click God's Simple Plan of Salvation link and follow the steps. God loves you dear one. It matters not what you've done. You are forgiven. Please come to Him and let Him wash you clean and give you a fresh start.

Happy Good Friday!

The Real Reason for Easter - Revelation Song

Thank You Jesus, Father God,
for Your gift of salvation.

Random Dozen - [20100331]

Click here and join Linda for Random Dozen.

1. How do you feel about the marshmallow Easter Peeps? Yucko
2. Chickens are notoriously nervous creatures. When you are nervous, what is the best way to calm down? Leave me alone and let me breath.
3. People say, "April showers bring May flowers." Do you enjoy Spring rains? Sure, as long as I don't have to be in the rain.
4. When I was randomly flipping through TV channels this week, I saw a show in which tattoo parlor employees received tattoos of a co-worker's face on their bodies. I can't imagine having a portrait of a colleague tattooed on me. But if someone forced you to receive a portrait tattoo (face only) of anyone, who would it be? Why? Jesus - on the back of my left hand.
5. Would you rather have a tattoo (any kind) or a nose ring? Tattoo.
6. Do you have any special plans for Easter? Worship and praise God for giving Jesus as my savior.
7. Cadbury Eggs or Reese Eggs? None, blech.
8. What was the last thing/person you took a picture of? My egg rolls last night for dinner.

9. What book are you reading now, or what was the last one? Blessed Child by Bill Bright & Ted Dekker.

10. What do you think is the most difficult task when it comes to Spring cleaning? Floors
11. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own? One
12. Which color makes you happiest? Purple

Peace - Security & Protection

Ephesians 6:10-20 The Whole Armor of God 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Last time we talked about Peace of Mind.

This week is the end of the series on peace. Next week, We'll begin a new series for April using a new word from my word list: Longsuffering (enduring persecution).

Today's lesson is gleaned from the above scripture in Ephesians. The Whole Armor of God (spiritual armor against the enemies of their souls). I'll show how we can be fit for battle against the evil enemy. You'll see how each piece of the armor will protect you and keep you secure.

How many times have you come up in battle unprepared wishing you had your suit of armor on? I'm pretty sure at least once. I know I have! So, come along with me as we suit up for battle. Don't be afraid. The Holy Spirit will guide you along and keep you safe. That is if you will let Him. Because all too often we take the sword and rush into battle with this attitude of "I can beat you. I can win." What happens? We get knocked on our bums. Just because we are too proud to allow God to lead us. He does know what He's doing, I promise.

In v.12 it says:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

So then, everything else is a result of this spiritual warfare. The Whole Armor of God is symbolic to what we need to prepare for in a spiritual battle with the devil. Because, he pulls a lot of punches. He does not hold back. Satan is a slick fighter. So, with that in mind let's look at our Armor of God.

• Belt of truth - This piece holds up the rest of the armor. [Like a belt to hold up one's pants.] You need truth/sincerity to go on. Being truthful/sincere is what binds your faith.
  
• Breast-plate of righteousness - Protects us from the fiery arrows of the enemy's wrath.
  Note: righteousness/holiness: (Heb. kedushah). A religious quality or value invested in special objects, places, times, and persons. The root meaning of kedushah and its derivatives is "to be set apart" or "distinguished." The source of all holiness is the holiness of God, "the Holy One, blessed be He." Several times in the Bible, the people of Israel is exhorted to be holy because God is holy (e.g., Lev. 19:2). To describe God as holy in this context means to say that He is totally transcendent. He is the great Other, over and above the universe and all things in it. When the attribute of holiness is ascribed to God, it also embraces His awesomeness. [All that to say be Christ-like, an example to others. Set apart.]
  
• Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace - We must be ready to march into the battle field. We must go in peace with the knowledge of the Gospel.
  
• Shield of faith - Knowing that, with [Faith, as relying on unseen objects, receiving Christ and the benefits of redemption, and so deriving grace from him, is like a shield, a defense every way. -by Matthew Henry]. God will bring us through to the other side. Having that faith quenches the fiery darts shot at us from the enemy.
  
• Helmet of salvation - [A good hope of salvation, a Scriptural expectation of victory, will purify the soul, and keep it from being defiled by Satan. -by Matthew Henry] Protecting our minds.
  
• Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God [A single text, well understood, and rightly applied, at once destroys a temptation or an objection, and subdues the most formidable adversary. -by Matthew Henry].
  
• Prayer, witness & testimony of Jesus - Prayer is the fastener that holds all these pieces together. [A vain heart will be vain in prayer. We must pray with all kinds of prayer, public, private, and secret; social and solitary; solemn and sudden: with all the parts of prayer; confession of sin, petition for mercy, and thanksgiving for favors received. And we must do it by the grace of God the Holy Spirit, in dependence on, and according to, his teaching. We must preserve in particular requests, notwithstanding discouragements. We must pray, not for ourselves only, but for all saints. Our enemies are mighty, and we are without strength, but our Redeemer is almighty, and in the power of his mighty we may overcome. Wherefore we must stir up ourselves. Have not we, when God has called, often neglected to answer? Let us think upon these things, and continue our prayers with patience. -by Matthew Henry].

I like Matthew Henry so my post is laced with his wisdom. You'll most likely see many quotes from him in this blog. Feel free to comment with your thoughts and ideas. I'm open to them. We're all entitled to our opinions. A collective work of God's will tell HIS story and reach many. Let's get out there in full suited armor and be ready for battle in God's Army.

As I put this together I couldn't help but think about a scene from the movie "300" when the warriors banded together as one to create one big shield to fend off the enemy.

Join the Army of God! Stand firm! We can do it with God as the leader. The enemy doesn't have a chance. As God's Word says, "It is finished". John 19:30 - So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Satan has no hold on us. When he hears the name of Jesus he falls to ground paralyzed. Let's claim victory in Jesus' name, amen!

Prayer: Thank You Father God for standing with us and giving us Your full armor to fight against the enemy. Thank You for our salvation, and forgiveness of our sins. I pray that we hold up our end of the deal. In Jesus' name, amen.

wfw - [20100210]

Join AmyDeanne for WFW by clicking this image.

Receiving Joy

Hello! Welcome to the blog. We've been discussing joy. Today is our last in in the series: Receiving Joy. Here's a quick review of what we've discussed:

1. Day 1 - the definition
2. Day 2 - Good and Upright - An understanding of joy.
3. Day 3 - Joy: Where does it come from?

First, before I begin the last of this series. I want to thank all of you who've been following. I pray that you've been blessed by these posts. May you be filled with His joy.

Now to our discussion today.

We have heard of and read about joy. Have we received it? A great deal will say "yes". Some will say, "I'm not sure". Some will say, "no". Let's see what God's word says:

Psalm 45:7 & Hebrews 1:9 says:
You love justice and hate evil.
    Therefore God, your God, has anointed you,
    pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.

Matthew Henry explains this scripture:
"The Spirit is called the oil of gladness, because of the delight wherewith Christ was filled, in carrying on his undertakings. The salvation of sinners is the joy of angels, much more of the Son. And in proportion as we are conformed to his holy image, we may expect the gladdening gifts influences of the Comforter."

This is pretty special. God has anointed you. Yes, you! You wonder how so. Well, here's more of what God's word says about that:

Psalm 35:9
And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD;
    It shall rejoice in His salvation.

Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

When you receive God's salvation your soul shall be joyful. We talked about this last week as well.

Lay down all those burdens you've been carrying around. Look to God. Receive His joy of salvation. Thank Him for it. Continue to seek Him. He will fulfill your joy. Turn from your old ways, not returning to them. Remember, God loves you and wishes that you be joyful. God is a God of love, joy, peace and all the fruits of the Spirit.

Prayer: "Dear Father God, and friend, I lift my heart up to You. I thank You for the joy of Your salvation through Jesus Christ, Your Son. I pray for those who haven't received it yet and ask in Jesus' name that they seek You and receive salvation, thus joy. I praise You in Jesus' name, amen."

Joy: Where does it come from?

This quote is a great way to start this week's lesson in joy.

"Joy is a condition of the soul, and that condition is fully capable of being immune to circumstances. Happiness is temporary, joy is its own missionary to a fallen world because few have it, and yet mistake happiness for the real thing - joy. When happiness has faded, joy still has a voice. Joy is a choice. Joy is a mindset. Joy is a world view." The Minute Man

Last time we discussed "Good and Upright", the understanding of joy. This week we'll discuss, as the title asks, Where does our joy come from?

I like the quote because as it says, "When happiness fades, joy still has a voice, joy is a choice, a mindset and a world view." So then, where does our joy come from?

Here's what Matthew Henry, famous commentator of scripture, says:

"The matter of a Christian's joy, is the remembrance of the happiness laid up for him. It is incorruptible, it cannot come to nothing, it is an estate that cannot be spent. Also undefiled; this signifies its purity and perfection. And it does not fade; is not sometimes more or less pleasant, but ever the same, still like itself. God not only gives his people grace, but preserves them unto glory. Every believer has always something wherein he may greatly rejoice; it should show itself in the countenance and conduct."

I remember the benediction my youth group used to pray at every meeting, found in Numbers 6:24-26,
²⁴ "The LORD bless you and keep you;
²⁵ The LORD make His face shine upon you,
     And be gracious to you;
²⁶ The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
     And give you peace."'

That being said leads me right to more of God's word:
Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

It took me a long time to make the connection between joy, happiness and salvation. Maybe there's others who haven't made the connection either.

If I'm understanding this correctly; our joy comes from our salvation. Living out Christ's gift to us will imply that we're full of joy. Psalm 21:1 says:
1 The king shall have joy in Your strength, O LORD;
     And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

As well as Psalm 35:9:
9 And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD;
     It shall rejoice in His salvation.

Even through our sorrow and trials we should be rejoicing in our salvation. God's words says:

1 Peter 1:6-9
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 4:12-14
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

John 16:22
Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

No matter what's happening around you or even to you, express joy that is from the God of your salvation. You'd be a great example to unbelievers to the love of God. As John 16:22 tells us: no one can take your joy away that is from God.

However, because of things that had happened in my life I allowed others to take my joy because I wasn't focused on God even though God's joy was still there. When we lose sight of God and His Word in our lives the adversary sneaks in and takes over. God is still there. He's trying for all His might to get our attention. God got my attention in 2009. He started a work in me that was unmistakably His. When everything was at the bottom the only way was up. God reached His Almighty hand in and offered it to me. I accepted it of course. At the same time some other miraculous things took place that made it unmistakable that it was God pulling me and my husband from the mire. Did God take it all away and make everything perfect for us? No. He left us at the doorway and offered us the choice to follow Him. We still have adversities. Here's what Habakkuk 3:17-19 says:

17 Though the fig tree may not blossom,
    Nor fruit be on the vines;
    Though the labor of the olive may fail,
    And the fields yield no food;
    Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
    And there be no herd in the stalls—
    18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
     I will joy in the God of my salvation.
    19 The LORD God is my strength;
    He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
    And He will make me walk on my high hills.

There's this one girl at my church. Her name is Abi and at the time of this situation she was 12 yrs old. In 2008 when her family came home on furlough from the mission field they had no idea what they were in for. Abi contracted the flesh eating bacteria on one side of her face. She's since been through treatment to stop it. She's also been through many surgeries. Here's a quote from her:

"My surgeon can't figure me out, my teacher wants to clone me, Lydia and I are back in school, my scar is my name tag at every church I visit, my hair has been cut, my writing is going well, my dad still makes me cry (in a good, special way), and my Christmas was wonderful. Yet, more important than all these things that... bring me happiness I have THE POWERFUL, WONDERFUL, ALL-KNOWING, EVER-CARING GOD who gives me JOY!"

That is one powerful statement. This girl, Abi, has been such a great example of the joy from God. She's an inspiration to us all.

Here's what Billy Graham says:

The choice is ours. I've made the choice to be joyful and rejoice in my salvation from the LORD. Have you? Where does your joy come from? Is it fleeting? Or, is it firm and stable? Join me today & everyday and be joyful, rejoicing in the LORD.

Jesus or Santa?

I choose Jesus! What about you?

Thanksgiving & Praise

I challenge you to put aside all your personal "feelings" and grumblings. Look up to the LORD God; be HIS servant in praise & worship thanking HIM. Afterall, HE gave us a gift. We should at the least thank Him, don't you think? You say, "But, I didn't ask for the gift. Maybe I don't want it." Well, to turn this gift away is foolish at best. It's the ultimate gift anyone could every receive. It's the gift of salvation and liberty therein. So, with that... as the Psalm below reads:

Psalm 100
¹ Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
² Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
³ Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
⁴ Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
⁵ For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.

Prayer: Dear Father God, I prostate fall before You giving You thanks for Your ultimate gift of salvation. I thank You for meeting our needs. I pray for my family and friends that their needs will be met as You have met mine. I thank You for allowing me to live in a place where we can freely seek and worship You. All honor and glory to You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Author of Salvation

My bloggy friend Lisa Shaw shared from her heart this morning about our Savior and the video below. I love the song. I was inspired by it to post. Please take a moment to visit Lisa. She's on fire for the LORD.

Psalm 13:5
But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

Psalm 18:35
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.

Psalm 18:46
The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.

John 4:42
Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”

Hebrews 5:9
In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.

1 Timothy 4:10
For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

Psalm 20:5
5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Listen closely to the words of the song. HE is mighty to save! God loves each and every one of us. It's because of this love HE sent a savior for us because we're so wretched without Jesus, our Savior, we would not make it to the Eternal Heaven. Have you accepted Jesus as your savior? If not, please check out this page to see what you can do to accept Christ's gift of salvation. It's a free gift, it has already been purchased with the blood of Jesus at Calvary. Jesus is standing at the door waiting for you to answer His call. He wishes that none should perish, not even you.

God Saves Bad People

Psalm 14:3
They have all turned aside,
    They have together become corrupt;
    There is none who does good,
    No, not one.
Romans 3:10, 12c
As it is written:
    "There is none righteous, no, not one;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”

You see, we have no choice... if we want our sin to be wiped away & spend Eternity with a loving almighty God. God loves each of us. Please... don't let this slip away.

After viewing this video if you feel the Lord's tug on your heart please visit God's Simple Plan of Salvation. Say a prayer of surrendering acceptance to God's gift of Jesus, our Saviour. Find a Bible believing, preaching & teaching church and grow your relationship with God. You won't be sorry you did. Life isn't easy for anyone, believers as well as unbelievers. We build our character & faith as a child of the most high King from our adversity. As his word states: Romans 8:31
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
The victory is already won by Jesus through calvary on the cross.

Out Of Bondage

Romans 8:20-21
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Galatians 5:1-3
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.

I'm bound no more to this world! How about you? Seek the Lord and accept His Great Gift, Jesus Christ, our Savior. The shackles be loosed and you will be let free. Free from these Earthly ties. Free from the sin that binds you. You, no more have to be subjected to the wiles of the adversary. Seek Jesus and be free. He's there before You waiting. Be blessed by His presence and ride the waves of Jesus to Glory. Praise God!

Prayer: Jesus, I lift up the lost souls to YOU. I pray that their shackles will be loosed and they will be free in You. Free to roam and to praise You. Free from the adversary. As You said, "It is finished". The adversary has no hold on us any longer. I fall prostrate before YOU Father, giving You thanks for the love You have for each life. I thank You in advance for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.

Soak up the Lord in this music video.