Jesus Was Not A Good Man

It's been pointed out many times by Christians that Jesus in no way could simply be, "A good man," a good teacher, or good prophet. If you read even a little of what he actually said to us in 4 separate books of the Bible (the Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John), it's clear that Jesus is either who he said he was (the Son of God, & One with God) or he was a raving lunatic.

Then there's this, about Mary:

"Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!"

(Luke 1:30-33)

This small grouping of 3 verses says to me that Mary could be said to have been a lunatic too. Either that or truly have heard from God, as it states clearly).

Because who gets told she is carrying God in her womb? Who claims to have been impregnated by a Spirit rather than by a man? These are not statements to take lightly. And seems to me that Jews wouldn't have taken such statements about David's throne lightly, either.

Yep, seems Mary was either crazy, too -- or was a noteworthy part of God's plan for our salvation.

Prayer for Today

Thank You, Jesus, for the clarity & wisdom you provide to many, to recognize the truth that has been shown throughout history. Thank You, Jesus, for being our bridge back to God the Father.

Please, Lord, open the eyes of our hearts now. Reveal yourself to those of us reading this, who do not yet truly know You.

Father, we ask this in the mighty name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Loving Reminders In Our Moments of Ignorance

When I think I've got it bad, that life stinks, in those moments when I again find myself whining, 'Why, God?' ... God always answers. Though sometimes I try not to listen because in those moments of selfishness, of 'me me me,' I often want a different answer.

But thanks I believe to so often asking for God's grace, wisdom, and help... He reminds me of the simple truth of it all: that Christ is the Messiah, and our God is a sovereign God.

He reminds me that, "God is in charge."

God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and in all places. Nothing is hidden from Him. This has been shown again and again over the ages.

Paul...

When I find myself wishing I had a different life, had it 'better,' or had what others have... in those moments I'm usually reminded that the Apostle Paul was put in prison for God's reasons.

Paul was beaten, carried out of the city, dumped and left for dead, prayed over, rose again, and re-entered the city to continue sharing Christ -- all for God's glory.

I'm reminded, too, that Paul did not have all of his sinful ways taken away from him miraculously, and that God said His grace was sufficient.

Peter...

I'm reminded in my moments of self-pity and worry that Peter failed Christ in a time of fear and worry -- and Christ knew it would happen and still loved him.

I'm reminded, too, that life was not all fun and joy for any of the people given as examples in the Holy Bible, God's Inspired word.

Job...

Job had multiple children taken forcefully from him, lost all his possessions, and was made sick to the point of questioning God.

Yet God was always aware, always in charge -- and the devil could not touch Job without God's permission.

Lucifer, 'Satan,' 'the devil'...

Call him what you want -- I call him creation.

I'm reminded the devil is not equal with God, but is merely another creation of the Almighty God. As are angels, as are demons, as are all things in heaven and on this earth.

David...

When I am feeling sorry for myself again, God reminds me that King David had his moments of weakness, and failed God more than once. Yet he was 'a man after God's own heart.'

I remember again that not all of David's days were great and glorious. He had his normal, boring days as we all must, too.

I'm reminded that 'King David' started out as a boy, just like me. Even as a boy, though he did great, glorious things. Because even as a boy he had been a lover of God, a follower of God -- and that's what made the difference.

I'm reminded that despite being 'only' a boy, God used him.

David was used many times by God, for God's glory. To lead the people, to fight a giant, to lead armies in battle. To serve the people, and to lead the people to God.

It's a spiritual battle...

Yes, when this battle in our lives even today, this battle that is spiritual far more than physical, gets me down again, I'm thankfully reminded of and recognize -- sooner or later -- the truth.

The truth that it is a spiritual battle more than a physical battle, every day.

The truth that God lets us fail sometimes, yes.

But He is always there to dust us off again when we're ready to stand up again, and walk on again -- with Him leading the way.

Jesus Christ, the Messiah...

Thank You, Jesus, for showing us that You are The One, and one with the Father.

One with the Almighty God who holds the waters of the earth in the palm of His hand, yet knows the hairs on our head better than we do.

with the Almighty God who is in charge of all things. Of the earth, wind, waters, and fires of the earth. In charge of nature and all natural things, supernaturally.

The Almighty God who knows the inmost, hidden desires and thoughts of our hearts, better than we do of ourselves.

Prayer for Today

Please, Father, help us. Enlighten us. Open the eyes of our hearts Lord, so that we may no longer ignore you. No longer be able to deny You.

Give us your Godly wisdom in ways only You can. So that we no longer want to fight against You, but rather, choose to fight, to stand, to walk... with You.

Then, always, when we are feeling down spiritually, when we are being attacked, when we are being forgetful once again, remind us of your truth.

Thank You, Father, for Jesus. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the Holy Spirit to lead us here on earth, until we can be with You in heaven.

Amen.

So That None May Boast

This scripture seems pretty clear. Yet many still absolutely screw this up and get it backwards -- being prideful in their own works.

But Ephesians chapter 2, verses 8-9 says:

"God saved you by his grace when you believed.
And you can't take credit for this;
it is a gift from God.
Salvation is not a reward
for the good things we have done,
so none of us can boast about it."

(Ephesians 2:8-9)

Prayer for Today

Lord, please, open the eyes of our hearts. So that we truly come to know You, Jesus. And so that when we stand before You, Lord, on Judgment Day, You know us.

Please enlighten us with your wisdom. Help us overcome our 'street smarts.' Help us overcome our pride. Reveal yourself to us, Jesus. In ways we cannot -- and don't want to -- deny.

Father, please, everyone reading this, every one, please, give them over to Jesus. We know that those whom You give to Jesus, He does not let go of.

Please forgive us for our sins. Forgive us, and make us Yours, Lord.

Thank You Father, for your mercy, for your Grace, and for Jesus Christ, your son -- our Lord and Savior.

It's in His holy name we pray to you now. Amen.

Reap the Rewards of Proclaiming, 'TGIF!'

This verse below is a great reason to proclaim 'TGIF' today.

Come Friday night, just choose to let it stand for, 'Today God Is First.'

That way, come Saturday nights, too, you can still proclaim 'TGIF' -- and reap the benefits of a smarter choice. :)

"Whoever sows to please their flesh,
from the flesh will reap destruction;
whoever sows to please the Spirit,
from the Spirit will reap eternal life."
(Galatians 6:8)

As A Bride Adorned With Jewels

Women of God, I remind you today: you are worth far more than the world says you are. Live your day today as a Bride, adorned with jewels.

Isaiah 61:10 says --

"I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

God absolutely loves you. Yes, you!

When God is for you, who can be against you? None of them matter.

Thank You, Father, for Jesus. Thank You for loving us, and bringing us back to You through Him.

7 Words to Contemplate Today

There is a lot packed into those 7 words, "Do not be conformed to this world." Yowza. Contemplate that today...

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect."

(Romans 12:2 - ESV)

Daily Circumstances Vs. Truth

I've got a list of things that I could easily say sucked today. But there is always a longer list of things that are blessings in my day - every day. Which should I choose to focus on? Well, it's been a struggle, numerous times today. But I've continuously chosen to focus on how amazingly blessed I am. Thank You, Lord. For helping me continue to focus on what truly matters.

Daily Circumstances

How about you? What have you been spending your energy on? Focusing on the daily circumstances, on the crap, on the lies of each day put there mostly to distract & frustrate us?

If so, why not choose today to begin striving to focus on the blessings in your day -- and pay more attention to the things in your life that truly matter?

A More Enjoyable, More Loving Day

Philippians 4:8 goes a long way towards our having good days versus bad ones, and a less stressful life versus a frustrated, fearful life. Here's God's advice to us, on how to have a less stressful, more loving, more enjoyable day.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."
(Philippians 4:8 - NIV)

Try harder to focus on the good things, and do your best to not give your time, thoughts, and concern to the negatives which nearly every day provides.

Choose 'Love'

It's your choice. Your day will be as good or as bad as you let it be, and as you make it. Choose Christ. Christ, the Bible says, is Love. Choose Love. ;-)

Give your concerns to Jesus. Give your frustrations and moments where you don't know what you can do to "fix" a thing, to Jesus. He tells us too!

Quit your worrying, quit being ridiculously anxious about things.

Give your fears, your worries, your concerns, and your unknowns, to Christ our Lord.

Starting today. Starting now.

A Prayer for Today

Thank You, Jesus, for being one with the Father. Thank You, Father, for being an Almighty, sovereign God. The One, True God. The God who holds the waters of the earth in the palm of His hand, yet knows the hairs on our heads at the same time.

Please, strengthen our faith in you today, Lord. Help us each in ways that we cannot deny it must be you. From the littlest, silly requests to the most overbearing, looming problems in our lives, Jesus. Help us to learn to give it all to you -- and to watch for your responses.

Thank You, Father, for Jesus. Amen.

The Whole of the Old Testament Speaks of Jesus

My pastors (www.TheMovementChurch.info) have said many times that the whole of the Old Testament speaks of Jesus, that the Holy Bible is ALL about Jesus Christ and God's plan through Him.

I just read first-hand that Jesus says the exact same thing (in one of the Gospels, the Book of Luke, Chapter 24):

"He said to them, 'How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."
(Luke 24:25-27)

"He said to them, 'This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.'”
(Luke 24:44)

Thank You, Father, for your ways being above our ways, and your thoughts above our finite thinking. Thank You for Jesus, and for the Holy Spirit -- and for Your divine plan.

Why Does Life Seem to Suck Sometimes?

Wondering WHY your days seem to suck so bad at times? If you consider yourself a 'Christian,' read on.

I think the following 3 bits of scripture form a great, loving 'reminder' for us:

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation."
(Romans 5:3-4)

"In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God... has made the one as well as the other..."
(Ecclesiastes 7:14)

"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised."
(Hebrews 10:35-36)

Thank You, Jesus, for loving us.

I Don't Care Where You Were On 9/11

I don't care where you were on the morning of September 11, 2001.

I do care about their souls, about your soul.

There is nothing more powerful than praying to the Almighty God for help. It's not 'all we can do.' It's the best thing we can do.

Please, PRAY for the families & loved ones of those who died. Pray for God, for Jesus Christ our Lord, to grab hold of the families AND other terrorists, overwhelming them with His love, with His grace -- and changing people, countries, & this world through changing them.

You can't change the past. You CAN change lives - through prayer.

"I look up to the mountains--
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!"
(Psalm 121:1-2)

Casting Crowns - Praise You In the Storm

Reason Why #1 -- Abhor, Shun

With God's Divine Wisdom
found throughout the universe,
I believe there's a reason why
in the word Abortion we hear
two other words:

abhor and shun.

Who Is God Referring toAs 'Israel' In the Bible?

The New Testament says that believers in Christ are considered to be, "Israel," and that being part of Israel no longer comes from your bloodline, but from the Spirit of God (Romans 9). That being said, here's an Old Testament verse to ponder:

"This is what the Lord says--
      your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
'I am the Lord your God,
      who teaches you what is good for you
      and leads you along the paths you should follow.'"

(Isaiah 48:17)

Many unbelievers say that the Holy Bible is irrelevant today. I can see their point -- and even agree somewhat.

I mean, to me a book on brain surgery techniques, or diagnostics of a nuclear power plant -- or even splicing two flowers together to create something new -- is irrelevant in my life at this moment.

But if I chose one of those paths, and wanted to learn the better ways, then the specifics about those fields -- those books, tips, techniques, and their insight -- would become highly relevant.

Relevant and Essential

For Believers -- followers of Jesus Christ -- the Holy Bible is not only relevant, but essential.

Christ is our Redeemer.

Read it again. This bit of scripture says...

"I am the Lord your God,
      who teaches you what is good for you
      and leads you along the paths you should follow."

Relevant? I'd say so.

God himself is telling us He teaches us. How? Through the God-breathed, God-Inspired (2 Timothy 3:16) word given to us in the Holy bible.

Why Are You Fighting It

If you call yourself a Christian, it's highly relevant. Just accept it, and quit fussin' in your worldly ways. ;-)

Begin reading it, ultimately you'll find you enjoy it -- and you'll definitely benefit from it.

And may the Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth, Father to His Son our Redeemer bless your reading.

Click here to begin reading online now.

Faith Is Not 'Intelligent Understanding'

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
(Hebrews 11:1)

Sometimes I cannot understand all that happens in my day. People act incomprehensibly. Things just seem to 'happen.' People don't always make informed, intelligent decisions, even as they're crossing my path.

I, too, choose in some of those moments then, not to fight to, 'be intelligent.'

Funny how society today -- at least here in America -- just loves to proclaim how smart we are. It's in taglines and mottos everywhere. Smart this-or-that, for Smart People.

yet many of these smart people regularly make rather insane, ludicrous decisions -- even as they continue consoling themselves about being smart.

In such moments, I have learned to stay (mostly) peaceful about the foolishness around me, by deliberately choosing to 'give it to God,' and to let God handle it.

Knowing that whether I ever do or don't understand a thing, "God's in charge."

That's become my motto. I remind myself that no matter how things appear to me, that God's already got it handled. I tell myself, I remind my children and those closest to me, sometimes I even ask friends in order to help remind them:

"Who's in charge?"

"God's in charge."


Who's in charge?

"God's in charge."

God's In Charge

Have faith today that even if you don't understand a thing to where you're comfortable with it, He's watching over you, He's got it covered. He's 'got your back.'

Give your worries and problems to Him. Ask Him to take care of it for you, when you can't seem to on your own.

"Glad, Reckless Joy"

Here's some of what Oswald Chambers said on the subject of faith...


“Faith is not intelligent understanding, faith is deliberate commitment to a Person where I see no way.”

“Are you debating whether to take a step in faith in Jesus or to wait until you can see how to do the thing yourself? Obey Him with glad, reckless joy!”


--Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (daily devotions, 3/28)


Strive today to stay calm, be at peace, and know that God's in charge. Give it to Him, and watch as He takes care of you.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, thank You. Thank You for faith. Thank You for being one with the Almighty God.

Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to us as the bridge back to you, as the final sacrifice for our sins. We know through your word, the Holy Bible, that we are covered by His blood, and we are forgiven and therefore are no longer hated by you, but drawn into your amazing love once again. Thank You.

Lord, please, strengthen our faith in you today. Help us to give it all to you. All our worries, our fears, our needs. Our hopes and dreams and commitments as well. Take them, Lord, and take us -- and make us yours.

Help us to trust in you, in your word given in the bible, more fully. Grab hold of us, Jesus. Make us yours. Use us mightily, Lord. Change our lives, our hearts, our minds -- then use us to change others as well.

Father, we ask for your love, your power, your wisdom to be poured out on us, and in us, to overflowing. So that is what we can't help but share with others every day, in every way. Help us to trust more in You, and to love others better.

All for Your glory, and in the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A 'Relevant' Quote

People say the Bible is irrelevant today. Well, so is a shower you took a week ago.

That's why we recommend it daily.

Experiencing both on a daily basis will help you (and those around you) enjoy each day more. ;-)


2 Timothy 3:16 --

"All scripture is God-breathed..."

The Only Work God Wants from You

"Jesus told them, 'This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.'" (John 6:29)

'Work' isn't easy. It's why they generally have to pay you to do it. It's often challenging, takes effort, and is at times hard.

We are to WORK to believe.


Learn what you need to, in order to grasp the truth of God, of Christ.

Strive for a fuller understanding of God. Put forth effort in knowing Him better.

Work at it! :)

Prayer for Today

Father God, thank You for your son, Jesus. Thank You for your word to guide us, in the Holy Bible.

Please continue bringing us closer to You, Lord. Please bless us with a strengthening of faith.

Bless us with your Godly wisdom.

Bless us with discernment -- so that we may tell the truth from lies, the hype from the holiness, and your righteousness from our own rotten pride.

Please, Lord, help us to know You better, deeper, more intimately. Give us a fuller understanding and faith in You, the One, True, Almighty God.

Thank You for Jesus. It's in Him that we pray to You now. Amen.

"As the Lord Forgave You"

That 2-letter word, 'as,' may just be the biggest word ever, in this context:


"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
(Colossians 3:13)

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, thank You for your word, for your truth. Thank You for the awesome and amazing example of living that you've given us to follow.

Father, please, in the name of your son Jesus, we ask You to bless us with your Spirit. Instill in us holiness, Lord. Fill us to overflowing with your Love, and your Godly wisdom. Help us to pour out your Grace upon all those you put in our paths.

Thank You, Jesus, and thank You, Father, for Jesus. Amen.

Religion Is Dead -- Christ Lives!

The following article will show you what Jesus and the Holy Bible specifically say...

• about hypocrisy and religious hypocrites
• about what love truly is
• about the 3 most important commandments of all, and
• about vipers and wolves.

2 Sections of Scripture + 3 Commandments = 1 'Revelation'

Matthew 22:37-39 says:

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. and the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.”

And John 13:34-35 says:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”


How many 'religious' folks around you would you say are hypocritical, mean, judgmental people -- while professing Christianity?

In the Holy Bible, Jesus calls religious stuck-ups 'Vipers' (Matthew 12:34, 23:33). John the Baptist called them vipers, too (Matthew 3:7).

Jesus knows they claim to know God, but do not. These were many of the religious leaders of his day.

(Actually, all of chapter 33 in the Book of Matthew talks of hypocrisy. I recommend reading it.)


Today, many are still the religious leaders of our day. Christians in name only. Not true Christ-followers. Not Christ worshippers.

2 Points to Ponder

1) As usual, the world has it twisted, as to what it tells us the bible supposedly says. The Holy Bible specifically says we are NOT to judge unbelievers, but are to judge other Christians, other believers -- holding them accountable (1 Corinthians 5, specifically 5:12).

2) We are to 'love one-another.' Many 'Christians' fight over colors of carpet and walk away from each other in disgust because they didn't get their way. Selfish, not selfless. Religion is dead -- Christ lives!

Only God knows for sure if someone is truly given into Christ's hand by God, for salvation. We won’t always know. But as far as 'fruits of the Spirit' go, non-believers show themselves as selfish more than selfless, hateful more than loving.

It is a fact shown in scripture, that Jesus did know that some of the religious leaders of the day -- who professed to know and speak for God -- did not truly love God, and did not know God.

Jesus constantly confronted such 'Vipers,' as shown in the Gospels (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

It's where the cliche comes from -- 'actions speak louder than words.' God says in His word, the Holy Bible, that our love for Him will ‘bear fruit’ ((Matthew 7:16, 7:18, 12:33, John 15:2, 15:4, 15:8)).

Love one another? Love your neighbor as yourself? Check out 1 Corinthians 13 to find out what Love truly is. Here's part of it:


1 Cor 13:4-7 says:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."


Admittedly, true Christ-followers still fail with many of these on a regular basis. But God continues growing us, day-by-day (Philippians 1:6).

We still fall prey to our human emotions which too often overpower common sense and rationale. This does not mean we are not saved. It shows throughout scripture that God continues growing us throughout our lives.

Even the Apostles who walked with Christ suffered various forms of ignorance. We're human.

Still, Jesus himself said plainly that there are definitely those in religious leadership, claiming to know the way to God, who are nothing more than vipers. We are also warned in scripture to be wary of wolves in our midst (Matthew 7:15, Acts 20:29).

Heart Vs. Head

So although some of those hypocritical, mean, judgmental types may well be saved, may well be Christ's and simply have a long way to go before they could be considered to be, 'like Christ' ... there are definitely those who are faking it.

Which are you?

Do you truly know Christ? Or merely know 'of' Him? Is He in your heart -- or only in your head?


Please, contemplate this. Do not end up as one to whom Christ says what he warns us of in Matthew chapter 7. Matt 7:21-23 says:


21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’
23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus, please, help us. Grab hold of each of us, Lord, starting today. Know us, Jesus -- and help us to know you more intimately, more deeply.

Soften our hearts Lord, and sharpen our minds with your Godly wisdom. Wisdom that overpowers our upbringing, our influences, our biases -- our 'street smarts.' Cast out our hearts of stone now, today -- and give us hearts of flesh, filled with your Holy Spirit.

Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for Your son, for our Lord -- for rising him up again from the dead. Thank You for forgiving us our sins, through Christ. In His name we ask your forgiveness, Father.

Please, give us into His hands. We know that those You give Him, Jesus never lets go. It's in Jesus' name we pray to you, Father. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.

To Your Credit

"How is it to your credit if you receive a beating
for doing wrong
and endure it?
But if you suffer for doing good
and you endure it,
this is commendable before God."

(NIV - 1 Peter 2:20)

Do You Think It Foolishto Acknowledge God?

Romans 1:28-31 says:

"Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy."


It all started simply from thinking it foolish to acknowledge God.

So I ask you, do you fit into that category?

If you don't now, you may, someday -- if you continue ignoring God. If you continue living halfheartedly and supposedly 'for' God.

Consider This...

You may not fit 'the' category above. But break it down. How many of those various terms fit you all too well?

Greed? Hate? Envy? Quarreling? Deception? Gossip?

Insolent? Proud? Boastful?

Disobey your parents?

Refuse to understand?

Break your promises?

Have no mercy?

Hint...

Hint: If you feel you fit none of those categories and are 'good' with God, you suffer from Pride.

Even the Apostles traveling with Jesus Christ while he was here walking the earth, suffered from more than one of those things listed above.

If you have been relying thus far on your own 'power,' please... consider the ramifications.

"It's Never Too Late" ...Or Is It?

The lie of the world is that it's never too late. One day, it will be.

But right now, it's not too late. He has not abandoned you, yet.

Give yourself to Him now, today. Ask Him to forgive you. Come to Him humbly, and sincerely.

No worries... He does love you.

Prayer for Today

Thank You, Lord Jesus -- for your guidance, for your truth, and for your overwhelming love.

Please, Father, through Jesus Christ your son, our Lord, please give each of us who read this, hearts of flesh today. Crush our hearts of stone. Knock down the walls we continue to build every day.

Replace our cold hearts with your Holy Spirit, your love, and your grace for all those around us. Thank you for your grace that allows us to come back to You, Father, through the 'bridge' you've given us - Jesus Christ your son.

Please, forgive us for our sins. Teach us to live righteously, to live holy lives, and to understand and desire holiness as you mean it in your guiding word, the Holy Bible. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Make Every Effort

God tells us to "make every effort" at least 7 times in the Holy Bible. If you want to know what He's referring to in these instances, go read these scriptures:

• Luke 13:24
• Romans 14:19
• Ephesians 4:3
• Hebrews 4:11
• Hebrews 12:14
• 2 Peter 1:5
• 2 Peter 3:14

Or, just save time and read below - in the NIV:

Luke 13:24
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to."

Romans 14:19
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

Ephesians 4:3
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Hebrews 4:11
"Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience."

Hebrews 12:14
"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

2 Peter 1:5
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;"

2 Peter 3:14
"So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him."


Peace is mentioned numerous times. Also, to strive, to make every effort, not a half-hearted attempt, to follow Christ by doing what He says in scripture.

Make every effort to live like Christ.

Make every effort to live at peace with those around you.

Make every effort. That means every time you think of it. Every time you get a chance or see an opening to be kind to others -- do so.

It means every time you feel your emotions rising, feel an urge to respond poorly... choose to make every effort to do what Jesus would do instead.

Prayer for Today

Lord, please, help us. Help us to be better than we could be on our own. Help us to live as You, Jesus, lived.

Please fill us to overflowing with your love, with your grace, and with your Godly wisdom. To help us lead better, and live better.

Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Father. Amen.

Some Points to Ponder - from 1 Corinthians 15

Happy Easter! Some Christians call Easter, "Resurrection Day." To focus on what the holiday represents. See, some don't seem to know this, but... it AIN'T about the bunny. ;-)

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ -- 3 days after he was crucified.

He has risen! Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus, and thank You, Father. For your Almighty power -- and your true and everlasting love.


Today, I want to share a couple of key points in the Book of 1st Corinthians, chapter 15.

(From the Apostle Paul, aka, "St. Paul")


"I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word ... Otherwise, you have believed in vain."

"what I received I passed on to you ... that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me..."

"...by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect."

Read all of 1 Corinthians 15 now.


Thank You, Jesus.

To you, dear reader, all I'll say is... Strive On!

Daily Bits of WisdomFrom the Book of Proverbs

I love the Book of Proverbs.

There are tons of short, one-liner bits of wisdom within. Actually, that's all there is in the Book of Proverbs. Bits of wisdom.


With 31 chapters, there's one for each day of the month, too, if you wanted to read one a day.

The way I personally try to keep track of reading them is to go by the calendar. If today was the 17th of any given month, for instance, I'd read Proverbs chapter 17 today.

There are only usually about 30 lines/verses in each chapter, too. Easy to read -- and can be life-changing.

Proverbs is great. It's a great way to start the day.

"Just sayin', y'know, for anyone that doesn't already know." =)


If you don't have a bible handy, you can start here if you'd like to check out the Book of Proverbs now.

What Do You Think It Means...to Be a Christian Man or Christian Woman?

What do you think it means to be a Christian man? What do you think it means to be a Christian woman?

Me, I can only answer on the part of being a Christian man. I'd truly enjoy hearing your response though, whether you are a man or a woman. Please respond - to perhaps help inspire the rest of us?

Solidified in my mind thus far are 3 points to being a REAL man... & I fail at all 3 all too often. But I shall never stop striving to improve.

1. To be the leader of his household, not some pansy on the couch ignoring the kids
2. To be the pastor of his own house, every day
3. To be The Main Encourager of those he loves!

What say you, Christian? What say you, who may not call yourself a Christian? What do YOU think honestly makes a real man, or real woman? Do you have the integrity, the character, to answer honestly?

It may help inspire the rest of us, how you state your thoughts, so please do. God inspires us through all kinds of people and things, that's for sure. =)

From God Alone

To start each day out right, I have chosen to reiterate what Psalm 62:7 (in the NLT) says:

"My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me."


Make that your motto for today: "From God Alone."

Thank You, Jesus.

Ultimately, You Won't Regret It

Have you read 1 John 1 lately (or ever)?

There are only 10 verses -- but there's powerful stuff within!

Here it is in 5 different bible versions for any who'd like to read it:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/index.php?search=1+John+1&version=NIV%3BNLT%3BESV%3BMSG%3BKJV&interface=print


Ultimately, you won't regret it. But at first, some of us may feel tapped upside the head. =)

In case that link above ever stops working, here's a couple of key points I want to share...

Verses 1-3

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ."

Now, I want to point out that many, many clueless people who don't really care about the truth, often say things like, "It's just an old book," and, "It's just words written by some guys." (or similar statements)

But they don't grasp the simple facts. Jesus spoke crazy words -- if he was a mere human. If that's the case, he was not at all a 'good man.' He was, then, an absolute lunatic & megalomaniac.

Additionally, the Apostles each also died for what they believed about Jesus. It says right there, that they heard, they saw, and they even touched him. He was real, this all is real, and they gave testimony -- as have many since.

They were willing to stick to their stories, willing to die for what they knew to be the truth. The truth they heard, experienced, and saw for themselves first-hand.

We, today, choose to take it lightly, and ignore it.

We give more worth and respect to biographies of people who don't truly matter and who are nothing more than a distraction to help us waste our own lives. Worse than biographies, we pay heed to Tabloids with rumors and gossip.

All while we brush off the biography of Jesus Christ, the almighty Lord and Savior of the world. The Holy Bible is a historical set of documentation, of facts, of testimonies.

Verses 8-10

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us."


Now that section of scripture -- of God's Inspired word, of scripture that is said to be, 'God-breathed' -- is hard to acknowledge for many 'Christians.'

Because many, many judgemental, self-righteous & hypocritical religious folks stand away from and look down upon 'sinners.'

These people, no matter how well-intentioned, are off-base. Jesus says right there that the Truth, that HE, is not in them, if they think they themselves are not sinners.

Not to mention that the Apostle Paul (St. Paul) called himself the worst of all sinners.

As I said, it's only 10 verses, but oh, what a set of verses.

Prayer for Today

Lord Jesus... Father God... please, please help us. Be blunt with us, as needed, Lord. Smash down our walls, cast out our hearts of stone. Give us hearts of flesh, please.

Soften our hearts, Lord -- and sharpen our minds. Bless us with your Godly wisdom today.

Put us on your narrow path. Help us to open ourselves, our lives, to you more fully, and to truly begin letting you lead us, every day. Starting today, starting now.

Please forgive us for our sins, Lord. Help us, teach us, to repent. Forgive us, change us, and guide us, Lord Jesus. Thank you, Father, for Jesus, and thank you for the Holy Spirit to lead us.

Amen.

Encouragement/Guidance for Your Day

Ephesians 5:15-16 says:

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise, but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

Live wise today -- and make the most of it! =)

The First Job EVER In Human History

Adam & Eve?

God gave Adam the first JOB ever in human history.

Genesis 2:15 says:


"The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."


Adam not only worked for a living, but he was a Gardener.

No offense meant to others, like Landscapers, Zookeepers, etc. Call it what you want. He worked the land! =)

My Q to Your A

Got caught up in Facebook for a while, now that I finally signed-on with the masses. I've been posting there rather than here lately. For that, I apologize. ...I'm back. =)

My Q to your A:

1 Peter 2:2-3 says:
"Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk
so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.
Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste
of the Lord's kindness."

I ask you - do you cry out for more of God? Or do you more often cry the blues?

Me, I too often cry the blues, I'd have to say.

Prayer for Today

Father, please, help us to love You more. Help us to realize our need for You, more.

Bless us today with your Godly wisdom - enough so that it overpowers our worldly influences and 'baggage' we all carry with us.

Strengthen our faith in You today, Jesus. Lead us, Lord. Soften our hearts and sharpen our minds today, Lord, please. We love You, Lord. We want You in our lives. Please bless us with your presence, with your guidance, and with your Grace, Father. Thank You, Father, for Jesus.

Amen.

BibleGateway Resources for You

We need to get in the habit of reading for ourselves what the Holy Bible actually says, rather than relying on others as to what it supposedly says. I’ve used BibleGateway.com for years. I recommend it.

I use www.BibleGateway.com a lot. Mainly because it's accessible. But also because it has dozens of Bible versions -- and dozens of languages -- to choose from. All at my fingertips, for FREE.

The Title bar at the site says it best: “A searchable online bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.”

50 languages? I mean, c’mon, that’s wonderful!

"Go and Make Disciples of All Nations"

Scripture says we are to take His word and be witnesses for Him to the 4 corners of the earth (Acts 1:8, Acts 13:47).

Additionally, in what we often refer to as, “The Great Commission” -- in Matthew 28:18-20 -- it says:


“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’"


To ‘make disciples of all nations’ we are helped when we have the word in a translation that those cultures can understand. BibleGateway.com says it has 50 languages to choose from.

How much easier can that make it for missionaries traveling to far off places, to find a regional location to power-up and log-on -- and perhaps be able to print out at least parts of scripture directly to bring to the local culture? We have 50 languages to choose from already. Not a bad start.

For those of us who are so blessed to have easy access to the Internet and to His word, there are 23 English versions of the Holy Bible available. From Darby’s, Holman’s, Wycliffe’s, & Young’s to the newer ‘NIV 2011.’

For your studying, you can choose up to 5 versions at a time, to get search results from.

Meaning I can choose to read, say, chapter 11 of the Book of Hebrews (known as the 'faith' chapter), and read it in the NIV, ESV, NAS, MSG, & KJV if desired -- all on the same page.

BibleGateway Newsletters

• You can sign-up for HTML or Text e-mail
• You can sign-up for a few different daily and weekly devotionals
• You can get the BibleGateway Verse of the Day sent to your inbox each day
• You can get the Verse of the Day sent to you in 3 different Bible versions
• You can get the Verse of the Day sent to you in Spanish
• You can learn specifically about the men of the Bible, or
• You can learn details about 52 women of the Bible

Sign-up for BibleGateway’s newsletters or devotionals here:
www.biblegateway.com/newsletters/


There are lots of great, free Bible resources out there on the Internet for us. So many that we take them for granted, and ignore them.

As we do with Jesus, too, many times.

Jesus is so available to each of us that we often accept what we hear about Him, rather than investigating the truth for ourselves. It’s the trick of the world, and it works well.

Many of us blow off Christ due to our listening to the supposedly ‘cool’ folks mocking Him, mocking the Holy Bible.

But sometimes there’s a good reason why cool rhymes with fool.

Don’t be fooled. Learn for yourself what the truth is. Learn what scripture actually says to you, not what others tell you it says. You can start today, by going to BibleGateway.com and reading some of it for yourself.

My Prayer for You, and for Each of Us

Father, please, in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, please bless us now. With your Godly wisdom, with your enlightenment, with a true understanding of You, and a strengthening of faith in You, Lord.

Please, Jesus, lead us with the Holy Spirit now. Lead us to Your Word, to your truth, and onto Your narrow path so that we may spend an eternity blessed by your almighty power and amazing love.

Thank You, Father -- and thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Encouragement for Today -- and Denial

Today, the BibleGateway Verse of the day is from the Old Testament, Book of Psalms. It says:


“For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.”
(Psalm 33:4-5)


To me this is encouraging. A great, uplifting reminder. Thank You, Jesus.

Also, it aligns with another group of verses I love -- from the New Testament, Book of Romans:


"Since what may be known about God is plain to them,
because God has made it plain to them.
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities--
His eternal power and divine nature--has been clearly seen,
being understood from what has been made,
so that men are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God
nor gave thanks to him,
but their thinking became futile
and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Although they claimed to be wise,
they became fools."
(Romans 1:19-22)

The Bible: Old & Irrelevant Today?

Tell me that's not relevant to the mocking foolishness of our own culture today, and I'll have to lump you in with those whom God talks about right there in the verses above.

God's creation, His beauty and majesty, is able to be seen in so many ways. To deny it is nothing more than pride, arrogance -- and foolishness, truly.

But to each their own, right?

Me, I don't claim to be that smart. I am not a god. I'm happy to let a real, true God lead the way, blessing me and growing me as He sees fit.

Pray With Me?

Thank you, Father -- and thank You, Lord Jesus. Please, continue leading me -- every day and in every way -- with the Holy Spirit.

Bless each of us with Your Godly wisdom. Strengthen our faith in You. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts, Lord.

Put us each on your narrow path, please. Grab hold of us now.

Father, give every one of us reading this, into Jesus' hands. I know that those You give to Him, He does not give up.

Thank You for your Love, Father. Thank You, for Jesus. Amen.

The Good Shepherd?

"I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and my sheep know me--
just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father--
and I lay down My life for the sheep.”
(John 10:14-15 -- NIV)

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father;
and I lay down My life for the sheep.”
(John 10:14-15 -- NKJV)


With this verse, Jesus calls himself, “The good shepherd.”

It occurred to me this morning upon reading it that if there's a 'good' shepherd, there's probably a BAD shepherd, too.

We know this to be true, of course. I just don't know if it ever hit me like it did this morning.

We need to ask ourselves every morning -- and every time we take action or react, truly:

Which shepherd am I following right now?

While instant transformation may be the case for some, God shows clearly in scripture that this is NOT how He works on every one of us.

The Spirit is in us at the point of salvation, yes. But He chips away at us over a lifetime, it shows again and again throughout the Old and New Testaments.

“Choose This Day…”

It is our ‘daily’ battle as to which shepherd we choose to follow.

God says in the Book of Joshua:

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.”
(Joshua 24:15)


It's not a once-a-week battle. It's not a day-to-day battle. It is a moment-to-moment, action-to-reaction struggle.

Do you let your circumstances dictate your actions and reactions? Do you let your emotions rule over you?

Most of us do, day after day.

Each day will, Will, WILL have its own set of 'circumstances' which will delude you, trick you -- and take your attention away from what truly matters -- if you continue letting them.

A Prayer for You Today

Lord Jesus, you are our good, great, and Almighty shepherd. We choose You, Lord. Thank You for choosing us first.

Please help us today to be bright lights for you. Like your cities on a hillside for all the people to see and come to for refuge, for comfort, for strengthening. Use us today, Jesus, please.

Love others through us today, Lord. Help us be better than we could be on our own. Help us share Your Truth today, Father. Please bless us with your Godly wisdom. Bless us with a strengthening of faith. Bless us with and through your Word.

Most of all, Your will be done, not ours. Here on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name we pray to you, Father, and we praise You. Thank You for loving us. Amen.

Seeking Him, and Seeking Wisdom

God tells us to seek Him. He will tell you great and unsearchable things. He will bless you with His Godly wisdom (rather than the 'street smarts' that the world cherishes). He will not hold back from you. He, God, says all this in scripture, below.

Seeking God

As for seeking the Lord God, our Father, the Book of Jeremiah, chapter 29, verse 13 (Jeremiah 29:13) says this:


"You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." (NIV)

"You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (NKJV)


Another beautiful reminder from the Book of Jeremiah is found in chapter 33, verse 3 (Jeremiah 33:3). It says:


"Call to Me and I will answer you
and tell you great and unsearchable things
you do not know." (NIV)

"Call to Me, and I will answer you,
and show you great and mighty things,
which you do not know." (NKJV)

Seeking Wisdom

Lastly, one of my favorite verses is from the Book of James. It’s something very specific that God tells us in His ‘God-breathed’ word (2 Timothy 3:16) that we can ask Him for. It’s found in James, chapter 1, verse 5 (James 1:5):



"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (ESV)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV)


Sometimes I enjoy the translation of The Message (MSG) with scripture. Here's how it states James 1:5-6 --


"If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father.
He loves to help. You'll get his help,
and won't be condescended to when you ask for it.
Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought."

A Prayer for You Today:

Thank You, Father, for your word to guide us, to grow us, to transform us.

Please enlighten the eyes of our hearts today with your Truth, Father. Bless us with your wisdom today. To lead others better, to lead ourselves and our loved ones better.

Please, Jesus, fill us to overflowing today, with your love, your grace, your joy, and your peace. That peace that transcends all understanding, Lord. Let others see You through us, and in us today.

Thank You, Jesus, and thank you, Father, for Jesus. Amen.

Taking the Gospel Everywhere It Is Not

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. MLK Jr. was a Godly man. He was a Christ-follower, not just a Christian by name. He lived his belief. He was a Missionary whose mission field was his own country, his own ‘back yard.’

As is often the case when you truly let Christ lead you through your life, Martin Luther King, Jr. was an inspiration to many.

In my own local church, one of our Mission points that we’re focused on says:

“An intense focus on taking the gospel EVERYWHERE it is not - John 20:21; Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:8.”

Why?

Why do some people go to the literal 'ends of the earth' to bring Jesus Christ to people? Why do some stand on street corners shouting out scripture hoping that some may listen and truly hear?

Those scriptures referenced above show why.

To help you get a clearer understanding of ‘why,’ here they are, written out for you:

John 20:21 --

"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you"

John 20:21 -- in the NIV says:

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Matthew 28:16-20 -- "The Great Commission"

Matthew 28:16-20 -- In the NIV says:

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.
17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 1:8 -- "To the ends of the earth"

Acts 1:8 -- In the NIV says:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

The Holy Spirit

That last verse brings some misinterpretation for some. So do several other verses throughout the Bible, regarding this topic. But Jesus makes it clear in various phrasing, that the Holy Spirit (or, "Holy Ghost") is in you if you are His. He ascended to heaven, and said he would send His Spirit back to us to be a helper. And so He did.

Confusion among many non-believers who just shake their heads at Christians comes from the fact that too many 'Christians' seem to have a head-knowledge of Christ, but not necessarily a true heart-knowledge. Meaning, they know of Him, fight to live for Him, strive for Him, but don't truly know Him.

Many are trying to live for Christ, but doing it of their own power rather than the Holy Spirit working through them and in them.

Jesus says that will be so, very clearly when talking of the Day of Judgment where He'll say to many, "I never knew you."

These verses -- and many other sections and verses in the Holy Bible that go right along with these points (Paul's, "Run the race to win" comments, as one example) are why you find many Christians giving up their time, their resources, their pride, their very lives, for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Because He commands us to share His truth, The Truth, with the world.

Today's Prayer for You:

Father, we thank you for your Inspired word, the Holy Bible. We thank you for The Living Word, Jesus Christ. We thank you for our very breath given us so that we may strive to glorify you.

Please strengthen our faith in you, and our understanding of you and your word. Please bless us with your Godly wisdom today.

Please, Father, inspire us, and motivate us now, today, for a lifetime. Show us exactly how you want us to live, where you want us to go, what you want us to do with our lives.

Put us each on your narrow path, Lord. Open doors for us where you want us to go, and close those doors on paths that are not truly fruitful for your glory, and not where you want us to be. Please, do not let us go astray any longer.

Lord Jesus, please, fill us to overflowing with your peace, your joy -- and your confidence. Fill us with love and grace that abounds, so that is what others get from us, more than the worldly influences that pound us and try to influence us every day.

Lord, please, grab hold of everyone that reads this prayer. Use them mightily, Jesus. Give them hearts of flesh today, and cast out their hearts of stone. Make us lovers of life, Jesus! Make us encouragers, inspirers, motivators, all for your plan and your glory, Lord.

Thank you for the heart to know that there is nothing that truly matters more to us, than you. Thank you, Jesus, for being our bridge back to the Father, so that we may spend eternity in heaven, with you.

Father, we praise you, we pray to you, we give our lives the best we know how to today, to you Lord. Please answer us in your beautiful way, so that we don't miss it. Thank you again Father, for Jesus. Amen.

Your Purpose In Life?

I sometimes sign-off on my e-mails with the phrase, “All for His Glory.” Someone asked me recently what I meant by that.

In this instance, what I mean is that I can't help but chuckle at all these people moaning about what their purpose in life might be. Since I've been blessed enough to learn the simple truth, that is. Because at some point, I was wondering the same thing.

Millions of people say they want to know, but then they don't actually go and read God's word, the Holy Bible, to get the answers they constantly ask for.

This is why millions of books were sold under the Christian-based title of,
"The Purpose-Driven Life." I’m not knocking the book. It has its place.

But as to what anyone's purpose is, if they are a Christ-follower, or at least claim to be a Christian, it's stated in the Bible.

Ephesians & Proverbs

In the Book of Ephesians I believe it is, God says pretty directly that we were created to glorify Him. In all that we do, whatever we do, we are to do our best to give Him the glory for it and through it.

And in Proverbs He specifically says that we dream and we plan, but He directs our steps.

So I say that whatever you do, if you end up actually doing it and not just dreaming or talking about it, He led you to it and through it, and we are to glorify Him through it all.

“All Scripture Is God-Breathed...”

Why do I say, ‘He said this’ or ‘He says that?’ Because the Holy Bible is clearly stated as being, “God’s Inspired Word.” Some versions call it, “God-breathed.” Check out the 2nd Book of Timothy, chapter 3, verse 16 (“2 Tim 3:16”).

To help save you time – and make sure you actually read it – I’ll just share it below. Here’s what the NIV says:


2 Timothy 3:16-17 --
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.


The New International Version (NIV) is both a word-for-word and thought-for-thought translation. The Message (MSG) is more of a paraphrase, looser translation.

But to read more than one version at a time can often help get the idea across better if you aren't sure exactly what a particular bit of scripture might be meaning.

Here's how the MSG states it:


2 Tim 3:16-17 --
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

So God tells us, through the Apostles, pretty clearly I might add, that it is Him speaking to us through scripture, not 'mere humans' or human thinking.

What Does It Actually Mean?

That means whatever I do -- whether I'm a janitor, a plumber, a French-fry guy at Mickey D's, a factory worker, an Entrepreneur, a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a Missionary changing lives, a doctor saving lives, a brain surgeon, or a true rocket scientist -- all glory should go to God.

Because He either led me or let me go down that path.

He gave me my very breath each day, gives it to me each day, and though most of us are not, we should be thankful, and give praise and thanks to the Almighty God.

What’s your purpose in life? Simply this:

To glorify God in whatever you do – in all that you do.


There's your answer. And all of that is wrapped-up in my sign-off when I say something like, "All for His Glory." ;-)

Strive On!

2 Great, Short Videos

Below are 2 great, short videos. The first talks some simple, clear truth about Jesus and the Gospel – easy to understand truth taken straight from the scripture.

It was shown at the beginning of my last church service, to help emphasize some points preached on.

Even for longtime Believers, this has some great points worth hearing. But it’s foundational for newer believers or for any who aren’t sure yet just what they actually believe.

The second video linked-to below is amazing. It’s a kid, maybe 12 years old, preaching about how God is called this or that in every book of the Bible.

He gives one name for each of the Books. It’s a neat 3 minute (?) clip. “In Genesis He is this, in Exodus He is this, etc.” Check it out!

The kid has GOT to be homeschooled! They sure aren’t teaching that in school these days. ‘Vacation Bible School’ (VBS) or not, any kids that care enough to memorize such things -- and any parents who encourage their kiddos to do so -- are amazing in this day and age. God bless ‘em.

Here are the video links:


Gospel Identity for Peter


Jesus in Every Book of the Bible


May God bless you mightily for the few minutes you may invest in listening to the videos at those links above.

Scriptural Examples andIdeas of What to Pray for

There are numerous examples in scripture of things we can pray for.

Yes, one can argue that you can pray for anything (Lord, give me that new car, please?" "Oh Lord, I'd love some ice cream right now. Please?").

But the Holy Bible shows again and again, instances in which the believers prayed to The Almighty God for specific things.

Their prayers are there for us in scripture as examples.

They also say specific things, and the Father himself says things at times, which we can also use as guides.

Today's example is taken from Ezekiel 36:26 --


"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;
I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
(NIV)

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;
I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."
(NKJV)


My urging to you is to ask for this from our Father, for all those you pray for. Family, friends, ex's and enemies. Neighbors, co-workers, leaders of your country -- and other countries also.

Ask God to intervene and to give each of those you pray for hearts of flesh.

Ask Him to take away, to cast out, their hearts of stone. To break down their walls, to soften their hearts -- and to sharpen their minds with His Godly wisdom (James 1:5).


"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;
I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

How awesome is that? And honestly, though we throw the word around like it’s nothing, God is the only thing n this world that is truly ‘awesome.’

So pray to the Lord, talk with Him, ask... and keep on asking.

And may the Lord bless your efforts mightily!

Harmless?

I don’t know about other countries, other cultures, but here in America, we’re well-packed and ready to travel when it comes to ‘emotional baggage.’

Normally the first part of Philippians 2:14-15 is what gets me. "Do all things without complaining or disputing." That's near impossible, seems like -- and is a great reminder. Today, though, what smacked me upside my noggin was one word: harmless.

I received that scripture recently as the ‘verse of the day.’ It put me on a contemplative path with that one word. This time the version that got my attention most was the NKJV:


“Do all things without complaining and disputing,
that you may become blameless and harmless,
children of God without fault
in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,
among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
-- Philippians 2:14-15


Harmless.....

Harmless?

Harmless. That's a tough one. Tough word... Tough Word.

In my moments of frustration, of anger -- whenever I may lose my temper -- I probably do not appear 'harmless.' At least, not to some kiddos, I'm sure.

Ranting & raving scares some, scares many, even though many are calloused to it.

Harmless?

If I let myself spout-off momentarily now & then, I not only look foolish, I not only may scare those around me (such as my children), but I let down God, too.

In addition, it’s a case of Word Vs. World again.

The world tells us to be tough. To kick butt. To not be taken advantage of. To screw the other guy before he screws you.

Take no prisoners. Stand tall. Blah, blah, blah.

Harmless? Not quite yet. Not me. How about you?


Today’s Prayer:

Lord, I, we, need your help. Please, Jesus, let us appear, let us BE, harmless to those around us. We need you, Lord. Help us to be, “Harmless.”

Let it, let us, glorify you through it all, Jesus. Glorify You, Father. Thank you for your word to teach us, to guide us, to grow us.

Please strengthen us now. Bless us with your Godly wisdom. Thank You, Jesus, and thank You, Father, for Jesus. Amen.


Strive On--All for His Glory,