John 15:9-17 (NLT)
9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.
10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.
13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.
17 This is my command: Love each other.
For us to experience real joy every day we must remain in the love with which Jesus has loved us. Then in verse 10 Jesus tells us how to remain in His love. We remain in Jesus' love when we obey Him. Have you seen any unhappy Christians lately? Now we know why they are so unhappy, it's because they are not obeying their Lord and Master. His joy remains in us as we do what He says. He uses Himself as an example of obedience. Whatever the Father told Jesus to do, He did it without hesitation. In that obedience to the Father's will, Jesus kept Himself in the Father's love.
Jesus said He is telling us these things so that our joy may be full. In fact Jesus says it will overflow. How would you like to overflow with the love of God no matter what circumstance or situation you find yourself in?
It is possible as we are obedient to God's word as given us in the bible.
Jesus commands us to love others as He has loved us. His love is unconditional. We are to love others even when they don't please us. There is no greater love we can show others than when we lay down our will to serve someone else's need. Love must have an expression, it's not just words but it is an action toward someone else.
Jesus goes on to say that we are His friends if we obey Him. The opposite is if we don't obey we are not His friend. Jesus says that He confides in you and I. He shares with us all that the Father has told Him. That makes us Jesus' friend if we do what the Father has told Jesus we should do.
When you got saved, you might have thought you chose Jesus but in reality according to this word from Jesus, He chose you. That should make you feel joyful that Jesus would choose you. That's how much love He has for you.
Jesus has appointed us to go and keep on producing this fruit of love wherever we go and at all times. If we do, we will not only receive whatever we ask the Father in Jesus' name, but we will remain in the love of Jesus to the point of it overflowing out of our lives into the lives of others. So now you know how to always be full of God's love, be obedient to His words. This implies a very close, intimate relationship to God to where you will experience His love moving in you each and every day. He will reveal more of Himself to you as you live your life in obedience to Him.
Have you ever even experienced this love of Jesus in your life at all? If not you are missing out on life's greatest blessing and you will also miss heaven. Everyone must admit and confess their sins to God and ask Jesus Christ to for give those sins. Then you must invite Him into your life to take charge of you. When you do this, you will experience the love of God like you never thought possible. Then you will be able to share that love with those around you and you will experience the overflowing love of Jesus in your life to the point of whatever you ask the Father in Jesus' name, He will do it.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Voices
As we have entered this new year of 2012, along the way of life we will hear many voices vying for our attention. These voices will be trying to tell us the way we should go to enjoy a successful life. Which of these voices will we choose to listen to. The bible tells us which voice to listen to and the right way to go for success not only for this year, but for all of life and throughout eternity. Let's look at what the bible has to say about the voice we should listen to. Remember God created us so He should know what is not only good for us but also what is best for us. The book of Psalms tells gives us God's choice of which voice to follow and which ones to avoid. Psalms 1:1-6 (NKJV)
1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish. Three voices we are to avoid are mentioned in verse one. First voice to avoid is the voice of someone who does not know God or rejects God in all they do. These are the ungodly. They follow their own reasoning and leave God out of all they do. Don't listen to this voice for it will lead you astray and into many problems. The next voice to avoid is the one who is living his life without regard to God's instructions found in His word. This is the voice that says if it feels good, do it without regard to the eternal consequences attached to that decision. That voice will destroy you! Then there are those voices that always criticize and run down what everyone else does. They are the scornful, they never see anything good about anything. And they never do anything themselves but complain. All these voices will lead you into much misery and pain and suffering. So what voice should we listen to.
We shall be immovable in the face of whatever comes our way. We shall lead a productive life and we will never wither or become unproductive and whatever we do shall prosper. This is why we must read and study God's word and then apply God's word to our everyday life. In other words we do what the word of God says to do. If we listen to God's voice as He speaks in His word, it not only blesses us now but throughout all eternity. We will stand in the congregation of the righteous when this life is over. In other words we will be in heaven with God and His saints. These are the reasons we would be wise to listen to God's voice as He speaks through His word. That's why it is important that we daily read His word and meditate or think over what He is saying to us individually. He will never lead us astray nor the way we should not go. God can not lie so we can trust Him at all times. What have you got to lose by listening to God's voice except many sorrows and troubles. His way is the pathway to His favor and blessings.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Let Jesus lead you into eternal life by asking Him to forgive your sins and save you from Hell. Then go to church and be baptized and begin to worship and praise God from there. Let God's word guide you. You will be glad you did.
1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish. Three voices we are to avoid are mentioned in verse one. First voice to avoid is the voice of someone who does not know God or rejects God in all they do. These are the ungodly. They follow their own reasoning and leave God out of all they do. Don't listen to this voice for it will lead you astray and into many problems. The next voice to avoid is the one who is living his life without regard to God's instructions found in His word. This is the voice that says if it feels good, do it without regard to the eternal consequences attached to that decision. That voice will destroy you! Then there are those voices that always criticize and run down what everyone else does. They are the scornful, they never see anything good about anything. And they never do anything themselves but complain. All these voices will lead you into much misery and pain and suffering. So what voice should we listen to.
In verse two of Psalm 1 it says that the wise voice to hear and follow is God's voice. His voice is His word, the Holy bible. God says we will be blessed if we not only read His word but we also meditate on it. That means we take time to stop and think about what God's word is saying to us and our lives for today. We may find a commentary a good aid to help us understand better. There are also many new translations to help you better understand God's word. The New Living Translation is a good one. The E.S.V. is also good. E.S.V. stands for the New English Version. Some like the N.I.V. Whichever one helps you to understand best is the one to buy. The result of following God's voice as He speaks through His word is found in verse 3, Psalms 1:3 (NKJV)
3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. We shall be immovable in the face of whatever comes our way. We shall lead a productive life and we will never wither or become unproductive and whatever we do shall prosper. This is why we must read and study God's word and then apply God's word to our everyday life. In other words we do what the word of God says to do. If we listen to God's voice as He speaks in His word, it not only blesses us now but throughout all eternity. We will stand in the congregation of the righteous when this life is over. In other words we will be in heaven with God and His saints. These are the reasons we would be wise to listen to God's voice as He speaks through His word. That's why it is important that we daily read His word and meditate or think over what He is saying to us individually. He will never lead us astray nor the way we should not go. God can not lie so we can trust Him at all times. What have you got to lose by listening to God's voice except many sorrows and troubles. His way is the pathway to His favor and blessings.
If you have never asked Jesus to forgive your sins and invited Him into your life you will not have His guidance in this life and you will wind up in Hell. God doesn't want that for you and in His word He tells you and I that He sent His Son Jesus Christ into this world for the purpose of saving us from the penalty of our sins. John 3:16-18 (NKJV)
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. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Let Jesus lead you into eternal life by asking Him to forgive your sins and save you from Hell. Then go to church and be baptized and begin to worship and praise God from there. Let God's word guide you. You will be glad you did.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Who Will Lead You This Year?
I have posed this question so you can reflect on your life for this coming year. Think about this question sincerely. Someone will lead you this year. There are three options you have.
1. There is your own way. You think you know best, but the word of God tells us in Proverbs 3:7 (NKJV) Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV) There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
I believe we can assume from these scriptures that it would not be wise to follow the way of self this year. We do not know what lies ahead for us so we can not be sure of our own way. We may not live another year. There are many unknowns that will meet us on our paths this year. We will need wisdom to know which way to go when we are faced with difficult situations and circumstances. We will need wisdom beyond our own!
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Which will it be? You should really think about who you will follow this year and remember that you will be responsible for the consequences of your decisions. The wrong way is a wide path that leads to destruction and there be many who go that way. Matthew 7:13 (NKJV) " Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. But the right way is the narrow way and few find it. Matthew 7:14 (NKJV) Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Make your choice now as to whom you will follow this year. Choose wisely for the destiny of your way leads to eternal consequences. Eternal rewards for following Jesus' way or eternal suffering for following the wrong way. Make it light on yourself this year by making the choice you know you need to make if you want to be successful in this life and the life to come. Remember, you are not promised another full year. Be wise and make the most of what is allotted to you. Live as if this is your last day on earth.
1. There is your own way. You think you know best, but the word of God tells us in Proverbs 3:7 (NKJV) Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV) Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV) There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
I believe we can assume from these scriptures that it would not be wise to follow the way of self this year. We do not know what lies ahead for us so we can not be sure of our own way. We may not live another year. There are many unknowns that will meet us on our paths this year. We will need wisdom to know which way to go when we are faced with difficult situations and circumstances. We will need wisdom beyond our own!
2. You can follow the devils lead. He is more than willing for you to follow him. He will deceive you and make you think his way is best but the word of God says that John 10:10 (NKJV) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. The word of God has this to say about the devil. Jesus is speaking. John 8:44 (NKJV) He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
We can see from these two scriptures alone that it would not be wise to follow the devil at all. He deceives you into thinking you are doing what you like to do but the end of that is destruction. Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV) There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Remember Jesus said in the Book of John 10:10a That the devil came for three reasons and three alone. They are to steal, kill, and destroy. The devil is not your friend. He will take you further than you intend to go, he will keep you longer than you intend to stay, and it will cost you more than you are able to pay. His way is the way of the world, sin, and death.
We can see from these two scriptures alone that it would not be wise to follow the devil at all. He deceives you into thinking you are doing what you like to do but the end of that is destruction. Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV) There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Remember Jesus said in the Book of John 10:10a That the devil came for three reasons and three alone. They are to steal, kill, and destroy. The devil is not your friend. He will take you further than you intend to go, he will keep you longer than you intend to stay, and it will cost you more than you are able to pay. His way is the way of the world, sin, and death.
3. Then there is One other we can follow. His name is Jesus Christ. He will not lead us unless we ask for Him to do so. He will never deceive us or trick us. He will always tell us the truth about everything. John 8:32 (NKJV) And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
He will not take us where we should not go. He came to earth for this very reason of leading us in the ways of God's blessings. John 10:10b (NKJV) I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Jesus came to give us abundant life. That means starting the moment you ask Him for this abundant life. It starts then and continues through all eternity. Jesus has all wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and power. He invites you to follow Him. Matthew 11:27-30 (NKJV)
27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Which will it be? You should really think about who you will follow this year and remember that you will be responsible for the consequences of your decisions. The wrong way is a wide path that leads to destruction and there be many who go that way. Matthew 7:13 (NKJV) " Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. But the right way is the narrow way and few find it. Matthew 7:14 (NKJV) Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Make your choice now as to whom you will follow this year. Choose wisely for the destiny of your way leads to eternal consequences. Eternal rewards for following Jesus' way or eternal suffering for following the wrong way. Make it light on yourself this year by making the choice you know you need to make if you want to be successful in this life and the life to come. Remember, you are not promised another full year. Be wise and make the most of what is allotted to you. Live as if this is your last day on earth.
If you have never asked Jesus Christ to save you, you are on dangerous ground. You are following the devil and he will lead you to Hell. If you think your own good works will get you to Heaven, you are following your own way and you will wind up in Hell. Confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you of those sins and invite Him into your life to lead, guide, and direct you and you will have made the wisest choice you could possibly make. Say a prayer to Jesus such as this one. Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I ask You to forgive me of my sins and come into my life right now. I ask You Jesus to lead me from this day forward. If You do this, you will have the best year yet and you will have a home in Heaven when this life is over. Go to the church of your choice and be baptized to show that your decision is real. I pray that you have made the right decision to follow Jesus. You will be forever glad you did. God bless you this year is my prayer for you. In Jesus' name. Amen!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
A Gift From God
This year of 2012 is a gift from God no matter how much of it He will allow us to live. God controls our very breath and every part of our being. Every created thing is under the control of Almighty God. Time itself is a creation of God and He gives it to whomever He desires. This year each of us will have a certain amount of time to give an account of. The bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: God will be the judge of how wisely we took advantage of the time we were allotted. When we say we don't have time, we are either calling God a liar or we have not made correct use of the time we were allotted. We will all have 24 hours a day for as long as we live. What we must do is prioritize the amount of time we have been given. We have all failed at times to prioritize what we have been given and thereby we have suffered loss.
Since there is a time for everything, we would be wise to ask God daily for His guidance in our lives so we would know when the time is right for each thing we must do. Our lives will be so much more blessed of God if we will ask His advice for each day we have been given this year. If we all do this, we will have time to do what God has intended for us to do. God has a plan for each of us at all times. The problem is we fail to seek God's direction for each day thinking this day belongs to me to do what I want to do. God will allow you and I to do that, but that's where the problems begin to arise. We are not to trust in our own understanding.
Since there is a time for everything, we would be wise to ask God daily for His guidance in our lives so we would know when the time is right for each thing we must do. Our lives will be so much more blessed of God if we will ask His advice for each day we have been given this year. If we all do this, we will have time to do what God has intended for us to do. God has a plan for each of us at all times. The problem is we fail to seek God's direction for each day thinking this day belongs to me to do what I want to do. God will allow you and I to do that, but that's where the problems begin to arise. We are not to trust in our own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-8 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
We would all do well to follow the advise of the wisest man to ever live. Let us this year trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding. If we trust in Him each day, He will direct our steps and there will be no regrets of any kind and we will be fully blessed of God. We are not to be wise in our own eyes because we don't know what another day will bring. Only God alone knows that. We should fear the Lord because He controls our destiny both in this world and in the world to come. Let's all be wise and seek God with all our hearts through bible reading and meditation, prayer, and church attendance and then we can experience God's best for our lives and the lives of those around us. God bless us this year as we follow Him. If you don't know God through Jesus Christ, then ask Jesus to forgive your sins and invite Him into your life to lead you and guide you each day this year and all following years that God allows you to live. READ THE SCRIPTURES AT HE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE! Then go to church and be baptized if you have never done that and beging to worship and praise God in that place and you will experience the best life has to offer. My prayer is for you to have the best year yet as you follow God.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
We would all do well to follow the advise of the wisest man to ever live. Let us this year trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding. If we trust in Him each day, He will direct our steps and there will be no regrets of any kind and we will be fully blessed of God. We are not to be wise in our own eyes because we don't know what another day will bring. Only God alone knows that. We should fear the Lord because He controls our destiny both in this world and in the world to come. Let's all be wise and seek God with all our hearts through bible reading and meditation, prayer, and church attendance and then we can experience God's best for our lives and the lives of those around us. God bless us this year as we follow Him. If you don't know God through Jesus Christ, then ask Jesus to forgive your sins and invite Him into your life to lead you and guide you each day this year and all following years that God allows you to live. READ THE SCRIPTURES AT HE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE! Then go to church and be baptized if you have never done that and beging to worship and praise God in that place and you will experience the best life has to offer. My prayer is for you to have the best year yet as you follow God.
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