God has taken every struggle you will have with sin when He created you. So to say "God this is too difficult to overcome, the addiction is to strong." Is to suggest that God overlooked or did not consider a portion of your plight. When God created you He crafted the perfect plan to bring into His Salvation and the perfect solution to overcome the sin in your life that so easily entangles you.
Jeremiah 29:11
"In His JOY!"
Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be Accountable
consumedbyjoy.blogspot.com
Showing posts with label Salvation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salvation. Show all posts
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Monday, October 21, 2013
"A wounded world needs a Healing God"
All around the world people are being killed over senseless acts. Churches have been bombed, malls have been mascaraed, people are scarred to go to work for fear of their lives, and kids are are not sure if they will make it home alive. We can look at all the senseless acts of violence and say,"Lord Jesus pleas don't tarry anymore." Or we as Christians can stand up and share an Eternal Hope with those around us who are perishing. We can go beyond posting scripture and actually sharing it with our neighbors, we can move past looking for our "breakthrough" and share the Balm of Gilead with the person who is "broken". We could stop talking about the end times and start actively being involved with those in this "present times". We could stop complaining about how one political party is holier than another and start inviting everyone to join the only "Party" that matters. We could stop dividing over race and realize we are One In Christ. We could be more than just a witty #hashtag comment in the lives of our enemies and be a sign of a "cross" to them. We could actual lead someone to Christ, help them live live a Christian, and teach them how to do the same to others. We could stop trying to be known by all and be significant in the lives of the few. We could stop complaining of where we are and start being used where we are. The world may get darker but we as Christians can shine His Light a lot BRIGHTER! The harvest is plentiful my friends, let's do the work.
Matthew 9:35-38, 28:16-20, Jeremiah 29:7
"In His JOY!"
Read the Word, Share the Gospel, Be Accountable.
http://consumedbyjoy.blogspot.com/
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Bring them to His Feet
John 8:1-11, Mark 2:1-22
We can either bring people to the feet of Jesus in the hope He will condemn them for their sins or we can bring them to the feet of Jesus and have faith they will accept His forgiveness and be healed. Be warned if you are bringing them for judgment be prepared to have your sin confronted as well. Seek after mercy not justice, you can do this.
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable
We can either bring people to the feet of Jesus in the hope He will condemn them for their sins or we can bring them to the feet of Jesus and have faith they will accept His forgiveness and be healed. Be warned if you are bringing them for judgment be prepared to have your sin confronted as well. Seek after mercy not justice, you can do this.
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable
Sunday, March 3, 2013
"Stress Reliever"
Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7
Our hands are not capable of fixing the problems of this world. Our worries are real and they hurt us deeply. We are not immune to problems, fears, doubts, and horrible circumstances. But we have A Living Solution and A Real Answer in Jesus. We can go before him and offer all our fears, tears, worries, and stress. We can give these to Jesus and trust in Him. We are confident that our Redeemer lives (Job 19:25) and that He will sustain us and bring us through. We stand on the side of victory because the Champion is our Father who is above all rulers. Praise God for His Word, His Truth, His Grace, His Mercy, and His Unconditional Love. We have a hero.
There is peace and assurance if you know Jesus. If you think it is all a lie and it will not work...you will never know peace, all you will ever know is worry and unrelenting stress. But for those who accept Jesus , they can take their problems, lay them down, and experience sweet sleep. Stay focused, you can do this.
"In His JOY!"
Our hands are not capable of fixing the problems of this world. Our worries are real and they hurt us deeply. We are not immune to problems, fears, doubts, and horrible circumstances. But we have A Living Solution and A Real Answer in Jesus. We can go before him and offer all our fears, tears, worries, and stress. We can give these to Jesus and trust in Him. We are confident that our Redeemer lives (Job 19:25) and that He will sustain us and bring us through. We stand on the side of victory because the Champion is our Father who is above all rulers. Praise God for His Word, His Truth, His Grace, His Mercy, and His Unconditional Love. We have a hero.
There is peace and assurance if you know Jesus. If you think it is all a lie and it will not work...you will never know peace, all you will ever know is worry and unrelenting stress. But for those who accept Jesus , they can take their problems, lay them down, and experience sweet sleep. Stay focused, you can do this.
"In His JOY!"
Saturday, February 9, 2013
"Are you King Herod?"
Matthew 2:1-12, 16-18
At the time of Jesus Birth, some wise from the east came to Jerusalem seeking to find Him. They desired to worship Him (whom they called King of the Jews) and inquired of King Herod (the king appointed by Rome) as to the whereabouts of the child ( Matthew 2:1-3). King Herod along with all of Jerusalem panicked at this news (Matthew 2:3). The king gathered his advisers around him and asked where the child was born, they told the king Jesus was born in Bethlehem. And even gave him the scriptural reference. They explained to the King that this child was to rule over the Jews and be Shepherd to God's People (Matthew 2:5-6). He then met with the wise men and told to go and find the child so he may worship him as well. Although his motives were to kill the child and stay ruler over Jerusalem (Matthew 2:16-18). The wise men however just wanted to worship Jesus and at the very sight of Him their hearts burst with JOY ( Matthew 2:9-12)!
When Herod found out that there was a new king and ruler of Jerusalem, he allowed his pride to get the better of him. He could not bow his knee to another king. He was unwilling to relinquish his power and authority to someone else. His pride blinded him to the truth. Jesus was not here to take his throne, influence, power, or authority. On the contrary Jesus here to give him eternal life and take away his sins (John 1:29, John 3:16). He concept of the purpose of Jesus was misunderstood and his advisers did a poor job of explain the purpose of Jesus. If he had accepted Jesus in his life, Herod would have come to know the same JOY! that wise men experienced when they worshiped Jesus. The awe and amazement of Jesus would have transformed his life and outlook. But pride brought all this to a stretching halt.
What about you? Are you refusing to accept Jesus because of your pride. Are you saying to yourself "Nobody rules me, I'm the boss of my life!" Funny how we will submit to people who pay us, people who have authority over us, or even people who we fear. But we won't submit to Jesus. All we are doing is recreating what Herod did and missing out on a "golden" opportunity. We must cast aside our pride and accept Jesus. It is a choice you will never regret. Stay focused, you can do this!
In His JOY!
At the time of Jesus Birth, some wise from the east came to Jerusalem seeking to find Him. They desired to worship Him (whom they called King of the Jews) and inquired of King Herod (the king appointed by Rome) as to the whereabouts of the child ( Matthew 2:1-3). King Herod along with all of Jerusalem panicked at this news (Matthew 2:3). The king gathered his advisers around him and asked where the child was born, they told the king Jesus was born in Bethlehem. And even gave him the scriptural reference. They explained to the King that this child was to rule over the Jews and be Shepherd to God's People (Matthew 2:5-6). He then met with the wise men and told to go and find the child so he may worship him as well. Although his motives were to kill the child and stay ruler over Jerusalem (Matthew 2:16-18). The wise men however just wanted to worship Jesus and at the very sight of Him their hearts burst with JOY ( Matthew 2:9-12)!
When Herod found out that there was a new king and ruler of Jerusalem, he allowed his pride to get the better of him. He could not bow his knee to another king. He was unwilling to relinquish his power and authority to someone else. His pride blinded him to the truth. Jesus was not here to take his throne, influence, power, or authority. On the contrary Jesus here to give him eternal life and take away his sins (John 1:29, John 3:16). He concept of the purpose of Jesus was misunderstood and his advisers did a poor job of explain the purpose of Jesus. If he had accepted Jesus in his life, Herod would have come to know the same JOY! that wise men experienced when they worshiped Jesus. The awe and amazement of Jesus would have transformed his life and outlook. But pride brought all this to a stretching halt.
What about you? Are you refusing to accept Jesus because of your pride. Are you saying to yourself "Nobody rules me, I'm the boss of my life!" Funny how we will submit to people who pay us, people who have authority over us, or even people who we fear. But we won't submit to Jesus. All we are doing is recreating what Herod did and missing out on a "golden" opportunity. We must cast aside our pride and accept Jesus. It is a choice you will never regret. Stay focused, you can do this!
In His JOY!
Monday, February 4, 2013
"Looking for stuff in all the wrong places"
Matthew 6:25-34
Everyone is looking for something. Some of us are pursing concrete things look money, friends, or objects. Others are looking for more abstract things like peace, wisdom, or love. Life tends make the pursuit of our happiness hard to get. We get money but it is never enough. We find true love only later to have our hearts broken. We obtain friends but death, life, and problems separate us. We become wise but soon our wisdom becomes outdated and we other consider us to be fools. We get cars and houses but they become either too small or break down. We find peace but it is only temporary. This is the problem when your pursuit of happiness is for concrete and abstract ideas that will not stand the test of time.
These pursuits cause us to compromise our beliefs, morals, and values. Leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled so end the pursuit of one thing and go after another one. The more we pursue them the more and they take away from us. What we lose is never replaced and what we thought we gained only last for a moment. If we are willing to lose our life and accept Jesus we will gain life in Christ (Matthew 10:39). So this is an exchange and not a sale of our inner most being. This world would have sell your very soul and gain nothing in return (Mark 8:36).
You want peace you can have it in Jesus (John 14:27). You want real love, you have it in God (1 John 4:8). You lack wisdom, Jesus will give you what you need (James 1:5). As for those concrete things, the Lord you need such things. But He desires for you to seek after Him. And He promises He will take care of you and provide for your needs (Matthew 6:25-34). These promises and guarantees are for those who would dare to believe and put their faith in Jesus. So I ask you would you dare to believe?
Stay focused, you can do this.
In His JOY!
Everyone is looking for something. Some of us are pursing concrete things look money, friends, or objects. Others are looking for more abstract things like peace, wisdom, or love. Life tends make the pursuit of our happiness hard to get. We get money but it is never enough. We find true love only later to have our hearts broken. We obtain friends but death, life, and problems separate us. We become wise but soon our wisdom becomes outdated and we other consider us to be fools. We get cars and houses but they become either too small or break down. We find peace but it is only temporary. This is the problem when your pursuit of happiness is for concrete and abstract ideas that will not stand the test of time.
These pursuits cause us to compromise our beliefs, morals, and values. Leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled so end the pursuit of one thing and go after another one. The more we pursue them the more and they take away from us. What we lose is never replaced and what we thought we gained only last for a moment. If we are willing to lose our life and accept Jesus we will gain life in Christ (Matthew 10:39). So this is an exchange and not a sale of our inner most being. This world would have sell your very soul and gain nothing in return (Mark 8:36).
You want peace you can have it in Jesus (John 14:27). You want real love, you have it in God (1 John 4:8). You lack wisdom, Jesus will give you what you need (James 1:5). As for those concrete things, the Lord you need such things. But He desires for you to seek after Him. And He promises He will take care of you and provide for your needs (Matthew 6:25-34). These promises and guarantees are for those who would dare to believe and put their faith in Jesus. So I ask you would you dare to believe?
Stay focused, you can do this.
In His JOY!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
"The Crazy Sane Truth"
Acts 26:12-29
There was a guy named Paul who stood before a King to face charges of causing a public disturbance in the Jewish Nation. At that time the Jews who did not believe in Jesus wanted to have Paul stoned to death. But because Paul was a Roman Citizen he had the right to appeal his case before Cesar. Before he went to Cesar Paul's Case was heard by the King of the Province, King Agrippa (try saying that three times fast).
Paul explained to King Agrippa that there was a time where he did not believe in Jesus. As a matter of fact Paul sought out to kill any Jewish Person who claimed that Jesus was the Savior of the World (Acts 26:11). But one day while walking along a road, Jesus Himself appeared to Paul. And it was at that moment Paul's life was forever changed and instantly he accepted Jesus and became a Christian (Acts 26:12-18). At that point it become Paul's God-given mission to tell everyone about salvation through Jesus.
In the midst of this King Agrippa stopped Paul and said "You are crazy and all that religious stuff has driven you mad (Acts 26:24)" Paul's reply was "I'm not crazy on the contrary I am saying and speaking the truth". He continued by saying "I know you have heard of Jesus before and I even believe that you know what I am saying is true (Acts 26:26-27). King Agrippa looked back at Paul and said "Are you trying to persuade me to accept Jesus in such short time (Acts 26:28)?" Paul's reply "Whether it takes short or long time, my hope is that you and everyone who hears me today becomes like me and accept Jesus (Acts 26:29)"
I know that Christians can seem crazy and weird at times with all that Jesus talk. And I know their stories of how they came to know Jesus may seem like an emotional story gone array. But trust this. We are praying that when you read our post, hear our stories, and/or interact with us that one day it will persuade you to accept Jesus. Just like Paul we don't care if it happens quickly or takes years, all we want is for you to know Christ and be saved. I know we seem overly zealous Jesus and narrow-minded in our Christians Views and Morales. But when you have come to experience the goodness and love of God like we have, much like us, you will never be the same. Stay focused, you can do this!
In His JOY!
There was a guy named Paul who stood before a King to face charges of causing a public disturbance in the Jewish Nation. At that time the Jews who did not believe in Jesus wanted to have Paul stoned to death. But because Paul was a Roman Citizen he had the right to appeal his case before Cesar. Before he went to Cesar Paul's Case was heard by the King of the Province, King Agrippa (try saying that three times fast).
Paul explained to King Agrippa that there was a time where he did not believe in Jesus. As a matter of fact Paul sought out to kill any Jewish Person who claimed that Jesus was the Savior of the World (Acts 26:11). But one day while walking along a road, Jesus Himself appeared to Paul. And it was at that moment Paul's life was forever changed and instantly he accepted Jesus and became a Christian (Acts 26:12-18). At that point it become Paul's God-given mission to tell everyone about salvation through Jesus.
In the midst of this King Agrippa stopped Paul and said "You are crazy and all that religious stuff has driven you mad (Acts 26:24)" Paul's reply was "I'm not crazy on the contrary I am saying and speaking the truth". He continued by saying "I know you have heard of Jesus before and I even believe that you know what I am saying is true (Acts 26:26-27). King Agrippa looked back at Paul and said "Are you trying to persuade me to accept Jesus in such short time (Acts 26:28)?" Paul's reply "Whether it takes short or long time, my hope is that you and everyone who hears me today becomes like me and accept Jesus (Acts 26:29)"
I know that Christians can seem crazy and weird at times with all that Jesus talk. And I know their stories of how they came to know Jesus may seem like an emotional story gone array. But trust this. We are praying that when you read our post, hear our stories, and/or interact with us that one day it will persuade you to accept Jesus. Just like Paul we don't care if it happens quickly or takes years, all we want is for you to know Christ and be saved. I know we seem overly zealous Jesus and narrow-minded in our Christians Views and Morales. But when you have come to experience the goodness and love of God like we have, much like us, you will never be the same. Stay focused, you can do this!
In His JOY!
"Can't hear you if you don't speak up"
Acts 8:26-40
So this guy named Philip was going around preaching and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ when suddenly God directs to Gaza. When he gets there he notices that Eunuch from Ethiopian is sitting in his chariot reading. The Holy Spirit encourages Philip to go and talk with the man. As Philip approaches the Eunuch, he notices that the he is reading a passage from the book of Isaiah. Philip asks the man if he understands what he is reading (Acts 8:30)". The Eunuch reply "How can I unless someone teaches me (Acts 8:31)." The servant then invites Philip to sit with him and discuss the scriptures. Philip explains that scriptures he reading is about Jesus the Christ, Philip goes on to share the Good News of how Jesus died for the sins of the world. Now it is important to note that Eunuch was Jewish but He did not know Jesus. In other words he was not saved. But he had a hunger to understand what the scriptures where saying. Philip took the time to not only explain the passage but baptized the man as well (Acts 8:38).
It was not the boldness of Philip that lead him to talk with the Eunuch and eventually lead to him accepting Jesus. It was not Philip's great understanding of the scriptures or his smooth intellectual words. No, it was Philip's obedience to follow God's Direction and share the Gospel. The Spirit told Philip where to go (Acts 8:26), who to talk to (Acts 8:29), and the rest was history. We tend to over complicate sharing the Gospel with others. And this leads to us being timid and uncomfortable when it comes to sharing our faith. But we cannot assume that the lost will come to know Jesus through osmosis (it just want happen). Much like the Eunuch said in verse 31, how can we expect them to know the Good News of the Gospel unless they have someone there to show them, teach them , and guide them. It is our duty to share the Gospel as Christians with the lost and make them disciples (Romans 10:14-15, Matthew 28:19).
This is not a hard task but it came seem daunting and intimidating but trust that when you rely on God's Spirit and obediently follow His Direction, He will lead you where you need to go and whom to you need to share the Gospel with. All we have to do is follow, He will give us the words to say at the right time. Look around your life now, who is the "Eunuch" God has placed in your life? Is it a co-worker, supervisor, family, friend, or maybe a perfect stranger. Who is it that God has led you to? If you yield yourself and trust in the Lord all you have to do is share. It is as simple as opening your mouth. Don't let fear stand in your way but put your faith in the Lord that He will give you the words to say at the proper time. If they accept it or not is their choice and not yours. So I implore to share the Gospel today and bring someone else into the Kingdom of God.
Stay focused, you can do this!
In His JOY!
So this guy named Philip was going around preaching and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ when suddenly God directs to Gaza. When he gets there he notices that Eunuch from Ethiopian is sitting in his chariot reading. The Holy Spirit encourages Philip to go and talk with the man. As Philip approaches the Eunuch, he notices that the he is reading a passage from the book of Isaiah. Philip asks the man if he understands what he is reading (Acts 8:30)". The Eunuch reply "How can I unless someone teaches me (Acts 8:31)." The servant then invites Philip to sit with him and discuss the scriptures. Philip explains that scriptures he reading is about Jesus the Christ, Philip goes on to share the Good News of how Jesus died for the sins of the world. Now it is important to note that Eunuch was Jewish but He did not know Jesus. In other words he was not saved. But he had a hunger to understand what the scriptures where saying. Philip took the time to not only explain the passage but baptized the man as well (Acts 8:38).
It was not the boldness of Philip that lead him to talk with the Eunuch and eventually lead to him accepting Jesus. It was not Philip's great understanding of the scriptures or his smooth intellectual words. No, it was Philip's obedience to follow God's Direction and share the Gospel. The Spirit told Philip where to go (Acts 8:26), who to talk to (Acts 8:29), and the rest was history. We tend to over complicate sharing the Gospel with others. And this leads to us being timid and uncomfortable when it comes to sharing our faith. But we cannot assume that the lost will come to know Jesus through osmosis (it just want happen). Much like the Eunuch said in verse 31, how can we expect them to know the Good News of the Gospel unless they have someone there to show them, teach them , and guide them. It is our duty to share the Gospel as Christians with the lost and make them disciples (Romans 10:14-15, Matthew 28:19).
This is not a hard task but it came seem daunting and intimidating but trust that when you rely on God's Spirit and obediently follow His Direction, He will lead you where you need to go and whom to you need to share the Gospel with. All we have to do is follow, He will give us the words to say at the right time. Look around your life now, who is the "Eunuch" God has placed in your life? Is it a co-worker, supervisor, family, friend, or maybe a perfect stranger. Who is it that God has led you to? If you yield yourself and trust in the Lord all you have to do is share. It is as simple as opening your mouth. Don't let fear stand in your way but put your faith in the Lord that He will give you the words to say at the proper time. If they accept it or not is their choice and not yours. So I implore to share the Gospel today and bring someone else into the Kingdom of God.
Stay focused, you can do this!
In His JOY!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Good News Math
Isaiah 53:1-12
Savior + Lord + Christ = Jesus (God Saves)
(v1)
Salvation is an unbelievable message seems to be something only a fool would believe. But that was all by God's design (1 Corinthians 1:27)
(v2)
There was nothing about His physical appearance that screamed King, Priest, or God. But God does not care about the outward appearance only the heart ( 1 Samuel 16:7)
(v3)
He was a no popular, in fact in His darkest hour His friends betrayed Him and denied Him (Matthew 26:47-50, 69-75)
(v4)
He died for the us even though we mocked mocked Him, just like those at the cross ( Matthew 27:27-44)
(v5)
He died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3) and brought us peace with God (Romans 5:1). And because of the sacrifice we in grace and forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7)
(V6)
We all have sinned and are in need of Jesus (Romans 3:23). But that is why God sent Him to die for us (John 3:16). He was Chosen, He is the Christ (Matthew 16:13-20)
(v7)
When He was walking towards the cross He was mocked, ridiculed, and flogged. But He did not care He only cared about doing the Lord's Will (Matthew 27:11-14, 27-44)
(v8 - v10)
It was the Lord's Will for Him to die for us. It was God's Will for Him to Suffer. It was and has always been God's Will (John 3:16)
(v11)
The story does not end HERE, His death was just the beginning and not the end. He rose again, changed forever. He died a Savior but arose the Lord of all (Matthew 28:1-10, Acts 10:34-36). It is though our Lord that we are declared right with God (Romans 5:1-11)
(v12)
And now to Him we all bow (Philippians 2:9-11). He is our LOVE, our JOY, He is our GOD!
Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Savior + Lord + Christ = Jesus (God Saves)
(v1)
Salvation is an unbelievable message seems to be something only a fool would believe. But that was all by God's design (1 Corinthians 1:27)
(v2)
There was nothing about His physical appearance that screamed King, Priest, or God. But God does not care about the outward appearance only the heart ( 1 Samuel 16:7)
(v3)
He was a no popular, in fact in His darkest hour His friends betrayed Him and denied Him (Matthew 26:47-50, 69-75)
(v4)
He died for the us even though we mocked mocked Him, just like those at the cross ( Matthew 27:27-44)
(v5)
He died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3) and brought us peace with God (Romans 5:1). And because of the sacrifice we in grace and forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7)
(V6)
We all have sinned and are in need of Jesus (Romans 3:23). But that is why God sent Him to die for us (John 3:16). He was Chosen, He is the Christ (Matthew 16:13-20)
(v7)
When He was walking towards the cross He was mocked, ridiculed, and flogged. But He did not care He only cared about doing the Lord's Will (Matthew 27:11-14, 27-44)
(v8 - v10)
It was the Lord's Will for Him to die for us. It was God's Will for Him to Suffer. It was and has always been God's Will (John 3:16)
(v11)
The story does not end HERE, His death was just the beginning and not the end. He rose again, changed forever. He died a Savior but arose the Lord of all (Matthew 28:1-10, Acts 10:34-36). It is though our Lord that we are declared right with God (Romans 5:1-11)
(v12)
And now to Him we all bow (Philippians 2:9-11). He is our LOVE, our JOY, He is our GOD!
Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
The Broken Tool
2 Corinthians 4:7
Christians are not perfect people. We are fragile people who constantly mess up and do wrong. Whether it is intentionally or by accident there is no such thing as a perfect Christian. But despite these imperfections God chooses to use Christians to tell the entire world that Jesus is Lord and desires for all to know and love Him just He knows and loves them (John 3:16, Jeremiah 1:5).
We are like jars of play-duh that have precious diamonds in them. Press them to hard and they crumble knock on them to hard and they fall apart. It is a very perplexing thing to think about. But oddly enough the Bible says we will feel the pressures of life and not be crushed (2 Corinthians 4:8) and if knocked down we will not meet our end (2 Corinthians 4:9).
A perfect God wants to use an imperfect being as His ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). But have you ever met the perfect person, someone who never messes up, someone who is always right and never wrong, etc. Because I know you are not perfect either. I know you mess up and make mistakes that you regret. I know that no matter how much you have tried you can never get over the hump.
But I am here to tell you that in my imperfections I have found my perfect God still loves me. I know that have disappointed so many people and even if they do not forgive me, My God does and He has. I know a love that will not die in time, a hope that will not fade due to circumstances, and a strength that increases daily.
So my question is what do you have? I admit I am not what you think I am but I know I am what God says I am? And to have what I have all you need to do is; Accept that Jesus died for your wrong, Believe that He is an alive and active Lord in your life, and Confess that you have sinned.
Stay focused you can do this.
"In His JOY!"
Christians are not perfect people. We are fragile people who constantly mess up and do wrong. Whether it is intentionally or by accident there is no such thing as a perfect Christian. But despite these imperfections God chooses to use Christians to tell the entire world that Jesus is Lord and desires for all to know and love Him just He knows and loves them (John 3:16, Jeremiah 1:5).
We are like jars of play-duh that have precious diamonds in them. Press them to hard and they crumble knock on them to hard and they fall apart. It is a very perplexing thing to think about. But oddly enough the Bible says we will feel the pressures of life and not be crushed (2 Corinthians 4:8) and if knocked down we will not meet our end (2 Corinthians 4:9).
A perfect God wants to use an imperfect being as His ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). But have you ever met the perfect person, someone who never messes up, someone who is always right and never wrong, etc. Because I know you are not perfect either. I know you mess up and make mistakes that you regret. I know that no matter how much you have tried you can never get over the hump.
But I am here to tell you that in my imperfections I have found my perfect God still loves me. I know that have disappointed so many people and even if they do not forgive me, My God does and He has. I know a love that will not die in time, a hope that will not fade due to circumstances, and a strength that increases daily.
So my question is what do you have? I admit I am not what you think I am but I know I am what God says I am? And to have what I have all you need to do is; Accept that Jesus died for your wrong, Believe that He is an alive and active Lord in your life, and Confess that you have sinned.
Stay focused you can do this.
"In His JOY!"
We are spokesmen and not salesmen
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
My words fall flat when I try to explain who Jesus and how much the Lord loves those who do not know Him (John 3:16). The extent of my education, training, or life experience does not give me the complete tools to persuade someone to follow Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:1). For this reason I do not rely on it instead I relay on the Lord to give me the words to say when I am asked about my beliefs ( Luke 12:12). I seek His wisdom and direction to correctly present His Message of Salvation accurately to others (James 1:5, 2 Timothy 2:15) So I do not care to try to use philosophic quotes, impressive jargon, or even cultural references. I all care to tell you is that Christ took the wrath of God upon Himself and choose to die for your sins (Isaiah 53:10-11). He died the Savior but rose as the Lord of us all (Romans 10:9-11). My changed heart and new way of life is the only proof I have to show you. So my prayer is as you read this you take a chance and believe. That you open your heart and believe. That you neglect to rely on your wisdom but allow the Power of God to change your life by accepting Jesus. Stay focused, you can do this.
In His JOY!
My words fall flat when I try to explain who Jesus and how much the Lord loves those who do not know Him (John 3:16). The extent of my education, training, or life experience does not give me the complete tools to persuade someone to follow Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:1). For this reason I do not rely on it instead I relay on the Lord to give me the words to say when I am asked about my beliefs ( Luke 12:12). I seek His wisdom and direction to correctly present His Message of Salvation accurately to others (James 1:5, 2 Timothy 2:15) So I do not care to try to use philosophic quotes, impressive jargon, or even cultural references. I all care to tell you is that Christ took the wrath of God upon Himself and choose to die for your sins (Isaiah 53:10-11). He died the Savior but rose as the Lord of us all (Romans 10:9-11). My changed heart and new way of life is the only proof I have to show you. So my prayer is as you read this you take a chance and believe. That you open your heart and believe. That you neglect to rely on your wisdom but allow the Power of God to change your life by accepting Jesus. Stay focused, you can do this.
In His JOY!
Saving my life meant exposing my sin
Ephesians 5:13-14
When I came to truly know Christ it was hard at first because being a Christian meant opening up my life to God. And that meant every thought, selfish ambition, evil desire, and hypocritical bone in me would be exposed to Jesus. It was enough to make me want to turn and run away from the Lord. Because when I read the Bible exposed the many sins in my life. It could have been easy to say that I just want to live life and embrace freedom. Or I could have said "this is me and this is who I am" but none of those excuses never held up or gave me peace.
I firmly believe God made us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27) and that we are to live a life that best models His (Ephesians 5:1-2). But we cannot be scarred to accept Jesus because we know He Will make clear our sinful ways ( Ephesians 5:13-14) instead we should embrace Him. Without Jesus we are not even living a shadow of the life He meant for us to live (John 10:10). A sinful lifestyle is nothing more than a dark crooked mirror that does truly show us who we are. But when we accept Christ, the crooked mirror lights up, becomes straight, and we start live the way God has always intended.
Once we accept Jesus we are saved that instant but it takes time for that inner change in our hearts to manifest itself in our actions (That is not an excuse to do what you want but it is just to let you know that there is grace). Somethings will be hard to let go and walk away from. But trust me accepting Jesus is a decision you will never regret. Stay focused, you can do this!
In His JOY!
When I came to truly know Christ it was hard at first because being a Christian meant opening up my life to God. And that meant every thought, selfish ambition, evil desire, and hypocritical bone in me would be exposed to Jesus. It was enough to make me want to turn and run away from the Lord. Because when I read the Bible exposed the many sins in my life. It could have been easy to say that I just want to live life and embrace freedom. Or I could have said "this is me and this is who I am" but none of those excuses never held up or gave me peace.
I firmly believe God made us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27) and that we are to live a life that best models His (Ephesians 5:1-2). But we cannot be scarred to accept Jesus because we know He Will make clear our sinful ways ( Ephesians 5:13-14) instead we should embrace Him. Without Jesus we are not even living a shadow of the life He meant for us to live (John 10:10). A sinful lifestyle is nothing more than a dark crooked mirror that does truly show us who we are. But when we accept Christ, the crooked mirror lights up, becomes straight, and we start live the way God has always intended.
Once we accept Jesus we are saved that instant but it takes time for that inner change in our hearts to manifest itself in our actions (That is not an excuse to do what you want but it is just to let you know that there is grace). Somethings will be hard to let go and walk away from. But trust me accepting Jesus is a decision you will never regret. Stay focused, you can do this!
In His JOY!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
My Hope walked on water
2 Peter 3:9
There is hope for this world ad-mist all the grief that surrounds it (Proverbs 10:28). There is a real JOY that cannot be derailed by emotions (John 16:22). There is a peace that surpasses intellect (Philippians 4:6-7). And there is a strength that never grows weak (Romans 16:25)
But all these are only for those who dare accept Jesus. Although we mourn and grieve, we are assure
There is hope for this world ad-mist all the grief that surrounds it (Proverbs 10:28). There is a real JOY that cannot be derailed by emotions (John 16:22). There is a peace that surpasses intellect (Philippians 4:6-7). And there is a strength that never grows weak (Romans 16:25)
But all these are only for those who dare accept Jesus. Although we mourn and grieve, we are assure
d that our mourning will end and our comfort will begin (Psalm 126:5). If tragedy strikes our hearts ache but our JOY remains (Nehemiah 8:10). We have Christ Peace within us despite the chaos around us (John 14:27). And we know the Lord will always renew our strength when we are emotionally drained (Psalm 27:14).
So I plead with you to accept Jesus. Understand that you have done wrong and admit it. Know that He died for your wrongs but believe that death could not contain Him. Allow him to be the Lord of your life by following Him. Take a chance and experience something that is true, pure, and good.
Stay focused, you can do this!
In His JOY!
So I plead with you to accept Jesus. Understand that you have done wrong and admit it. Know that He died for your wrongs but believe that death could not contain Him. Allow him to be the Lord of your life by following Him. Take a chance and experience something that is true, pure, and good.
Stay focused, you can do this!
In His JOY!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)