II Chronicle 7:14
Our land can be healed through Jesus Christ. We can begin accomplishing a healing through true repentance if we do the following: (a) humble ourselves (b) pray, (c) seek Jesus, (d) turn from their wicked ways, and then we will hear from heaven, we will be forgiven, and our land will be healed.
(a) Humble ourselves
The first thing we as a people who are called Christians must begin to do is to humble ourselves before God. Jesus Christ came into the world in total humility, He was born in a manger, total humility; giving us a perfect example to the world of humility. He lived as a perfect example for humanity and we missed His lesson He taught mankind on humility.
Scripture teaches on humility; Philippians 2:7-9 states, “But made himself of not reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”
Humility is the first step in admitting to needing God’s help. He warns us against being wise in our own conceits. Proverbs 22:4 states, “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour and life.” This verse gives God’s view and rewards of humility. Another school of thought is before honour is humility. Therefore, we must humble ourselves, and pray.
(b) Pray
The second healing strategy is prayer, which is our communication with God. Christian’s prayer life should be an essential part of the believer’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Why is prayer such an important part of the believer’s life is because we are to pray without ceasing and furthermore “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18), which means we are to pray for self and others constantly.
Additionally, believers are to develop a prayer life because we are to be in fellowship with the LORD. When you are in fellowship with the LORD, you can go to Him and ask anything in prayer, believing, He will an answer. This reminds me of the words of Proverbs 15:8 which states, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD; but the prayer of the upright is his delight.” This verse gives credence to the fact that the Lord delight in prayers of believers. Another school of thought is that prayers of the righteous availeth much.
Finally, how should we pray? We should use the ACTS of prayer, which stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Sanctification. We adore God for who He is and what He has done for mankind. Then, we confess our sins, for we all have sin and come sort of the glory of God (Roman 6:23). We proceed to give thanks to God for what He has, is and will continue to do in our lives. Finally the sanctification process is where God sets the believer apart from the world. This is the final stage where the world views us as peculiar people, and to them we are different. To them we different, we are a chosen vessel. We are the prayer warriors for Christ seeking Jesus.
(c) Seek Jesus
How shall we seek Jesus? Jeremiah 29:13 states, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” The inner man is essential to our seeking Jesus in our search for the truth. In addition, our heart holds the key to our endeavor in healing our land according to our scripture verse (II Chronicle7:14) when we seek Jesus, if we are not sincere, then our efforts are in vain.
Furthermore, it is man who is lost; Jesus is calling with outstretched arms, saying come to me. He wants to heal our wicked land. He wants to save the lost souls of the world. In the words of AMOS 5:6, “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live.” It appears if man would rather seek the lostness of the world...”Seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Luke 12:31). Matthew 6:33 confirms what Luke 12:13 says about seeking the Lord, and Psalm 27:4 sums up our desire for the Lord.
The question becomes how do we first seek Jesus? It is to recognize who He is; this is by accepting Him as the Saviour of the world. John 3:16 becomes vital to the believer, because whosoever include all humanity. God’s love transcends all races, gender, classes and nationalities. God gave His only begotten Son to be the sacrificial lamb for the sins of the world. O! What love? Reflect on God’s goodness for mankind is enough to turn from our wicked ways.
(d) Turn from their wicked ways.
How do we turn from our wicked ways? Repentance is the first stage in the turning from our wicked ways. Repentance is a three step process, which consist of (a) admitting we are sinners, (b) confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness of our sins, and (c) turning from our sins.
How did man become sinful? Was it father Adam disobedience in the Garden of Eden? The Bible speaks of Adam’s disobedience to God when Eve ate the forbidden fruit and blamed the serpent. The story ends with Adam and Eve being banished from the Garden of Eden by God. What one (Adam) man brought into the world (sin) another (Christ) took out, He provided salvation for all. Galatians 1:4 states, “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Sin and wickedness caused God to pronounce the whole world guilty which resulted in the death of His Son Jesus on the cross at Calvary as the sacrifice for humanity. Therefore, what was costly to God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, we owe our transformed lives to God, because it was His love, grace and mercy that He gave His best to humanity. What have you done for Jesus lately?
When will God heal this land? God will heal this land when these five conditions are met, which are (a) mankind humble themselves, (b) pray, (c) seek God’s face, (d) turn from their wicked ways, and (e) ask for forgiveness, then they (a) will hear from heaven, (b)be forgiven, and (c) their land will be healed.
(a) Hear from heaven
Think of the revival and restoration this land will experience; it will be a mini heavenly revival taking place here on earth. What will have happen is that God would have heard His people’s cry and will have turned away His anger and be attentive to their prayers. The earthly revival will be evidence of God’s compassion for His people and God will have heard the prayers of the righteous (vv 14-15). As recorded in Psalm 85: 4-7 God will turned His anger from His people; grace and mercy will taken center stage. In verse Psalm 85:7, the writer is asking for salvation, which is freeing from sin; God grants their cry, but the people are encouraged not to turn again to their wicked ways.
(b) Be forgiven
He will have forgiven His people and cleanse them of their sins and restored His favor, His presence, peace, truth, righteousness and power among them. We see salvation is nigh to all that fear the Lord, and that His glory dwell in the land (partial paraphrase, Psalm 85:9). It is God’s desire that His people prosper in the land both spiritually and physically because as Psalm 85:12 states, in parts, “the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.” Verse 13 supports God’s desire for humanity, which is righteousness for believers and non-believers to follow Him.
To be forgiven of sin mankind has to ask for forgiveness of their sins, this brings a question to mind. Who have the ability to forgive sin? Jesus has the ability to forgive sin. He accomplished this on the cross at Calvary. As Christ has forgiven us of our trespasses; we are to forgive our brothers and sisters. “Judge not, and ye shall not be judge: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).
In our efforts to request forgiveness for our sins is to say like David, “Lord I have sinned against the,” thus admitting that ultimately our sins are against God. Let’s reflect back in Jeremiah 31:1-40 and the restoration of the nation of Israel when the nation had strayed away from God and the prophet Jeremiah cried out to God for his people. God promised that He would once again be their God and they would enjoy the blessing and dwell together in peace and harmony. In addition, through Jeremiah, God assured the people He would make a new covenant with them and write it in their hearts; therefore they would have no excuse of disobeying His new covenant and would have the spiritual powers to obey His commands. This holds true for believers today
(c) Their land will healed
When God said I will heal their land; what was God going to do heal the land of? God was going to heal the land of spiritual wickness and He was once again going to bless the land with His favor, presence and the Holy Spirit will provide a spiritual awakening among His covenant people and the spiritually lost. Another school of thought on how God was going to heal the land for His people; rain is symbolic of the Holy Spirit and water in this scenario can be looked upon as both spiritually and physically as a benefactor for the land.
Closing this dialogue on healing our land, we see that if humanity will do four things which are humble themselves, pray, seek my (God’s) face, and turn from their wicked way, then God will do three thing and they are , hear form heaven, be forgiven, and then He will heal our land. What have we learned from this discussion?
In spite of our backsliding, God’s grace is sufficient. Are you ready for to God heal our land? He is waiting.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Follow Jesus
John 1: 43-51
If anyone should ask why should I follow Jesus? The answer(s) should flow like this; He is God’s Son who was slain form the foundation of the world. Jesus is the promised messiah who was prophesied by the Old Testament prophets that God the Father would send a savior to save His people. Jesus came into the world to save mankind. Jesus is the savor of the world (John 3:16).
Another school of thought on Jesus being the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world; begs the question of when did His existence begin? Christ was preexistent “with God” before the creation of the world and “all things were created by Him both invisible and visible” (Colossians 1:15-16).
Reflect back we me during the time when Israel was being delivered from Egypt and the death angel past over the door post where there was blood painted; whose blood was being represented here, it was Jesus’ blood.
Another reason to follow Jesus is He died for the sins of the world. Jesus entered this world in human form through the gateway of humanity by way of a virgin birth after having existed form eternity but in eternal fellowship with His Father. Christ was divine in nature and essence as His Father. Christ’s sole purpose for coming to earth was to reconcile man back to God; therefore His death was required on Calvary’s cross. This was done out of love. What love?
What love? John 3:16 tells of God love for humanity and the results of that love as well as what mankind will have if we accept God’s love gift; that gift is salvation. The beauty of God’s gift is it requires no certain status, or pedigree; just as you are. He will make the necessary adjustments with the aid of the Holy Spirit who lives in each believer.
How do I receive this free gift? Accept Jesus as your personal savior, “confess with you mouth, and believe with your heart you shall be save”; this is according to scripture.
The question may arise where can we as modern day believers follow Jesus? To answer the question, we must look at Jesus’ great commission recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 where He wants believers to go into all parts of the world teaching and baptizing others and that He would be with them. Keep in mind that Jesus is no longer with believers physically but He left His word and example for us to live by. From our scripture text when Jesus called His disciples to follow Him was during His earthly ministry; He wants believers to follow Him and witness to others in making disciples.
When are believers to witness and follow Jesus? Believers are to witness and follow Christ at all times because this is an on-going process. Why because believers are light to a sin darken world. Another school of thought, if we are to persevere, then believers are to remain steadfast in following Jesus so the world will see Christ in you.
Finally, think about this, on His way to Calvary, if Jesus would have told His Father, this is too hard; I cannot do this, let man die for himself. We would have no hope of salvation. Aren’t you glad Jesus remained steadfast to His mission and went to Calvary and hung on the cross in our place? Can you follow Jesus? He is our perfect example. He is with you all the way. Have you decided to follow Jesus? He is worthy to be followed.
If anyone should ask why should I follow Jesus? The answer(s) should flow like this; He is God’s Son who was slain form the foundation of the world. Jesus is the promised messiah who was prophesied by the Old Testament prophets that God the Father would send a savior to save His people. Jesus came into the world to save mankind. Jesus is the savor of the world (John 3:16).
Another school of thought on Jesus being the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world; begs the question of when did His existence begin? Christ was preexistent “with God” before the creation of the world and “all things were created by Him both invisible and visible” (Colossians 1:15-16).
Reflect back we me during the time when Israel was being delivered from Egypt and the death angel past over the door post where there was blood painted; whose blood was being represented here, it was Jesus’ blood.
Another reason to follow Jesus is He died for the sins of the world. Jesus entered this world in human form through the gateway of humanity by way of a virgin birth after having existed form eternity but in eternal fellowship with His Father. Christ was divine in nature and essence as His Father. Christ’s sole purpose for coming to earth was to reconcile man back to God; therefore His death was required on Calvary’s cross. This was done out of love. What love?
What love? John 3:16 tells of God love for humanity and the results of that love as well as what mankind will have if we accept God’s love gift; that gift is salvation. The beauty of God’s gift is it requires no certain status, or pedigree; just as you are. He will make the necessary adjustments with the aid of the Holy Spirit who lives in each believer.
How do I receive this free gift? Accept Jesus as your personal savior, “confess with you mouth, and believe with your heart you shall be save”; this is according to scripture.
The question may arise where can we as modern day believers follow Jesus? To answer the question, we must look at Jesus’ great commission recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 where He wants believers to go into all parts of the world teaching and baptizing others and that He would be with them. Keep in mind that Jesus is no longer with believers physically but He left His word and example for us to live by. From our scripture text when Jesus called His disciples to follow Him was during His earthly ministry; He wants believers to follow Him and witness to others in making disciples.
When are believers to witness and follow Jesus? Believers are to witness and follow Christ at all times because this is an on-going process. Why because believers are light to a sin darken world. Another school of thought, if we are to persevere, then believers are to remain steadfast in following Jesus so the world will see Christ in you.
Finally, think about this, on His way to Calvary, if Jesus would have told His Father, this is too hard; I cannot do this, let man die for himself. We would have no hope of salvation. Aren’t you glad Jesus remained steadfast to His mission and went to Calvary and hung on the cross in our place? Can you follow Jesus? He is our perfect example. He is with you all the way. Have you decided to follow Jesus? He is worthy to be followed.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Salvation
Salvation
What is salvation? Salvation is defined as deliverance, bringing safely through, keeping from harm. This brings the writer to the next question, who brought whom through and from where? It was God Himself who brought humanity (His people Psalm 27:1; 88:1) safely from the clutches of sin. See, the Old Testament saints was looking forward to the cross, because the Messiah had not come. This brings the writer to another question, how was the Old Testament saints saved if the Messiah (Jesus) had not come? They were saved by their faith in God as their delivers and believing in the prophets messages.
Another school of thought is that the Old Testament saints took God at His word, if God said it they believed, He promised the world a savior; the savior(Jesus) came; and that He did, therefore Jesus Christ is the way to Salvation (John 3:16). Then how do we gain access to the Father? We gain access to the Father through Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Therefore, God provides humanity salvation through His grace which He freely gives in His Son Christ Jesus who shed His blood on Calvary’s cross for humanity’s sins. All who accept Christ as their savior died to sin with Him and was raised with Him as He continues to make intercessions for believers (Hebrews 7:25).
Allow the writer to present salvation from a different perspective, which is:
(A) Salvation is a gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ, which God extends to us (humanity) as a result of His grace. This brings the writer to a question, what is grace? Grace is God’s unmerited gift, meaning giving humanity something we do not deserve. God’s love for His prized creation would not allow Him to leave mankind in his fallen state. Therefore, God was compelled to give His best, Jesus.
(B) It, salvation, is received by us (humanity) through the response of faith (see Acts 16:31, Romans 1:17, Ephesians 1:15). Then what is faith? Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1 as “the substances of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The entire chapter of Hebrews deals with “trusting God in all circumstances which enable believers to persevere and remain loyal to God’s word at all times” (KJV commentary). This writer likes the common sense approach of Ms. Corrie Ten Boom on faith, “Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.” So then in a word faith is trusting in God unequivocally.
From here the writer will segway to the three stages of salvation, which are (a) Past stage, (b) Present stage, and (c) Future stage and see what happened or each stage holds for the believer. We will begin with the Past stage where believers received forgiveness of their sins as a free gift and they passed from a spiritual death to a spiritual life. Believers were freed from sin’s power to that of God. In addition, salvation freed believers from Satan’s dominion and placed them under God’s rule. This rescue (salvation) brought a new personal relationship with God that freed the believer from the penalty of sin.
During the present stage of salvation, we are saved from the bondage, power, and dominion of sin, and salvation brings us, the believer into fellowship of the Holy Spirit. This fellowship includes the following:
(a) A person- to-person relationship with God as our Father and Jesus as our Lord and Savior (see Matthew 6:9, John 14:18-23).
(b) Believers are called into account ourselves dead to sin (Romans 6:1-14) and we are to submit ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God (Romans 8:1-17, John 8:31; 14:21, 2 Timothy 3: 15-16).
(c) Believers have the invitation of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the command of continuous filling of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:33-39; Ephesians 5:18).
(4) Believers are encouraged to separate ourselves from sin and a present corrupt generation. Why is this? Because believers are the salt of the earth, we are God’s ambassadors; we are the Holy Spirit’s dwelling place. Furthermore, believers are light to a darken world; we are heavenly compass to lost souls. Therefore, believers are called to contend for the advancement of God’s kingdom against Satan and his demonic host because we fight a spiritual warfare daily (Ephesians 6:11-18).
Finally, we will peek into the future stage of salvation and see what it holds for believers on our heaven bound journey. In this stage of salvation, believers can anticipate the following:
(a) Being delivered from God’s coming wrath (Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16’ 5:5). This all took place on Calvary cross during the reconciliation process of Jesus Christ, while we were being reconciled back to God and held in sin’s captivity.
(b) Believers sharing in Christ’s glory and receiving a transformed body (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 15:49) Meaning we will have been changed from mortality to immortality.
(c) Believer will receive our rewards for being faithful over comers. This is the goal of all Christians; make it to heaven (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:8-14).
Finally, closing this discussion on salvation, have you accepted you gift? It is free; Jesus paid it all. When? It was paid one Friday many years ago. Where? Calvary’s cross. For whom; You and I; how do I get salvation? Accept Jesus Christ (John 3:16). God left His Word the Bible as our roadmap, and the Holy Spirit as our compass to get us (humanity) to heaven. What’s the excuse?
Be blessed
What is salvation? Salvation is defined as deliverance, bringing safely through, keeping from harm. This brings the writer to the next question, who brought whom through and from where? It was God Himself who brought humanity (His people Psalm 27:1; 88:1) safely from the clutches of sin. See, the Old Testament saints was looking forward to the cross, because the Messiah had not come. This brings the writer to another question, how was the Old Testament saints saved if the Messiah (Jesus) had not come? They were saved by their faith in God as their delivers and believing in the prophets messages.
Another school of thought is that the Old Testament saints took God at His word, if God said it they believed, He promised the world a savior; the savior(Jesus) came; and that He did, therefore Jesus Christ is the way to Salvation (John 3:16). Then how do we gain access to the Father? We gain access to the Father through Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Therefore, God provides humanity salvation through His grace which He freely gives in His Son Christ Jesus who shed His blood on Calvary’s cross for humanity’s sins. All who accept Christ as their savior died to sin with Him and was raised with Him as He continues to make intercessions for believers (Hebrews 7:25).
Allow the writer to present salvation from a different perspective, which is:
(A) Salvation is a gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ, which God extends to us (humanity) as a result of His grace. This brings the writer to a question, what is grace? Grace is God’s unmerited gift, meaning giving humanity something we do not deserve. God’s love for His prized creation would not allow Him to leave mankind in his fallen state. Therefore, God was compelled to give His best, Jesus.
(B) It, salvation, is received by us (humanity) through the response of faith (see Acts 16:31, Romans 1:17, Ephesians 1:15). Then what is faith? Faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1 as “the substances of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The entire chapter of Hebrews deals with “trusting God in all circumstances which enable believers to persevere and remain loyal to God’s word at all times” (KJV commentary). This writer likes the common sense approach of Ms. Corrie Ten Boom on faith, “Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.” So then in a word faith is trusting in God unequivocally.
From here the writer will segway to the three stages of salvation, which are (a) Past stage, (b) Present stage, and (c) Future stage and see what happened or each stage holds for the believer. We will begin with the Past stage where believers received forgiveness of their sins as a free gift and they passed from a spiritual death to a spiritual life. Believers were freed from sin’s power to that of God. In addition, salvation freed believers from Satan’s dominion and placed them under God’s rule. This rescue (salvation) brought a new personal relationship with God that freed the believer from the penalty of sin.
During the present stage of salvation, we are saved from the bondage, power, and dominion of sin, and salvation brings us, the believer into fellowship of the Holy Spirit. This fellowship includes the following:
(a) A person- to-person relationship with God as our Father and Jesus as our Lord and Savior (see Matthew 6:9, John 14:18-23).
(b) Believers are called into account ourselves dead to sin (Romans 6:1-14) and we are to submit ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God (Romans 8:1-17, John 8:31; 14:21, 2 Timothy 3: 15-16).
(c) Believers have the invitation of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the command of continuous filling of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:33-39; Ephesians 5:18).
(4) Believers are encouraged to separate ourselves from sin and a present corrupt generation. Why is this? Because believers are the salt of the earth, we are God’s ambassadors; we are the Holy Spirit’s dwelling place. Furthermore, believers are light to a darken world; we are heavenly compass to lost souls. Therefore, believers are called to contend for the advancement of God’s kingdom against Satan and his demonic host because we fight a spiritual warfare daily (Ephesians 6:11-18).
Finally, we will peek into the future stage of salvation and see what it holds for believers on our heaven bound journey. In this stage of salvation, believers can anticipate the following:
(a) Being delivered from God’s coming wrath (Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16’ 5:5). This all took place on Calvary cross during the reconciliation process of Jesus Christ, while we were being reconciled back to God and held in sin’s captivity.
(b) Believers sharing in Christ’s glory and receiving a transformed body (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 15:49) Meaning we will have been changed from mortality to immortality.
(c) Believer will receive our rewards for being faithful over comers. This is the goal of all Christians; make it to heaven (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:8-14).
Finally, closing this discussion on salvation, have you accepted you gift? It is free; Jesus paid it all. When? It was paid one Friday many years ago. Where? Calvary’s cross. For whom; You and I; how do I get salvation? Accept Jesus Christ (John 3:16). God left His Word the Bible as our roadmap, and the Holy Spirit as our compass to get us (humanity) to heaven. What’s the excuse?
Be blessed
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Faith
What is Faith? The book of Hebrews (11:1) defines faith this way, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Life in the Spirit Study Bible, King James Version). However, when we read the entire chapter 11 of Hebrews, it deals with “faith as we trust in God in all circumstances, which enables the believer to persevere and remain steadfastly loyal to God and His word at all times.” (Life in the Spirit Study Bible, King James Version, commentary).
Why does the word “faith” cause the believer to remain loyal to God’s word? To answer this question, the author will give some results of what faith does for the believer.
(A) It leads to righteousness.
(B) It causes us to seek God, believe in His goodness.
(C) It causes us to obey His commands.
(D) It regulates our lives on His promises.
(E) It helps us to reject the evil spirit of this world.
(F) Faith causes the believer to realize that this is not our home and helps us seek our heavenly home.
(G) It helps the believer to persevere in the time of trouble.
(H) It helps us to resist the pleasures of sin.
(J) Faith enables the believer to endure persecution.
(K) Faith causes the believer to perform mighty acts of righteousness.
(L) Faith allows the believer to suffer for God.
(M) Finally, Faith gives the believer the courage to journey to a far country and not returns home like Abraham.
From the above paragraph on faith and its results, one can conclude that faith is a very important word in the Bible. See how important faith in the life of the believer
According to CARM, “faith is where the promise and work of God are made real to His redeemed.” (WWW.carm.org). CARM outlines the importance of faith in the following manner. (A) Ephesians 2:8-9, we are saved by grace through faith.
(B) Romans 1:17, we live by faith.
(C) Romans 4:13 tells us we receive righteousness by faith.
(D) In Romans 5:1, we are justified in Christ by faith.
(E) In Romans 5:2, we have access to God’s grace by faith.
(F) We see from 2 Corinthians 1:24 that we stand firm in our belief by faith.
(G) Galatians 3:14, we have the promise of the Spirit by faith.
(H) Then in 1 Timothy 1:4 we do God’s work by faith.
(I) The last two supporting evidence of the importance of faith is that Galatians 5:5, tells us that we are to wait for the return of Christ by faith, and that faith are vital to the Christian belief.
I will close today's discussion on faith, post your comments, most of all purchase the book, online at Amazon.com, Borders Barnes & Nobles. com
Why does the word “faith” cause the believer to remain loyal to God’s word? To answer this question, the author will give some results of what faith does for the believer.
(A) It leads to righteousness.
(B) It causes us to seek God, believe in His goodness.
(C) It causes us to obey His commands.
(D) It regulates our lives on His promises.
(E) It helps us to reject the evil spirit of this world.
(F) Faith causes the believer to realize that this is not our home and helps us seek our heavenly home.
(G) It helps the believer to persevere in the time of trouble.
(H) It helps us to resist the pleasures of sin.
(J) Faith enables the believer to endure persecution.
(K) Faith causes the believer to perform mighty acts of righteousness.
(L) Faith allows the believer to suffer for God.
(M) Finally, Faith gives the believer the courage to journey to a far country and not returns home like Abraham.
From the above paragraph on faith and its results, one can conclude that faith is a very important word in the Bible. See how important faith in the life of the believer
According to CARM, “faith is where the promise and work of God are made real to His redeemed.” (WWW.carm.org). CARM outlines the importance of faith in the following manner. (A) Ephesians 2:8-9, we are saved by grace through faith.
(B) Romans 1:17, we live by faith.
(C) Romans 4:13 tells us we receive righteousness by faith.
(D) In Romans 5:1, we are justified in Christ by faith.
(E) In Romans 5:2, we have access to God’s grace by faith.
(F) We see from 2 Corinthians 1:24 that we stand firm in our belief by faith.
(G) Galatians 3:14, we have the promise of the Spirit by faith.
(H) Then in 1 Timothy 1:4 we do God’s work by faith.
(I) The last two supporting evidence of the importance of faith is that Galatians 5:5, tells us that we are to wait for the return of Christ by faith, and that faith are vital to the Christian belief.
I will close today's discussion on faith, post your comments, most of all purchase the book, online at Amazon.com, Borders Barnes & Nobles. com
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Humility
In writing the book, one of the lessons I learned was humility. One may ask the question, how did writing a book humble you? Reflecting on my life, the life of the palmist and Jesus' birth, one can see humility as the fabric of both and the author's Christian faith. Jesus humbled Himself to make His entrance through the gateway of humanity using a virgin birth fulfilling prophecy and then God , the Father used lowly shepherds in the fields minding their flock whom He knew would shout for joy at the news of the Messiah's birth.
Allow the me to paint a clear picture of humility, First, Mary was a humble virgin engaged to Joseph. She was looked upon as a nobody. Second, the shepherds was viewed as the despised of that day's society . Third, when it was time for the baby Jesus to be born, the elites were not willing to give up their plush hotel rooms for a lowly pheasant girl to give birth. Little did they know she was giving birth to the Savior of the world. Fourth, God sent His heavenly choir to make the grand announcement to lowly people who went and told everybody and performed a praise dance never seen or heard before; and then they brought gifts as expressions of true love and appreciation.
Questions, what does this Christmas season teaches us about humility? What does the book, Psalm 23 teach us about humility as it relate to David when he humbled himself before God?The author relates well to David and appreciates what God has done and continues to do in her life. Can you appreciate the goodness of the Lord? Does this Christmas season or any Christmas season cause us to rejoice in what God has done for humanity? Will we pause and humbly submit ourselves before Christ and thank God for sending His Son to be subjected to human limitations or will we busy ourselves with Christmas commercialization? Aren't you glad God gave humanity the greatest gift of all times and Christ humbled Himself out of love as an example of what humility is.
In closing this dialog, let's stop and thank God, the Father for what He did and then thank His Son, Jesus Christ for being willing to become God-man so that we (humanity) may know true joy and salvation. Christ is the reason for Christmas.
Prayer! Lord, I humbly submit myself to you. Lord I am willing to serve in whatever capacity you assign me. Amen!
Allow the me to paint a clear picture of humility, First, Mary was a humble virgin engaged to Joseph. She was looked upon as a nobody. Second, the shepherds was viewed as the despised of that day's society . Third, when it was time for the baby Jesus to be born, the elites were not willing to give up their plush hotel rooms for a lowly pheasant girl to give birth. Little did they know she was giving birth to the Savior of the world. Fourth, God sent His heavenly choir to make the grand announcement to lowly people who went and told everybody and performed a praise dance never seen or heard before; and then they brought gifts as expressions of true love and appreciation.
Questions, what does this Christmas season teaches us about humility? What does the book, Psalm 23 teach us about humility as it relate to David when he humbled himself before God?The author relates well to David and appreciates what God has done and continues to do in her life. Can you appreciate the goodness of the Lord? Does this Christmas season or any Christmas season cause us to rejoice in what God has done for humanity? Will we pause and humbly submit ourselves before Christ and thank God for sending His Son to be subjected to human limitations or will we busy ourselves with Christmas commercialization? Aren't you glad God gave humanity the greatest gift of all times and Christ humbled Himself out of love as an example of what humility is.
In closing this dialog, let's stop and thank God, the Father for what He did and then thank His Son, Jesus Christ for being willing to become God-man so that we (humanity) may know true joy and salvation. Christ is the reason for Christmas.
Prayer! Lord, I humbly submit myself to you. Lord I am willing to serve in whatever capacity you assign me. Amen!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Book Reviews
Book Reviews
I read the entire manuscript and shouted glory To God this is a winner. “As I read on, I made notes and comments to the author signaling my approval throughout the book.”
Mary A. Hunter,
A retired English Typing Teacher
After reading excerpts from my aunt’s book; I am eagerly waiting the book’s release so I can purchase and read the entire book. The book is inspirational, enlightening and makes for easy reading, as well as a book that can be used as a teaching tool. I encourage everyone to purchase this inspiring book.
Deidre Samuel
Nail Attic and Accessory Boutique
... a well written book, easy reading, enlightening and inspiring. I recommend this book to believers and non-believers. It will bring non-believers to Christ and uplift the spirit of believers.
Rev. Dorothy Stone-Montgomery, President and Founder of Positive Lifestyles and the
Power within, Board member Detroit Agency on Aging.
I read the entire manuscript and shouted glory To God this is a winner. “As I read on, I made notes and comments to the author signaling my approval throughout the book.”
Mary A. Hunter,
A retired English Typing Teacher
After reading excerpts from my aunt’s book; I am eagerly waiting the book’s release so I can purchase and read the entire book. The book is inspirational, enlightening and makes for easy reading, as well as a book that can be used as a teaching tool. I encourage everyone to purchase this inspiring book.
Deidre Samuel
Nail Attic and Accessory Boutique
... a well written book, easy reading, enlightening and inspiring. I recommend this book to believers and non-believers. It will bring non-believers to Christ and uplift the spirit of believers.
Rev. Dorothy Stone-Montgomery, President and Founder of Positive Lifestyles and the
Power within, Board member Detroit Agency on Aging.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
This book reflects on the author’s personal relationship with the Lord God in term of God being her Shepherd.
Let us takes a panoramic view of Psalm 23. First, it is a Psalm of trust. When we look at these six little verses, we see a single theme which is one of complete trust. From the very first verse, David, expresses no fear or concerns for his life because he has completely entrusted his life to this Lord God as his Shepherd.
This Psalm presents David in two perspectives. One is that it gives a vivid illustration of David as the sheep and the Lord as the shepherd; the shepherd who cares for his sheep, who is David, and all who trust completely in the Lord for all of his needs. When we think of who the Lord is, then how can we not trust Him completely? He is the creator of everything that was created?
When we look at the word, Lord or God, this conveys more than just a designation of the Supreme Being or Sovereign of the universe. Nathan Stone (1994) Names of God states that “The name God or Lord tells a little about His character and His ways.” However, it does not say all of the mysteries of the word God means to us until we get to know more about Him (God). I am in total agreement with Mr. Stone.
In our King James Bibles, we find the Hebrew word “Jehovah” which is the translation of “LORD” in all capitals to distinguish it from another Hebrew word Adonai which is also translated to mean Lord.
I took this long dissertation to explain why the Lord is my Shepherd, and King David’s, as we should realize the Sovereignty of God.
I will show how King David was portrayed as the earthly good shepherd shepherding the flock of Israel. This Psalm is looked upon as a Royal Psalm.
This Psalm prophetically speaks of Jesus Christ because He is the Good Shepherd as spoken of in Hebrews 13:20b, who brought us from the dead through His blood of the everlasting covenant. Revelation 17:14 states that “Jesus is Lord of Lord, King of Kings, and they that are with Him are called and chosen and faithful.”
Finally, this Psalm conveys two themes or movement, which are (1) a description of the Lord as Shepherd caring for His sheep. The psalmist needs and those of mankind’s are met who trust in the Lord as their Shepherd. (2) The other theme shows the Lord as Shepherd extending His grace and mercy to all.
When we define grace, we see it as God’s unmerited gift, which means giving us something that we do not deserve and His mercy as His love for all of mankind.
In my humble opinion, anyone would be foolish not to trust a God like our Lord.
Let us takes a panoramic view of Psalm 23. First, it is a Psalm of trust. When we look at these six little verses, we see a single theme which is one of complete trust. From the very first verse, David, expresses no fear or concerns for his life because he has completely entrusted his life to this Lord God as his Shepherd.
This Psalm presents David in two perspectives. One is that it gives a vivid illustration of David as the sheep and the Lord as the shepherd; the shepherd who cares for his sheep, who is David, and all who trust completely in the Lord for all of his needs. When we think of who the Lord is, then how can we not trust Him completely? He is the creator of everything that was created?
When we look at the word, Lord or God, this conveys more than just a designation of the Supreme Being or Sovereign of the universe. Nathan Stone (1994) Names of God states that “The name God or Lord tells a little about His character and His ways.” However, it does not say all of the mysteries of the word God means to us until we get to know more about Him (God). I am in total agreement with Mr. Stone.
In our King James Bibles, we find the Hebrew word “Jehovah” which is the translation of “LORD” in all capitals to distinguish it from another Hebrew word Adonai which is also translated to mean Lord.
I took this long dissertation to explain why the Lord is my Shepherd, and King David’s, as we should realize the Sovereignty of God.
I will show how King David was portrayed as the earthly good shepherd shepherding the flock of Israel. This Psalm is looked upon as a Royal Psalm.
This Psalm prophetically speaks of Jesus Christ because He is the Good Shepherd as spoken of in Hebrews 13:20b, who brought us from the dead through His blood of the everlasting covenant. Revelation 17:14 states that “Jesus is Lord of Lord, King of Kings, and they that are with Him are called and chosen and faithful.”
Finally, this Psalm conveys two themes or movement, which are (1) a description of the Lord as Shepherd caring for His sheep. The psalmist needs and those of mankind’s are met who trust in the Lord as their Shepherd. (2) The other theme shows the Lord as Shepherd extending His grace and mercy to all.
When we define grace, we see it as God’s unmerited gift, which means giving us something that we do not deserve and His mercy as His love for all of mankind.
In my humble opinion, anyone would be foolish not to trust a God like our Lord.
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