"THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU"

          "For the word of the God is living and active sharper than any 

       double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,

        joints and marrow; judges the thoughs and attittudes of the heart"

                                             HEBREW 4: 12

The Bible is not an ordinary book it's My Word and My Word is alive with power! Through its pages, I can teach you, help you, comfort you, and make you strong. My Word is q drink of Cold water when you're thirsty or a safe place when you're afraid, it's a warm fireside when you're cold or a road map when you're lost.

You can know what is i. Other books, but My Word is a book that know what is in you! So read it when you need wisdom or hope. Open its pages every day, and you'll begin to see that My Word is for you, fight where you are. . . today.

In 1854, a pocket New Testament was inadvertiently dropped from the deck of an English warship into a Japanese harbor. A Japanese sailor saw it, plucked it from the sea, and it ended up in the hands of a Japanese general Murata. General Murata couldn't read English, but eventually found someone who could interpret the book for him.

        The general was curious. He knew that the Christian religion was outlawed in Japan, and anyone who followed christianity risked his life. But wmurata secretly began to read the New Testamenr. It made sense to him. He didn't see angry God or a God remotely disconnected from humanity, but a loving God who had sent His Son to show us the way to heaven.

         Eventually General Murata believe in this God and asked to be baptized as a christian  His conversion rippled throughout his country. Today, there are many Japanese Christians who trace their faith to someone who heard about christianity through General Murata.

        Why does this book change the lives of people? It shows a way out of our human dilemma a d how we can overcome the diwnward pull of our old nztures. It provides hone in an otherwise hopeless world. It say that your biggest problems find a solution in Jesus Christ.

       What the writer of Hebrews wrote long ago is like a warning that comes with the label of a powerful prescription. Don't get too familiar with the Bible unless you are ready for it to change your life.

"THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH"

"The sovereign Lord. . . has sent me to. . . Provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of spirit of despair 

ISAIAH 61:1-3 (KJV) 

  You know you're sad when you're world in the middle of all the color and excitement, and you still feel empty inside. Maybe you feel that way sometime. But when it seems that nothing will cheer you up, turn to Jesus!

   Jesus might not bring you a gift or make a funny face, but He'll make you glad on the inside where it really counts. He can change your perspective, because where He is, there is joy. Ask Jesus to come and cheer up your. Give him your depression your ashes and let Him crown you with beauty. I am glad, and I want you to be glad... not a fake -smile kind of glad, but a deep-down-in-your-heart that kind of glad. Ernest Hemingway once said, "the world breaks everyone, and some get strong in the broken places." In this, he was right. Ours is an imperfect, broken world. Your wife tells you that you were not the father of your son. A doctor breaks the news that you have an inoperable cancer. Your son is arrested for shoplifting. The promotion that you deserved went to a less qualified colleage.

   Everyone is broken eventually, but only some men stronger because of it. "Out of the presses of pain," wrote A. B. Simpson, "come the soul's best wine. The eyes that have shed no rain, can shed but little shine." When amy Carmichael became an invalid, the resilt of a fall, she spent the next 10 years of her life bedridden. She considered those years which she spent immobile some of her best as she wrote, counseled the unending stream of people who came to her, and prayed for India and the world.

   When Amy Carmihael felt the crushing, unexpected blows of blows of life, she turned to God and found solace and strength.To those who suffer, God promised "Beauty for ashes; Joy instead of mourning; Praise instead of heaviness. Gor God has planted them life strong and graceful oaks for his own glory" (Isaiah 61:3). 

   Nothing that happens to you can happen apart from God's knowledge and God's will, and nothing which which life throws at you can carry you beyond His grace and care. God doesn't fix everything, but gives for everything. That can help make you strong in your broken places, the joy of the Lord is our strength!

"THE VALUE OF ONE"

                   "There is joy in the presence of the angels

                        Of God over one sinner who repents"

                                      Luke 15: 10 NASB

        Some days it's hard just to get out of bed. Our motivation is fading or completely hone. We are overcome with a "What difference does it make?" Attitude. We become overwhelmed at the enormity of the duties before us. Our talents and resoureces seem minuscule in comparison to the task.

        A business and his wife once took a much needed getaway at an ocean hotel. During their stay a powerful storm arose, oceanside hotel. During their stat a powerful storm atose, lashing the beach and sending massive breakers against the shore. The storm woke the ma . He lay still i. Bed listening to the storm's fury and reflecting on his own life of constant ang continual demands and pressures.

       Before day reak the wind subsided. The man got out of bed to go outside and survey the damage done by the storm. He walked along the beach and noticed it was coveted with starfish that had been thrown ashore by the massive waves. They laid helpless on the sandy beach. Unable to get to the water, the starfish faced inevitable death as the sun's rays dried them out.

        

      Down the beach a ways the man saw a figure walking alone the shore. The figure would stoop and pick something up. In the dim of the early - morning twlight he couldnt quite make it all out. As he approached he realized it was a young boy picking up the starfish one at a time and flinging them back into the ocean to safety.

      As the man neared the young boy he said, "Why are you doing that? One person will never make difference there are too many starfish to get back into the water before the Sun comes up,

      The boy said sadly, "Yes that's true," and then be to pick  up another starfish. Then he said, " But I can sure make a difference to the one."

       God never intended for an individual to solve all of likes problems. But He did  intend for each for each one of us to use whatever resources and gift He gave us to make a difference a d gifts He gave us to make a difference where we are 

"Entreprenuers imagination"

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of thing not seen.

Hebrews 11:1(KJV) 

In his classic self-help book Think & Grow Rich, Napoloen Hill wrote, "what the mind of man can conceive and believe, he can achieve." His promise, and that many others, is that once the human mind has been programmed with a certain expectation, it will begin to act to fulfill that expectation. The Scripture declared this principle long before Hill wrote his book. Faith is believing and then seeing. It is expecting a miracle before receiving a miracle. The Aluminum Company of America coined an interesting word imagineering. They combine the idea of imagining a product or service, with the idea that this dream could then be engineered into a reality. Throughout history we've seen this principle at work.

  A primitive ancestor came up with the idea that it was easier to roll object than drag them and he carved a wheel from stone.

  A man named Gutenberg imagined that letters mighty be set in metal and combined to create words which then could be printed repeated with the application of ink. He set about to make such a machine.

  Men design cathedral that took decades to build but build them they did.

  Your future will be impacted directly by the ideas and dreams that you have today. What you begin to believe for, and then how you act on that belief will result in what you have, to and on that belief, will result in what you have, do, and are in the days weeks months, and year ahead. Let your "faith imagination" soar today. Believe for God's highest and best in your life. And then begin to live and work as if that miracle 

             

"COMPROMISE? NEVER"

                  "My little Children, these things I write to you,

                    so that you may not sin.               1 John2:1

When a race driver climbs into his car, he ecpects the tires, brakes and safety equiptment to be spund and reliable. He wants to know that no compromise has been made in the manufacture of his gear, that it is safe and strong. He stakes his life on it.

        During the earliest days of the church, compromise began to creep in. Believers faced the huge challenge of living holy lives while surrounded by sinful society. They wanted to remain sound and pure, true to the original message of the Gospel, however, the original standard of holy living gradually became compromised. False teaching crept inand many Christian became casualties to the lies of false doctrine 

        Today, there are many beliefs that run counter to the Scriptures. Many of tempt us to compromise our faith. We need to be filling our minds with the truth of God's word. When we stay close to God, we are protected from the invasion of compromise. As we read today's passage, evaluate your beliefs. Make sure they are based solely and soundly on God's Truth. It mattrrs  what you believe.

       Now by this we know that we know ahim, if we keep His commandmenfs. 1 John 2:3

"ANYTIME, ANYPLACE"

       "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.

           For the trumpet  will sound, and the dead wilk be raised 

                        incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

                                      1 Corinthians 15:52

       Everything in this world eventually comes to an end. Which at times can be disheartening. It is the feeling yoy get when you read a book that's so good you don't want it to end. Or when you watch a movie that you wish wpuld go on a little while longer.

        But all things good and bad do come to the end." Life ultimately does come yo the end sometimes sooner than we ecpect all of us who have stood by the casket of a loved one kno yhe painful emptiness of a heart that wishes it wasn't over yet.

         A moment that's all it will take . In a twinkling of an eye, the Lord will call all believers to The rapture of the  Church will happen suddenly. Those who know Christ will be taken away. Those who don't know Christ as savior will be left behind. Did you know that all the prophecies that must be fulfilled before Christ's return have been completed? His glorious return could happen at anytime. You could be at work, driving your car, any placed! One writer put it this way: 

         It may be at midday it may be at twlight, 

         It may be perchance, that the blackness of midnight

         Will burst into in the blaze of His glory.

         When Jesus revives His own.

         Anytime, anyplace, Jesus is coming back for those 

         who love Him.bare you ready for this swift return?

         Are you at peace with God today?

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

" STRENGTH TO GET THE JOB DONE"

"He gives strength to the weary and 

increases the power of the weak" 

ISAIAH 40:29(KJV) 

   Have you ever been worn out? Ever felt like you have forty-eight hours of homework to do, and only four hours in which to do it? When you're physically and mentally exhausted, call on Me. I can cut your workload in half! If you'll stop to get the job done. Some of the things you're doing might not even need to be done. Most of all, after spending time with Lord. You'll be strenghtened in your mind and body . My Love is like a spiritual vitamin that refreshes and wakes you up. Give minutes with Me could save hours of work.My friend jane said something at a work meeting and no one responded. So she repeated it and again no one responded; her opinion didn't matter much. She felt disregarded and invisible. You may know that's like as well. The people of God felt that way as a nation (Isaiah 40). Only they believe it was God Himself who don't see or understand their daily struggle to survive! The southern kingdom had been carried away captive into Babylon, and the exiled nation complained: "My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God" (v. 27). While Isaiah agreed that compared to God "the nations are as a drop in a bucket. And counted as the small dust on the scales" (v.15). He also wanted the people to know that God gives power to the weak and strength to those who need it (v.29). If they waited on the Lord. Isaiah said. He would renew their strength. They would mount up with wings  like eagles; they would run and not be weary (v.31).

   When you're feeling invisible or disregarded, remember that God does see you and He cares. Wait on Him. And He'll give you renewed strength. So when hou like you just can't go on. . . Don't take a break and let Me renew your strength.

          

" LIVE, IN PERSON, JESUS!"

       "But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him,

        For we shall see him as he is."                       1 John 3:2

        Dont you wish sometimes that you could see Me in person? Wouldn't it have been great be alive when Jesus was on the earth in flesh? Today people pray and strain their heart to hear My answer. But back then, you could have asked Jesus a question and heart in an audible voice.

        The good news is, Jesus is coming back in person. You will be able to see and hear Him again. He is coming back to earth to take His family, those love Him, to heaven. And not only will they be able to see Him, but they will be like Him pure and full of peace and joy. Are you ready to go?

        Matthew us that Jesus took Peter, James and John and went up a mountain wherd "he was tansfigured before them his face shone like the sun, and his c.othes became as white as the light" (Matthew 17:2).

         The face of Jesus undoubtedly reflected the purity a newborn infant, untainted by the corrupt and guile that so often are stamped on our face. He confronted His detractors, saying. "Which of you can prove me guilty of sin?"

        When He smiled, and when He frowned (and, on occasion, He did just that), fire flashed in His eyes. But most of the time, say the Gospels, His eyes spoke the language of love.

        I have often tried to imagine what Jesus' eyes looked like probably dark eyes that could vary their expression from an electric storm with lightning flashing to a peaceful, beautiful meadow. Full of flowers and laughing children.

        His gaze pnetrated the venceer of external. Respectability that make us comfortable and saw thrpugh the hearts of people. Hebrew 4:13 tells us that all of our  a tions are visible and naked unto the eyes of Him who rules the universe.

       When I was a lad, the ultimate test of truthfulness that. I had to pass was when my dad would say,  "Son, looked me in the eye!" Peter had boasted that he would never deny Christs, yet three times he attempted to distance himsef from Nesus, even swearing he never knew Him. Then Luke recorded, "the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter" ( Luked 22:61). Their eyes connected. Was it a look of censure an "I told you so" sort of look? I don't  think so; otherwise Peyer, like Judas would have totally despaired of life.

       Lord full in wonderful face. You'll see His love and purity.

       

US sets $250-M fraud fine on execs of Chinese coal firm Puda

US sets $250-M fraud fine on execs of Chinese coal firm Puda

"Love and Mercy on the Cross"

 "Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentile and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had devided beforehand should happen."

 Acts 4:27-28

   Satan clearly played the leading role in instigating the Crucification. He entered the heart of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. Satan-sponsored evil was working in the heart of the Jewish mob who clamored for Jesus' crucification. The Devil puffed up Pilate with pride and intimidate him with fear so that he would condemn an innocent man in order to gain political popularity. Finally, Satan-sponsored sin provoked the cruel soldier to ridicule Jesus with spit and slaps in the face.

    And how did the early christian view it all? They praised God that the men responsible for Christ's death had only done what divine power and will had decided beforehand should happen. In his most daring attempt to frustrate the plan of God, Satan cut his own throat and performed the deed that was God's provision for man's redemption.

    Suppose God the Father had taken the view many modern Christians take the view that says that anything Satan wants must be bad for God's people? It's the same. Iew that implies that if Satan wants one thing to happen, God must want the exact opposite to happen. The result? God would have canceled the Crucification. If God had done that, none of us would be saved!

   The truth is Satan and God may want the exact same event to take place but for different reasons. Satan's motives in Jesus crucification was rebellion; God's motive was love and mercy.

    Lord, I realize that although Satan was a secondary cause behind the cross, it was the Father who ultimately willed it and allowed the Devil to carry  it out. It's a mystery. . . and I praise You for Your mysterious ways . . . We have salvation because of them!

" waiting is worship the Lord"

       "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God 

        to be revealed. But if we hope for what we do not yet have, 

        we wait for it Patiently.                                 Roman 8: 19-25

        In an age of "instant gratification" people find it hard to wait. But "wait patiently" is what christian are told to do when they are burdened by trials and suffering of all kinds.

        God's whole creation has been crippled by the effect of sin. And christians ate not immune to thes troubles. Even thought we have become children of God through faith in Jesus, the redemption of our  bodies is still unfulfilled. That's means they continue to fall into sin. And they experience disease and handicaps of all kinds. Sin and its consequence are evident i. The life of every christian. 

        But the promise of God is that a day is coming when also the physical world will be set free from the effects of sin. All creation "will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." Our own bodies cry for that day of redemption. So for now we must wait for these things. We wait in the knowledge that God will most certainly keep the promise he has made. 

       Being patient in time of trouble will not take away the trouble. But as we wait in faith and hope, our attitude toward our trouble can change. We see the trouble as part of God's righteous judgement on a world of sin. We see it as temporary. We see it as something that will end when God completes the work of redemption that has already free us from guilt of our sins. 

       How patient are we while we wait? Patience is certainly not easy. Days and years of suffering go by very slowly. Sometimes the loss is so overwhelming we can hardly think about anything else. Who can be patient in such circumstances? 

       God's word encourage us by comparing present suffering with future glory. The more we concentrate on the glory, the more we will be able to endure the sufferings.

        Be patient and await his leisure In cheerful hope, with heart content to take what'er thy Father's pleasure and his discerning love hath sent. Waiting is to worship the Lord!

"KEEP ME IN PERFECT PEACE"

                "Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind 

                   is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

                                         ISAIAH 26:3 KJV

      A businessman once said: "Sometimes, after waking in the morning, I am appalled by the thought of all the duties and appointments that await me in the next eight or ten hours.

      "Then I repeat to myself the words: in quietness and confidence shall be thy strength," and 'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.' It is astonishing how quickly the load is lifted once I remind myself of God's presence and help. The strain and tension disappear and in its place a feeling of serenity wells up within me."

       Dr. Frank Laubach learned to be aware of the presence of God by disciplining his thoughts to think on God once every minute. He called it "the game of the minutes." Jacob Boehm, a sixteenth-century saint, also spoke of a practice that involved an almost continual awareness of God's presence: "If thou dost once every hour throw thyself....into the abysmal mercy of God. Then thou shalt receive power to rule over death and sin."

       The airplane pilot radios a message to a control tower every hour and receives an answer. Thus he keeps "on the beam." He is in touch with the controller, he receives his orders, and reports his position. He knows if the station does not hear from him at the appointed time, they will be alerted to the fact he and his passengers may be in danger.

       Not everyone has Laubach or Boehm's discipline. But wouldn't it be reassuring to talk to and hear from the control tower at leadeth every hour during the day? It is as simple as uttering a prayer or repeating a scripture 

-----"thou wilt keep me in perfect peace."

"A JOYFUL TESTIMONY"

 "And now I stand and am judge for the hope of the  Promise made by God to our father."  

ACTs 26:6

    Fetus, the Roman governor of Judea, has placed before King Herod grippa II, the king's sister Bernice, and a collection of military and civic leaders. The governor hopes that having heated Paul's story, these dignitaries will be able to advice him on what charges to send with Paul to the Emperor Nero. Choosing not to ask specific question, Agrippa without fanfare gives Paul permission to speak.

    Here then is another fulfillment of Paul's divinely appointed mission to bear the name of Jesus Christ '"before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Isreal."' Jesus instructed His followers not to worry about what they would say in such situations ( Matt.10:19), and Paul indeed show no intimidation or hesitation in the presence of a monarch. On the contrary, he displays some familiarity with Agrippa and speak directly to him. Simon Kistemarker notes that "No speech in Acts is as personal in tone as Paul's address before Agrippa Paul speak engagingly to King Agrippa throughout his discourse, addressing him by his title, his name, and the personal pronoun you." We see this personal style immediately, as Pauls says, "'I think myself happy, king agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all things of which I am accused by the Jews, especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which have to do with the Jews,"' Paul is delighted to defend himself before a knowledgeable official, and he begs Agrippa to hear him patiently.

    Paul's defense before this largely pagan audience covers much the same territory as his speech to the Jewish in (Acts22:1/21). He asserts that it is well-known that he was brought up according to a strict Jewish way of life. In fact, he was raised a Pharises a member of the strictest, most law-abiding sect of Judaism. "'all the Jews"' know this, he says. But now he finds himself accused for holding to the hope of resurrection. Ironically, this is a hope that is held and taught by the Pharises and the vast majority of Jews across all tribal divisions. It is a belief at the heart of Judaism, but the liberal and powerful sadduces reject it. In Paul's view, there is nothing extraordinary about the Creator and Sustainer of life raising people from death. "'Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead."' he asks rhetoritically. Thus Paul displaued his logic and consistency.

    Paul was glad to speak before Agrippa (26:2), but he also may have rejoice to tell his story again In Acts, Paul tells of his conversion repeatedly; he loves to tell of it. Are you glad to tell what God has done for you? Telling of His work in your life glorifies Him. Look for chances to relate your testimony, emphasizing what God has done.

"Choose Life"

This day . . . I have set before you life and death, blessings and curse, Now choose life, so that you . . . May live.

Deuteronomy 30:19

  I want you to choose life. Choosing life means looking at life with hope and love rather than with fear and doubt. Choosing life means caring about others instead of obsessing about yourself. Choosing life means watching a sunset or encouring a friend, instead of vegging out in front of the TV set every night. Choosing life means trusting Me to help you do the hard things, instead of giving up before you even try. Choosing life is laughing with children instead of doubting with skeptics. Choosing life is celebrating your own gifts instead of being envious of someone else's.

Choosing life means standing for what's right and true, even if someone thinks you're a geek for doing it. Choosing life is loving Me. The Lord is always seeking to communicate with His people in clear and compelling ways, with no attempt to confuse or decieve. When Moses spoke to the Israelites just before they entered the promised Land, he said "For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life that both you and your decendants may live" (Deut.30:11-19).

   The Lord wants us to understand His plan and purpose clearly. So that we may love. Obey. And cling to Him for He is our "Life and length of our days in thy sanctuary!

       

      

     

"I'll Be Back"

      "Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the

      sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, 

      will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'"

                                                 ACT 1:11

      It's one of the rules of the church nursery," my friend with three little girls told me. "When you drop off your child, always tell them you'll come back. And then by all means, come back! It's the only way they'll accept being in the nursery."

       What would it be like for us if the angel on the Mount of Olives had said. "Jesus has gone" and nothing more? What if Jesus had had "I'm going to prepare a place for you, but you'll have to get there on your own"? I know what I would do. I would give up hope. I'd be like a child in the nursery standing alone in the middle of toys and books, staring at the door that once framed my mother. And I'd cry. Not whimpers but bawling screams of pain and panic. There are few things more frightening to a child than being left alone without hope that Mom or Dad will return. For the child has ended.

       But Jesus is coming back, he told me so. I need not spend my days in tears or pain. I can enjoy the fellowship of others who are also expecting His return. And I can tell others about Jesus, friends who wonder why they came into this world in the first place.

       He's gone, but He's coming back. I know Daddy told me so. And that makes all the difference.

       Lord, You're promised us. You promised that You'd come back for

       us. It's been so long, Lord. When will it be? Please remind me often

       Of Your promise because I need to enjoy fellowship with  others of 

       Like mind, and I need to reach others who don't know about the

       Promise of Your return.

     

"NO COMPARISION"

"I consider that our sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 

Romans 8:18(KJV) 

  Cancer! Heart-attack! Bankruptcy! Unrelated items have in common? They all identify suffering of one kind or another. We see these suffering all around us. Friends, relatives and even we ourselves may have experience them in our lives.

  The Apostle Paul was well acquainted with sufferings. He tells us, "Five times i received from the Jews forty lashes minus one, three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was ship wrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea." Yet in spite of all these problems, Paul was not discourage or fed up with life. He looked beyond his present situation. to the glories which would be his in heaven. For Pau there was no comparision between his present suffering and his future glory. All the pain,grief and heartaches of ths life were quickly replaced as Paul though of sharing in Christ's glory in heaven.

  Is our life much different from Paul's? We may suffer under different circumstances than Oaul did. Nevertheless, suffering and grief in varying degree have affected all of us. We cannot escape it in this life. The cause of all suffering, sin, is as much a part of our world tiday as it was of Paul's world. Ever since the fall of man into sin, sufferinghas been an ever present part of man's life. At times though it receives too much attention. We rob oursekves of the joy which is ours by faith in Christ.

  While sin has brought suffering into this world, Christ has made us heirs of a glorious inheritance in heaven. Through faith we have become the children of God. Just preceding our verse St. Paul reminds us that "we are heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his suffering in order that we may also share in his glory." To share in Christ's glory is beyond description. Everything that we consider beautiful and glorious today is still infected with sin. How much more beautiful and glorious eternity is, we shall simply have to wait and see.

  Apostle John described some of the beauty of that eternal glory when he wrote, "Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." There's no comparision! As we endure the suffering of this life? Let us look forward to future glory in Christ

" A FEARLESS FUTURE"

        "In keeping with God's promise we are looking forward to

           a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteous."

                                           2 Peter 3: 13

         What will happen to us on judgment day? The apostle Peter answered that very simply.  "In keeping with God's promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." On judgment day we will inherit a home of righteousness. That's  good new when considered in contrast to what we have deserved

        When you woke up this morning, what was the first thing on your mind, Today is thursday; it's laundry day," or "I only have an hour to get to work, or, "I wonder if it rained last night"? If you are  like me, the morning's first involve clearing the cobwebs from the brain and routinely mulling over the day's upcoming activities. Tomorrow morning let's try something different. Let's turn our attention to spiritual matters, "Where do I stand in relation to my God?"

        If we take a look at ourselves in the mirror of God's perfect standards, thought of standing before God isn't all that pleasant. He is holy; we are not. By the sin we are born with by the wrong we do, and by the right we don't do, we deserve the worst. Our worries, doubts, greed, envy and anger have separated us from God's love. By all rights we have earned hell.

        Thankfully , God is  is as merciful and forgiving as he is holy and just. Heloaded on to his Son all our wrongs and transferred to us Jesus' perfection. Because we won't get what we desrved; we will get what he earned. Now that is a truth worth holding on to as we begin each day. That is a truth worth holding on to every day to the end.

        So what will happen to people on judgment day? When Christ Jesus appears in all his glory on that dat, all the dead will be raised and brought befire him with all the living. Those have who rejected God's mercy will be condemned, body and soul, to the eternal pain of hellfire abd eternal separation from God's love. In the same moment, believers in Jesus will have their bodies glorified, and body abd soul they will be with the Lord forever. As you sit on the edge of your bed tomorrow morning, ask yourself, "Where do i stand in relation to God? What will happen to me on judgment day?" The think of the Savior, Jesus. He has preoared fir us a home of righteousness. Therefore encourage each other with these words 

"GET CAUGHT DOING IT RIGHT"

      "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

              as working for the Lord, not for men . . . 

                    It is the Lord Christ you are serving

                                               Colossians 3: 23-24

      When no one looking. It's tempting to cheat. Maybe you wouldn't even call it cheating. Maybe you'd just call it slacking, or easing off.

       But to make a habit of slacking is to lose the joy in your work. Doing a job right makes you feel good, because I made you to enjoy hard work to enjoy doing your best.

        So don't work hard because you think I'm standing over you cracking the whip. I'm not. Don't even work hard go please other people. Do your best whether people are watching you or not. Then when your boss or teacher does pop in unexpectedly, they'll wonder why you're working so hard. But we'll know why. I'll be our secret. 

        Is ambition wrong? Is it wrong to be driven. To push to be the best? It can be. The difference between right and wrong ambition is in our goal and motivation whether it's for God's Glory or our own.

       In 1 Thesalonians 4:1. Paul tells us that christian are to live to please God." For some, the drive go please Him is an instant transformation st the time of salvation; for others, the transformstion is full of shuttered steps and mis-starts. Whether the change happens instantly or gradually. The christian is to pursue God's goals. Not selfish ones.

       So, in the workplace we ask:  "how will that job change help me serve others and glorify God?"

Ambition oriented toward God  is focused outward on Him and others, always asking how He has gifted us and wants to use us.

        Paul suggests we work with "sincerity of heart, fearing God (Col. 3:22). Whatever we're doing in the board room. On the docks, whatever we're working we're to serve as if doing it for God (vv.23-24).

        We glorify Him most and enjoy Him most when we work with fevor and excellence for His pleasure, not ours. For His service and the service of others, not self-service and personal gain because He deserves our all

"GET SET FREE"

      "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

                                           John 8:32

       Truth is the most freeing thing in the world. When you know the the truth and live your life by it, you don't have to make up any excuses or alibis.

       When you live in a truthful way, you aren't saying something to one person and something else to another person and then trying to remember what you said to whom. You can speak your mind and show your feelings without fear. You can simply be yourself and know it's enough.

       I want you know the truth deep inside yourself, so that you don't have to waste your energy untangling a lot of lies, fibs, and half-truths. I want you to experience the freedom that comes with being totally honest. Most of all, I want you to know Jesus He is the truth. Say if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:36).

       In her book throw out filthy things. Gail Blanke outlines four  "rules of Disengagement" to help people clear the clutter from their lives. The first rule states: if it. . .weights you down, clogs you up, or just plain makes you feel bad about yourself. Throw it out, give it away, sell it, let it go, move on."

       I think this rule of Disengagement has a spiritual application too: we don't have to stay connected to past sin. Joseph's brothers struggled with this. Year after they sold Joseph into slavery they recalled their cruelty and feared revenge (Gen.50:15). So they  send a message to Joseph. Begging for forgiveness ( vv.16-17). They did this despite pre ious merciful actions and reassurances from their brothe ((45:15).

       Many of us remain connected to age-old offenses despite mercy and forgiveness from those we may have hurt. However, true freedom comes when we confess our wrongdoing to God. He forgives it ( wjohn 1:9) and separates us from it. ( Psalm 103:12). As one verse puts it. He throws our sin into the depths of the sea! (Micah 7:19). Because of this , we can remind ourselves that the Son has made us free and we are free indeed.

"Demonic Challenge"

        "But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the 

         spirit, "I command you in the name of  Jesus Christ 

         to come out of her." And he came out that very hour

                                     ACTs 16:18b

         Paul's work in Macedonia is off to a successful start with the conversion of Lydia and her household. But trouble comes unexpectedly. One day as the missionaries are going to the place of prayer, they encounter a slave girl "possessed with a spirit of divination." Dr. Simon Kistemaker explains that the Greek word here rendered "divination" derives from a word refering to Python, the mythical snake that guarded the Delphic Oracle. "In later years, the term denoted a spirit of divination that dwelled in a medium," he writes. "As the priestess of Apollo at Delphi was anle to predict the future, so this slave girl served her masters in Philippi as a fortuneteller. She was an instrument of demons who used her as a mouthpiece." Her demonic bondage ebable her to make much money for her madters. However, when she encounters the missionaries, she immediately cries out a truthful, yet enigmatic statement: "" these men are the servant of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation."

         This raises several questions. Is she truly able to predict future  events? We cannot be sure; the answer depends on whether God makes His plans known to Satan to any extend. Also, why wpuld satan allow this gorl to make a truthful confession about Paul and his caompanions? The incident is similar to Jesus' encounters with demon possessed people who cried out involuntarily in His presence (Matt. 8:28-29; Mark 1:23-24); thus her cries may not be intentional. However, Satan may be using truthful testimony delivered in a distruptive way to frustrate Paul's ministry efforts. It is also possible the Gentiles hearing the girl are being led to believe that "Most High God" is reference to Zues. Finally, why does. Paul tolerate her cries for "Many days"? We must remember that he lacks Jesus' divine ability to detect evil spirit. Therefore, it seems likely yhat he refrains from acting until the spirit reveals to him thag is facing a case of demonic possession.

         Paul finally uses his divinely given authority as an apostle, ordering the demon '" in the name of Jesus Christ," come out. It does so right away. The girl is delivered, but Paul's troubles are just beginning, for the girl is now useless to her master as a profit source. In anger, these powerful Philippians have Paul and Silas seized and dragged before the city authorities meeting in the marketplace.

         We must never forget that standing for Christ in a lost world will always bring spiritual opposition. Yet we must guard against speculatives and imaginative concepts of the spiritual struggles, concepts that go beyond the word of God. Simply remember that Satan is a defeated foe and look to God  for protection and help to resist Him.

        

        

"Desperation and Dirty Laundry"

      "Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though 

        Your sins are like Scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;

        Though they are red as crimson, they shall be loke wool."

                                             ISAIAH 1:18

"Everyone has a little dirty Laundry," is a Tagline of a TV drama that seems to have captured the interest of millions of women. I couldn't help thinking of that line as one woman, in pouring her heart out to a Vhridtian friend, excused her own infidelity by psaying, "but I a' so lonely!" Does our desperation justify our doing what God says is wrong?

        Desperation at times causes a spiritual amnesia that makes us forget that every decision we 'ake will have consequences. It is deerqtion that hinders people from focusing on the ultimate outcomeof an affair. It focuses on you how you have been mistreated, how lonely you are, and how you deserve better what you are getting.

        Should you find yourself among the ranks of the desperate, remember the following:

        First, God knows hour loneliness and pain and is not indifferent to it. Jesus Chridt was no stranger to loneliness. He's been there. He understands.

         Second, God can give you strength for for your weakness. Facing a problem or a difficulty does not give you a license to disregard what is right. Two wrongs never make right.

         Third, God specializes in washing away those spots on your dirty laundry. "neither do I condemn you  " Jesus told a woman who had been caught in the arms of a man to whom she was not married, adding. "Go and sin no more."

         It's true everyone has a little dirty laundry, yet it is also true that therd is no stain so dark that God cannot remove it. God is the answer to man's desperartion 

"THE HEAVENLY VISION"

        "Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand,

        Witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than

              those which the prophets and Moses said would come"

                                                ACTs 26:22

        Paul previously has declared that his work of preaching and teaching among the Gentiles is simply a matter of obedience to Jesus Christ, who is God incarnate. He told the Sanhedrin in Acts 23:1 that he had lived in '"all good conscience.'"And he told Governor Felix that he had striven '"to have a conscience without offense toward God and men'" (Acts 24:16). Now, as he speaks to King Agrippa II, he makes another ringing declaration that he is simply a servant doing his duty. Having told the king what Jesus commanded him to do, he says, '"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision."" Indeed, his testimony is that, just as we have seen, he went right to work, calling Jews in Damascus, Jerusalem, and Judea, and then Gentile as well, to repent and to God through Christ.

         Ironically, he tells the king, it was for his obedidnce to the Lord's commands that he was seized by the Jews and almost killed. He had been instructed by Israel's God to preach repentance, but the people of Israel did not want to head. Even more remarkable, Paul say's he was preaching nothing more than what Moses and the other old testament prophets proclaimed that the Messiah would suffer and die then rise from the dead and that His message would go forth to Jews and Gentiles alike. But just as Old Testament prophets were rejected and despised when they called the Jews to turn from wickedness to God, so Paul has been hated by his people.

        Yet Paul is able to give a magnificent testimony of God's faithfulness and assistant through all his difficulties. We have seen for intances when Paul appears to have been fearful and anxious, and the Lord came to strengthen and encourage him (Acts 18: 9-10:23:11). Now Paul declared that God has been with him through all His work, enabling him to stand firm and make his witness before the small and great. Paul's implication is clear- without the Lord standing with him he have been crushed long before. He makes this assertion throughout his epistle and he makes it here in the court of the Roman governor, fearlessly and confident as ribing to the one true God his call and the strength to carry to  carry, it out. This is Paul's good confession (1Timonty 6:12-13 his ringing testimony to the faithfulness of the one who called and has carried him.

        "Repent!" Always has been the cry of God's messengers, from the prophets through John the Baptist, New us, the apostles, and contemporary men of God. Repentance is turning from sin to God, as David does in Psalm 51. As such, it is never complete. Examine your life for sins from which you need to turn. Make repentance to your Lord.

"Slaves to Sin"

            "Jesus answered them,"most assurely, I say to you,

                        Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin"

                                             John 8:34

        Paul's defense of the Gospel before King Herod Agrippa II evoked a reaction in the king. According to The New King James Version translation of the Bible, the king told Paul, '"You almost persuade me to become a Christian.'" Other translation suggest the king was merely waving off Paul's call for a commitment. But no matter whether the king was under conviction or not, exchange raises an interesting question: could Agrippa have made the decision to place his faith in Christ then and there, on his own? In other words, did he have the ability to choose to believe? Put yet another way, was his will free to trust Christ? This question of the freedom of the human will has been matter of much discussion in the life of the church, for it is of crucial importance it has to do with how we are saved. Therefore, we will spend the next several days studying the development of the church's understanding of the freedom of the will by using Dr. RC Sproul's audio/video series Willing to Believe. 

       In John 8, Jesus promised that His disciple would know the truth and the truth would make them free. That did not sit well with the Jewish leaders. Who forgetting their nation's long enslavement in Egypt and their subjugation to Rome, declared they had never been. In bondage to anyone or anything. Jesus went on to explain that He was speaking of bondage to sin, which is the condition of everyone who sins. Even then, the Jews would not accept his words. Far worse than forgetting their history, they were forgetting the testimony of God's divine record. Which unfold for them the fall of man and all its ugly effects. Rather than God's Word, they had embraced a pagan understanding of humanity, an early form of humanism that had an exalted view of the inmate goodness of human nature.

       The Jew's view of human nature is absolutely dominant in our time. Most everyone will admit that nobody is perfect, but it is assumed that we merely stumble into the evil we commit, evil outside our own hearts. At his core, the world agrees, man is basically good. Tragically, the evangelical church has been seduced by this man-exalting vies as well. It is assumed that man is free to choose sin or obedience to God. But as we will see, the Word of God paints a radically different picture.

       What is your view of human nature? Is man basically good or basically evil? That is, is man inclined to obedience or rebellion? To prepare for our study, read Genesis 1-11. This is the story of the fall of man and the downward spiral of the human race into depravity ever more foul. Pray for understanding of this aspect of theology and life.

"Freely Given"

"We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us"

1Corinthians 2:12

   By means of human reasoning we cannot bring ourselves into Christian faith, just as we cannot use worldly wisdom to argue anyone else into believing. Dr. Martin Luther understood this well when he wrote in his Small Catechism, "I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him."

   By nature we have neither the strength nor wisdom to believe. For we are spiritually dead. And a spiritually dead person can no more enable himself to believe in Jesus, than a physically dead person can make himself alive again. He needs someone outside himself to do that for him. God has done it for us. This is why the Apostle Paul declared that he spoke not by the spirit of the world but rather by God's Spirit. Through the Holy Ghost Paul knew God's wonderful wisdom. This is also the only way anyone will ever know that wisdom.

   The Holy Spirit comes to us as infants through God's Word and Holy Baptism, "the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Older ones hear God's Word, and by his grace the Holy Spirit works faith in Christ in their hearts. Paul tells us that "no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." He also says that faith in Christ is gift of God: "For it is by grace you have been saved. Through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast."

   The Holy Spirit revealed many blessings to us when he brought us to faith in Jesus Christ. We now trust in Jesus as our Savior. We know our sins are fully and completely forgiven for Jesus' sake. We at peace with God. We can pray to our dear heavenly Father "as dear children ask their dear father." We know that when we die our soul will be with the Lord in heaven. We know that our body will be resurrected a glorous body and reunited with our souls on the Last Day, we know we will spend eternity in our Father's magnificient mansions above in heaven. This is God's glorious promise to us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

   These are some of the countless blessing that come with a Spirit worked faith. Surely God has been gravious to us! May our hearts be filled with thankfulness now and forever.

"I KNOW YOU SO WELL"

"I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence"                    Psalm 139:7 (KJV) 

  Sometimes you feel that no one understand you that nobody sees when you're happy and nobody cares when you're sad. Your parents may seem too busy. Your teachers have their own problems. Even your friends don't seem to be tuned into what you're feeling. But I know. I know you so well! I always have. I understand everything about you, your joy and sorrow. All those thoughts you want to express, but can't hear them, because I can listen to your heart. I see, I hear, I care, I understand. Come talk to Me today. Running away from problem is something many of us do. The Bible tells of people who did just that: Elijah, who didn't to face a wicked woman's wrath; Jonah, who didn't like God's assignment; David, who fled from Saul; and the prodigal, who decide to take the money and run. But the plight of all these who have run away from their difficulties was never easy. So what can we learn from these runaways?

  You can't run enough to escape from God. He'll be wherever you go. David wrote, "I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me" (Psalm 139:7-10). You can find God even in the midst of your deepest distress. Jonah said, "In my distress, I called to the Lord, and he answered me" (Jonah 2:2).

  You can find new direction for your life. Afraid of Jezebel, Elijah ran for his life. After being on the run for 40 days, he met God. Instead of rebuking him for running, God gave him a new assignment  And finally, the story of the prodigal son teaches us that the path back to the Father's house may be dificult, but it brings peace, healing and restoration. Come home, friend. God will embrace you and forgive you when you seek Him and His forgiveness. When He opens the door, you will find what you've been searching for.

"SLOW DOWN AND LISTEN"

"Be still, and know that I am God"

Psalm 46:10

You are always on the moves doing homework, talking on the phone, spending time with your friends caught up in the hurry and noise of your life.

Do you know that I want to be your friend, too? I have things to say to you secret to share. That's why I want you to slow down and listen. Turn off the cd player and the TV for a while. Stop rushing around. When you are still, you will feel My love. I am real, even know what you're thing about it.

ASK YOURSELF, "Are my activities programmed from the time I wake up in the morning until I go to bed at night?" If the answer is yes, ask a second question:

"Do I find that I have more to do this year than I had to do last year?" After a while you tend to mechanically live your life strictly in terms of your output whether it is amount of time you logged in at work, number of trips you took with your family, or how many meeting or church services can crowed can crowd into your schedule.

Busyness is an addiction claiming more victims today, robbing us of creativity, leisure and peace of mind. We are more tense, our stress level is hiigher, and we become easily irritated by those whom we love. If we are honest, we will admit that we are not the loving caring person we were.

So what's our greatest need today? Is it better organizational skill? Learning to be more efficient? Or do we need to whittle down the to-do list, realizing that we can't do everything, and far more important God never intended for us to do so much?

God said, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). The phrase "be still" means to cease from your striving, your activity, and yes, your busyness. You need to back away from the busyness of life to nurture your relationship with God. That is precisely why quiet time is necessary. We need time to think through things, to pray about them and to seek the mind of God.

You are busy as you choose to be and as addicted to the thrill of "more" as you allow youself. Take control of your life before it controls you. Life is too short for it to not be enjoyed be still, spend time with the people God has put in your life. And spend time with Him.

"Humble Servant"

       "But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose

                                Sandals I am not fit to carry"

                                         MATTHEW 3:11

In the days of John the Baptist, rich households employed various levels of servants for different responsiblities around the home. Yes there was even a servant who had the lackluster job of untying a guest's sandals and carrying them aside.

        John the Baptist couldn't think of a better way to humble himself before the Lord than to say that he would carry his Savior's sandals. To him, it was a vocation of humility.

         But Jesus demonstrated a more amazing model of humility when He went further and washed their dirty feet a responsibility of the lowest servant on the household totem pole.

         John the Baptist extolled the power and greatness of the Lord Jesus. But Jesus was the One who glorified Power by divesting Himself of it in order to wipe clean the filthy feet of common men. And in so doing, Jesus showed us what power there is in sacrificial love humble service.

        A job description for a lowly servant can be found in Philippians 

        2:3-4, which says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain 

        Conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

        Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also

        To the interest of others."

        How appropriate that a couple of verses later we are told that

        Jesus took on this job description, made Himself nothing, and

        Became a servant. Your attitude today should be the same as 

        that of Christ Jesus.

        Lord, I want to be Your servant. May I serve others today as You

        would, always considering my brothers and sisters as better than

        Myself. Give me Your servant heart, please.

"CERTAIN TO RISE"

            "If we have been united with him like this in his death, we 

               will Certainly also be united with him in his resurrection"

                                                 Romans 6 : 5

What is certain in this life of ours? "Death and taxes," the cynic replies. "Everything else changes." Families grow up. Cities rout suburbs. Bulldozers level houses for parking lots Idled factories become upscale condominiums. A lot of people don't even know where their next meal is coming from. What is certain?

        For the Christian it is not only death that is certain. We can be certain to rise on the last day to everlasting life. That is because we have been united with Christ. By faith God has completedly joined the life of his Son and our lives together.

        When gardener grafts a branch to the tree, he expects that graft to take hold abd recieve its nourishment through the tree. If the tree suffers damages in either its trunk or root dystem, the graft will also suffer.the graft shares the life of the tree.

        Or consider a hot-air-balloon.thebasket in which the bslloonist. Rides does not soar through the sky without the balloon. Plunges to the ground, certainly the basket will also follow. One destiny awaits both.

        Jesus Christ is the tree to which we have been grafted by God's grace through faith. Whatever Jesus experiences, we will experience. The same destiny is ours.

        Jesus really died on the cross to take our sins away. It is historical facts. We believe that Jesus rose from the dead. Because he cause he rose, we will rise. Jesus promised, His promisess are sure.

         Our certainty can br just that and not wishful thinking. We base our hope not upon the changing nature of this world or upon the fickles poeple who fill this world. We base our hopes upon our eternal and unchanging Lord Jesus Christ. We have been united with him in his death by faith. We will certainlly also be united with him in life everlasting.

         

"TRUST"

"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. 

The disciples woke him a d said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown? He still!" Then the wind died down And it was completely calm." 

MARK 4 : 37-39

Had we been in the boat, our faith would have had an advantage over the disciple. Unlike the', we have the Bible two thousand year of church history the testimony of Resurrection the indwelling of the Holy spirit. The disciple had none of that. So what would have been our response when the squall  hit the boat? I like to believe I would have held on to the on to the riggng and learn over to whisper in Jesus' ear, "Don't wake up from Your sleep, Lord. Rest easy and our Father's grace will see me through this storm. I trust You're in control no matter what You're doing." Oh, for the chance to show Jesus that , yes, I trust Him! Well, I have that chance every day. And so do you.

"I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea come drifting home with broken masts and sails; I shall believe the hand

  Which never fails, from seeming evil worketh good to me and, though I weep because those sails are battered, still Will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered, 'I trust in thee.'

  May my trust in zyou complete, O Lord May my confidence never waiver and my hope never faltered. When stormy Trials beset me, my rely on You finally and fully. 

      

" Is the End Near?

                  "Even so, when you see these things happening,

                       You know that the kingdom of God is near"

                                                  Luke 21:31

A DISTRAUGHT YOUNG MAN parades back and forth in front of a military installation, carrying a sign that reads, "the end is near!" Two generals coming in the main entrance see the sign, and one of them says, "that's classified information. I wonder how he found out!"

         "Is the end of the days near?" Asked a secular newspaper, recognizing that people are interested in television programs about the end times The writer of TV drama "Revelations" said, "people seem to be very  nervous as to where they are heading, for the sake of their children and their children's children. I think it's time to explore the relationship of the "hereafter" and the now' and whether there is apart that mankind can play at this time to forestall the nuclear bubble breaking and the world coming to an end."

          Writing to the Thessalonia, the apostle Paul said, "For you are all children of the light and if the day; we don't belong to darkness and light" (1 thessalonians 5:5NLT). Jesus  rebuked the religiious leader of His day, saying. "You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky but you cannot interpret the signs of the times" (Matthew16:3).

          People today are interested in knowing what is coming in the future. The 20th century saw an acceleration of everything in ways unprecedented from the beginning of times. The fulfilled prophecy are far too many and too exacting all this has deep implicationfor us.

          Living with the reality that time is running out should prompt you. To prioritize. You need is near so redeem the time one day at a times.

          

         

"GRACE AND PEACE IN CHRIST"

       "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"

                                                1 Corinthians 1: 3

       Each star in the night sky has a wonderful secret. What we see as only a twinkle of light is actually the blaze of a brilliant, distance sun. Consider what that tiny sparkle really is, and you will  appreciate a star's true majesty and  power.

       Our Bible verse is just a brief thought. But it's a star. Although this verse is small, it has a wonderful message. Consider what these words are saving, and you will appreciate the true majesty and power of our Savior's love for us.

        The Gentiles once greeted one another with a greek word that resembled "grace." The Jews said and still say, "Shalom," meaning "Peace." The Holy Spirit guided Paul to join these two thoughts as a special greeting in his New Testament letters. For Christians of all time, these words are like a diamond ring on a bride's finger. They remind us of love and faithfulness, the Father's love-in-action for us in Christ.

         Grace points to the way God feels about us and treats us. Grace is kindness, generosity and live shown even to those who do not deserve them. Because we are all sinners, we deserved punishment But God gives us love. We often forget to thank him. We often live as though he isn't even there and as though he will never return. But the Lord cares for us. He has forgiven our sins through Jesus. He watches over us and blesses us. God shows us grace.

         Grace brings us peace with God. This peace does not come from us. It is 't just how we feel or something we must make for God. Jesus created this peace for us. He did this by keeping his Father's perfectly for us and by suffering on the cross the punishment for our sins. The Holy Dpirit re'inds us of what wjesus has done. Through God's Word, the peace we have moves us to trust the Lord more and more. It moves us to live thankgul lives in harmony with God's Word.

         Trouble, worry and our own sinful weakness often bring a shadow over this peace. But they can never overcome it. How can we be sure? God our Father and his Son our Lord have created grace and peace for us. The cross guarantees this gift forever. We are thus ready and waiting for Christ's return.

         What a wonderful message is in this one little verse! Whenever you hear these words, remember God's great gift of love to you!

" WALK THE TALK"

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, 

If you have love for one another"

John 13:35 (KJV) 

  When it comes to showing love in our christian walk, there is no room for discrepancy! Like a carpet-cleaning product that claims to work miracles but only makes the problem worse, no one likes Christians who do not "walk the talk." We must be consistent and steady in our ability to love others in all kinds of circumstance.

  The wondering world is watching to see how God makes a difference in the lives of His own. What we profess must be lived out in the way we treat others. Jesus, Himself, taught us that the one way we could show the watching world that we belong to him is by demonstrating our live for one another. Christians are to be known by the mark of love.

  Is there a person in your life whom you find difficult to love? Is there a situation you often  get into that makes is difficult for you to love. Commit your concern to the Lord i. Prayer, When you allow the powerful love of Jesus Christ to work through you, you can show  a watching world that you. Belong to Jesus. 

"ADULTERY"

       "Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having

        loved this present world, and has departed for thessalonica, Crescens for

        Galatia. Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke with me at my First defense no one

        stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them"

                                              2 Timothy 4: 9 - 16

       Who was this Demas who forsook Paul? He was a co-worker who labored alongside the apostle and was with Paul during his first Roman imprisonment. Paul sent greeting from Demas to the Colossians ( Col. 4:14 ) and to Philemon ( Philem. 24 ).

       I wonder how many Christians in the early Church longed to be next to Paul in his ministry, to be invited into the priviliged inner circle of his close friends. Demas had that privilege. Obviously, he was not merely an acquantance of Paul. Someone the apostle knew from a distance. Rather, he was a close and trusted friend. Therefore, his  betrayed recapitulated the treachery inflicted on Christ Himself by the betrayed of Judas Iscariot and the denial of Peter.

      Judas and Peter, however, were not the only ones who ran for cover during Jesus' darkest hour. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus declared to His inner circle of friends, Peter, James, and John, that He was deeply distressed and that His soul was exceedingly sorrowful even to death. He implored His friends to stay with Him and watch ( Mark: 14:32-34). At this moment. No soldier were present none of the enemies of Jesus were there. The disciple were alone with Christ. He didn't ask them to fight; He asked them to watch while He  prayed. Three times Jesus came to them. Three times He found the' sleeping. They were not able to watch with Him for a single hour. Jesus warned them, saying, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak'" (Mark14:38).

       It is one thing to be attacked or insulted by one's enemies it is quite another to be betrayed by a close friend or family member. To be betrayed by someone we love and trust is one of the most painful experience a human being can endure. You know that what I have just written is true. At this very moment, in all probability, a person's name is in your thoughts and an image of face has just flashed through your mind. I say this with some confidence, as I have ever  met a person who has not experienced betrayed at the hands of someone close. This is the pain that makes us guard our hearts against trusting too many people or inviting  people into close relationships.

       It is true that we all have been burned by betrayal, it is because there are a few notorious souls out there who go around breaking as many hearts as they can? No. If there are many who have been betrayed. It is because there are many who betrayed. Not only have we all been abandoned by someone about whom we cared, we probably have played the role of the abandoner and the betrayer.

       Mark tells what happened after Jesus warned His disciple and after the soldiers arrived to arrest Him: "then they all forsook Him and fled" ( Mark 14:50 ). Paul, at least, was not totally abandoned. After he told Timothy of being abandoned by Demas and others, he mentioned two who stayed with him, two who remained faithful First Paul said, "Only Luke is with me" (2Tim.4-11). Then he added."but the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentile might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion" (4:17). Here we see the supreme difference between the Lord and His people. All of His disciple deserted zhim in zhis hour of need. Yet He never deserts any of His people in their hours of need.

       The reason we betray others abd the Lord Himself is that '"the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. '"The contrast here is not betweet the soul and the body. It is between our fallen, sinful natures ( the flesh ) and the inner man that has been renewed by God. Even as  redeemed and regenerate people, we still face the battle Paul described in terms of warfare between the flesh and the spirit. The Lord, however does not have such an inner conflict. His Love and commitment to His people is pure.

       For God to love us at all surely is an act of mercy. But the love He gives to us is described in both the Old Testament and the New as analogous to the love that is  consummated in sacred institutions of marriage. In the Old Testamenr, Israel is the bride of Yahweh. In the New Testament, the church is the bribe of Christ. When Isreal wrnt into idolatry it was described by the prophets an act of spiritual adultery.

       Adultery on the phydical level and in terms of human relationship is rooted in our prosperity toward spiritual adultery. When we are unfaithful to each other, wec also are being unfaithful to God and revealing our deep depravity.

       One of the most important Hebrew words found frequentlly in the Old Testament is hesed. This word is translated in different ways in the English text of the Bible. Sometimes it is translated as "mercy." More often it is translated as steadfast love." I also have seen it translated as "loyal love."

       The mercy of hesed is linked to a love that is defined as "steadfast. " steadfast love is never fickle. Neither is it driven by political opportunism. It doesn't use or exploit people. It is not whimsical or capricious. Rather, it is firmly fixed in place and not subject to change. It is steady. Most important, hesed is a love that is loyal. It is a love that is semper fidelis, ' always faithful." It is a love that is constant. It does not betray or abandon.

       Hesed is the love of God that we are called to mirror and reflect in our marriages, families, and friendships. Without it the flesh will triumph over the spirit, and treachery will vanquish loyalty.