It's All About The Love

We have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is Love.

I saw a sign in front of a church that seems to me to be a great motto for relationship receive love. Give love Repeat.
    The greatest love that we receive us the love of God. He loved us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to live, die, and rise again to redeem us (1 John 4:9). We receive His love "As many as received Him. To them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12).
     After we've experienced God's love, we then can learn to give love. " Let us love one another, for love is of God" (1John 4:7).
     God's love enables us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. We teach, encourage, and rebuke. We weep and rejoice. The love we give us tender and tough supportive. We are taught by Jesus even to love enemies: "Do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you'' (Matt.5:44). Giving love to others can be challenging in some situations. But is possible because of the love God has first given us.
     A good plan for our lives today: Receive love give love... And Happy blessed new year
How do we experience the love of Christ? (John 15:10). What is the evidence of God's love in our lives? (John 4:16-21). How can we show God's live today?

I AM IN THE "ORDINARY DAYS"

Jesus took Peter, JAMES and John. . . and led them up high mountain. . .  There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white. . . then a cloud appeared. . . and a voice came from the cloud;  This is my son, whom I love Listen to Him!"

Once in a while you have a truly awesome day. Maybe you win a medal, or get elected class president, or make a great new friend. Those are "mountaintop days and they're great!
But to expect every day to be a mountaintop is unrealistic. You were not made only for mountaintops. Jesus taught peter, James and John this truth. One amazing mountaintop day they saw Jesus dressed in dazzling white, and they heard My voice boom out of heaven. Peter wanted to stay on that mountaintop, but Jesus led them down into the valley of ordinary days.
Enjoy the mountaintops, but welcome the ordinary days, too. Although they include some struggles and pain. I will use them to build muscle into your character.

SPACE MUSIC

FWho laid [earth] cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the dins of God shouted for joy?
Job 38:6-7

One of NASA observatories has discovered a giant black hole that hums, located in the Perseus cluster of galaxies about 250 million light years from the earth. The black hole vibrates at the frequency of a B flat. But it is too low a pitch to be picked up by human ear. Scientific instruments have placed the note at 57 octaves below middle C on a piano.
     The idea of music and heavenly bodies is not new in fact, when God revealed Himself to Job. He asked "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?. . .  when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (JOB.38:4,7). We are told that at the creation of our marvelous universe. Songs of praise and shout of joy resounded to God's glory.
    A wonderful hymn by St. Francis of ASSiSi capture the awe and worship we feel when beholding the radiant sun by day or by star studded sky st night.
     All creature of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia, Alleluia!
      Thou burning sun with golden beam,
       Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
        O praise Him, O praise Him!
      Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
The heaven declare the glory of God: and the firmament
Shows His handiwork" (PS.19:1).
Let's praise the One who made such beauty for us to enjoy!

OUR FEARLESS CHAMPION

Why are you fearful?---MATTHEW 8:26
Read Matthew 8:2324

Falling asleep was a challenging event during my childhood. No sooner had  my parents turned out the light than the crumpled cloth  I had thrown on the chair would take on the form of a fiery dragon and the thoughts of something living under my bed put me into a panic that made  sleep  impossible.
    I've come to realize that the immobilizing power of fear is not just a childhood experience fear keeps us from forgiving, talking a stand at the office, giving our resources to God's kingdom. Or saying no when all our friends are saying yes. Left to ourselves, we are up against a lot of fiery dragons in our lives.
    In the story of the disciple in the storm. tossed boat, I'm struck by the fact that the only one who was not afraid was Jesus. He was not afraid of the storm, nor was He afraid of a crazy man in a graveyard or the legion of demons that possessed him (Matt.8:23-34).
    In the face of fear we need to hear Jesus ask. "Why are you fearful? (V.26). And be reminded that He will never leaves us nor forsake us (Heb.13:5-6). There is nothing that He can't overcome and therefore nothing for Him to fear. So, next time you're haunted by fears, remember that you can rely on Jesus, our fearless champion!

Blessed in Believing

"Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those thing which were told her from the Lord
LUKE  1:45

In the kingdom of God believing is a prerequisite to receiving. God spoke to Mary and gave the assurances He always gives when He assigns the impossible to His people. Everything was in place for God to act. Everything waited on Mary to believe Him. Once she believed, it was done! It take an undivided heart to believe under such circumstances and a pure heart to see God (Matt. 5:8; Heb.12:14).
     This is always been God's ways with His people. Mary could not see all that had been arranged and assembled in the courts of heaven. She could not see the lugions of angels prepared to protect her baby. She was unaware of the future and all that she and her child would face. All she knew was that God had spoken to Ber, and that was enough. So she responded: "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).
     When God speak about His plan, Heroes so with everything already in place to fulfill His word. God never speaks hypothetically. He knows exactly what will come to pass. He so p!y asks you to believe Him. You will experience great blessing when you place your absolute trust in Him. Mary could not have dreamed all that would result from her faithful obedience. !likewise, you cannot possibly imagine all that God Has in store for you when you trust Him. He knows exactly what she will do to bring salvation to someone you have prayed for or to heal your friend or to provide for your needs. God has everythng in place. Will you believe Him?

TEST YOURSELF

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.
2 Timothy 3:14

It's often said that the best way to. Ensure the long life of an automobile is to regularly maintain it and change its oil. Car owner who want smooth running vehicle for many years deve!op the habit of routinely checking its basic system.
   Do you regularly check and maintain your spiritual health? If not then use today's scripture passage as a test to discern your spiritual condition.
   First ask yourself, do you exhibit any of the qualities listed in verse 2-5: lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedience to parent, unthankful, unholy,  unloving,  unforgiving?
    Or perhaps you are more like verses 10-12 careful doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, etc?
    How about you? Are you routinely checking hour heart? When you find quality that died not belong in your life, eliminate it through confession and prayer. Today is the day to take a diagnostic look at your spiritual condition!
Lord God, may we walk worthy of you, pleasing You in all we do and day Amen.

A Profile of Character

For the Lord is righteous, and he loved justice. Those who to what is right will see his face.
PSALM 11:7

JESUS WAS NO WEAK-KNEE sissy with lace on his handkerchief. Remember that he grew up working in s carpenter's shop. His hands were strong, his biceps, well-developed. He was an outdoors type of person. No "mamma's boy" would pick up a cudgel (provably a whip used to drive livestock) and run the money changers out of the temple. Jesus was manly, yet He was totally at ease with women who were consider inferiors in the day. As a man of quality, Jesus was never intimidated or threatened by women of quality.
     He spoke the plain unvarnished truth. Never did He play the grandstand or hold a moist finger to the wind of public opinion, as politicians the world over are apt to do before they take a position in a moral issue.
    It is interesting to note that the enemies of Jesus were the ones who bore the strongest and the most exp!icit testimony to His Character. The Pharisees constantly sought to discredit Jesus. "They sent. Their disciple to him along with the Herodians,," says Matthew. "Teacher,'  they said, 'we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way God in accord with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you osy no attention to who they are'" (Matthew 22:16).
      When the North Koreans captured General William Dean, he was permitted to write one letter home. He wrote to his son to whom he said, "Bill, remember that integrity is the most important thing of all. Let it always be your life. The strive to let His characters be deflected by your life. The world will see the difference.

WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T?

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

You can do anything. That's what Kent cullers' parent told him as he was growing up. That's what many parent tell their children. But cullers was born blind. Even so, if a child heard the phrase, you can do anything, often enough, it sinks in. It bears fruit. And it certainly did in cullers' case.
     As a young boy he insisted on climbing trees and riding a bicycle. This father arranged a job transfer to California so the boy could attend a regular school, and Cullers became a straight-A student. He was valedictorian of his high-schools class and a National merit scholar. He went on to earn a Ph.D. Physics
     Cullers' first love HSS always been space, so it seems fitting that he found himself employed at NASA. As s researcher, one his jobs was to design equipment to help scientists search for sign of intelligent communication in outer space
     How does a blind man see what others can't? He uses his "mind's eye." He also uses his other senses perhaps a little better than most people. Above all, he continues to tell himself what his parent taught him early in life,: you can do anything.
     The apostle Paul would have added a key phrase to Culler's parental advice. Through Christ who gives me strength. The source of all our ability, energy, and creativity is the Lord himself. It is He who challenged us to go forward and equips us to get the task done. It is the Lord working  through us to empower us, and working on our behalf to enrich us.
      At the same time, the Lord expects us to do two things:
first, to open ourselves to His presence and power; and
Second: to get I gear. He calks to believe and do.
      What are you believing today? What are you doing? Activate both your believing and doing, synchronized both with the will of God, and you can't help but be launched to higher and better position.

ASK QUESTION

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our. . . savior Jesus Christ
Titus 2:13

Did you know that you could open up people's hearts to spiritual matters by asking question? Sincere question show people that we are interested in their thoughts. We can learn a lot about a person's spiritual condition simply by listening to their responses. Jesus was a master at drawing people out by asking questions. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus asking purposeful questions to uncover the heart condition of the person He was talking to.
     Have you ever thoughts of using current events in the newspaper as a springboard to talk about Bible prophecy and the coming of Jesus Christ? The newspaper can be depressing parade  of natural disasters, warring governments, and moral depravity. Why not use these same headlines to talk about what is important in life? By asking your friends or co-worker about their feeling concerning today's news, you can learn volumes about
Where they stand with God.
     Jesus is coming soon. Every is precious. You do not have a guarantee that you will be here next week. Whatever you are going to do for Christ. You must do it now!"
      Do you have the wisdom and sense of urgency? Share the Gospel with everyone in your life, Jeeping as eye turned toward Heaven, watching for the gkoirioys appearing" of Jesus  Christ

THE CORRIDOR STREET LINE: TURNAROUND EXPERT

THE CORRIDOR STREET LINE: TURNAROUND EXPERT: When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. Galatians 3:22-4:7 Member of the Turnarou...

TURNAROUND EXPERT

When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.
Galatians 3:22-4:7

Member of the Turnaround Management Association are rarely asked to join successful companies. Instead, these skilled professionals are called into ailing businesses to help get them back on their feet.
  The same need for dramatic change exists throughout society. People who can reverse the downward spiral in an individual life, a relationship, or a team are constantly in demand.
 But what  about changing the world? Many people would say that only God can do that, And that's exactly what He sent His Son to do. The Bible describes humanity's downward spiral by saying that the entire world was imprisoned by sin and "in bondage" (Gal. 3:22;4:3).
  Into that hopeless situation Jesus came "to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adaptation as sons" (4.5). The personal turnaround for us begins when we accept God's offers if eternal life in Christ and receive His spirit into our hearts (v.6). Rather than simply being given a new set of rules and sent off on our own, we are adopted into God's family.
  Jesus Christ is the ultimate turnaround expert. He specializes in impossible cases. Will you invite Him into your as Wonderful counselor the prince of peace today in your life?

Leaving a Legacy

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.
Psalm 108:1

    William Congreve said, "Music alone with sudden charms can bind the wand'ring sense, and calm the trouble mind." Walter Turnbull's founder of the Boy's choir of Harlem, would add that music can also change the life of a child.
    The success of Turnbull's work is well documented An astounding ninety-eight percent of his of his choir member finish high school and go on to college. More important, they benefit from Turnbull's teachings. A healthy dose of old-fashioned values is mixed in with the music he teaches the kind of values Turnbull's learned as a child in rural Mississippi.
     He believes America's sense of community is slipping away, and he hopes to impressed upon his choir members the Importance of nuturing one another to excel. For twenty-six years, Turnbull's has demonstrated this principle to his student by taking them around the world to Europe, Japan, Canada, and the Caribbean. With a current roster of 450 boys and girls, eight to eighteen years old, that's no small feat. But numbers and age do not matter to Turnbull.Character does. His satisfaction comes from knowing g that his choir members are learning to be better people.
     Most of us would love to leave the kind of legacy Walter Turnbull is leaving to the world. What we need to recognize is that Turnbull didn't create his 450 member choir in a day. He stated where he was with a small group of neighborhood kids in a church basement. He didn't"t have money for choir robes or music. But be did have a desire to Introduce those children to the joy of music.
     Do what you can, where you are, with the people God has placed in your oath right now. Today, Regardless of how you help others, you will put a song in their hearts.

Yes Never Alone

I will never leave you noir forsake you
Hebrews 13:5

When I was a kid I saw this movie, now I read this again. Robinson Crusoe, the chief character in a novel by Daniel Defoe, was ship wrecked and stranded in an uninhabited island. Life was hard, but he found hope and comfort when he turned to the Word of God.
    Crusoe said, "One morning, being very sad, I opened the Bible upon these words, " I will never, never leave thee, nor forsake thee. " Immediately it occurred that these words were to me, why else should they be directed in such a manner, just at the moment when I was mourning over my condition, as one forsaken if God and man?
    "'Well then," said I, if God does not forsake me,. . . what matter it, though the world should all forsaken me. . . ? From this moment I began to conclude in my mind that it was possible for me to be more happy in this forsaken, solitary condition than it was probable that I should ever have been in my other state in the world, and with this thought I was going to give thanks to God for bringing me to this place."
     Have you been forsaken by friend, a child, a spouse? God has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrew 13:5). So you too can say with confidence, "The Lord us my he!per, I will not fear. What can man do to me? (V.6).
When all around me is darkness
And earthly joys have flown.
My Savior whispers His promise
Never to leave me alone

COUNTRY DOCTOR

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but each esteem others better than himself.
Philippians 2:3

Sinclair Lewis' Novel Main Streets tells the story of Carol, a sophisticated city woman who marries a country Doctor. She feels superior to others in her new town environment. But her husband's response to a medical crisis challenges her snobbery. An immigrant farmer terribly injures his arm. Which needs to be amputated. Carol watches with admiration as her husband speaks comforting words to the injured man and his distraught wife. The physician's esrnth and servant attitude challenged Carol's prideful mindset.
    In all of our relationship s as Jesus' followers, we can choose to think we're Superior or we can humbly serve the interests of others. Paul, the apostle tells us, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or concept, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Phil.2:3-4).
   We can learn to consider others needs more important than our own as we focus on Jesus' example. He took "the firm of a bondservant," and gave
Himself up for us (vv.,5:8). When we fail in valuing others. He give more sacrifice for us shows us the humble, better way.
More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage too be true.
More. Consecration for work He bids median.

YOU ARE MY ADVERTISEMENT

Because you are my help I sing in the shadow of your wings.

If I have done anything good for you, I want you to tell others about it. Don't keep it to yourself
Maybe I answer, or maybe I protected you when you needed Me. If I've been good to you in any way, and you know it, then write a song or poem about Me. Or just tell someone about Me. I want everyone to know how great I am and how much I love him or her. You're just the one to tell that person about Me
Seeing a commercial for a new movie is noit nearly as good as hearing your friend tell about it. You are My advertisement. Tell people about Me. Then they'll want to see for themselves. Share what I've
done for you.

m Dying to Know. . .

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passion and desires."
Galatians 5:24

We use words in strange ways. Take the word dying. Your daughter in tenth grade says she's dying to know the football captain of the neighboring high school. You son in Little League might be dying to meet the national baseball commissioner. Or perhaps you are dying to know what the loud quarrels next door are all about.
I't an exaggeration ,to day the least. You're not really willing to kick the bucket in order to find out about your neighbor's problems, but there is one use of the expression that is no exaggeration st all. Are you dying to know the Lord?
The apostle Paul spoke of this when he said, "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. . . becoming like him in His death." Paul realized that in order to know Christ fully, it meant crucifying the old man. Mortifying his sinful nature with all its passion s. Nailing worldly affections to the cross. Reckoning himself dead to sin and alive to God.
We say we want to know the Lord love, to feel His favor, to experience His joy and peace. We want to know His presence and His smile. But could we day we are dying g to know Him? If so, Jesus asks you to meet Him at the cross.
What does it take to know Jesus in an intimate and personal way? The Bible calls it being crucified with Christ, but you could call it "saying no to
Sin." Ask the Lord to give you His resurrection power and help you squelch anger, stifle gossip, and put a lid.  On those mind games
The power of your resurrection, Lord, is what I need when I say "no" to sin. Let me become like You in your death, crucifying every passion that displease You I want to know you . I am dying to know You.I am dying to know you

Will You Know Christ When You See Him?

But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.
Luke 22:69

FANNY CROSBY, one of the most prolific hymn writers of the 19th century, became blind in infancy.On one occasion she was asked if she would like to see and she replied, "No, I shall see Him face to face!" Of the 8,000-plus songs she wrote, one that stands out as a favorite of many is the following:
  When my life work is ended, and I cross
       the swelling tide
  When the bright and glorious Morning
      I shall see;
      I shall know my redeemer when I reach
       the other side
And His smile will be the first to welcome me.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him,
When redeemed by His side, I shall stand.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him.
Will you know Christ when you cross heaven's threshold? The disciple knew Him after the resurrection . Saul, confronted by Him on the road to Damascus, knew Him, and though it does not always happen, it is not unusual for people to see Him as they pass from life to Eternal Life.
Why do you think the writers of the Gospels did not give us an actual physical description of what Jesus look like?
The obvious explanation is that what Jesus  is far more important than what He looked like.
Have no doubt, you will know Him. And His smile shall be the first to welcome you into His presence.

SAVOR EVERY BITE

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than hobey to my mouth!
Psalm 119:103

My wife isabelita often tells me, Edio, you eat too fast! Slow down and enjoy your meal." I'm usually done long before she I'd, because she takes the time to savor every bite.
     I wonder how many of us rush through readind God's word without really savoring it. The psalmist said about it. "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (PS.119:103). That's sounds good to me!
      What are the benefits of delighting in the rich food of scripture? A daily meal of God's word helps to keep anxiety, pride, fear, and temptation from plaguing our undernourished hearts, and strenghtens us for a victorious journey. The word gives us wisdom and understanding (vv.98-100). And helps restrain our feet from evil (v.101). Just as our digestive system distributes nutrients to our bodies. God's word. When digested, nourishes our minds, our emotions and our will.
      Rather than grabbing word on the run just before dashing our the door. It's important to read it at a time and in a place where we can really fellowship with God.
      Take the time and enjoy savoring the richness if God's word.
Thank you, Father, for the gift of hour Word. P!ease forgive us for the times when we've rushed through reading without talking the time to savor the richness of its meaning. Help us to listen to Your voice

What to Tell Nero?

"I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning [Paul]. Therefore I have brought him out before you and especially before you, King Agrippa"
Acts (25:26a).

Festus fully intends to honor his commitment to send Paul to Nero. But he has problem. Paul's appeal "places the governor in the unenviable position of having to justify sending Paul to Nero without specific charges," Dr. Simon Kistemaker notes in his Acts commentary. "Nero and his official would not take kindly to a governor who showed incompetence in judging trivial matters. . . [But Festus] was unable to formulate a charge against Paul because the accusation of the Jews pertained to religious matters that had nothing to do with Ronan law."
     At this point King Herod Agrippa II and his sister Bernice come to visit Festus and welcome him to his new post. A great-grandson of Herod the Great and son of Herod Agrippa I (see Acts 12), he ruled the northern half of Palestine. Kistemaker notes that Agrippa ",was well versed in the Hebrew Scriptures. " During this visit, a friendship grows up between Agrippa and Fetus, and the governor sees an opportunity to get advice on Paul's case from a Roman official who understand the Jew's motives. He therefore related what he know to the king, noting that the Jews had demanded that he find Paul guilty, something Roman law did not permit him to do without granting Paul a trial. In Festus' view, the Jew's case against Paul comes down to "'some question against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul affirmed to be alive,"'
     Intrigued, Agrippa asks to hear Paul. Thus, on the following day, the royals, Along with military and civic leaders, enter Festus' audience chamber, where Festus honors Agrippa by yielding the judge's seat, allowing him to speak and rise first (26:1,30). Though this is not a formal hearing or trial, Festus calls it an "'examination "' (v.26),noting that he has "'nothing certain to write to my Lord concerning [Paul]"' and appealing for assistance in formulating charges against him. As he himself notes, "',it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him."' This is a under statement, for Nero doesn't trifle with matters his underlings should handle. With the word unreasonable, Kistemajer says, "the governor means to say that no one in his right mind would do such a thing."
     The stage is set for Paul to address King Herod Agrippa II in one of his most personal speeches. Remember, he would not have had this opportunity had not the Jews' anger led to his arrest by Romans. Yet Jesus had said Paul would witness to kings (Acts 9:15). Ask God to help you trust that His will is being fine in your all circumstances.

Steadfast in Your Resolve

Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51

It is easy to become distracted in the Christian life! The moment you understand what God wants you to do, it will seem as though everyone around you requires your time and attention! When the time came for Jesus to go to the cross. He "set His face" toward Jerusalem, so that nothing would prevent Him from accomplishing His Father's will. So obvious was His resolve to go Jerusalem that the Samaritans, who hated the Jews, rejected Him because they recognized that He was a Jew traveling through their village to the hated city of Jerusalem.
     Jesus determined not to digress from His mission, but He took time to minister to many people along His way. He sent out seventy disciple into the surrounding towns (Luke 10:-1). He healed lepers (Luke 17:11-19). He cured a man of dropsy (Luke 14:1-4). He brought salvation to the home of Zaccheus ( Luke 19:1-10). He continued to teach His disciple (Luke 15:2-32). Jesus did not refuse to minister to other as He went to Calvary, but ultimately He refused to be deferred from His Father's will.
    If you know what God wants you to do, set your sights resolutely toward that goal with full determination to accomplish it (Proverb 4:25). Your resolve to go where God is leading ought to be evident to those around you. Beware of becoming so sidetracked by the opportunity around you that you lose dightof God's ultimate goal for you. Do not succumb to the temptation to delay your obedience or to discard it Altogethers. Once you have received a dear assignment from God, your response should be u wavering  obedience.

Responsibility of the Christian Before the World

"In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents."
Luke 15:10

The servant of the Lord should love human being, not only brethren. God Himself created man; that's why we should love everyone the same. Each individual person is very valuable to God Man was created by Him, and despite having fallen, he was the object of God's redemption.
   A serious problem of many of who do the work of the Lord is a lack of love for their neighbor, a lack of appreciation for man, and ignorance of the value of a human being in the eyes of God. Concern for humanity, is a basic requirement for every servant of the Lord. This means that we are to develop an interest in not just a few special individuals, but rather in all.
   As John 3:16 says, "for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."
What does the word world refer to,? It refers to all the peoples of the earth,
Including the skeptics and those who don't know God. God loves the world and every one of the Inhabitants of the earth. Unfortunately, however, many servants of the Lord fail to grasp this basic fact, and it is evident in their lack of love for humanity
   Mark 10:45 says,"for even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." According to this verse, the Lord came to earth for the purpose of serving man. This willingness to serve even extended to giving His life to rescue man, and although the price was High. Jesus didn't resist the Father's will. Love came first and then followed the sacrifice of life.
    If we have never been sufficiently moved by the phrase God created man, we will not likely talk much the sacrifice of Christ, If we do not first love, then we will not be willing to do what it takes to bring message of salvation to lost humanity.
As believer, we must first be concerned for people. We've got to love them and consider them worthy of our affection and grace. Then we can present to them the redemptive plan that the Lord completed on the cross of Calvary. If the Lord died on the cross for all humanity, his can we justify a lack of appreciation for man and how can we consider others as nuisances?
    It is impossible for someone who has a genuine knowledge of the Lord to not appreciate and love others. It is obvious that all men need salvation, but God is concerned for each one as an individual. In the parable of the lost sheep, the love of God for the one is so clear, as the Shepherd leaves the ninety-nine for only one lost sheep (Luke 15:4).
Another passage in the Bible tells us that Holy Spirit is like the woman who looked for lost coin. Although she still had nine other coins, she stopped everything she was doing until she found the one that was lost (Luke 15:8-9).
In the familiar story of the prodigal son, the loving father didn't go out to wait for many wayward sons, but he opened his arm to his one prodigal son who returned to his loving embrace. (Luke 15:20).
     In these parable from Luke 15, we see demonstrated the principle of redemption and the love of God. The Lord was willing to give his life to satisfy the need of even one soul. He didn't have to have millions in need to initiate the work. Only one soul was enough to propel Him to the cross.
     Our responsibility is to the world; to every person we owe a tangible demonstrations of love of Christ. To do less is to fail to fulfill the most basic requirement of Christianity: to love others as Christ has loved us

BE ALWAYS THERE

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3 KJV

A business once said: "Sometimes, after waking in the morning, Iam appalled by the thought if 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 guickly the load is lifted once I remind myself of God's presence and help. The strain and tension disapoeary and in its place a feeling if serenity and peace 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 evsryy minute. He called. He called it "the game of the minute." Jacob Boehm, a sixteen the century saint, also spoke of a practice that involved an almost continual awareness of God's presence: "If Thou dost kncs every hour throw thyself. . .into the abysmal mercy if 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 foes not hear from him at the appointed time, they will be alerted to the fact he and his passengers nsy be in danger.
     Not everyone has Laubach's or Boehm's discip!ine. But wouldn't it be reassuring to talk to and hear from the control tower at least every hour during the day? It is as simple as uttering a prayer of repeating a scripture
      "Thou wilt keep me in perfect peace."

MAKING GOD LOOK GOOD

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:31

MORE THAN 500 TIMES the word glory is connected to God in the Bible. But what does it mean? Look up the word glory in the Merriam- Webster dictionary and you will find several definitions including
1. "Praise and  honor" often associated with worship,
2. Something that secure praise such as "he had a glorious career",
3. Magnificent like referring to the glory of Greece, and
4. A ray or spot if light such as a halo.
       You undoubtedly recall that when Jesus was born, angels hovered in the fields outside of Bethlehem and proclaimed, " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his fabory rests" (Luke 2:14).
       Theologians tell you the glory of God is the manifestation of His being, nature, person and character. "OK," you say, "but just what does that mean? In your personal life do you strive to glorify God? And is there more to that than simply saying " Praised the Lord"?
       So what does it mean to glorify God in the 21st century?
Parr of the answer is by how you treat your wife, your husband, your children. By displsyingy honesty and integrity.
       Want to make God look good? There are two ways you can; by what you day and how you live. One is your verbal witness. The second is your visual witness God I habited the praises if His people and wants to receive praise, honor and glory, but you also glorify Him by your life, by making Himlook good. Making God look good is what bringing glory to him is ak! About.

THE WORLD, THE FLESH, AND THE DEVIL

"For everything in the world the craving of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does comes not the Father but from the world.
1John2:16

Look closely at this verse. How would you sum up the craving of sinful man? With one word: lust. And what about the lust of his eyes? That's envy. And boasting is just another word for pride. They say that virtually every kind of sin can be traced to those  three villains lust, envy and pride
       So how us the battle against those opponents going for you today? Maybe you are toying with daydreams and imagining yourself in the arms of someone forbidden. Perhaps envy is enticing you to spend beyond your mean in order to keep pace with the neighbors. And pride may be tempting you to run mental movies of past successes.
      Is all this struggling worth the effort? Wouldn't you rather sit ringside and watch someone else go his share of rounds against lust, envy, and pride? Well, if you are wrestling against these villains today, you are in a better state than many who have feeling for the struggle at all. You are in a better condition than those who are stagnated in apathy.
      Bishop Rule has said, " The very fact that the Devil has pinpointed you as his opponent should fill hour mind with hope. For to be at peace with the world, the flesh and the devil is to be at enmity with God."
Lord of the Battle, please fit me for conflict today for I constantly face temptation. Rather than lust, I want to desire You. Instead of envy, may I be jealous for fellowship. Instead if pride, I would rather boast in You Guard me and my loved ones from the world, the flesh, and the Devil.

UNSTOPPABLE

The Lord opened Balaam's eye, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way.
Numbers 22:31

Under it. Over it Around it. Through it. Nothing will stop from doing it." I often hear people express this kind of attitude when they get an idea or see an opportunity that seems good or profitable. They devote all of their resources getting it done.
      As evidence that this way of thinking may flawed, I call as my witness a donkey a donkey belonging to a man named Balaam.
      Balaam was offered a profitable assignment from neighboring king and he inquired of God for permission to accept it (Num.22). When God said no, the king representatives made better offer Thinking God might change His mind Balaam asked again. God granted permission for Balaam to go with them but with strict conditions. God knew Balaam's heart and was not pleased with him, so He placed His Angel in the way. Balaam couldn't see the Angel but his donkey could. When the donkey refuse to continue, Balaam became angry with the animal for blocking his progress.
      Balaam's story teaches us that not every obstacle is meant to be  overcome. Some are place by God to keep us from doing something foolish.When our plans are hindered, we shouldn't assume that it's Satan trying to stop us. It. Might be God trying to us. It might be God trying to protect us
      Let Your wisdom guide me ever, for I dared not trust my own;
Lead me, in tender mercy,Leave me not to walk alone.
       God is always protecting us even when we don't realize we need it.

God WAITING

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise. . . but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9

During the Christmas season we wait. We wait in traffic. We wait in checkout lined to purchase gifts. We wait for family to arrive. We wait to gather around s table filled with our favorite foods. We wait to open presents lovingly chosen.
     All of this waiting can be a reminder to a Christians that Christmas is a celebration of waiting for something much more important holiday traditions. Like the ancient Israelites, we too are waiting four Jesus. Although He already came as the long,-awaited Messiah. He has not yet come as ruler over all the earth. So today we wait for Christ's second coming.
     Christmas reminds us that God also waits. . . He waits for people to see His glory, to admit that they are lost without Him, to say yes to His love, to receive His forgiveness, to turn away from sin. While we wait for His second coming. He waits for repentance. What seems to us like God slowness in coming is instead His patience in waiting (2 Peter 3:9).
      The Lord is waiting to have a relationship with those He loves. He made the first move when He came as baby Jesus and the sacrifice Lamb. Now He waits for us to welcome Him into our lives as Savior and Lord

Not in Word But in Power

For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
1 Corinthians 4:20

Christianity is not moral platitudes, lofty intentions, and noble thoughts. The fundamental character of God's kingdom in power. Paul faced constant criticism about his work among the early churches. Some of his detractors would travel to cities such as Corinth and speak expensively about all that Paul was doing incorrectly. At times, peoples in the Churches were enticed to believe the slanderous criticism against the apostle.
     Paul responded with a reminder that the test of a kingdom citizen's authenticity was not the persuasiveness of his words, but the spiritual power of his life. Paul candidly acknowledged that some did not find him eloquent in speech (2cor.10:10). Yet they could not question God's power in his life. He had seen many people converted, and many churches were started through his ministry. He had been used to heal the sick and raise the dead through God's power. Regardless of whether his words were eloquent, they carried spiritual power and authority that came from God.
     You will encounter many people who seek to convince you of their opinions concerning the kingdom of God. They may speak passionately. They may even bring chart and graph to prove their points! But the test of the validity of their words is the spiritual power of their lives. If a person speaks forcefully about a point if doctrine but is habitually sinning, his words are discredited by his life. If a person talks of the power of God but gives no evidence of victory in her life, her word sts empty. It is much easier to talk about the victorious Christian life than it is to live it.
      If you only have the appearance of godliness without any corresponding spiritual power (2Tim3:5), ask God to cleanse you of your sin to fill you with His Spirit so that your life is characterized by power.

HOW TO ENJOY THINGS

As for every man. . . to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor this is the gift of God.
Ecclesiastes 5:19

In his book Daring to Draw Near, Dr.John White writes that several years earlier God had made it possible for him to acquire a lovely home with many luxuries. His feelings about the house fluctuated dramatically.
     When he reminded himself that it was a gracious gift from God, he felt joy and thankgiving. But when he would begin to compare it with those of his friends, he would feel proud because he had such a fine house and his joy would evaporate. His home would actually become a burden. All he could see were the hedges and trees to care for and the endless odd jobs to do. White said. "While vanity clouds my eyes and burdens my heart, Gratitude's clears my vision and lightens my load."
      The writer of Ecclesiastes saw God at every turn in the enjoyment of material things. The power to eat the fruits if our labors and even the strength to receive and rejoice in them is from Him (5:18-19).
      From beginning to end, all of life is a continuous gift-giving by God. We deserve nothing He owes us nothing. Yet He gives us everything. If we remember this. We need nor feel selfish or guilty. Whatever material blessings we have are the gift from our gracious God. (Philippians 4:8) And always give thank to Him.

Where Are the Simons?

"A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by his way in the country, and they forced him to carry the cross."
Mark 15:21

I once read that criminals to be crucified often had to carry to the place of Crucifixion their own cross beam, a piece of wood weight up to fifty pounds. Jesus started out by shouldering His cross, but He had been so weakened from floggings that a passerby named Simon was pressed into service.
     It's interesting to note that Simon was only passing by and that he was forced to carry the cross of Christ. I like to imagine, however, the relief Jesus must have felt after having helped do many others in so many ways, here was a man to help Him!
    Often you'll hear hurting and overburdened people say, "This is the cross I must bear." These dear people need burden bearers. They need help and, in a way, their unspoken plea may be, "Where is my Simon?"
     But who will help? Like Simon, you may see yourself as an innocent passerby being forced into service helping an aunt recovery from a stroke assisting a neighbor who just got out of the hospital lending a hand to a co-worker who recently was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
     And like Simon, the task may take you unaware, your plans may be interrupted, and you may feel put-upon. But as you carry the burden of a hurting friend or family member, you may discover that your attitude will change especially when you sees that smile of relief and gratitude. You'll discover the privilege of being someone's Simon.
     What a privilege it was for Simon to carry Your cross, Lord, In a way, I have the same privilege as I bear the burdens and carry the hurts of Your body, my brothers and sister in Christ. Let me be a Simon to someone today.

The Major Problem with Minor Sins

"No one who lives in him keeps on sinning.No one who continued to sin has either seen him or known him."
1 John 3:16

Sin become a crime, not against law but against love; it means not breaking God's law so much as breaking God's heart."

What hurts me most about sin is not that it breaks God's law but that it break His heart.. Sin is not weakness or a disease. Sin is a mockery of His mercy and a disdain of His love. Sin grieves God.
      That's why our Battle against even minor sins is always major. Our sin is an offense to God. The battle may mean putting a lid on backbiting gossip. No more flirting with your best friend's spouse. No more saying one thing to your Christian friends and quite another to your coworker on the job. It may mean tackling subtle sins curbing your appetite, reining in your daydreams, and ceasing to make copies of cassettes that say, "Unauthorized reproduction. Prohibited.
       Does tackling small sins seem too minor? If so, remember that any sin is a choice to fellowship with the Devil. That's why once the spirit convict s you of some sin. .  .the minor becomes major. Once the spirit convict you of some in. . .the minor become Major.