Pastor's Points

"If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." Mark 5:28 (NKJV) was the conviction of a poor sick woman who sought only to touch the hem of Jesus" garment believing in faith that she would be healed. The phrase "If only" is used in at least a couple of ways. "If only" I'd had more time. "If only" we had more money. "If only" I'd known better. We so often tend to complain or regret our current situations on consequences we could have perhaps avoided "If only" we'd known better or had better "luck". What touched Jesus heart that day was not her hand but her faith. "If only" can be nothing more than wishful thinking or it can be a pro-active stepping out of faith. Is your "If only" merely a self-pitying whine? Her "If only" leap of faith touched the heart of Jesus.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:13-16 (NKJV) Thus was the birth of Jesus! Born to working class parent, in stable with a hay manger for a crib. The night was cold and His first visitors were the shepherds that cared for the sheep that had been reserved as sacrifices for men's sins. Now, the Savior is born and His sacrifice will be the last necessary for mankind's salvation. Hallelujah! The King is born!

A young virgin, betrothed to a just man receives amazing news and is overcome with awe and praise for God. She is to be the mother of the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior of mankind! An unlikely scenario, an impossible circumstance; that one should conceive a child by God Himself. The God-Child was to walk among men, lead a sinless existence and reveal God to us. He is Immanuel, "God with us"! 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.  Luke 1:31-33 (NKJV)

Unlike our births; the birth of Jesus was not reported "after the fact" but before! As in last week's article; some 700 years before His birth the Prophet Isaiah wrote "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) The virgin born Son of God came to serve the world by forgiving our sins giving us eternal life. You see Jesus is God described in Revelation 11:17 (NKJV) "O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come". Of His kingdom there is no end, nor to His power to forgive sin and grant eternal life.

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace," Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) Some seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus the Prophet Isaiah foretold His coming. God's final solution to man's bondage in sin is found in the Christ child whose birth we celebrate this month. In Christ is freedom from the penalty of sin, safety from the enemy's snares, peace in the midst of turmoil and joy in the midst of sadness. In Christ we are made whole.

I trust your Thanksgiving Day was a blessing to you and your family as you paused to express your gratitude to God for His infinite blessings. God has indeed blessed our nation and us as individuals. Soon Christmas will be upon us and we'll celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus! Of all the gifts and blessings God has bestowed upon us; this is His crowning achievement! In the ensuing days, let's not lose our focus on why Christmas is such an important time for Christians. Let us share with those who've never met the Lord the joy of our personal salvation and how they too may be saved. This year, for the sake of the lost, "...be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:1 (NKJV)

“Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.”  Psalm 140:13 (NKJV) “Thanksgiving” is a pro-active position born out of a deep sense of gratitude. Believe it or not, it’s a learned behavior which one can adopt. Expressing gratitude to our fellowman results in good or even improved relationships. Be they friends, family or strangers all people respond favorably when treated favorably. Expressing sincere gratitude to God should not be viewed a responsibility or a duty. It is more of a privilege! Let’s not however; believe that all one has to do is say “thanks”. True gratitude is expressed in actions, deeds, you know, “works”! Submitting our will to God in response to His goodness will result in a closer relationship with Him and a deeper, richer more meaningful life for you. How’s your list of “Gratitudes & Blessings” look today?

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17 (NKJV) The Bible, God's Word, is full of reasons why we should be grateful to God at all times. Mankind are finite creatures; that is we have a beginning and eventual end to our existence. It's perhaps vain of us to think we're solely responsible for all the blessings we call ours. To live in a land of freedom and liberty, to live in a land of which it can be said it "flows with milk and honey" all these things we as individuals did not gain on our own. Our benefits today are the result of those that came before us and yes, above all from and through the hand of God. How's your list of "Gratitudes & Blessings" coming?

"... in everything give thanks ; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) Later this month Americans, if not most people will celebrate Thanksgiving, that national holiday set aside by congressional action and presidential approval as a day to express gratitude to Almighty God for freedoms and liberties that are ours. I challenge one and all, to each day write down something you are now, have been or just discovered should be thankful for until Thanksgiving Day. Before saying grace at your families Thanksgiving meal this year, share your list with family and friends. "Count your blessings" says an old hymn, "count them one by one" AND before long "it will surprise you what God has done." Will you start your list of "Gratitudes And Blessings" today?

Today is Lord's Supper Sunday at Primera Iglesia Bautista and preparation must be made. The Deacons have prepared, the Pastor has prepared and I trust you have prepared. This Ordinance of Jesus comes with instruction that it be observed in remembrance of Him but also a warning that we not take it "unworthily". "Unworthy" observance is to participate in the ordinance while harboring unconfessed sin in our lives. Doing so is to invite God's punishment for our insolence. Take time now to review your life, confess your sins before God, repent of your sin and ask for forgiveness. Done? Now you're ready. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who drinks and eats in unworthy manner eats and drinks judgement to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For...

It has long been my observation that we struggle with sin in our lives because of it's carnal appeal most of the time without considering the spiritual consequences of sin.. Why? Because Sin; looks good, feels good, tastes good and smells good. Our carnal senses are simply overwhelmed by these traits of sin but sin has its consequences and we need to consider them. It's been said that "all the glitters is not gold" and "if it seems to good to be true, it probably is" and God Words states it this way: "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." Proverbs 16:25 (NKJV)

How will I know I'm saved? I long ago lost count of the number of persons who've asked this in earnest, concerned about their salvation. Jesus said He would not leave us orphans (john 14:18) but would send His Spirit. At salvation God's Holy Spirit comes to dwell or live in the new believer (1 Cor. 6:19) marking us a property of God. The Holy Spirit's work then is to confirm a believer's faith and guide them in the path of righteousness. It is He who testifies to you regarding your personal salvation. Can you say, "HALLELUJAH!!"? 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Romans 8:14-16 (KJV)

Many years ago litmus paper was used to test the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. In interviewing potential hires for a job a question was asked of the candidate to determine whether it was worthwhile to proceed with further interviews. This was called a "litmus" test or acid test. Here John applies the principal to our faith. A sort of litmus test of salvation if you would. How do you know you're saved or living in God's Grace? Read below and take the litmus test. 3 And hereby we do know that we do know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:3-6 (KJV)

It's human nature I guess that we so often anticipate with great excitement coming events with either great expectation, mild enthusiasm or dread. Birthdays, holidays, Fridays, anniversaries and the list goes on. The Apostle Peter wrote of a great day that he said we as believers should look for, prepare for and even long for. It's the Great Day of The Lord and what a day it will be. It's a day of judgement, a day when the world as we know it shall end and new one begin which will only be populated by God's Elect. Are you prepared against that day? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 2 Peter 3:13-14 (NKJ)  

Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3 (NKJV) How do you "see" God's Kingdom? Most of us probably take Jesus' statement to mean that unless we're born again we will not be able to enter Heaven and thus never "see" it. This is true, but the scope of Jesus' statement is much greater. To "see" the Kingdom involves among other things, to "see" the need to share the gospel, to "see" the to pray of others, to "see" the need to support your church, to "see" the need to study God's Word, to "see" the need to love your brother as yourself, to "see" the need to....well I think you get the picture. Bottom line? Born again believers can "see" the Kingdom of God Now! As in TODAY!

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Luke 23:33 (NKJV) Jesus' earthly ministry is about to culminate in His death. He's been beaten, ridiculed, humiliated and now is nailed to a cross to die. At this point I don't believe anyone would criticize Him for berating and cursing His tormentors yet this would be out of character for the Son of Man. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots. Luke 23:34 (NKJV) The Pharisees, Sadducees, Priests, mob and Roman soldiers did not, could not realize the impact of the acts that day. Despite their cruelty Jesus, God's Son, refuses to condemn them. Instead, He prays to the Father that this sin, the killing of an innocent man, the Lamb of God, not be held against them. What love is this? It is the "Agape" love, the love only God ...

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10 (NKJV) I guess the only thing that approaches the love of God is the love of parents for a newborn or even unborn child. This type of love is not a response to another's  love but given freely without condition. It's the kind of love depicted in John 3:16 and Luck 1:4a. This is real, pure, selfless and sacrificing love and though we are not worthy, it is ours because of who God is. How can we not love God?

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NKJV) Sublime elation! All of us know the joy and excitement of realizing we've achieved a great personal goal. It was evident on the faces of our medal winning athletes in Rio de Janeiro this past month. One could not help but rejoice with them as saw witnessed their victories. Here John says two things "You are of God" and (you) have overcome"! Born again Christians have overcome the chains of sin by becoming Children of God. Our victory is not ours but of God because He is "greater than he that is in the world". Like the Psalmist we too can say "The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want."

1 I will praise you with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You. 2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your loving kindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. 3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul. 4 All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth. 5 Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, For great is the glory of the LORD. 6 Though the LORD is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. 8 The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. Psalm 138:1-8 (NKJV) Dare I even attempt to add to this? The Psalmist here sings of security and love as...

1 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with Psalms. 3 For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3 (NKJV) Every service our Praise Team begins with what is called a "Call To Worship" and it's always a song of praise. It's an invitation every believer should be not only anxious but prepared to accept. Why? Perhaps because all we are, all we hope to be, all we need is within His power and His power alone to give. Please be reminded that without Him we are nothing, simple nothing. Are you ready to Praise and Worship the Lord today? 1 I was glad when they said to me, " Let us go into the house of the LORD."  Psalm 122:1 (NKJV)

I don't know about you, but all too often I've been guilty of not being able to "see the forest for the trees!" That is I've become so focused on one dilemma, one problem, one challenge, one....anything, that I can't see the overall picture. It's at times like these i need to step back and put things back into their correct perspective. This is essentially what the Psalmist is telling us here. Yes, your problems are large and for you alone they're overwhelming. But the "redeemed of the Lord" are not alone , we're part of a team! Our God, our Hero if you would is our Savior and our Deliverer! It is He who watches over us, He who will protect us, He who will provide for us and He who will fight and win our battles. 1 I will lift my eyes to the hills-- From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps I...

1  Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 2  Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, Psalm 107:1-2 (NKJV) I dare say, we as a people so often forget the greatness of our God toward us. Our world is in constant flux and it seems the only real constant is change! Let us be reminded that our God does not change and be doubly reminded that His love and mercy toward us is eternal and unchanging. It is time that we the redeemed cry out our praise and proclaim His mercy to a world that is in constant turmoil and bondaged.  

1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; Hebrews 1:1-2 (NKJV) God has always sought us out! Adam and Eve hid from God when they sinned and He sought them out. Eijah hid in a cave thinking he was a failure yet God sought him out. Paul persecuted the Church and God sought him out to be a champion of faith. So, you've somehow failed God, you've sinned, you feel you've failed Him and your actions may even be an embarrassment to the Church yet, believe me friend, brother and sister; God is seeking you out to set you free. God has spoken to us through His Son Jesus who came not to condemn but to save that which was lost. This is God calling you to Himself.  

It is every believer's duty even a desire to please God the Father.  2 Tim. 2:15 counsels us to "study to shew thyself approved to God". Diligent study will help you grow in knowledge and wisdom which in turn grows your faith. Growing your faith is the product of "hearing" the Word of God. "Hearing" or understanding God's Word comes from exposing ourselves to the preaching and teaching of the Bible in both private and public study and worship. Faith and Holiness don't just happen, they are built through diligent study, prayer and worship both personal and communal. 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.   Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

It is inevitable that the storms of life will assail us from time to time. We know not when the will occur, we do not know the effect they will have, until they are over we will not know how long they will last nor what effect they will have. We're powerless to prevent them but we're not powerless to survive and overcome them. It's a matter of faith how we face, endure and benefit or lose to these storms. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him " Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" 39 Then He rose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"  Mark 4:37-40 (NKJV)

1 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5 (NKJV) Spiritual gifts and wisdom are not accidents nor are they only for an elite few believers. Wisdom, deep and profound wisdom is, to be sure, one of the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit. God endows a select few with supernaturally deep and profound wisdom that it may be shared and used for the edification of the church. While this true it is also true that wisdom can be attained through diligent study. Wisdom, counsels Solomon, should be sought after with the same diligence that we pursue our livelihood and the most valuable things in life. The benefit? One will come to understan...

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) This month America pauses to celebrate its declaration of independence from oppression by a foreign power. We take great pride and we should yet what we cannot and must not do is forget that the quest for freedom and liberty was started by God's influence in the hearts of our forefathers. It was that sense of spiritual freedom that drove early patriots to demand and even die to set our nation free. May I humbly remind you that it was God's love in the person of Jesus Christ whose sacrifice on the cross won our salvation and freedom from the tyranny of sin? Paul's advice to sustain our spiritual freedom by avoiding sin should also be applied to our political freedom. Today, now, more than ever we as Americans and Christians need to influence our nation that it not entangle itself a self-imposed oppression and bondage....

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.   Psalms 23:1 (NKJV) "The Lord is My Shepherd" seven syllables comprise what is perhaps the deepest most important statement a person can make. Those whose shepherd is the Lord have placed themselves under His guidance and leadership in all matters; they are owned by Him. "I Shall Not Want" proclaim His follower's faith and confidence that they will be: protected by Him, sustained by Him, comforted by Him and in the end housed by Him in eternal glory. Is the Lord God Jehovah your Shepherd?

We just held this year's Vacation Bible School and what a time it was! We thank the parents for allowing us the opportunity to teach their children about Jesus and salvation. At best, the church is an auxiliary organization available to assist parent's in developing their children's spiritual lives. This Father's Day I'd like to remind the Dads that God places the primary responsibility for this on their shoulders. It has been said (my paraphrase) "Any man can Father a child, but it takes a "REAL MAN" to be a Dad"-Anonymous. Dad, you're the only example of a man your child (boy or girl) will truly have and use as a benchmark to compare other men to. This is important in teaching boys the Godly values of manhood and your girls the attributes to look for in selecting a future husband. Make it a good one. 18 "Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall...

Vacation Bible School starts today and we're thrilled at the opportunity to teach your children about God, the Lord Jesus and Salvation. We are at best an auxiliary organization standing by to assist parents in teaching their children about spiritual matters. The responsibility though is the parents. Parents are to actively participate in teaching their children and maintaining a Godly environment by living Godly lives before their children. Help us help you, bring your children to VBS and regular Bible Study and Worship. 6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deut 6:6-9 (NKJV)

05 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified. 6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified. 2 Cor 13:5-6 (NKJV) Doctors often recommend physical self-examination to locate any abnormalities in the hope that that diseases can be detected early and thus increase our chance of surviving a dire illness. Here Paul gives us the same advise; we're to look for the presence of the Holy Spirit  In Romans Paul declares "Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His." Roman 8:9b (NKJV) also "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God," Romans 8:16 (NKJV) but note: Another way to test for salvation is to look for fruit. Got any?

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) Often when we fail we're tempted to just give up and declare serving God as too taxing and difficult. Let's all be aware that our failures don't surprise God as He knows all things. Because He does, He's prepared to help us deal with our shortcomings. If we'll admit our sin and repent, He's prepared not only to forgive but to cleanse us from the stain of sin and equip us to avoid a reoccurrence. God is all loving and all redeeming if we're willing to ask His forgiveness.

67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away" 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." John 6:63-69 (NKJV) Ever wonder why some church members seem to fade and fall away from church attendance and service? There can be various reasons but often some do so because there was never a true commitment to Christ to begin with. We can make excuses for them or us but true commitment cannot be faked for very long. John put it this way: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they have been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.  1 John 2:19 (NKJV) Are you standing by He who has "the words of eternal life"?

6 He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard , "Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?" 8 But he answered and says to him, "Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down." Luke 13:6-9 (NKJV) It has been said that our God is a god of "second chances" and indeed He is! We sinned in disobedience to Him and yet He founded a way for us to be redeemed and return to Him. Jesus, God's Son is our only hope of salvation. Like the vineyard caretaker in Jesus' parable the Holy Spirit works to cultivate your heart that the seed of the Gospel find fertile ground in which to germinate that you may be born again into the Kingdom of God. P...

42 And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.  Luke 12:42-44 (NKJV) Character; what's yours?  One of Webster's Dictionary definitions for human character is: "one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual". So again, what's your character? One practical definition is to do that which is right, honest and just; even when no one is watching. Could this be what Jesus was getting to in the verses above? Yes, Jesus is coming but He's also watching over us and I believe wants us to do that which is right, just and honest. Let's all be about our Father's business until Jesus comes.

"And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha" John 19:17 (NKJV) In order for Jesus to redeem mankind from the penalty of sin He had to be the sacrificial "Lamb of God", the perfect sinless offering who died in our place. The cross that Jesus bore and upon which He died represented His duty and service to God. Jesus calls on us to also bear our own personal cross. "And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:27 (NKJV) We too, if we're to follow Jesus must bear our own cross of duty and ministry. The "cross" we bear is not a troublesome child, dependent parents, an addiction or bad habit. Your "cross" is the ministry and purpose that our Heavenly Father has entrusted and charged us with carrying out on this earth in His Name, for His Glory and for the salvation of our brothers and neighbors. By the way, "wearing...

Having heard Paul's defense of the Gospel King Agrippa responds as we've heard other so many times before "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Acts 26:28 Our response and conviction should mirror Paul's "I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds." Acts 26:29 We are free in Christ! The unbeliever is lost in sin. Do you share Paul's concern for the lost? Share Jesus today or this week with someone.

How often are we faced with opportunities to witness to others to evangelize and we just can't so we don't? How often do we remain silent when we should speak to controversial situations regarding our core beliefs and just can't get the words out? It happens to all of us and all too often but God know this and has a message of consolation just like He did for the Apostle Paul so long ago. 9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: 10 For I am thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in the city. 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.  Acts 18:9-11 (KJV)

Jesus has just healed a blind man, one born blind and the people are astonished! Hear the conversation: "Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. John 9:10-11 (KJV) Simple, even simplistic but simply true. So is getting saved; listen: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31 (KJV) Will you come to Jesus today? You know the way.

Perhaps the greatest fallacy the devil has contrived and embedded in the hearts and minds of men is that our God is a vengeful being seeking any and every opportunity to condemn and destroy his greatest creation. Nothing, nothing can be further from the reality of all. The Lord God Jehovah ia a patient, just and loving God who seeks only the redemption and justification of mankind.  Three short verses make this abundantly clear. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sen not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on Him is not condemned; be he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  John 3:16-18 KJV

  "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Matt 27:46 (NKJV) Sadder even than Jesus actually dying are His last words. Never before had He known what is was to not have intimate fellowship with His Father and at this point; when the sins of all humanity were laid on Him, His Father could not look upon him because Jesus had just become sin. His anguished cry is uttered from the very depths of His soul! Sin, my friend, separates us from God and if not removed by washing in the blood of Jesus will someday drag you to a devil's hell. By faith in Jesus and in His atoning sacrifice you too can repair the rift between you and God and be saved. Come to Jesus today and be born again.

"And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, "Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you." Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly."  Matt 26:73-75 (NKJV) What a sad situation! Peter has just publicly denied even knowing Jesus before those in High Priest's courtyard. We can criticize, even condemn Peter's actions but before doing so we must look at our own personal testimony. Is it possible we too may deny knowing Jesus? Yes, I too hate to admit but so must you. When we refuse to publicly submit to His Lordship by being a faithful ambassador of Christ. When our language is impure, when we start and/or spread gossip, when we... well, you get the message. 

" 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7 (NKJV) Living by faith involves focusing on who God is His ability to empower, enable, provide and protect us in whatever the circumstance may be. Paul advises we worry for and about nothing but to make petitions known to God through prayer and supplication. Explicit deep trust in God will always result in a godly peace of which we are incapable of explaining but capable of receiving and enjoying. Focus your faith on Jesus today and enjoy your life's adventure.

"For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" Phil 3:20 (NKJV) Ever been to a foreign country and observed different and even unique customs? Have you been in the company of a foreigner to your country and noticed how they differ in so many ways. We too seem unique to others! God's People, those saved by grace through faith in Christ often seem odd at times to the unbeliever; and that's good! We are different because our very nature has been changed from that of a sinful rebel who does not acknowledge God to one whose world revolves around our Lord. We're different because while we may be residents we're no longer citizens of this world. Our citizenship is in Heaven where Jesus has built a place to live with Him forever.

Salvation is God's gift to you received by His grace. We cannot boast of having done anything to earn it, merit it or deserve it. Understand this, we're created with a purpose and a work to do because we are saved. God created us and ordained a purpose for each of us. Do you want to walk with God? Discover His plan and purpose for your life then get on track to accomplish it. The sense of fulfillment you'll receive is only a small part of the blessing that will come to you. "8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" Eph 2:8-10 (NKJV)

" 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Gal 6:7-9 (NKJV) There are laws of nature established by God which cannot be changed. Stated above is one such law. We will reap what we sow! One cannot change these laws to one's benefit and it is to our detriment to attempt doing so. One cannot sow the seed of ungodliness and expect to somehow reap holiness, virtue and glorious eternity in the end. What did you sow this week?

Reflection over the progress of one's life is a good thing. To gauge our growth, advancement and progress in life it is helpful to establish milestones or waypoints as we work to accomplish our goals. Accomplishing God's Purpose in our lives requires focus, a sense of direction and determination to stay the course. Whether driving a car, steering a boat or flying an airplane course corrections have to be made to arrive at the chosen destination. God is calling us to make the necessary course corrections to stay on the narrow path that leads to success and eventually to Glory. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left, Remove your foot from evil.  Prov. 4:25-27 (NKJV)

All beautiful stone statues originally started out as plain and unremarkable blocks of stone cut from a stone quarry. Most blocks all look the same to the laymen but a true artist can "see" the statue he or she will eventually reveal as the chisel and chip away at the stone. Similarly, you and I are works of God's artistry, hewn from the stone of a hard life as He reveals the beloved child He saw through loving eyes. The Prophet Isaiah said it this way: "Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug" Isaiah 51:1 (NKJV) 

"4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" Phil 4:4-7 (NKJV) Is laughter the best medicine? Actually the jury is still out but there is research that supports the idea. It's actually more beneficial if it's the product of a good attitude and positive self-esteem. Paul seems to be advising that we rejoice with abandon. Do you suppose that if we rejoice as such we'll break out in bouts of hearty laughter? A sincere and "full on" relationship produces positive attitudes and self-esteem which brings us joy (often resulting and pleasant permanent smiles) positioning us break out in laughter. Try it, you'll find that those with utter peace, love and joy very often break out in laughter. Our joy comes from the knowledge that despite all the world and life throws at us; we're OK because God is in us and we're in Him.

Do you value and love your salvation; i.e. your relationship with Christ? Yes? Do you value the souls of your family and friends? Yes? As much as the Apostle Paul? "2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.  3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh," Romans 9:2-3 (NKJV) So convinced of the Gospel and the need for mankind to come to Jesus was Paul was willing to surrender his own salvation, if it were possible, if it would extend salvation his fellowman. Do you value salvation enough to share it with your loved ones?

Ever notice that for the most part human love is highly conditional? That is we tend to "fall in love" with people or things that love us in return, have opened their hearts to us , bring us joy, somehow "complete us" and so on. When conditions change however; we also to tend to "fall out" of love and sadly what we once loved we may now abhor. This is not the case with the love of God. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 (NKJV) God loves and has loved us at our worst; while we were still sin stained and lost. He offers salvation to save us; not to love us but strangely; to love us more and bless us. As believers it is incumbent we learn to love as God loves.