Thoughts ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZONPRTOFF dateof comment Look Inside Data Conditions:Order: 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17| Dateof Comment 02/19/2025 Have you ever wondered what happens to the godly people around you who hear you talk about Jesus like those students did at the democratic convention. I remember so vividly when they said "Jesus is Lord" amongst that large crowd. Even though they didn't get a favorable response from the democrats, it sure did change my life. I love their boldness when they did that in that ungodly mob. I said to myself, "Shouldn't we be bragging about Jesus because of all the things he did for us?" Now because of what they did, I want to write down, "Jesus is Lord" or "Jesus, King of kings" as quoted in the Republican convention. It is time to start taking pride in our King and acknowledge his greatness to the world. Write it down or proclaim it. Jesus is Lord!! Matthew 10:32 NLT “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 1 John 4:11-12 NLT Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. 02/18/2025 In the last comment we talked about How powerful is the love of Jesus Christ? Romans 8:35,37 NLT Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? So many Christian may asking themselves, "I never have experienced any of this. Jesus must really love me." Only half of this thought is true. The enemy will leave you alone when you become ineffective for God. He has you right where he wants you. In fact he may even have cool things happen to you so you stay that way. You may even have to question your salvation if you enjoy be ineffective for our King. The enemy only comes against those who love our King and are on fire for him by being obedient to his will. If we truly love our King we will learn what he wants and commit ourselves to his dreams. This action [ James 2:14-26 NLT Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead 14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? 17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” 19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? 21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. 25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. ] describes us when we are dead. If these verses describe you it is time to make some changes. Granted you will make the enemy angry and he will try to come after you. God is still going to be the winner so lets not worry about the enemy and get out there and do the will of our King. Let's prove that we truly love him! Show the world that Jesus is Lord! 02/17/2025 How powerful is the love of Jesus Christ? Paul asked the same question: Romans 8:35,37 NLT Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? Paul also answers the question: Romans 8:38-39 NLT 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. So many people ask themselves, "If God loves us so much then why does he allow us to go through calamities. I would never do this to someone I love." God understands what facing a giant does to ones character: Romans 5:3 NLT We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 1 Peter 1:7 NLT These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. Acts 14:22 NLT where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 2 Corinthians 12:10 NLT That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. James 1:12 NLT God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. God definitely wants to build your character and faith to be more like Christ and to have the strength to keep the enemy from taking it form you. Jesus will never leave us and will always be Lord! 02/15/2025 The Old Testament if full of how much God hates sin and what he will do to you if you push him. As much as God hates and detests sin, his love for us was much greater. He would never have sent his Son if it was not true. 1 John 4:10 (New Living Translation) This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Let's show God how much we appreciate him by living like Christ. Our actions will never get us into heaven, but it will make God happy and may bring your neighbor to Christ by how you live. The action of what Jesus did alone is the reason that anyone has chance to see the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus is the Reason, and he is Lord! 02/12/2025 Have you ever read a verse where you checked everything off that you are reading then you come to the end? 1 Corinthians 13: 6-7 NLT It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Even though I may endure every circumstance I feel that the expletives that sometimes come with them are not to be included. Even Jesus got angry but we have to control our emotions because the world is watching. Only righteous anger is good because it sends a message that you do not tolerate evil. But you want to show them too that you do not handle your problems like the rest of the world does. Just as Jesus watches over us so does our neighbor. He needs to see that we represent our King every day. This one action could be the difference between salvation and hell for your neighbor. 02/11/2025 Scientists say that we have four things that we need to survive: 1. Water 2. Air 3. Food 4. Light. Jesus Christ must have been a scientist because he said the same thing: John 7:38 NLT Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” Daniel 5:23 NLT 23 But you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny! John 6:35 NLT Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 8:12 NLT Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life. If you think about it the world only needs Jesus Christ to survive. Matthew 6:25-34 NLT “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Jesus - "King of kings" 02/11/2025 Read this verse carefully especially at the end: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. If we are keeping records of people's wrongs against us that means we do not know what love is and how to live it. Sometimes it is required of us to leave a situation to prevent a repeat of the same wrong against us. But we need to let it go. Jesus said this in a conversation with Peter: Matthew 18:21-22 NLT 21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! Even if we are wronged multiple times, we need still let it go. How many wrongs has Jesus had to deal with us and he let it go. You will see people in a different light when you see what Jesus did for us first. 02/09/2025 If Paul was watching us today, would he say this to us: 2 Thessalonians 1:3 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. Sometimes we get involved with day-to-day activities which I feel can slow this down. There is nothing wrong with working but let all of us watch that godly people who see us will quote what Paul wrote in our own lives. No matter what I do Jesus never leaves me and is patient even if I am slow. There is a discipline in growing your faith and loving one another but we need to push ourselves to be who Jesus wants us to be. Jesus will always be Lord! 02/08/2025 If you like to be challenged this is the verse for you and probably all of us: Matthew 5:43-45 NLT “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. AND Luke 6:27 NLT Love for Enemies “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Some people are just difficult to love and I don't think I can love all people equally. But I want you to think about the word "hate". At least get rid of any hatred you have for people. Hatred does not allow for forgiveness to take place. This is what happens: Matthew 6:14-15 NLT 14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. I have noticed that when people hate they will always demonstrate some form of anger. This is what Paul said about that: Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Removing hate from your life will prevent bad things from happening in your own life. You will now find it easier to forgive forgive. Through the power of prayer we can change our enemies to give their hearts to Jesus Christ. We are asked to love them to conquer hatred which only leads to our own destruction. Jesus talks about our enemies who have rejected him. There is judgement against some now: Matthew 18:6 NLT But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. Again this is to be left in the hands of our Lord. We know that he is just and will handle it on his terms. Even our own constitution has things written in it that requires the execution of the enemies of America but as individuals we may not know all the facts and do not have the power to make this call on our own. We need to believe that they may still repent and to pray for even these people even if they look bad. Who knows how many of us were like our enemies at one time and Jesus put their names in the Lambs Book of Life. Jesus rates all sin equally except against the Holy Spirit. Jesus is Lord! 02/05/2025 Even though this will never get us into heaven: Psalm 33:4-5 NLT For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. Our actions to live a Christ like life definitely does please our God. This verse demonstrates what God does when we are just and good. Our personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the only thing that can actually get us into the Kingdom of God. We will never be good enough to get there on our own. Paul made sure that we remember this: Romans 3:23 NLT For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Thank you Jesus for giving us a way {yourself} to be able to come into your Kingdom. 02/01/2025 I loved it how the disciples were with each other and Jesus for a long time together but yet Thomas could not trust them. Even Jesus told everyone what would happen to his life and they struggled to believe. John 20:24-29 NLT Jesus Appears to Thomas 24 One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. 29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” Jesus had nothing to prove but he made a special trip for Thomas just so that he would believe. Sometimes we all need to be shown physical things to strengthen our faith and to believe. But Jesus also said, "Blessed are those who believe without seeing me." Thank you Lord for being there or even physically doing things to prove yourself when we doubt. Give us the wisdom to help those who may doubt to help them get back on track trusting you. Amen 01/29/2025 Have you ever thought about what it would be like if God would think like many of the Christians do today? The first thing he would do is dig deep down to see the imperfection in us. When David slept with Basheba and had her husband killed, God would never let this go. He would have never called David "the apple of his eye". The apostle Paul would only have been remembered by the number of Christians he had killed. God would not have had any respect for that man at all because that was a terrible thing that he did. None of us Christians would admit to being like that. But I have watched many of them attack President Trump for things that he did a long time ago. They define him by the actions he did in his past. They think his past actions allow them to be able to vote for demonic platforms. Even worse yet it is an excuse to be lazy. Their logic is they're all bad so I'm not going to support any one of them. Just remember that when you do not take a stand for godly principles or God's agendas, you endorse who whose ever in control. You can say that is not true, but God says it is true. He is tired of lazy Christians who make excuses why they are not going to stand up for anything. God commands us to look at the hearts of the individual today. This is how you make judgment who has the most character. You will never find a pure individual. Jesus Christ is the exception. You are to support whoever's ideas are closest to Gods. Just make sure you know who God is. Remember the Pharisees who were priests had no idea who God was, and they fooled the people. President Trump has mentioned Jesus Christ more than any other president. He loves this country, and he is going to work for American citizens first. When President Trump fails at something. Do like Jesus said: John 8:4-11 New Living Translation 4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” If President Trump or anyone else who tries living for Christ fails, we need to think about casting stones. None of us are worthy to cast a single stone. Praise God that Jesus Christ only looks at our hearts today! 01/21/2025 So I hear that Christians are having a conniption fit with President Trump not swearing on the bible at the inauguration. Do they not read their bibles to find out what our King thinks about swearing oaths: Matthew 5:33-37 NIV Oaths 33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. This includes his word. President Trump is correct and everyone else is wrong. By the help of our King, President Trump lets make America great again. "One Nation Under Jesus Christ". 01/14/2025 I sometimes see the coexist stickers on cars. We may think allowing this is showing love but it greatly angers our God. Remember that our God never changes ever. Exodus 23:13 NLT 13 "Pay close attention to all my instructions. You must not call on the name of any other gods. Do not even speak their names. Exodus 23:32 NLT 32 "Make no treaties with them or their gods. 33 They must not live in your land, or they will cause you to sin against me. If you serve their gods, you will be caught in the trap of idolatry. We are never to support or give the time of day to any god other then Yahweh and Jesus Christ. Unless mandated by our King we do not persecute those other religions like they would do to us. We serve a King who loves and we need to use love the way our King does to counter the false gods. I believe that "One nation under God" is too cheap because each person may have a different god. It needs to be "One nation under Jesus Christ" so there is no misunderstanding of who is the real King is. 01/09/2025 Matthew 6:19-21 NLT “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. One thing about serving God the way he wants, we automatically begin storing treasure in the Kingdom of God. It becomes difficult to serve God when we are building treasure on earth to. God does call people in business to be successful. But what do we do with that success? It is OK to have cool things but we are also to invest in people whom circumstances dealt a blow to their life. We will not see it if we do not look. If we begin to have more treasure stored on earth than in heaven it is time for a heart adjustment. Do not let your heart take your salvation from you. Your success can make you reject Jesus Christ when you began to live your life separate from him. When we do use our blessings for other people always remember this: Matthew 6:1-4 NLT Teaching about Giving to the Needy 6 “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. It is OK to keep your spouse in the loop to let them know what you are up too. "Jesus will always be Lord" 01/08/2025 It is not too late to recover America from the enemy because a lot of this has been going on: 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. God confirms the same sentiment here too: Amos 5:14-15 NLT Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. Hate evil and love what is good; turn your courts into true halls of justice. Perhaps even yet the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will have mercy on the remnant of his people. Let's give a good Amen here. I want our country back to being "One Nation Under Jesus Christ" 01/07/2025 Women in the old Testament had it rough and this is a sad story. When Jacob was looking for a wife he found what he wanted through Rachel. Laben forced Jacob to take Leah before he could have Rachel. Jacob never once looked to see what was going on in the heart of Leah: Genesis 29:31-32 NLT 31 When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to have children, but Rachel could not conceive. 32 So Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “The Lord has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me.” No matter what Leah did she was mostly rejected by Jacob. She had to even buy his time: Genesis 30:16 NLT 16 So that evening, as Jacob was coming home from the fields, Leah went out to meet him. “You must come and sleep with me tonight!” she said. “I have paid for you with some mandrakes that my son found.” So that night he slept with Leah. The motto of what is going on here is that we get so wrapped up in what we want and are not paying attention to what our actions are doing to other people around us. Playing favorites with your kids can also bring about rejection. Jacob found that out when Joseph became his favorite. The rest of the family knew it and they sold Joseph into bondage. Our God had to step in to protect Leah and Joseph with the cards they were dealt by other peoples actions. We need to let the compassion of Jesus Christ reign in our lives so we can lift people up. Rejection is a killer. It can build hatred and suicidal thoughts in people around us. It is time to "Let Love Live". 01/04/2025 I really had an interesting conversation with my nephew as I drove him to the Denver airport. We were catching up a lot of things and he was asking us a lot of questions. My nephew had good ice breaker questions. They were questions like "What was the worst thing that somebody gave you?" I would give an answer then he would answer. The last question he asked, "What was the best free thing that you ever received?" I immediately began strolling through my past trying to think of anything that I got to free and totally cool. Then I remembered that my dad gave me a 2019 King Ranch F150 pickup a couple of years ago. We happened to be driving the same vehicle to the airport. I then ask him the same question. He did not have to think long and he replied, "Jesus Christ". I paused a moment to think but he was right. Salvation is a free gift from the lord and it's the only thing that's capable of getting us into the Kingdom of Heaven. Even though my pickup truck is cool and can get from point A to point B in style. The problem is the kingdom of heaven is not anywhere between those points. The is no better answer to that question than "Jesus Christ" Jesus may be free to us but he paid a dear price for what he did. No one has graphically depicted what Jesus went through because no one is sadistic enough to do what Satan did to our King. Even after it was all done, Jesus said, "Father, Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." He did all this because he knew one day that I would be born and he wanted to personally invite me in the presence of the Father. It is my choice to freely accept or reject his gift. If we accept his gift our heart better reflect our choice. Our King will not be deceived! My nephew spent time away from God and Jesus is bring him back home. I don't care that he had spent time in jail, but the fact he was fun to be with and is giving his heart back to Jesus Christ is the only thing important to me. I hope to see him soon even if it is to take him back to the airport. Jesus "King of kings" 01/03/2025 So you think that you have made such a mistake that God will never be able to fix it. This is proof that even if we mess everything up that God has planned for us that he can fix our mess. But please do not test him or you could be cursed. Abram was a good case of screwing up. Look at the powerful promise God gave him. Genesis 15:1-6 NLT The Lord’s Covenant Promise to Abram 15 Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” 2 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. 3 You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” 4 Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” 5 Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” 6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Now pay attention to the fact that God has told Abram that he was going to have a son of his own who was going to inherit everything and Abraham believed. It said even that God considered him righteous because of his faith. Now see what happens to Abraham as time passes. Genesis 16:1-2 NLT The Birth of Ishmael 16 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, “The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal. I see some Adam and Eve stuff going on here. Sarai’ is convincing Abraham to sleep around to see if her servant girl could make a son. Both of them are tired of waiting on the timing of God. Abram may even I said to himself, "You know that God did not specify Sarai as having the son so he convinced himself to take charge. It was never mentioned if Abram shared God's vision with his wife. But look what happens when man tries to run God's events without him. Genesis 16:4-6 NLT 4 So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she’s pregnant she treats me with contempt. The Lord will show who’s wrong—you or me!” 6 Abram replied, “Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away. All Abram did was cause problems and heartaches to the people in his family and to those who were serving him because of his unwillingness to wait on Gods timing. God is about to start fixing Abrams mess: Genesis 16:7-12 NLT 7 The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. 8 The angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai,” she replied. 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.” 10 Then he added, “I will give you more descendants than you can count.” 11 And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. 12 This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.” Even when everything is totally messed up, God is still there. He sent angel to Hagar to tell her what to do. But there were consequences. She had to go back and submit to the authority of Abram. But in this process, he made a covenant with Hagar that to her descendants would be as numerous as the stars but they would be wild. To this day the Arab nations have been a thorn in the side of Israel. The one thing the angel never mentioned to Hagar was the that there was going to be a day were the Arab nations would come to know God because of the visitations of Jesus Christ. Arabs all over the world are coming to Jesus Christ because of his personal visitations. God honored who is now Abraham with vast wealth and the linage of Jesus Christ. This is proof that God is powerful to fix anyone's mess. Here is something else to think about: Genesis 17:17 Then Abraham bowed down to the ground, but he laughed to himself in disbelief. “How could I become a father at the age of 100?” he thought. “And how can Sarah have a baby when she is ninety years old? How could anyone who had strong relationship with God even comment on his wife having a child at an old age? We serve a God who is limitless and if he wanted to he could even make a dude bring a child to term and at any age. You are right this is a scary thought but not impossible to God. Jesus is Lord 12/31/2024 Jesus's disciples have spent a lot of time with him when he spoke about what was in John 16. Jesus wanted to share more but stopped to prevent his disciples from being overwhelmed. The first part dealt with how they would be treated. Isn't is sad that people think they are doing God a favor by coming after you. It is really dumb when they saw Jesus do the things he did and would say, "We need to kill this man because he dishonors God." I am a firm believer that what Jesus did was coming from the Father because nothing exists today that has that Kind of power other then Yahweh. John 16:1-4 “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. 3 This is because they have never known the Father or me. 4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer. Jesus wanted to tell them more but the Holy Spirit will bring to you what I left out. The way he does it will bring glory to my name. John 16:12-15 NLT 12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’ We know the end of the story but what kind of questions would we ask when Jesus said this: John 16:16-19 NLT 16 “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.” 17 Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? 18 And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.” 19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. These were his final words: John 16:29-33 NLT 29 Then his disciples said, “At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. 30 Now we understand that you know everything, and there’s no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” verse 33 sums it all up. We are never alone. Christians need to stand up and encourage one another as we face trials. Jesus says, "We have victory because he overcome the world." Do you know what this means? Jesus is Lord!
