Thoughts ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZONPRTOFF dateof comment Look Inside Data Conditions:Order: 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12|13|14| Dateof Comment 10/02/2024 John proves that Jesus is God in the flesh: John 14:9 NLT Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? John 14:11 NLT Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. It also can be said that no man can murder God. Jesus physically laid his life down for us to shed his blood for the forgiveness of sins. There is no greater love then laying your life down for some else. With all the evil things happening why do people ask, "If God is a 'God of love' why does he let these things happen to people?" When Jesus ascended into heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit as a light to his church for the world to see. This light was given to the church to challenge the enemy just as Jesus did when he was tempted. As we indulge in the things of this world our light dims. The enemy likes to make it dim gradually so we do not notice it happening. The dimmer the light gets the less power we have against the enemy. Soon the light goes out and we are in total darkness. We are now powerless to fight the enemy and blame God for what has happened. Our lights are like the ten bridesmaids of whom five fell asleep as their lights began to go out. In our case when they went to get oil the enemy is allowed to do immensely evil things Luke 11:33-34 NLT Receiving the Light 33 “No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. 34 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is unhealthy, your body is filled with darkness. This is what happens when the world controls us: 2 Corinthians 6:14 NLT Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? This is one of the many things that we can do to extinguish our light. 1 John 2:9 NLT If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. A church is a place where men and women come together to worship and glorify the name of Jesus. Before anyone leaves, we should be encouraging one another to live for Jesus. These are things to become powerful against the enemy: Acts 9:31 NLT The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers. Romans 14:19 NLT So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. 1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT Divisions in the Church I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. This can put the light out in the church quickly. Jude 1:4 NLT I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. We are required to get these people out before our light goes dark. 1 Corinthians 5:12 NLT It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. Let's all become the churches that were created in Acts when the Holy Spirit came. If we had the power they had, I guarantee that this world would be a different place today. Darkness would not have the power being demonstrated today. The light can still happen if we give full control of our lives over to Jesus. I believe that God is about to get his church in order to prepare for the greatest worldwide harvest ever. His prophets have said that it is coming quickly. How many people who have already died that would love to witness what is about to happen. Thank the Lord that he chose us to be here as witnesses for him. 09/26/2024 Our faith can be challenged from time to time. Hebrews talks about one remedy for those moments: Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT 23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ will build your faith because you will understand that he will keep his promises, but we are not to stop there for ourselves. It is important that we challenge others and also help them build their faith. Paul even mentioned this in one of his letters: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. It is important that we know the Jesus we serve. We do not want to encourage anyone to do something that does not honor his name. Never forget this: John 15:5 NLT 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. If the Holy Spirit does not touch the hearts of men, we could never reach them for God's Kingdom. If God does not call us to go into a ministry, it could lead to harm or death. God needs to precede everything we do, and his presence has to remain there, or everything will fall apart. We are just his messengers and sevants to his body. 09/21/2024 This was a quote made by a black man on TikTok If Jesus Christ would come to America in this day and this age with the purpose of sacrificing himself for our sins, which party do you think would kill him because his views did not align with their ways. When you can figure this out you will then know which party to vote for. Believe me he is not crazy. Just think what they are doing to President Trump who is not perfect. Imagine what they would do to Jesus Christ the author of perfection. Jesus would not be silent today either. They already are calling God's word hate speech and they are trying to edit those things out in the existing translations. It's good to have an old standby copy of the written word to check for these modifications if you go online. I love the power of online searches, and I will check time to time to make sure those sites stay honest. 09/21/2024 Another TikTok find: The greatest man in history is Jesus. He had no servants, yet they called him master. He had no degree, yet they called him teacher. He had no medicines, yet they called him healer. He had no army, yet kings feared him. He won no military battles yet conquered the world. He did not live in a castle, yet they called him Lord. He ruled no nations, yet they called him King. He committed no crime, yet they crucified him. He was buried in a tomb, yet he lives today. His Kingdom is not of this world, yet it lies within the hearts of those who believe. He spoke of love and forgiveness and his words have transformed millions. He offers no material wealth, yet we consider him the treasure of our lives. He promises no earthly power yet in his name the powerless have found strength. Though he left no written words his messages have filled countless pages. In his weakness we find our strength. In his suffering our salvation. Jesus the greatest man in history continues to invite us to the story of redemption, love and eternal life. His name is Jesus Christ. 09/20/2024 I want to dedicate this to President Donald Trump: Isaiah 41:12-13 NLT 12 You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing. 13 For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. As Hammon tried to kill Mordeciah, I pray that the tables will turn on Trumps enemies in the same manner. 09/19/2024 Did you hear about the Pope calling Jesus Christ a liar. In Matthew Jesus was talking to his disciples and said this about getting into the kingdom of heaven: Matthew 7:13-14 NLT The Narrow Gate 13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. The pope says just the opposite. The path of all religions leads to the Kingdom of God by default. In fact, even atheist if they are good, they too will end up in the Kingdom of heaven also. I am wondering if the pope has even read the bible. The way he talks like he's been reading "BS for Dummies". Bible 101 teaches that Yahweh is the only God and that there is a curse that goes along with not worshipping Yahweh. Exodus 20:5 NLT You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. God has given Jesus Christ total authority on who gets into the Kingdom of God. John 14:6 NLT 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Maybe the pope does know the scriptures but so does Satan. John talks about people who are more interested in the praise of man then praising God. John 12:43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. The scriptures also talk about people looking for leaders who speak what they want to hear and that is very dangerous. 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. Salvation cannot be earned. Only the blood of Jesus Christ has made us possible for us to enter the Kingdom of God. If worshipping any other god would get you into the Kingdom of God why did Jesus Christ waste his time doing what he did. It is an insult and mockery to tell Jesus what he did for us was unnecessary because God is going to let any religion into his Kingdom. It is true though that you can repent of this travesty and commit your life to Jesus Christ. He will forgive you and let you enter into God's Kingdom. This is a gift and it should not be taken lightly: Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. How do we know if we are on the side of Jesus? This is a litmus test to see if you are serious about your relationship with our King: Matthew 24:9-13 NLT 9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. If the people of this world all like you the enemy will probably leave you alone because you are ineffective to our King. That is the enemy's desire that we never serve our King, and that our salvation remains in jeopardy. You can tell that when this Pope was elected that the people who put him into power never prayed to the true God to have a godly representative. I have even heard about his desire to allow homosexual priests. God would never put somebody in power like this to represent him. I feel that those who put him there think just like he does. They all need to repent. Peter accurately talks about what is happening today: 2 Peter 2 NLT The Danger of False Teachers But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed. If we are not versed in God's word it will be easy for the enemy to deceive us. Satan uses part truth mixed with lies. Many times, it is not obvious what is wrong with his ideas. That is why it is so easy for him to trap us. Both God's word and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit is required to effectively reveal and overcome the enemy's plans. Let's not be deceived like the pope is. There are many people out there who are just like him, and we have to be on guard for them too. People in leadership have to really watch what they are doing. If we mislead other people, this will happen: 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. This verse or curse is so important that it is mentioned in the first three Gospels. The pope does not realize how much danger he is in. 09/16/2024 Even though it is not as painful as losing a family member or friend it still hurts when we lose a pet. I just recently lost a pet dog to an automobile on the highway. Do you ever wonder what God thinks when we lose a pet? This story was called in to a Christian radio station in Texas by a Nebraska 13-year-old whose family has cattle in the middle of the state. He listened to the station a lot because he knew everyone there. He said, "Hey, Mike can I talk to you?" Mike replied, "You bet Logan what's up?" Logan sighs a little and said, "I want to tell you something that God just told me." Mike replies, "OK" Logan continues, "Last night my dad was roping this calf. This calf was born from a really old cow. She really did not have the greatest milk. The calf broke its back when it jerked the rope. I had to go out this morning to put the calf down myself. While I was doing this I was crying to God and asking him 'why? She was special!' And God said, 'You know Logan, my Son was special, but he died for a purpose.' I realized it is kind of the same thing. That calf was close to me and God's Son was close to him." Mike replied, "Logan, you are so right. It's true! I think you are going to be OK." Logan then said, "Yeah, I'll be fine, but I just want to tell you guys that it's so important to remember when you lose a loved one or a pet that God gave his Son too. He understands. He will always understand. Just run to him." Mike replied, "Logan you are wiser than you know." Logan Finished with, "Oh, I just figured I better call and share with you guys. Love you." God understands how close our pets are to us when they are taken. We will never be as close to our pets or a person as God was to his Son. I cannot imagine what he was feeling during that period when they were beating him and finally crucified him. Jesus knew what he could do, and his answer was, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." This was probably the greatest action of love a man has ever made. 09/11/2024 We know that God word never returns void. Isaiah 55:11 NLT It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. GOD wants to be our God forever: Isaiah 46:4 (New Living Translation) I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Have you ever thought sometimes that God's presence is missing in your life. There is a reason for everything our King does. Here is a reason why you cannot always get Jesus Christ for help. God has it set up so you cannot go to him every time. The scariest reason is that the Lord is actually protecting you from pride. If you get so used to the Lord Jesus to do your will and so confident about yourself that you can reach out to him anytime and all the time without fail. Every time you call him, he comes at a drop of your finger. You will get so use to him that he will start working for you. Not you for him. Trust me! You will be so relaxed and self-confident. Pride will then engulf you. Satan will then devour you before you can blink your eyes. Now you know why sometimes you may feel abandoned. He wants us to always be humble. Continue to pray for what you need. Even though he may not grant it today he may still do it tomorrow. He wants us to remember that even though Jesus served while he was in the flesh to show us how it is done. Now that he is sitting at the right hand of God, we were put on this earth to serve him. God really means it when he says "I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." 09/09/2024 We probably know that having Jesus Christ on the throne is a good thing. But do you know that God did not intend for us to live apart from everyone else. Tim Tebow said it all: You need the right people to be around you. Why? Because you do not know everything. Man, I tell you what I have screwed up so many times, I have messed up so many times and been stupid so many times. I have fallen short so many times. Do you know how many times I have needed other people to say "We got your back" that they would pick me up and encourage me, challenge me, convict me, they would help me, and they would guide me? We were never meant to do this on our own. Will you invest in having the right people around you. See, you do not go faster, but you go further. So, you don't just have some success, but you actually have some relationships that are going to last. Will you surround yourself with the right people. Tim Tebow is one cool dude, and it would be fun to meet him some day. They do not like him because he loves Jesus, but I say never stop glorifying the name of Jesus Christ. My prayer for him is for all the career loses he faced loving Jesus that God would bless him in levels he could not imagine. 09/07/2024 Have you ever wondered why some people seem to suffer more than others? Usually, they end up blaming God for what just happed. God gave us gift called "free will". If I have a $100 bill, I could spend it on myself or bless someone in need. If I want to go someplace, I can just jump in my Mustang and have some fun and just go. "Free will" allows us to go places where God may not approve. How many times do we suffer because we are where we should not be. Jesus Christ submitted his will to his Father and the Father was always with him. His disciples did not understand the concept of giving your will to God. Jesus explained what happens when you give your will to the Father. John 11:7-11 NLT 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” 8 But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” 9 Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. 10 But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” 11 Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up." When the light of the Father is present you will complete the assignment that God has for you. No one will be able to stop you. When we walk away from God or disobey him darkness of the enemy moves in. The enemy can harm or destroy us and/or people close to us. I have seen people who do everything right and still have a Job moment where everything seems to crash around them. I do not understand why this happens, but God does. Jesus is interested in getting our souls into the Kingdom of God and he will allow anything that may happen to get us there or wake us up. David understood why we need to trust in the Lord: Psalm 13:5 NLT But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. We all need to really trust in the Lord. Even after everything Jesus said, Thomas did not really believe what our King said and replied: John 11:16 NLT 16 Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus.” Until you understand what "free will" is you will never understand why so much suffering exists. There are consequences for everything you do and those around you what they do: Ezekiel 44:12 But they encouraged my people to worship idols, causing Israel to fall into deep sin. So I have taken a solemn oath that they must bear the consequences for their sins, says the Sovereign Lord. Let us all give our "Free Will" to God. He will put us on the right path: Psalm 25:4 NLT Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. 09/03/2024 Everyone has gone through trials of some kind in their lifetime. Even the Bible talks about trials and how God uses them to develop our 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. Sometimes I handle the trials I go through like the Biden administration does economics. God then has to take me through more trials until I get it right: Isaiah 48:17 NLT This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Have you ever wondered how trials seem to do the impossible? Peter seen it happen to himself: 1 Peter 4:12 NLT Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. My recent strange incident was when both of my pivots broke down in a three-day period. I do not believe in coincidences, but one pivot blew a $8000 motor and the steering mechanism in the other end of the pivot in the same hour. The next one died from a safety fault the next day. You may think that I was thoroughly screwed. But this happened because our King has been monitoring the situation. He made sure the trial came late in the growing season when my crops were most mature. Everyone knows About the supply chain and how difficult it can be to get parts. When they found out what the problem was with the electric motor they had one and we installed it quickly the next day. When we started up the new motor that is when we discovered the broken steering knuckle on the corner machine. They had the part also. God even stopped the pivot by the access road for the techs. They reported to me that this was the easiest fix they have had in a long time. I began to think of the prayer a high school girl spoke, "God bless those who Blue Mustang encounters." Her words were powerful because when the 2nd pivot died it was where the first tower was about to enter the tall corn. We just finished putting up the alfalfa, so it was short. My King wanted the techs not to have to stumble through the tall corn and make it easier for them to find the problem. You should have seen the expression on their faces when they saw that machine stop on the border of the two crops. I told them that my King did not want them to stumble in the vegetation and to just bless them. They too said this was the easiest fix they ever had in a long time. We will never see the positive things that happen in trials if we do not look for them. God continually monitors your situation: 2 Peter 2:9 NLT So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. I still think trials suck, but I do know one thing and that is you have more compassion for those going through similar trials. Trials also reveal how much we need God in our lives when we are going through them. I firmly believe a life of no trials would be detrimental to our spiritual growth and would remove our King off the throne. It is also cool that the Holy Spirit wants to help get us through our trials. Our trials, if done correctly, will bring glory to the name of our King. 08/25/2024 I know that each one of us has a different walk with our King. But one thing that I would bet on is that you still have those days where it seems you are just spinning your wheels and getting nowhere fast. In the midst of all of that doubt tries to creep up on us. King David who had a good walk with God even had those days and wrote about it: Psalm 94:18-19 (New Living Translation) I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. We serve the same God David served and he is here to support us also and to remove the doubt. When we pray for help, he does this: Psalm 116:1-2 (New Living Translation) I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Paul even said to never cease praying: Romans 12:12 NLT Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT Never stop praying. 08/24/2024 The king of Saudi Arabia created a big golf course in the middle of the desert. It was impressive seeing this huge green area in the middle of a desert where nothing can grow. The Saudi king invited a bunch of celebrities to view his impressive work of engineering. Included in that list was Arnold Palmer. As the party progressed the Saudi king asked Arnold what he would like. He said, "Ask me anything and I will grant it." Arnold Palmer was caught off guard and wasn't sure what to say. He did not want to offend the king in any way. After thinking for a while he finally asked, "Just give me a club." The Saudi king said, "Your request will be granted." After the everything was all over Arnold Palmer went home. Time had passed and nothing came about what happened during the event with the king. The king kept his promise. One day when Arnold Palmer went home to get the mail and there was a certified envelope from the king of Saudi Arabia. Arnold said to himself, "It's definitely not a golf club." But when he opened it up, he discovered that it was good for a beautiful 500-acre Club. Isn't it interesting when we think of what a club is and what a king thinks a club is. Maybe we should be thinking more like what a king does. I know that my King thinks like this: Romans 8:32 (New Living Translation) Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Isn't this quite a promise. We serve a big God, and we need to think bigger. Only our motives can destroy what big things God has for us. 08/20/2024 I asked, "God why are you taking me through troubled waters." He replied, "Because your enemies can't swim." I then asked, "Why do I always feel like I am failing and struggling?" God answered, "Because your growth and accomplishments come from facing challenges and overcoming difficulties. Every failure is a stepping stone to success." I then asked, "Why do I feel like life is filled with pain and helplessness?" God responded, "In your weakest moments I am by your side. I use your pain to shape your character. Your helplessness is used to showcase my power." I continuing on and asked, "Why do I have to experience disappointment and setbacks?" God replied, "Because in disappointment you learn to trust. In setbacks you learn to persevere. I am with you every step of the way guiding you toward victory." Finally I asked, "Why do I always feel confused and lost?" God answered, "Because you overlook my plan for your life. When you focus on me I will smooth your path and provide you with clear direction. Trust me! Everything is within my control. President Donald Trump 08/19/2024 In our ministry we have college students, gang members, law enforcement, firemen, and the ghetto that is being blessed because I see how their lives are changing because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. As God blesses us with success it can be harmful by distracting us even if we are still serving God. Blessings are great but do not let them quench your fire for the King. He does not like it when our love diminishes for him and/or the people in the church: Revelation 2:2-5 NLT 2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. 4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. Our Lord is looking for those who are on fire for him. You all have kept my desire strong for Jesus, but I do have to admit that if I did not have you and this ministry that God gave me that I could see myself falling into this trap. Once a week we should all do a self-check and ask the question "Is my fire for my Lord improving or am I going downhill." Interacting with brothers and sisters in Christ and the Holy Spirit can relight the fire. I was in church today and a lady came forward to ask this question of the congregation. She was right on and the question needs to be answered by each one of us. When unbelievers come into the fold they need to see a church with people on fire for the Lord. We send a negative message to them when we are not. 08/18/2024 Have you ever read a bible verse and asked why they said what they said? This is one of them: Romans 14:8 (NLT) If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. I asked myself "How I could honor God being dead?" I thought to myself that Paul wrote this. He understood the spiritual side of God better than anyone. He also knew what kind of death he was going to face. When we die because we stand our ground for Jesus Christ that honors God immensely. Peter did it better than anyone when he asked to be crucified upside down. His reason was: "I am not worthy to die the way my Lord did." Peter brought glory to the Lord when he died. I then asked myself if anyone is alive today that lives this verse. I began to realize that President Trump fits this bill. In many ways his life is similar to Paul's. Both knew God existed growing up but neither had the personal relationship. Paul woke up when Jesus approached him on the road to Damascus and President Trump received his awakening by the Holy Spirt during the first year of his presidency. They both began serving God at this point. President Trump wants to restore this country back to "One nation under God". President Trump brings up the name of Jesus Christ a lot. They are trying to kill him just like they did Paul. Both of them fought and is fighting for Jesus Christ even under the threat of death. President Trump totally understands this verse. I am thankful that he is still fighting for me and Jesus Christ even with the threat of prison and death. Even though both represent Jesus Christ their calling makes them different. Paul was called to be a "pastor" and President Trump is called to be a "warrior". Just remember this when you think President Trump is crude, the warrior King David was crude and God would not let him build the temple because of the blood on his hands. President Trump is faced with the same type of situations as David; yet David was called "the apple of my eye" by God. Do not expect President Trump to be a pastor when God created him to be a warrior Continue to pray for President Trump because the enemy is after him big time and that he continues to honor the Lord. For us, this is the greatest personal thing we can do to honor our King while we're alive. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 08/15/2024 When God put your mother and father together, he put those two people together to produce you. You may have been a mistake to your mother and father. They may not have even intended for you to be here, but God did. See God doesn't make mistakes. The whole purpose for your mother and father was to produce you. God wanted you. Your earthly father is not the architect of your story. Your earthly father is not the author of none of your chapters. Your heavenly father, on the other hand is always there guiding you and shaping your journey. He has a plan for you. One that is filled with purpose and meaning. Even if your parents did not foresee your arrival, God did, and he crafted you with intention and love. Embrace the fact that you are here for a reason. A purpose that goes beyond any earthly plans. Trust in God's plan for you; for it is perfect and deliberate. Your story is still being written by the one who never makes mistakes. Donald Trump Jeremiah 29:11-12 NLT 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 08/14/2024 Since the new regime took over in 2020 there has been so much more evil making itself present. It is definitely like the days of Noah. Have you ever wondered what God is up to? From history God seems to do something big every 2,000 years. We are living in the next 2000-year cycle. His prophets are predicting that God is about to release his glory. It is almost 25 years past this time. Why does it seem like GOD is missing the boat on this one? Peter had an answer to this question: 2 Peter 3:8-10 NLT 8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. I firmly believe that when God's glory is present that the enemy does not have a chance. He will suffer major losses where those who are against God will die early. God is trying to preserve us and get us to change our mind to accept him. God is looking for men and women who accept Jesus Christ because of his sacrifice he made for us. He is not looking for second-hand Christians who only go to church because someone else goes. We accept him and do what he wants because we love him. This is what he expects of us: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. If you truly honor him with your body your love for him and people will grow. You should experience a disdain for the old sinful habits that you had growing up. People will see a change in your life as you give your full body to Christ. If your life looks like this, you need to question your salvation: 2 Peter 3:3 NLT Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. If you do not study God's word you will not even know what the truth is. For example: I know Trump was sent for a specific purpose by God to clean the swamp, but many Christians do not have a clue what is happening in that man's life and what he was called to do. Your refusal to change or learn the truth is not good because: Galatians 6:7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 08/08/2024 Lately my buddy has been getting requests from gang members in the area of forgiving other people. These guys have deep hurts relating to what their dads were like when they left home. We all know that Jesus wants to forgive our sins if we are willing to confess them. Why would Jesus want to do that? He understands James 2:8 NLT Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The key word is "LOVE". In fact, he loved us so much he shed his blood for us. If we loved like that, we would also lay our lives down for another person and would want to forgive others who harmed us. Jesus lived his life this way: John 13:34 NLT So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Romans 12:9 NLT Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:10 NLT Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Some may say that it is humanly impossible to love like that but Colossians 1:8 NLT He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you. The Holy Spirit wants to show us how to love people like Christ did. The second step is to not be a hypocrite. The parable of the debtor will remind you that Jesus has forgiven the massive number of sins we have in our own life: Matthew 18:23-35 NLT 23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt. 26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ 27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. 28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. 29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. 30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. 31 “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. 32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. 35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” This analogy says: Colossians 3:13 NLT Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. How many of us behave like this? I look at people differently when Jesus and I am the persons in this story. Look at all the other problems we cause by unforgiveness: Matthew 6:15 NLT But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. John 20:23 NLT If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Man, it can even mess with your prayer life: Mark 11:25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” I firmly believe that how we forgive people can also bring people into the fold: James 5:20 you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. This verse describes God and Jesus very well. Nehemiah 9:17 NLT They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them, Some may never ask for forgiveness. If you want peace again in your life you still need to let it go. Other than the thief on the cross no one asked Jesus for forgiveness. Because he loved us so much, he asked, "Father forgive them because they do not know what they are doing." So it may be time now for you to forgive and let it go. Time to live in freedom with Christ. If you really want to be able to forgive people, strive for this: 2 Corinthians 5:14 NLT Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 08/05/2024 There is more to the story of the demon possessed man in the cemetery than what meets the eye: Mark 5:1-2 5 So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from the tombs to meet him. This is interesting in itself. Usually when my buddy goes out on the streets, we pray that the demonic influences run whenever the name of Jesus Christ is mentioned. The enemy flees from us which we have witnessed. But this man came towards Jesus. Were the demons curious or was the Holy Spirit drawing the man to Jesus? Mark 5:3-8 3 This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. 4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones. 6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.” The demons had a lot of respect for Jesus and God like addressing him "Son of the Most High God". Jesus had amazing respect for his Father and the enemy knew this hoping that he would lessen the pain if he used the phrase "In the name of God". Mark 5:9-10 9 Then Jesus demanded, “What is your name?” And he replied, “My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man.” 10 Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place. What is this distance place? I am sure evil is present in the entire world. You can't get much further than that not unless they were afraid that Jesus was going to send them directly to the Lake of Fire right away. Mark 5:9-10 11 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. 12 “Send us into those pigs,” the spirits begged. “Let us enter them.” 13 So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. If Jesus gave the demon's permission to enter the pigs just because they asked, why would he not do requests for his children too. Granted if you ask for a Ferrari instead of a new car, he may not listen to you. What are your motives for wanting that Ferrari? Did you ever wonder what happened to the demons after the pig's drowned? Did they perish too? I have always wondered what Satan does to his minions when they fail. Mark 5:14-17 14 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. 15 A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons. He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. 16 Then those who had seen what happened told the others about the demon-possessed man and the pigs. 17 And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone. When we have our mind on worldly things this is what happens. We see the money that was lost when the pigs were drowned because we do not understand the spiritual thing that just happened. Fear drives God away from us. Mark 5:18-20 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” 20 So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them. So many people think that in order to serve God that you need to become a missionary. Then why did he tell the man “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” I know that many of you have testimonies that God wants you to share right where you are. Notice that his home was in the "Ten Towns" and he began witnessing to those who told Jesus to go. Jesus eventually came back to this place and this man's testimonies changed the community: Mark 7:31-37 31 Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. 32 A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. 33 Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue. 34 Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Be opened!” 35 Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly! 36 Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news. 37 They were completely amazed and said again and again, “Everything he does is wonderful. He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who cannot speak.” The people began to want Jesus after they heard his testimony of this one man. The motto of this story is Jesus will do things for us if we ask him with proper motives. Second, our testimonies will bring people into the fold of Jesus Christ when we honor his name.
