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|18|19|20|21|22|23|24|25|26|27|28| Dateof Comment 10/25/2025 Even back in the day of Jesus, God's word was ignored like it is today. Deception by the enemy is easy if we are ignorant. Even though Jesus was predicted in the word that he would come from this place, the people did not know it. They rejected his wisdom and power just because they knew his family. Where did they think Jesus got his power and wisdom unless it was from God? Why is it offensive when people are wise and do miracles to help other people? Mark 6:1-6 NLT Jesus Rejected at Nazareth 6 Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” 3 Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. 4 Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” 5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. When our minds deceive us we not only become dumb but we miss out on God's blessings. Jesus requires us to believe in him if we want miracles in our lives. Remember this, just because God is not using someone today, he may use them mightily in the future. Do not doubt them just because they are a friend or family member. Do not let their past dictate who they are today. The murderer Paul became the greatest apostle ever. Encourage them and believe in those who are honoring the name of Jesus. Ephesians 5:19-20 (New Living Translation) Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 10/24/2025 I have seen people misquote verse 17 many times: Mark 2:16-17 NLT 16 But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?” 17 When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” They remove the words I have in bold when they quote the verse. This changes the meaning immensely. When we fall into the trap of good works like the religious leaders, Jesus has no use for us. Paul said," Romans 3:10 KJV As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" This says that our faith in only Jesus Christ can make us righteous: Romans 4:5 NLT But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. The last part says he came only for those who know they sin and want to change. If we want to continue to sin apart from God, he did not come for you either. Unlike the devil though, we do have the option to change and be accepted back into the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. It is never too late no matter the level of how much we have sinned, that Jesus Christ will take us back into the fold. Don't mock Jesus by asking forgiveness and continuing down the same path you have always gone. If you truly honor and love Him you will want to change. Jesus -> King of kings - treat him like a king. Proverbs 9:10 NLT Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. 10/23/2025 As long as I have been living I have never heard much said about the Pilate story. The first part talks about Barabbas (evil) being good and Jesus (good) being evil. Things are sure mixed up here: Matthew 27:17-19 NLT 17 As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18 (He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.) {Now how would Pilate know if the religious leaders were jealous of Jesus unless Pilate has been watching Jesus around those people for a while. See, this is why we need to live like Christ because people like Pilate are watching us all the time.} 19 Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.” {What did Pilates wife see? She called him "innocent". What ever she saw, it reveled who Jesus was. Since she was terrified, did she in her dream see how they were going to disfigure his body. This was hideous what they were about to do to Jesus's body. Or did she see the awesome power of God with Jesus in her dream. All I know is she had to get a message to her husband to stay away from Jesus. The next question is what impact did the message have on Pilates decision. He knew that it was wrong but was too much of a coward to stop it.} Matthew 27:24-25 NLT 24 Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” 25 And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!” His wife's message scared him enough that he washed his hands from the crucifixion but when he had Jesus whipped he negated that by shedding his blood there. That last verse 25 is definitely a mockery to the King of kings. Those people were like a wolf stalking its prey. Only one thing on their mind was to kill. Not any compassion to be found anywhere. The rest of Matthew 27 shows us how hard the religious leaders hearts are: Matthew 27:54 NLT 54 The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!” The religious leaders and the ungodly Roman soldiers both saw Jesus release his spirit and what happened afterwards. The soldiers figured it out but the religious leaders had so much hatred in their hearts that they were oblivious to what happened. 1 John 3:15 Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them. 10/21/2025 How can a man who had the opportunity to walk with the Messiah do what he did? Matthew 26:14-16 NLT Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus 14 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests 15 and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus. He did this because his love of money was greater than his love for Jesus. Judas is not alone. Many large churches today are being run to make money and not follow the truth of Christ. They become filthy rich on the backs of people who tithe based on a prosperity gospel and don't have much money themselves. We should never give for the purpose of getting rich. I do believe in Malachi 3:10 but it may take several years for it to complete. Many of those pastors have found out a watered down gospel brings in larger congregations and more money. Heaven forbid, if we tell someone they need to repent to be saved. Why, that may hurt their feelings. How many use the excuse "Love your neighbor" to allow people to continue sinning? Jesus had something to say about this: Matthew 15:8-9 NLT 8 ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God. When you enjoy taking advantage of people to get rich this will also happen: Matthew 25:41-46 NLT 41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ 44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ 45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ 46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Do not allow the love of money take you down the path Judas went. Pastors in it for the money or numbers this verse fits you: Matthew 5:20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!" There are pastors that are not afraid to speak the truth. They have a hard job because you are watched by many people. I commend them for standing firm. I bet they even read the word so they know what the truth is. Those who do not know the word may have to deal with this: Matthew 18:6 NLT 6 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. Jesus will not tolerate anyone who leads others astray. This verse is true for all of us. Remember this, being silent about Christ to others can also cause a loss of salvation in their lives. Loving people, relationship with Jesus, knowing God's word, and sharing the truth of Christ with people will keep us from all of the above. Now that we are were God wants us, watch the blessings flow. 10/20/2025 There is a difference between thinking about something and actually do it. We may be sincere about doing things but nothing happens until we complete the task. This verse says that David is not only thinking about doing it but I am going to do it today: Psalm 27:14 NLT Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Waiting sure can be a drag. This next verse asks God for the strength to wait on his timing. Psalm 51:12 NLT Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Remember how many times Jesus has been waiting on us to do what he has asked of us. Isn't only fair that we wait on his timing. While you wait, keep on doing the things he asks us to do. Jesus is Lord!!!!!!! 10/19/2025 This is probably the most encouraging verse in the bible: 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. What happens when we let sin enter our life. Sampson's life started on the cool track with this verse. Even coming into the world was amazing: Judges 13:5 NLT 5 You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines. Soon Samson started hanging around prostitutes and was more interested in girls then God. Since his strength was given by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit was still present in his life. Sin was making Sampson numb to the presence of the Holy Spirit. So much so that he began doing stupid stuff like giving away his secret to someone who was plotting against him: Judges 16:15-17 NLT 15 Then Delilah pouted, “How can you tell me, ‘I love you,’ when you don’t share your secrets with me? You’ve made fun of me three times now, and you still haven’t told me what makes you so strong!” 16 She tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it. 17 Finally, Samson shared his secret with her. “My hair has never been cut,” he confessed, “for I was dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else.” This mistake was about to cost him dearly. Judges 16:20-21 NLT 20 Then she cried out, “Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!” When he woke up, he thought, “I will do as before and shake myself free.” But he didn’t realize the Lord had left him. 21 So the Philistines captured him and gouged out his eyes. They took him to Gaza, where he was bound with bronze chains and forced to grind grain in the prison. When sin makes us numb we do not realize when the Holy Spirit leaves. We have to live with the consequences of our sin. But God is not far away. When we come back to our senses things like this can happen: Judges 16:26-30 NLT 26 Samson said to the young servant who was leading him by the hand, “Place my hands against the pillars that hold up the temple. I want to rest against them.” 27 Now the temple was completely filled with people. All the Philistine rulers were there, and there were about 3,000 men and women on the roof who were watching as Samson amused them. 28 Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson put his hands on the two center pillars that held up the temple. Pushing against them with both hands, 30 he prayed, “Let me die with the Philistines.” And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime. God plans were still fulfilled at a cost of our stupidity but we need to ask Jesus for forgiveness and mean it first. Then make it a goal to live your life in a manner that pleases the Lord. You will again be able to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life again. When you become numb to the Holy Spirit you will also be numb to the presence of demonic spirits. You need the Holy Spirit to feel the presence of demonic spirits. Spiritual battles are best fought when the Holy Spirit is put in charge of your life. 10/18/2025 We all like to believe this is us: Psalm 19:14 NLT May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. The Lord had to remind me that I am more like this: James 3:7-12 NLT 7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. This next verse summarizes things. If we speak ungodly things and people are watching us, they are going to believe we are not real when we talk about the Lord to them. Matthew 15:18 NLT 18 But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. James said, "No one can tame the tongue." Humanly, it probably is impossible to do it. But it is not impossible for these two. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are there to help get us through the tongue problem, but are we willing to change? 10/17/2025 If Jesus was here in America today as a man, would he repeat Matthew 23 again with what is going on in the religious community today? I believe what was happening then is happening today. In regards to the religious leaders Jesus said, 1. "What sorrow waits you" seven times. 2. practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. 3. Everything they do is for show. 4. Love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor 5. Love being popular. Even as people we can encourage these behaviors: 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT 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. You probably even know of some, but many of today's pastors mimic the leaders of old. Ask God for discernment and stay away from people who sugar coat the things of God. YOUR SALVATION MAY BE AT STAKE! 10/16/2025 In America we can freely worship anything we want and it is a great place to get tempted. Until we get our roots back to one nation under Jesus Christ (God) we will continue to experience this: Judges 2:2-3 NLT 2 For your part, you were not to make any covenants with the people living in this land; instead, you were to destroy their altars. But you disobeyed my command. Why did you do this? 3 So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you.” When the church became weak, we now have gods popping up everywhere. Remember that material possessions and money can be a god also. Anything that replaces Yahweh is a god. Only an idiot would chose a dead god over the living God. Or is it the fact that when we sin, the dead god will never punish us. Removing the living God philosophy is as ridiculous as believing the sun will someday rise in the west. Both are science fiction. Only Yahweh is real and the sun will always rise in the east. Both are fact and real. Since the ungodly are already here, our job is to love, live for Christ, and talk to them about Jesus and bring them into God's Kingdom. Jesus Christ - King of kings! 2 Samuel 7:22 NLT “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! 10/15/2025 So much of what has been going on today is related to the children. Both Melania and President Trump have been doing their fair share of helping to solve the child trafficking problem. Why does the enemy have such a fetish towards the children? It is because they are special to Jesus and have the heart he is looking for in all of us: Matthew 18:1-7 NLT The Greatest in the Kingdom 18 About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” 2 Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. 3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. 6 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. 7 “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. This verse talks about the curse waiting for us if we lead children or anyone else astray. If we do not learn what God wants and lead people astray because of ignorance, he will not tolerate this either. We have his word to fix this ignorance problem. The Holy Spirit can also help. This next verse Jesus called the children just because his disciple rebuked them: Luke 18:15-17 NLT Jesus Blesses the Children One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” This one also talks about the heart of a child that we need to modify our heart to match. This last verse really tells how great our kids are to our King: Matthew 18:10 NLT “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. The bible never (I could be wrong about this) talks about what happens to these angels after we grow up. As we live for Christ, I hope that they stick around. No matter what, Jesus is still Lord! 10/14/2025 I never thought about insight being a gift but Jesus was talking to his disciples about insight that is not revealed to everyone. Both versions of this conversation are interesting: Matthew 13:11-12 NLT 11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. Matthew 13:11-12 The Message 11-15 He replied, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. Both reveal that insight is not instantaneous and that is why we need to continue to read God's word. While reading the word, the Holy Spirit will reveal more understanding and intel on whatever God is wanting to show us. The "Message" states that we need to have a heart for it to develop understanding. Both also say that if this understanding is not developed, we will lose it and the lesson is lost. God calls each on of us to tasks that fit the talents we have on loan from God. This can mess with our understanding also if we are not where we are suppose to be. Matthew 15:12-14 NLT 12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?” 13 Jesus replied, “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, 14 so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.” We will fail if we are not where God wants us to be. Jesus is Lord and he knows what he is doing when he calls us to go someplace. The enemy will try to convince you to be someplace where God is not calling you. Disobedience is a good way to get into trouble. 10/13/2025 Going to church today, I had a missionary going to Austria and he was talking about Secularism being so strong there. I looked up the definition: Secularism From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Secularism is the principle of seeking to conduct human affairs based on naturalistic considerations, uninvolved with religion. It is most commonly thought of as the separation of religion from civil affairs and the state and may be broadened to a similar position seeking to remove or to minimize the role of religion in any public sphere.[1] Secularism may encapsulate anti-clericalism, atheism, naturalism, non-sectarianism, neutrality on topics of religion, or antireligion.[2] Secularism is not necessarily antithetical to religion, but may be compatible with it.[3] As a philosophy, secularism seeks to interpret life based on principles derived solely from the material world, without recourse to religion. It shifts the focus from religion towards "temporal" and material concerns. Looks like it is not just a problem for just Austria, it is in America too! Step 1 - The enemies first step is to replace Jesus on the throne with "Self" on the throne. Advertisers love it when we sit on the throne. Step 2 - Now that we are sitting on the throne they now entice us with pleasurable things. This is the pursuit of happiness. In the short term life seems great. Step 3 - The enemy knows that we have a place in us that only the true God can fill. This emptiness can lead to despair and hopelessness. He is hoping that feeling will destroy us. This make him the victor if we remain ignorant of the things of God. Don't just take my word, read this: Ecclesiastes 2 NLT The Futility of Pleasure 2 I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world. 4 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 7 I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. 8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire! 9 So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. 10 Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. 11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. The Wise and the Foolish 12 So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?[a]). 13 I thought, “Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. 14 For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark.” Yet I saw that the wise and the foolish share the same fate. 15 Both will die. So I said to myself, “Since I will end up the same as the fool, what’s the value of all my wisdom? This is all so meaningless!” 16 For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten. 17 So I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless—like chasing the wind. The Futility of Work 18 I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned. 19 And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? Yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work under the sun. How meaningless! 20 So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work in this world. 21 Some people work wisely with knowledge and skill, then must leave the fruit of their efforts to someone who hasn’t worked for it. This, too, is meaningless, a great tragedy. 22 So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety? 23 Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless. 24 So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? 26 God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. 10/12/2025 God is really big into our parents that he even wrote one of the ten commandments about it. What Solomon said about out parents is also accurate with our heavenly Father: Proverbs 1:8-9 NLT My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck. Honoring our parents is like Spock saying on Star Trek, "Live long and prosper!" It is also a promise from God when we honor our parents while honoring him. 10/10/2025 One thing that can be fun is watching people. You can see some interesting things. But when you see the spiritual side of people watching as Jesus did, he said this: 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. Do you realize that more than 50% of the people you see on the streets are going to hell. It is even worse where the spirit of woke-ism is present. That is the reason why it is important for us to live for Jesus and talk about him to those 50% to get this number down. We have to be real or people will see right through us. If Jesus is the King of kings and you wanted to have a relationship with him, wouldn't you want to please him. He also wants to have a relationship with you. He can see your heart to know if you are real. We have to work to stay on that path to life while we continue developing our relationship with Jesus. Jesus desires for us who have found the path to bring that number down for those who are lost. Let's make Jesus proud. Proverbs 19:20-21 (New Living Translation) Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. 10/08/2025 How many people who are doing religious things but do not realize they may hear these words. Matthew 7:21-23 New Living Translation True Disciples 21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Here is a testimony of one young man who discovered this could happen to him: "I went to Catholic school until I switched to public school in 8th grade. I went to church basically twice a week for 10 years. I was pretty religious throughout high school. However, I was still living for myself and doing what I wanted to do. I didn't realize any of what I was doing was wrong or the separation it was creating between God and me. It wasn't until I went to the Bible studies with an evangelist from Foundations Church that I realized I had not given my life to God yet. The more I read the Bible, the more I understood what I was doing was wrong. I knew that to fully give my life to Him I needed to change, but I could tell my heart was getting harder. At church, I asked that they pray for God to soften my heart. That night before I went to sleep, I felt a switch; it was like a flame inside me had been ignited. I decided then that I finally wanted to repent. On August 8th, I prayed to give my life to Jesus. Ever since that day I have felt more alive than ever. I have been shown time and time again that God is there for me. I was struggling hard with school at the end of the semester, and I was afraid I wouldn't get the grades I needed to maintain my scholarship. I prayed that I could get a 3.5 GPA so I could keep my scholarship, and I ended up getting exactly what I needed. I have never been happier in my life since I gave my life to God." -Jake It is work to live to know and serve Jesus but like Jake "I have never been happier in my life since I gave my life to God." Jesus is a GOOD King. Shouldn't he be treated like one? Deuteronomy 13:4 NLT Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. 10/05/2025 Here is a verse that made me take a double take: Isaiah 55:6 NLT Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. I said to myself "God is always near." But then I read something in Jeremiah: Jeremiah 18:17 I will scatter my people before their enemies as the east wind scatters dust. And in all their trouble I will turn my back on them and refuse to notice their distress.” You can only push God so far with sin before he will be forced by anger to abandon us to a fate. Sometimes we push him so far that even when we say we are sorry that fate still occurs because he is so angry. Look at what happened with Israel and the Babylonians. That was a long 70 year period to allow God's anger to subside. Let's have reverent fear for our King now and not force his hand on our lives because we refuse to live like Jesus. God can be pushed too far! Isaiah 26:4 (New Living Translation) Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. 10/03/2025 Before Jesus Christ shed his blood for us, God's Spirit only entered into a few people. Since then, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit for all of us. Now we have this: 1 Peter 1:3 (New Living Translation) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, Life is better for us today that anyone had before Jesus came. Jesus is so much more than the free gift of salvation. I am glad "Jesus is Lord!" 10/01/2025 If we truly believe that only God's opinion matters, this is a good verse to remember: Matthew 5:11-12 NLT “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. It may not be fun to experience this but if we endure it, God is well pleased. Jesus warned his disciples that: John 15:20 NLT Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. It is also a guide to how much we please God. The more we make the enemy angry is proportionate to how much we please God. Matthew 5:10 NLT God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Always think about what we do each day. Do our decisions honor God or man? Even though it is possible to do both, God's honor and glory should be first in all our decisions. Jesus is Lord! 09/30/2025 Many people talk about the wonderful gift of salvation that Jesus Christ gave by shedding his blood but shy away talking about the things he desires from us. This verse has some amazing things in it: Philippians 1:9-10 NLT I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. A. Love was the first thing mentioned. We could always love more, not only God, but people in general. B. "knowledge and understanding" - Even as old as I am I realize what I do not know and what I have learned about spiritual things. C. "live pure and blameless lives" - In order to have this one, we have to master the first two. Even if we mess up we can tell people we are sorry and mean it. This goes for Jesus too. But never give up on the "live pure and blameless lives". Jesus will not give up on you. Jesus is Lord! 09/25/2025 Even when we are trying to serving and obey God, this verse will always be true. It was written by Paul who was amazing when it came to spiritual things: Romans 3:23 NLT For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. When we fail, this is also true: 1 John 2:1 NLT My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. Definitely "Jesus is Lord"
