Showing posts with label new year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new year. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

True success in the new year -- is it attainable? Be about knowing the Lord and doing what He wants.

Like me, do you have some friends who want some food for thought as they wish for work for true success in this new year? 

Here's some...

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up in honor." James 4:10 nlt #HubrisWontGetUthere #TheWordCan

"Study this Book of Instruction (the Bible) continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:8-9 nlt

Every book and passage in the Bible to me is God's text for wise application. We have a new beginning of years -- gift! What will you do with it? (idea: experience the ultimate new beginning Gift). Have you paused in prayer to ask the Author how he would have you wisely apply His word to your situation?

So, does 3 John 1:2 endorse a false prosperity gospel simply because John way back in the day.. wanted a friend to prosper and be in good health?

What does God in the Bible really have to say about prosperity?

It's 2024 and around the world culture is collapsing, so how is God’s Word a lamp to my feet (Psalm 119:105)?

What does God mean when He says, “my ways are higher than your ways” in Isaiah 55:9?

Why sometimes.. do wicked people seem to prosper so well?

"Always remember [Do not let depart from your mouth] what is written in the Book of the Teachings [in the Law to Meditate upon] it day and night to be sure [careful; diligent] to obey everything that is written there. Always remember [Do not let depart from your mouth] what is written in the Book of the ·Teachings [Law]. ·Study [Meditate on] it day and night to be ·sure [careful; diligent] to obey everything that is written there." exb

You can live successfully and courageously in #2024 (with all needs on every level met) without any unhealthy fears because:

1.) God is with us wherever He leads us to step by step go.
2.) God promised and He expects each of His followers to live strong and courageous lives (exemplary) before a watching world.
3.) God has actually called you and me to Himself and to live without negative fears as we take part in His Great Commission (by His power, never alone).

You recall when Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). Well, filled with the Holy Spirit He lived it, and He meant it. For us.

"And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 amp #EveryIsEvery

He's never lied, believer. "My God will use his glorious riches to give you everything you need. He will do this through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 erv

Jesus told His followers, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses.." Acts 1:8a

God doesn't call the equipped — He equips the called so they can pull it off right and then God gets the glory.

"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever." Hebrews 13:20-21 nkjv

Remember when the Apostle Paul told Timothy, “The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

When Paul was behind bars he said, “Because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear” (Philippians 1:14).

Sure, there is such a thing as "holy fear" that is SO positive -- it's a healthy sense in which we are called to fear God. I mean to live in obedient respect and reverence of Him no matter where we are. But the Bible is WAY CLEAR in teaching us to live with great confidence in God’s promises and power. (You know how the Bible wasn't written to us, but it was written for us.. too! (Sure, it's God's love letter to born-again believers of all Lands).

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” We don't walk by feelings, by unhealthy fear, or by flawed human explanations.

"As God's children we live on promises, not on explanations." ~ Warren Wiersbe


The promise of Joshua 1:9 was specifically given to Joshua, but the principle of this verse is affirmed elsewhere in Scripture.. meaning it's applicable to all believers. God calls us to live courageously, without fear, knowing that He is with us at all times.

I say muse in this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night (yeah, with some verbal repetition) "so that you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." See Joshua 1:8-9 nlt

Who was this man Joshua? How did he scripturally serve the Lord?











Just imagine how the Father feels today when He sees you meditating on the pure truth of His Word instead of on what most people dwell upon.. in order to be ready for anything you'll face. Imagine His great feeling when He sees His child (you believer in spite of what you feel) pause to pray some simple sentences requesting assistance. Just imagine how the Holy Spirit feels today when He sees you filled with gratitude, turn to the Ultimate Answer with your questions and challenges.. to the Person that knows exactly what's far ahead. Imagine how Jesus feels today when He sees you step by step walkin' in the light, led by His Spirit and doing the right thing knowing it wasn’t at all easy for you, but you still chose it regardless of what the masses opt to do ..just to honor Him. It's a great day to earnestly pray and then wisely serve ..glorifying the Lord!




"Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]. This is a good reminder for us that Our Father not only wants us to succeed and prosper, but above all to be spiritually, emotionally balanced." 3 John 1:2

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:33

"Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people." Proverbs 22:29





















"Always remember [Do not let depart from your mouth] what is written in the Book of the ·Teachings [Law]. ·Study [Meditate on] it day and night to be ·sure [careful; diligent] to obey everything that is written there. Always remember [Do not let depart from your mouth] what is written in the Book of the ·Teachings [Law]. ·Study [Meditate on] it day and night to be ·sure [careful; diligent] to obey everything that is written there." exb



I seem to be able to easily remember the truth of God's word when my own two ears hear my mouth repeating what He said.. like when praying His word. God sure doesn't need to be reminded of His promises to us, but it's GOOD FOR US to remind Him of what He said.

Paul said, "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us." 2 Cor.4:8.

In God's will is His perfect peace, protection and provision, but we can still experience opposition in this life. Christian, you can be harassed and hurt if He allows, but you are indestructible until that moment when God is done using you here.

Yet still joyful and not alone - You are always with us, Lord.

How can I let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to God (Psalm 19:14)?

His word is His will for us.

"Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do." Ps. 1:1-3 nlt

"Happy [Blessed] are those who don’t listen to [walk in the counsel of] the wicked, who don’t go where sinners go.." exb



Sunday, December 26, 2021

Red is the color of Christmas and do ya know why? Man, all need to know why!

Sure, He was born to die on Calvary's cross for you and for me.  So RED, it's the color of Christmas!  It's not because of Santa’s clothes, bulbs, or Rudolph’s shiny nose, but because of the shed-blood of Jesus for us.. so that we could enjoy a white Christmas not just keep dreaming about one ..yeah. Come as you are to God even now.  Be washed -- become white as snow.

It's what I read, said and explained to my grandson Heath at the table this year, God's words..

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 

This is why there’s zero reason for believers to fear (instead of reason together) at Christmas time (or at anytime) like those of the world often do!  We can turn, trust, approach by God by faith to apply the bloodshed of the Cross and then live fear-free ever holiday season!  I say we live with the holy fear (respect) of God instead of with any other kind.   

Are you afraid, all alone and lonely at Christmas?  You don't have to be for another minute!  Say NO to fear at Christmas! To loneliness too (click).  

Did ya know that in 2020 there were over 600 million web-searches worldwide in the YouVersion Bible app.  And what was the number one underlined verse in this whole e-Bible globally?  This verse, Isaiah 41:10.  Yeah, globally there’s been an 80% increase in searches in the Bible during 2020, and the answers people are looking to address shows us that there's a whole lot of people that are experiencing fear ..even during this Christmas season.  Did you know there are 200 people in Bible who are said to have been afraid. True.  But perfect love casts all angst und furcht aus / out.  God tells us this... 

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us..” 1 John 4:18-19

In such rude surroundings in a stable and placed in a borrowed manger cuz who'd go out and buy one for a baby? (borrowed manger at the beginning borrowed tomb at the end.. that didn't turn out to be the end).. He's the only one among all those who've been born who chose where he'd be born.

Think about it, without Christ’s…

- virgin birth none of it happened, but it did happen with some eye-witnesses.. His

- virtuous life (so selfless, no sin),

- vicarious death,

- victorious resurrection and soon

- visible coming again... soon!

The first Christmas was very unusual to say the least. 

With Jesus (divesting himself), God became one of His own creatures. An event unparalleled, unheard of with no precedent!

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words.”  Give thanks “for his indescribable gift.” For his “inexpressible gift.” For his “unspeakable gift.” See 2 Corinthians 9:15

I mean with the birth of Jesus there in Bethlehem.  Bible promises were fulfilled.

Q: What’s the distinctive Christianity has no other world religion has? A: The Trinity. And do you see the Trinity at the first Christmas?  The Bible says, “’How can this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel replied,The Holy Spirit (that’s the third Person of our Triune Godhead) will come upon you, and the power of the Most High (that’s our Father God) will overshadow you.  So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God (that’s Jesus the second Person of the Godhead). Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month..”  Luke 1:34-36 

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” John 1:16

Christians of every century have accepted the teaching of the virgin birth as they should, the doctrine is an essential.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit." Matthew 1:18 esv

An early Church Father named, Anselm,* once said there's four different ways that God makes a man. He’s done it before.  

1 - By the law of natural generation meaning from the union of a man and a woman which produces a child.
2 - By His own creativity without the agency of either a man or a woman.. like when God made Adam, and then from Adam God took a rib and created Eve.

"So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he slept, He took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the area with flesh. And from the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, He made a woman and brought her to him. And the man said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken.” Genesis 2:21-23 

3 - By a miracle like with Isaac when his parents who were way beyond the age to have a child.
4 - By God the Holy Spirit impregnating a virgin without any help from any man.. that he created. Yes, a child born of a woman without a man even involved. Jesus was begotten of the Holy Spirit, not from Joseph.

If we can accept this as authentic believers do accept this, then of course we can accept the teaching of the virgin birth as God wants us to. Sure like everything in the Bible cuz it's all true!

Man, how can we ever explain all there this virgin birth first Advent mystery, I sure can’t do that. But we can be sure of this.. the incarnation was necessary for our salvation.

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on [him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 2:14-17

Yes, if we accept this as sound believers always have, then we can also accept the doctrine of the Virgin birth.

Now some people call that birth “miraculous” but it's way more than merely miraculous. What happened with Isaac was merely miraculous, but this was deity coming down to the human level.

Jesus had to become a man in order to free mankind from the power of sin and death. The sinless Son had to make atonement for our wrong-doin's.

“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

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Jesus said, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:19–20; Luke 9:57–58).

He, Christ, started out being placed in a borrowed manger (first birthday, cuz nobody in their right mind goes out to buy a manger for their baby), and he ended up his life be placed in a borrowed tomb.

He owns it all but there was no room for Him.. He get's rejected at an inn. 

“Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” For.. “There was no room for him in the inn.” T he caravansary in Bethlehem was crowded with merchants and travelers and the very best that the world could offer God’s Son was in a stall in a stable. There was no room for Him when He came from the bosom of the Father; no room for Him during the years of His earthly ministry of healing the sick, feeding the poor, lifting the fallen, saving the sinful, always loving and always giving; He was crowded out.

It would appear as we read the gospels that He spent most of His nights in the open air. “Foxes have holes ..but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” 

Yet it was His world by right of creation. “All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made.” For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” He came to His own—His own world—and His own received Him not. And after all these centuries of Gospel light, of Bible preaching and of sound education, He is still “despised and rejected of men.” Will you apply the blood by faith and be cleansed?  He is still seeking to enter homes and hearts.  How few there are who welcome Him!  Will you invite Jesus in

1. Why is the Virgin Birth so important?

Why could Jesus not be born of a human father?

2. Is “virgin” or “young woman” the correct translation of Isaiah 7:14?

Is Isaiah 7:14 even intended to be a Messianic prophecy?

3. What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary?

Is the Roman Catholic understanding of the virgin Mary biblical?

4. Do the narratives of Jesus’ birth contradict each other?

Are there contradictions between the accounts of the birth of Jesus in Matthew and Luke?

5. Why did God choose Mary?

Does the Bible say why God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus?

6. Why wasn’t Jesus given another name?

If Immanuel (Emmanuel) was to be the name of the promised Messiah, why was His Name Jesus instead of Immanuel?

7. Did Mary have other children? How many children did Mary have?

Did Mary have other children after Jesus?

8. Was Joseph married before Mary?

Was Mary Joseph’s second wife? Did Joseph have a wife a children before he married Mary?

9. What is the Annunciation?

Why is the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary known as the Annunciation?

10. What is the Immaculate Conception?

Was Mary sinless? Why do Roman Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception of Mary?

11. What does it mean that Jesus is God with us?

What does it mean that Jesus is God with us? What are the practical implications of Jesus being God with us?

12. Is there any validity to the Zeitgeist movie?

Did Christianity copy its beliefs from other world religions? Is Jesus a copy of other gods or mythological beings?

13. What does Immanuel mean?

What is the meaning of the name Immanuel? In the Bible, is Immanuel a name or a title?

14. Why was Jesus born in a manger?

Why was Jesus born in a manger? What should we learn from the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth?

15. What is Mariology?

Are Christians to “venerate” her or any other mere human?  Nope.  Should we pray the rosary or talk to dead saints? Nope.  And we don’t really need any idols.  So, is the Roman Catholic understanding of Mary even biblical?  Is Mariology something a Christian should study? Venerate means to worship and Mary said she needed a Savior which would be she is a sinner. We are to revere to Lord – why even call a pastor a Reverend? Don’t do that. Our society sure lacks holy fear, respect and reverence for God, venerate, worship, adore mean to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully.

She was indeed godly and blessed but by her own admission Mary also needed forgiveness. “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’” See Luke 1:46-55

16. When were Joseph and Mary considered married?

When were Joseph and Mary considered married? Were Joseph and Mary married before Jesus was born, and if so, when?

17. Is Mary the mother of God (Theotokos)?

Since Jesus was God, and Mary gave birth to Jesus, doesn’t that make Mary the mother of God? Nope. Who lived first? God always was when Mary was just an idea in His mind.

18. Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah?

Where do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? What are some of the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament?

19. Is Jesus a myth? Is Jesus just a copy of the pagan gods of other ancient religions?

Is Jesus the same as Horus or Heru, or Mithras, and Osiris?

20. Is Jesus God in the flesh? Why is it important that Jesus is God in the flesh?

How can deity and humanity be merged in one person?

21. Who was Joseph, the father of Jesus?

What can we learn from what the Bible says about Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus?

22. What happened to Mary biblically?

Where is the last mention of Mary in the Bible?

23. What does the Bible say about the angel Gabriel?

Quite an angel was he!

1. Is praying the rosary scriptural?

Is praying the rosary scriptural? Was it really helpful? Naww, my whole family used to do this. Made my mom happy. I say go straight to God the Father through Jesus the Son with whatever you need.  He delights to answer every prayer with Yes, No, or Wait.  Are there any aspects of the Rosary prayer that do not agree with the Bible? Yep, like the form prayers directed to saints like Mary.

2. Are apparitions of Mary, such as Lady Fatima, true messages from God?

Why does Mary have such an important role in the Catholic faith?

3. What are prayer beads? Is it okay to use beads while praying?

What are prayer beads? Is it okay to use beads while praying? What is the origin of prayer beads?

4. What is a novena?

What is a novena? Is the Roman Catholic practice of praying novenas biblical?

5. Got some questions about prayer and simply praying?

God, I love you and want to know, follow and love you better. Please help me.

6. Here are some questions from Catholics and about Catholicism

Got some Catholic Questions? An honest look at Catholic theology from a Biblical perspective.

7. Not going to slight any Catholics (as a child I was raised in this Roman organization), but is the Catholic Church a separate religion or a division of Christianity?

*Who was Anselm of Canterbury (1033—1109)? Anselm was born around 1033 into the family of a Lombard landowner of Aosta, in the Piedmont regions of Northern Italy.  He is called a church father who liked to study truth.  Some call Anselm one of the most important Christian thinkers of the eleventh century.  Perhaps, not sure if he was.  

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Here are 10 steps for not stressin' this Christmas.

Am feelin’ grateful for Christmas. Yeah, even during these crazy times. 

Remember, even in the darkest of times...God has stepped in before. I pray he will again for you and our Land. 

Check it out in history. Do you remember how bad in was back then during the first Christmas? Was bad!  

Such a small man, the leader Herod had so strategized -- he had planned to make the Magi tell him of the exact whereabouts of the Christ child... cuz he wanted to kill Him. Wanted to always remain in power -- didn’t have Dominion or SmartMatic. And He killed others in an effort to kill Jesus. 

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah,
   weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
   she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”
Matthew 2:16-18

God’s Son stepped in. God’s pure Light will, and has stepped into the darkness of this corrupt world around us. In the chaos and confusion of this world, many people are lonely and afraid. God is near. Emmanuel is close to you -- confess Him as Lord. 

“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth,Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved..’” Romans 10: 8-10

In our dark time, He is SO there for you. God brings Light into the darkness, and He’ll make all things brand new.

Through Him (Jesus) all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:3-5b

“And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19  

“Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.’" John 8:12

“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."  John 9:5

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.” John 12:46  

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Here’s a reminder that you’ve heard before -- let’s make Christmas more about his presence than about temporal presents. If stuff that soon breaks is your main focus, you’ll be let down. 

Sure, before you can enjoy the peace of God, you have to have peace with God. Many don't yet know that they’re at an enmity with God.. yes, like at war with him but they can turn, surrender and believe. 

What, friendship with the world is enmity with God? How do I know if I am “being friends” with “the world?”

Does it mean that if I I am friends with people who are not Christians, then I am an enemy of God? Naww. Does it mean that I should be unpleasant, unfriendly, cold and distant towards non-believers and have a “know it all,” or “holier-than-thou” attitude in order to be God’s friend? Naww.

That’s not what James meant, although it could be interpreted like that by some religious folk, which means they can’t be allowed to shake hands with unbelievers or even share a meal together, for fear of becoming “unclean.” Hey, God ain’t religious or that way. Jesus was friend of sinners like me. 

Some religious people refuse to embrace modern technology, i.e., cars and computers etc. for fear of “friendship with the world.” This leads them to live apart from and “shun” contact with most other people! Jesus said Go tell. He wants us to lovingly spend some time with sinners in order to win them to Him. He did that. Just don’t spend so much time that you are pulled back down by them into a life of sin. Don’t need that. How would you be strong, spiritually healthy and help others who are somehow at war with God ..in the future?  

Since God REALLY REALLY loves people and wants to draw them back to Himself to both save and help them, such interpretations would have the opposite effect, which is to push people away. It says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” 

Let’s address the enmity, so we can help others to address the enmity they experience. Let’s get the Log out or our eye first so we can see the needs. 

The Bible says.. 

“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:4

The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, 7because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God..“  Romans 8:7 6-8

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Medical science promises to add years to your life, but only Christ can have life to your years. He has come that you’ll have life and life more abundantly. Eternally! 

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’“ John 14:6

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands--this is the Word of life.” 1 John 1:1

“And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.”  1 John 1:2

“And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:11    

And if the lights go out, He’s still your light, believer. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” John 11:25

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Has it been kinda bad where you are..or real bad and getting worse? No worries. He is there. Are you feeling lonely, empty, confused, afraid some, or kinda sad during the holidays? Listen, you don't have to be all alone this year (or any year). You can be in fellowship, and following close to Christ.. the real reason for the whole season.

You know how depression rates go up this time of year and there are reasons for that. Estranged loved ones or family members are some reasons.  

Here’s are 10 steps to have a Merry Christmas (practical acts to combat sadness and depression during the holidays): 

1.) Find someone that's less fortunate than you are, voice a prayer and do something kind for them just to help out. 

Then steps 2 through 10: Repeat step one and give thanks for them. 

Real Life, light and love for you. Sure, no matter where you live.. in the city, or at the sea, or in the forest somewhere. 

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

New day, new life, new experiences ahead -- same strong love, it’s SO there for ya.

He loves you! He really does. Nothing will stop that. Nothing will change that. Nothing can alter God’s plan. It's doesn't matter how much or little you've messed things up. It doesn't matter where you live, where you've been, or where you're at right now. The Bible in Ecclesiastes 3:14 says, “I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it that men should fear before Him.”
It's true. Our Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is immutable—unchanged, unchanging, and unchangeable. His grace doesn’t fluctuate. His power doesn’t ebb and flow. His love, wisdom and mercy do not rise and fall with the tides of any cosmic ocean. He is steadfast, constant, and enduring. The Bible says, “The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations..” Ps. 100:5
What security and hope we believers have in 2019! Yup, in Him! What a basis for an optimistic upbeat attitude. What amazing grace from an amazing God we enjoy! 
We all worship whether we know it or not. Who or what have you decided to worship today ..and into the future? Is he or it worth all that? As for me, I’m goin’ with the One who made and loves me. 
“To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Ti. 1:17 
'In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.." Eph. 1:7-8
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He has been so SO good to me. I say.. all praise and worship and glory is to go to Jesus in this new year and beyond.. yep, while on this side of the grass and on into eternity! 
We each can start here and now.. where we are. All people can opt to authentically worship biblically.. we each can build and be built up, can be encouraged and do that for others. We each can influence for good after we have been. We can help and be helped. You can be forgiven and won to Christ and then be used to win others. Am feelin' so amped, so stoked inside, so excited about the Lord and this new year! Facebook.com/shareJesus