I Just Can't Do It!

 When we try and try and try, to be "good" Christians, it becomes burdensome. There is a simple solution: quit trying and star praying.

The more we pray, the more we become aware of Jesus presence. He longs for us to be in fellowship with Him. We don't have to try so hard we just have to pray and lean on the Holy Spirit. When we do, that burden we carry to "be good" will be replaced by the goodness of the Holy Spirit.


*John 15:5 NKJV I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

*Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Trying The Spirit - All That Glitters Is Not Gold

I John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
 
As believers in Jesus we are supposed to be gentle and kind. We are taught not to judge others. But that doesn't mean that we are to be clueless.
 
There are a lot of fluffy feel good messages,  motivational messengers and self-help "gurus "out there. If you are listening or subscribing to anyone's philosophy and they do not speak the name of Jesus freely, if they do not mention in their message that He is the Son of God, crucified, buried and resurrected,  run in the other direction!  Satan mixes a little bit of truth in every lie! If the source of your inspiration comes from Jesus it will draw you too Jesus. If it gives even a subtle hint of self-sufficiency, or inner-goodness at all it is the spirit of the Antichrist.

The new-age and one world religion use key words: Karma, mantra, self-realization, aura, inner-guide, higher-consciousness, enlightenment and angels. Those are words and terms that should send up a red flag. Just because the message has the word, "angel" in it doesn't mean it is godly. Some angels are godly and some fallen angels, aka demons.

 Satan told Eve in the garden that she would be "like god" if she partook of the forbidden fruit. In other words she would have an "illuminated" mind. 

Don't be deceived!  All that glitters is not gold!
 
II Corinthians 11:13  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
 
Genesis 3:5 “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Isaiah 14:12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!

When All Hell Breaks Loose!

See here's the thing. From the time you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior the kingdom of hell has a bone to pick with you! Satan is a relentless foe.  As long as he can distract you, you are not a threat to his kingdom. He will try any and all means to keep you from prayer, studying, attending church and worship. But when the prayers and the praises start, that's when strongholds are broken and many times, hell breaks loose. Babies get sick, spouses get irritable,  children misbehave,we get too tired to pray, or you may be tempted by things you never imagined. Let me say it again, Satan is a relentless foe. But he is no match for He who lives within you!  Do not be discouraged! Remember, keep your eyes on Jesus and keep on keeping on!



Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.



II Corinthians 10:3-5

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Praying for Patience

I was recently asked, "Should you pray for patience?"  Perhaps you have heard people say, "Don't pray for patience because your patience will be tried."  I used to think that way myself  but then I realized something. Patience is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our lives. So are the other manifestations, like joy, peace, love, gentleness, etc.

Of course we will have trials and temptations. That's how we learn and grow. In order to for the Holy Spirit to manifest God’s goodness in our lives we have to learn by faith and experience. It isn't wrong to pray for the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, but perhaps we would do better to see King Jesus and let Him add to us the fruit of the spirit in our lives.

*Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

*James 1:3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

 

*Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.

 

 

Liberty, Justification and Stumbling Blocks

Alistair Crowley, was an occultist, a deviant and most notably a Satanist.  He called himself the Great Beast 666. His motto? "Do what thou wilt."   That sounds a lot like one of our common philosophies," If it feels good do it." After all it's a free country right?

But as believers, we may be the only Bible that some folks ever read. Our conduct is supposed to look different. We are children of the light.  Many unbelievers think Christians aren't anything but a bunch of hypocrites!

There will always be cynical people who can't see the good in others. Yet, if we were convicted of being a Christian, would there be enough proof to convict us? Is there any behavior in our lives we are trying to justify?

We need to be careful that we are not causing anyone to stumble because of our behavior. Oh sure, we are all human and will make bad decisions at times.  But hopefully we will learn everyday to be more and more like Jesus. We won't be conformed we will be transformed!


Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.

Philippians 2:12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

Testing Our Mettle

Testing is essential in every form of learning. Babies fall many times before they walk and even then they fall down a lot. In school we have tests to see what we've comprehended.

We have spiritual testing too. The testing of our spirit is not to harm us but to build us.  There will always be more to learn, but we shouldn't think it is strange when we are going through a rough spot. God loves us and He wants us to grow. With each test we go through we can or should see some progress. Just beware it isn't progress we have wrought on our own, but it is rather the work of the

I Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

Responding and Reacting

It is very easy to say something rash in the heat of a moment. That is why we always need to take a pause before we speak or … text.  So much of our communication today is done electronically and while that may be okay most of the time, sometimes it is dangerous. Our tone of voice and facial expressions convey more than a written word can.

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath but harsh words stir up anger.

Prayer: Father help us to be filled with Your Spirit, kind in our actions and gentle in our answers. In Your name Amen.

Conversations - Never Getting Enough

Can you ever have enough time talking to your kids?  Couldn't you just go on and on and on? Don't you just want to listen to what they are going through? Don't you just love the sound of their voice? Do you want to wrap your arms around them when they hurt? Touch their brow when they have a fever?  Enjoy a good belly laugh?

I believe prayer is like that. Jesus loves us so much that He wants to talk to us all the time. He wants to listen to our voice, just the sound of it. He wants to hear all about our day and who did what to whom. He wants to hear our funny little stories and giggle with us.  He wants us to pour out our heart when we hurt. He wants to give us wisdom. Quite simply He wants to converse with us!

Many times through out the Bible the Lord says, "Come to me." Call on Me," " Draw near to me"

Our pastor has said, "God's not looking for a date. He's looking for a mate!" Husbands and wives talk to each other!

We should always listen to what Jesus says through the Word. But realize Jesus loves to hear our voice too! And He can never get enough!


In Proverbs 3:6 KJV In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Importance of Bible Study - What Are We Missing?

 Having a daily quiet time or devotional time is essential. If we confess Jesus as Lord, how can we go about our everyday lives without inviting Him into them? How can He direct us if we don’t take the time to spend in His word and pray?

Reading the Bible is good. But we are not merely told to read the Bible. The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to study the Word. (II Timothy 2:15)  The Psalmist said,” Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. (Psalms 119:11)  It takes time but it is essential!

There are many tools readily available to help us study.   There is a tool that is very helpful and easily accessible.  It is the Blue Letter Bible. (www.blueletterbible.org). Even then we must be careful as things are easy to overlook.  There is a tool on that sight that can compare different versions.

I’ve learned some things that were very alarming. It used to be that churches never wavered in which version of the Bible they read.  Now there are many  versions to choose from. The number one version is the New International Version  followed by The King James Version. I have used the NIV on many occasions. But I learned last night that there are 16 verses in that version that are completely missing. They have simply been deleted! Other verses have notes that say something like this: this (or these) verse(s) were probably not in the original text. Some challenge the virgin birth and even make it sound like Jesus isn’t God at all!

Take a look:

The New King James Version (Which basically takes out all of the “eths”, “est” but does not change the wording or phrasing.

Acts 8:36-NKJV Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

Acts 8:36 NIV As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?”

Acts 8:37 NKJV Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

Acts 8:37 NIV, NLT, ESV  
Acts 8:38 NKJV So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

Acts 8:38 NIV And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

Did you notice anything funny?

Verse 37 is completely missing from several translations! Why is that so important?  It omits the gospel of Jesus Christ! The ONLY way to salvation!

Romans 10-9-10 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

II Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Reacting or Responding

The terms react and respond have very similar definitions. But looking carefully we can see that a reaction is more like a knee jerk. For instance if one burns their hand on a hot stove the reaction is immediate. Without thought.  Whereas as response is slower, like the time it takes to relieve the burn.

Conversations can be like that too. Someone says something we don't agree with and we react by blurting out our own argument. But if we will pause just for a moment and allow the Holy Spirit to help us, we will find that patience and gentleness can stop the anger and the argument. It may not bring immediate resolution but it will help bring a peaceful one.


Proverbs 29:20 There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.


Merrriam -Webster Student Dictionary definitions
React:
1. to act or behave in response (as to stimulation or influence)
2. to oppose a force or influence --usually used with against
3. to go through or cause to go through a chemical reaction.
Respond:

1. to say something in return; make or form an answer

2. a.) to react in response; (note how the animal's pupil responds to light)

2.b.) to have a favorable reaction, (the patient is responding to treatment)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Apples

 

My mom used to say, "The little apples never fall far from the tree."

Typically children who come from parents that are gifted with music are often musically inclined themselves. Parents who are bookworms, teach their children to have a love of reading.  But what about some of the everyday things? Do they see you bless your meals? Do they see you worshipping the Lord at home? Do they see you place importance on godliness? Are you attending church? What do value?

All of these things have a profound effect on our children. Even upon grandchildren.

II Timothy 1:5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

Remember the little apples never fall far from the tree.