Faith That Matters (2) - Yielded Faith - Luke 7:1-10 - January 28, 2024

 

Faith That Matters (2) – Yielded Faith – Luke 7:1-10 – January 28, 2024

Faith acknowledges the authority of JESUS.

Our focus scripture is Luke 7:1-10.

When have you been glad that you listened to an authority figure?

Let’s read Luke 7:1-5:

A Centurion’s Faith

7 When he (JESUS) had concluded saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum (JESUS’ Chosen Hometown during HIS ministry upon earth.). ² A centurion’s servant, who was highly valued by him (the centurion), was sick and about to die. ³ When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him (JESUS), requesting him to come and save the life of his servant. ⁴ When they reached Jesus, they (the Jewish elders) pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He (the Centurion) is worthy for you to grant this, ⁵ because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.”

As many know, the Centurion was in the Roman Army and oversaw one hundred or more soldiers. The Centurian was the military authority for an assigned area. When he said jump, his soldiers jumped.

This Centurian had great authority in his assigned area, but this Centurion also had a good heart. He loved the people he and his soldiers protected. He was smart.

But notice, the centurion had authority from Rome, but he also had faith. He heard about JESUS and took a step of faith to send delegates from the local Synagogue to represent him and ask JESUS to heal his servant. The Centurian had faith in JESUS, and he asked the representatives from the Synagogue to go to JESUS and ask HIM to heal his servant. They would also witness faith in action.

When the Centurian heard about JESUS and the miracles that were taking place through HIM, he knew that JESUS had a special relationship with the GOD of the Israelites. Authority understands authority and respects authority. WOW! That is rich.

The Centurian recognized the authority of JESUS. So, it is likely that the Centurion thought how best to approach JESUS.

³ When the centurion heard about Jesus, he (the Centurian) sent some Jewish elders to him (JESUS), requesting him to come and save the life of his servant. ⁴ When they reached Jesus, they said “He (the Centurion) is worthy for you to grant this, ⁵ because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.”

Being a former lobbyist, when you have an issue, you need to present to those who have authority to do what you ask. You think about your issue and go with your best team to get what you want. Often, you do not have a second opportunity. The old saying is “put your best foot forward.”

Let’s read Luke 7:6-8:

⁶ Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. ⁷ That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.^[a] 8 For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

This was the confession of the Centurion’s faith in JESUS. He got it!

When we walk with JESUS, we must have the faith that our FATHER has it, no matter what the “it” is. Often, Satan will attempt to whisper in our ears/mind that we cannot trust GOD. The sad thing is that many of us believe it, until we recognize where our negative thoughts are coming from and refocus our thought life and consider trusting GOD/JESUS for our path forward in life.

This was a teaching moment for JESUS and those in HIS group and HE is still teaching today. GOD is our authority when we have placed our faith in JESUS. The next time negative thoughts come into your mind, rebuke it/them, and say “No! I am trusting JESUS! Assuming you are a Christian.

How did JESUS react to the Centurion’s statement?

Let’s read Luke 7:9-10:

⁹ Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.” ¹⁰ When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.

This is the faith and trust JESUS desires for all Spirit-born people to have.

When we accept JESUS as our Savior, that is the beginning of our walk of faith with JESUS. We have much to learn and all Christians are taught by the Holy Spirit.

When a baby is born into a family, the baby must be nurtured, loved, cared for, fed, trained, exercised, taught how to do life and so much more. The same is for new-born Christians. If they are not cared for, they wither and die. That is why, we, as Spirit-born people, must be available to mentor the newborn Christian to guide him/her to build upon the solid foundation, using the materials GOD desires for us to use, as we go through life.

Consider 1 Corinthians 3:10-17:

¹⁰ According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder,^[d] and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. ¹² If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, ¹³ each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. ¹⁴ If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience^[e] loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.

¹⁶ Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? ¹⁷ If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and that is what you are.

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

Faith That Matters - Psalm 10 - January 21, 2024

 

Faith That Matters (2) - Cry for Justice – Psalm 10 – January 21, 2024

When has someone stood up for you? JESUS did when HE gave HIS life upon the cross to pay, in full, for your sins. Salvation is a gift from GOD and JESUS but as with all gifts it is there for you to accept or reject. Blessings as you read this lesson. Tony

Our focus scripture is Psalm 10:1-4, 12-18.

It is believed that David wrote Psalm 10.

When we observe or hear of injustice, do we respond? The first question is, do we respond, and the second question is how do we respond? What is our response based upon? Is our response based upon the socio-economic level of the person or people involved or is it race or gender or their age? Or none of the above? Or do we wonder why GOD or JESUS has not intervened? Or is it GOD’S call to those of us who either observe or hear about a certain situation to respond? Or do we think GOD should intervene, yet HE ignores what is taking place. GOD knows infinitely more than we can ask or think. We must trust in the dark what we have learned in the light.

Why does GOD delay? Let us explore!

As we approach the second coming of JESUS, things will become increasing worse in the world. We who know the truth of salvation and GOD’S redemptive plan worder why HE is delaying. We who are HIS chosen know the truth of salvation and what events are necessary to get the people of the world’s attention to accept JESUS as their Savior.

Let us read Psalm 10:1-4: Need for God’s Justice

¹ Lord,^[a][b] why do you stand so far away?
Why do you hide in times of trouble?
² In arrogance the wicked relentlessly pursue their victims;
let them be caught in the schemes they have devised.

³ For the wicked one boasts about his own cravings;
the one who is greedy curses^[c] and despises the Lord.
⁴ In all his scheming,
the wicked person arrogantly thinks,^[d]
“There’s no accountability,
since there’s no God.”

When the people of the world believe there is no GOD, therefore there is no accountability, lawlessness prevails.

However, those of us who know the truth that GOD does exist, know there will be pay day someday. We have the good News that GOD exists and has a redemptive plan for the people of the world through faith in JESUS The CHRIST.

Let us continue to read the message of this Psalm through the heart of the writer who reveals GOD is real and is in control revealing Himself through HIS handiwork and in so many ways.

Let Us Read Psalm 10:5-8:

⁵ His (wicked) ways are always secure;^[e]
your lofty judgments have no effect on him;^[f]
he (wicked) scoffs at all his adversaries.
⁶  (wicked) says to himself, “I (wicked) will never be moved—
from generation to generation I (wicked) will be without calamity.”
⁷ Cursing, deceit, and violence fill his (wicked) mouth;
trouble and malice are under his (wicked) tongue.
⁸ He (wicked) waits in ambush near settlements;
he(wicked) kills the innocent in secret places.
His (wicked) eyes are on the lookout for the helpless;
⁹ he (wicked) lurks in secret like a lion in a thicket.
 (wicked) lurks in order to seize a victim;
he (wicked) seizes a victim and drags him in his net.
¹⁰ So he is oppressed and beaten down;
helpless people fall because of the wicked one’s strength.
¹¹ He (wicked) says to himself, “God has forgotten;
he hides his face and will never see.”

I had to keep reminding myself that it is the wicked to whom the Psalmist was referring. As we approach the second coming of JESUS those who are alive upon earth will encounter false theology and/or witness all sorts of evil deceptions.

Let us consider Matthew 24:23-25: ²³ “If anyone tells you then, ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it. ²⁴ For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵ Take note: I have told you in advance.

JESUS was teaching about the end times. Keep in mind that there will be people doing the work of Satan/Devil. The Bible will be your guide. However, the Bible might not be available. Therefore, hide GOD’S Word in your heart.

Satan’s objective has not changed, he desires to rule the world and deception is one of his tools.

Let us read Psalm 10:12-15:

¹² Rise up, Lord God! Lift up your hand.
Do not forget the oppressed.
¹³ Why has the wicked person despised God?
He says to himself, “You will not demand an account.”
¹⁴ But you yourself have seen trouble and grief,
observing it in order to take the matter into your hands.
The helpless one entrusts himself to you;
you are a helper of the fatherless.
¹⁵ Break the arm of the wicked, evil person,
until you look for his wickedness,
but it can’t be found.

The Psalmist brings GOD into the equation. When we face troubles in life praying and seeking GOD’S answers or guidance is often a last resort. GOD/JESUS is an afterthought.

Let us read Psalm 10:16-18:

¹⁶ The Lord is King forever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
¹⁷ Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble;
you will strengthen their hearts.
You will listen carefully,
¹⁸ doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed
so that mere humans from the earth may terrify them no more.

When we acknowledge YOU as our eternal King from our humble hearts, we who have faith in YOU, through faith in JESUS, will be strengthened in our hearts. Why hearts? Because that is where truth abides through faith in JESUS.

Living in a world absent GOD/JESUS will be a horrible world to live in.

We already have vital issues to pray about and work to do:

The sanctity of life is a huge ministry to encourage mothers to give birth to their babies. Ask GOD to help the mother to choose life for her unborn baby. If the mother cannot provide for the baby’s needs, ask GOD to guide her to choose the best for that child.

Sex trafficking is rampart throughout the world. Young girls and boys are being sold into that industry. If there was not a market for their services, there would not be a market. But sex has been and will be around until the world says enough and turns the supply off. Sadly, there are pastors, teachers, businesspeople, community leaders and others who engage in the sex trade and pornography. This will get worse as the world abandons GOD/JESUS and reaches for fleshly things.

JESUS is coming again, are you ready? If not, now is the time to get ready. Ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and ask HIM to come into your heart. JESUS paid, in full, for all your sins by the shedding of HIS sinless blood and being the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD.

Salvation is a free gift from GOD and JESUS. As with any gift, you must accept it. The choice is yours to make. Choose wisely!

Blessings!!!

Faith that Matters (1) - Life-Changing Faith - Luke 5:1-11 and Matthew 4 - January 14, 2024

 

Faith that Matters (1) - Life-Changing Faith – January 14, 2024

Faith begins with a call to follow JESUS.

Our focus scripture is Luke 5:1-11. Matthew 4.

What’s a road less traveled that you’re glad you took?

Life is full of choices, both good and bad. Some choices are life changing and again some work out well and others are very bad. Often, it is a matter of in whom do we place our trust.

In our Bible Study this week, we look at the lives of some of JESUS’ disciples at the moment JESUS called them to walk with HIM.

Do you recall that GOD called to Moses out of a burning bush and Moses responded. Moses accepted GOD’S call, but it had its challenges, through which GOD revealed Himself in a mighty way.

How have you experienced GOD/JESUS in a mighty way as you have walked with HIM?

JESUS was beginning HIS earthly ministry. John the Baptist/Baptizer had already started his ministry as the herald announcing the coming of the promised Messiah.

Let’s explore!

Let’s read Luke 5:1-3:

As the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear God’s word, he was standing by Lake Gennesaret.^[a] 2 He saw two boats at the edge of the lake; the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. ³ He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the land. Then he sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat.

What a beautiful picture. JESUS was preaching and the crowd was pressing in very close to HIM to hear what HE was saying. JESUS knew it was important for the people hear what HE had to say to them. So, HE looked around and spotted two boats. Resourceful!

The fishermen who had been using the boats were done fishing for the day. How do we know that? They were cleaning their nets.

JESUS got into Simon Peter’s boat and asked Simon Peter to push HIM out a little from the shore. Peter complied, which showed that Simon consented for JESUS to use his boat. JESUS began teaching the people. This was an excellent backdrop to help project the voice of JESUS to those on shore. Simon was likely listening intently to what JESUS was saying.

When JESUS completed HIS message to the people, HE had an especially important message for Peter and some of Peter’s fishing buddies to hear.

Keep in mind that Peter’s fishing team had fished all night and had caught nothing. They were likely ready to go home. They had cleaned their fishing nets.

JESUS wanted them to know who HE really was by asking Peter to do one more thing.

What would I have likely said? Oh gee, JESUS, I am dog tired, I have been fishing all night, my nets have been cleaned and I need to get to bed. My fishing team and I have done everything thing we know to do to catch fish. Plus, you are a preacher, what do you know about fishing, but I will do as you instruct me. Obedience is a unique quality; JESUS looks for the moment when HE calls HIS followers to drop what they think is important to follow HIS instructions.

So, what does Peter do? Let us read on ----

Let’s read Luke 5:4-7:

⁴ When he (JESUS) had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”

⁵ “Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets.”[b]

This is so vital! If YOU say so! These words are so vital. When our Master, JESUS calls, that is HIS invitation for us to join HIM in HIS work, which is GOD’S work in the Kingdom. Will it be easy? Not necessarily but when GOD calls, HE equips you with what HE knows you will need to accomplish what HE has called you to do in HIS Kingdom.

⁶ When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets^[c] began to tear. ⁷ So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

Who were they? In Matthew 4:18-22, we have a condensed version and focus of the beginning of the ministry of JESUS: ¹⁸ As he (JESUS) was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for^[i] people.” ²⁰ Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Matthew tells us that they were “casting a net into the sea.” The question is were they fishing or cleaning their net? In Luke’s version, he stated that the fishing net was clean.

²¹ Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their nets, and he called them. ²² Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Matthew reveals to us that JESUS knew that John the Baptist had been arrested and was in prison. This was a clear message to JESUS, that it was it was time for HIM to launch HIS earthly ministry.

WOW!!! What an amazing catch of fish. They had to call in additional help. Success physically often prepares the path ahead Spiritually. The key is obedience to GOD. When HE calls, HE wants us to answer trusting HIM to prepare the path ahead of us, as HE leads HIS followers.

When Simon Peter saw truth, he went from doubt to “Now, I see.”  How do we see? In the eyes of our heart is where truth resides.

Let’s read Luke 5:8-11:

⁸ When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’s knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!” ⁹ For he and all those with him were amazed at the catch of fish they had taken, ¹⁰ and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s partners.

“Don’t be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people.” ¹¹ Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed him.

When JESUS calls us, HE expects us to respond at that moment with a YES in our hearts. The key is that GOD knows how to equip us for the journey ahead.

Since the Passion of JESUS and Pentecost, the Holy Spirit immediately comes into our lives the instant we accept JESUS as our Savior. Not everyone has the same experience. We see in our scripture that when JESUS called, they responded immediately to follow HIM. They were just beginning their journey to get to know JESUS personally.

Once we, who accept JESUS as our Savior, begin a lifelong journey of building the right relationship with JESUS and GOD.

Every person, Spirit-born into GOD’S Kingdom, experiences Spiritual birth in different ways. All are born-again, have eternal life and are eternally a family member of GOD’S eternal Family.

To some salvation is dramatic, spectacular and to others it is like the rising of the sun in the morning. Each moment in time reveals more as we get the full and complete light of the sun. Being Spirit-born into GOD’S Family is similar to being born a human. The newborn must have appropriate care.

When a human child is born, He/she must be cared for, loved, fed and cared for. We do not bring the baby home, toss the baby in the crib, and say the diapers are in the closet and the food is in the frig. Have a happy life. What would happen? The child would die!

This is why, once a person receives JESUS as his/her Savior, he/she needs Spiritual nourishment, training, nurturing, encouraging and Spiritual care. By reading and studying the Bible and putting into practice what is revealed is essential for Spiritual growth. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct your path.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study (6) - Name Like No Other Name - Psalm 91 - January 7, 2024

 

Bible Study (6) – Name Like No Other Name – The Protection of GOD’S Name – Psalm 91:1-8, 9-16 – January 7, 2024

Bible scholars believe that Moses wrote Psalm 91. Psalms are general witness statements about GOD based upon the life experiences of the writers. Certainly, Moses experienced GOD’S protection and miraculous events along his life’s journey from birth to death.

Let’s read Psalm 91:1-8:

Psalm 91

The Protection of the Most High

¹ The one who lives under the protection of the Most High
dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.

This is all about relationships. The protection of the Most High depends upon those who are or will be in relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

But notice verse 1, The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.

The “Most High” means no one is higher than the one true GOD, Almighty or transliterated “Shaddai” meaning “all powerful One.”

Notice “dwells” and “shadow.”

Where does a person have to be located to “dwell in the shadow of the Almighty”? First, let us consider “dwell”. Dwell does not mean temporary. Dwell means long-term building the right relationship and a firm foundation with the One True GOD of the Universe. GOD desires for HIS Children to remain close to HIM through their relationship with JESUS or as we read in John 15, Christians are to abide in JESUS. We, as Spirit-born Christians, must stay so close to JESUS that we are never out from HIS canopy of protection or HIS shadow.

When I was growing up, I was called my daddy’s shadow because I wanted to be with him during my awake time.

Since, we believe that Moses wrote this Psalm, Moses’ calling was dependent upon his relationship with GOD. GOD called to Moses from the burning bush. Once Moses responded to GOD, the rest is history.

When Moses acted upon his own judgement, outside of GOD’S Will, GOD punished him. Moses led the Israelites for over 40 years, but he disobeyed GOD by striking the rock to provide water for the Israelites rather than speaking to the rock as GOD had commanded him to do. As a result, GOD told him he could not enter the Promised Land, but GOD allowed him to see it.

As we read these words, we see that the Spiritual heart of Moses was based upon his experiences walking with GOD along the path of life. This is true for each of us as GOD’S Spirit-born Child through faith in JESUS.

² I will say^[a] concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust:

Trust is built upon interacting with GOD daily. It is a daily walk. Notice that the Psalmist used LORD all capital letters, which is the covenant name for GOD or YHWH/Yahweh/Jehovah or GOD’S Covenant name. Trust is built and carries the concept of ongoing action.

Notice, our faith in JESUS connects us to GOD, our FATHER and our eternal life is guaranteed and sealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit equips us to minister using the Spiritual gifts from GOD.

The Psalmist used “Elohim” in reference to GOD’S name because of HIS personal relationship with us and the fact that nothing or no one is more powerful than HE is. Therefore, those who put their trust in HIM through faith in JESUS can do so with absolute confidence and trust. It is a covenant relationship.

Marriage is also a covenant between a man, a woman and GOD.

The word “trust” carries the idea of “ongoing” action as we move forward trusting GOD for the result.

³ He himself (GOD) will rescue you from the bird trap,
from the destructive plague.

Life is replete with hidden things that can trap or harm a person. The good News is that GOD knows where the traps are hidden. Yes, HE can deliver us, but HE can also teach us a life lesson by allowing us to get caught in a trap. But HE can also show us the way out of the trap. But when HE shows us the way out, we must take it.

⁴ He will cover you with his feathers;
you will take refuge under his wings.
His faithfulness will be a protective shield.

Yes, GOD can even hide us and protect us under HIS protective wings. How can GOD protect us by spreading us under “HIS feathers.” Simply, HE IS GOD and is all powerful!

If you know about a hen and her babies, you don’t mess with her or her babies.

But we must experience situations that GOD uses to reveal to us HIS care because HE loves us and shows us that HE can take care of HIS Children. HE is all powerful.

I know that GOD/JESUS has protected our family from certain harm while driving.

This is a good segway into the next verses. There are things in life that are both seen and unseen. What does GOD’S Word reveal to those who place their trust in JESUS? But a note of caution, DO NOT TEST GOD BY DOING SOMETHING FOOLISH!

⁵ You will not fear the terror of the night,
the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ the plague that stalks in darkness,
or the pestilence that ravages at noon.
⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
the pestilence will not reach you.
⁸ You will only see it with your eyes
and witness the punishment of the wicked.

GOD protects HIS Children from the things that can cut their lives short or harm them, however we, as HIS Children, are not to test HIS care for us.

Let’s read Psalm 91:9-13:

9 Because you have made the Lord—my refuge,
the Most High—your dwelling place,
¹⁰ no harm will come to you;
no plague will come near your tent.
¹¹ For he will give his angels orders concerning you,
to protect you in all your ways.
¹² They will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³ You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the young lion and the serpent.

Have you made the LORD, the Most High, your dwelling place? If so, abide in HIM and study HIS Word, The Bible and ask HIM to help you to apply what you read to your life as you grow, Spiritually.

How do you make the LORD your dwelling place? First, you must be Spiritually born into GOD’S Family through faith in JESUS. As HIS Child, you can take refuge in GOD – Abide in HIM.

Let’s read Psalm 91:14-16:

¹⁴ Because he (The psalmist) has his heart set on me (GOD),
I will deliver him;
I will protect him because he knows my name.
¹⁵ When he calls out to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble.
I will rescue him and give him honor.

¹⁶ I will satisfy him with a long life
and show him my salvation.

Let’s go back and consider verse 14:

¹⁴ Because he has his heart set on me,
I will deliver him;
I will protect him because he knows my name.

In verse 14 - Because he (the Psalmist) has his heart set on me (GOD), I will deliver him/her; I will protect him/her because he knows my name.

Do you have your heart set on GOD through faith in JESUS?

If not, what a wonderful way to begin this new year, 2024.

Ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and ask JESUS to come into your heart believing that HE paid for all your sins in full by HIS SHED BLOOD.

IF YOU ASKED JESUS TO FORGIVE YOU FOR YOUR SINS AND FOR JESUS TO COME INTO YOUR HEART – WELCOME INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD MY BROTHER OR SISTER IN CHRIST. FEED UPON HIS WORD, THE BIBLE. YOU MIGHT BEGIN BY READING THE BOOK OF JOHN ASKING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO OPEN YOUR EYES TO TRUTH AS YOU READ. FIND A BIBLE BELIEVING AND TEACHING CHURCH. I RECOMMEND MORNINGSIDE BAPTIST, SPARTANBURG, SC.

Blessings!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know in my walk with our LORD, I have asked HIM to help me build my faith in HIM and then wonder why things in my life were not going as I thought they should. HE seemed to be testing me or exposing me to issues in my life requiring me to trust HIM. Faith is walking where there are no visible steps to get us safely across a vast chasm. Trust in GOD is vital.

It is easy to forget what we ask for, but GOD does not forget, except when we ask HIM to forgive us for our sins. HE not only forgives us for your sins when we ask HIM but HE forgets them. We desire to grow Spiritually but often we do not like what is taking place when GOD brings challenges into our lives or brings to our minds an issue, HE wants us to deal with. Often, we forget what we have asked for. It would be nice if GOD would just instantly zap us with the result. Why isn’t that the best way? Simply, we do not learn to trust HIM. GOD built humans to learn from experience and build trust in HIM.

 

 

 

Spirit-born Christian’s desire to witness the hand of GOD performing wonder-working miracles in his/her life. When we witness the hand of GOD working through us it assures us that we are in right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. We must be careful to remain under GOD’S protective canopy and not venture out in our own power. We may desire to see GOD prove Himself to us. We must keep in our minds that GOD knows our inner most thoughts and our motives. As GOD’S Child or Children, HE is always teaching us.

If you are already a Spirit-born Christian, ask GOD to help you to get to know HIM in an authentic way by the reading the Bible and applying what GOD reveals to you. Our desire is to walk with HIM and JESUS daily. We need to ask HIM to open our Spiritual eyes and hearts to see the things of the world through HIS eyes.

Let’s explore!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few days after writing these words, my wife and I happened to meet a lady whose husband for whom our healing team had prayed. Immediately, I felt compelled to pass a blessing from our LORD to the person had prayed for. I have never experienced this before in my journey with our LORD. Her husband was not with her. My immediate thoughts were how can I do that because of our schedules. My immediate thoughts were that GOD’S blessing had to passed on quickly. I asked the LORD how can this be done because our schedules prevented us from going immediately to visit her husband?

Immediately, like a bolt, and overwhelming, the LORD told me to give the blessings to the man’s wife, who in turn would give it to her husband. This lady, being a strong Christian, through prayer, received the blessing and I am certain passed it on to her husband.

What is the point? As Spirit-born Christians, we can pass our LORD’S blessings from us through others to others. When we receive blessings for others, we can pass them to others through others. These are our LORD’S Gifts for others through us and others. We are to pass these blessings along.

We are not prevented from passing along Spiritual blessings to others, through others, when physical contact must deliver them. How can this be? It is because all blessings come from the Most High, GOD.

My prayer is that all who read this will understand and apply, as our LORD gives you opportunity either in person or through an intermediary to pass GOD’S Blessings to others.

I believe we are in the last days leading up to the second coming of our LORD JESUS. We read in ACTS 5, what was taking place through the Apostles in ACTS 5:12-16:

¹² Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹³ No one else dared to join them, but the people spoke well of them. ¹⁴ Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers—multitudes of both men and women. ¹⁵ As a result, they would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. ¹⁶ In addition, a multitude came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

I am not suggesting I am an Apostle but consider that as Spirit-born Christians there will be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit as a witness to others to get ready for the second coming of JESUS and to witness to others as led by the Holy Spirit.

As we approach the second coming of JESUS, our LORD will equip those who are Spirit-born with special gifts to reach others for HIS Kingdom. It will be an amazing journey. But we must keep in mind that HE gives gifts to those HE chooses as revealed in 1 Corinthians 12:11 - ¹¹ One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.

 

Many born-again Christians have experienced miracles that only the One True GOD of the Universe can do. These miracles help believers to trust GOD and obediently follow HIM. That is Old Testament. New Testament is CHRIST in us, the hope of Glory.

 

Do you recall when JESUS began HIS earthly ministry, HE was led into the desert to be tempted by the devil. HE fasted for 40 days and then was tested. JESUS was hungry. JESUS was human. If JESUS had turned the stones into bread and had eaten the bread, what would have happened to JESUS since HE was 100 % human but also 100% GOD? It would have killed HIS human side.

Matthew 4:1-4: Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to a desert. There He was tempted by the devil. ² Jesus went without food for forty days and forty nights. After that He was hungry. ³ The devil came tempting Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to be made into bread.” ⁴ But Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man is not to live on bread only. Man is to live by every word that God speaks.’”

At the end of JESUS’ fast, HE was fed small bites of food by the ravens.

 

 

Our walk with GOD must begin with our relationship with JESUS. Every person must be Spiritually born into GOD’S Family through faith in JESUS. Why? JESUS paid in full for all our sins by the shedding of HIS sinless blood upon the cross. GOD raised JESUS from the grave on the third day to reveal to all the world that GOD, through JESUS conquered both sin and eternal death. Eternal life is JESUS’ and GOD’S eternal gift to all who place their faith in JESUS and HIS Passion. JESUS removed the sin barrier which blocks the pathway to both GOD and JESUS.

When we experience the burden of our sins being lifted, we may desire to write our own Psalm.