ACTS 28:27
"For the hearts of these people are hardened , and their ears can not hear, and they have closed their eyes- so their eyes can not see, and their ears can not hear, and their hearts can not understand, so that they could turn to me for healing."
How many people do you know that have heard the Word of God and yet they do not understand it? How many people can see what God has done and still can not comprehend it? That is why in this scripture Paul is told to say to the Jews, that their hearts have hardened, their eyes can not see and their ears can not hear. If they did open their heart and see with their eyes or hear with their ears, they would have turned to Jesus Christ so that he could heal them. Truly hearing the Word they do not hear nor understand, and seeing they do not see nor do they perceive!
Nothing has changed since Paul was told to go and tell the Jews this message. They believe in God the Father but they have never opened their heart to Jesus nor have they truly heard the Word of God, nor seen His Light, the Lord Jesus Christ. They have hardened their heart and become a stiff necked and rebellious people. That is why God sent His Salvation unto the gentiles. The gentiles have heard and seen and opened their heart to the Lord Jesus Christ!
The heart or the soul with its understanding can grow dull, hardened, calloused and make a person stupid. Ones ears can become heavy and hard of hearing. You can shut your eyes tight and never perceive or become acquainted and knowledgeable about Jesus. They real pity is that under these conditions you will never see with your eyes or hear with your ears or understand with you heart and soul. Thus you will never turn to the only one that can heal you of your condition. Jesus Christ wants to heal you. Do not be HARD HEARTED!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
MERE MORTALS!
PSALM 8:3-4
"When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you set in place Lord, what are people that you should think about them, MERE MORTALS that you should care for them?"
Sometimes we as humans have an inflated sense of our being. Sometimes we think we are immortal or so powerful that we can control this world or even the universe. The humanists would like to compare themselves to the God who made the universe and yet they can not even make dirt. Only God can bring anything into existence, such as the moon and the stars and this world we live in. Only God can make human beings from the dust and dirt. Only God can breath life into an inanimate creature and give it life. Only God can give a second birth and eternal life to anyone! So the psalmist asks an important question.
Why does God care about people, or even think about them? Why does God care for us, mere mortals, that are subject to the death of this world? After all He has the universe, with its sun moon, stars and galaxies to enjoy. What is man to God, compared to the work of His fingers? When you think about this or consider it with a human prospective it is a puzzle, but not to God. Why does God even think about man or care for the son of man?
The answer is that He loves us and cares for each and every one of us. We are the apple of His eye and He knows each one of us by name and everything about us. He loves us so much that He is willing to give us His only begotten Son to Save us from certain death and then give us eternal life with Him in Heaven. All that is needed is that we believe in His Son Jesus Christ and come to fear, know and love the God of the Universe. We should not question God, or think what we would do as humans. His mind is above our minds and although it is a wonder and a blessing remember, we are all just MERE MORTALS!
"When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you set in place Lord, what are people that you should think about them, MERE MORTALS that you should care for them?"
Sometimes we as humans have an inflated sense of our being. Sometimes we think we are immortal or so powerful that we can control this world or even the universe. The humanists would like to compare themselves to the God who made the universe and yet they can not even make dirt. Only God can bring anything into existence, such as the moon and the stars and this world we live in. Only God can make human beings from the dust and dirt. Only God can breath life into an inanimate creature and give it life. Only God can give a second birth and eternal life to anyone! So the psalmist asks an important question.
Why does God care about people, or even think about them? Why does God care for us, mere mortals, that are subject to the death of this world? After all He has the universe, with its sun moon, stars and galaxies to enjoy. What is man to God, compared to the work of His fingers? When you think about this or consider it with a human prospective it is a puzzle, but not to God. Why does God even think about man or care for the son of man?
The answer is that He loves us and cares for each and every one of us. We are the apple of His eye and He knows each one of us by name and everything about us. He loves us so much that He is willing to give us His only begotten Son to Save us from certain death and then give us eternal life with Him in Heaven. All that is needed is that we believe in His Son Jesus Christ and come to fear, know and love the God of the Universe. We should not question God, or think what we would do as humans. His mind is above our minds and although it is a wonder and a blessing remember, we are all just MERE MORTALS!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A TRUE WIFE
PROVERBS 18:22
"The man who finds A TRUE WIFE finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord."
Are you married? Has your wife been true to you? Do you compliment each other in your beliefs and ideals? Is she your best friend in this world? Then you have truly found a treasure and you are to be envied. What is more important is that you will receive favor from the Lord. This proverb explains how important it is to choose the right wife, a true wife, one who will be a blessing from the Lord.
In this present society and world the emphasis on choosing a wife is often misleading and wrong. It is not the outward beauty that a man should look upon. It is the inner being and beliefs of a woman that matter the most. Does she love God and put Him first in her life? Does she have a desire to learn and understand the Word of God? Is she a doer of the Word or only a hearer of the Word? Does she recognize that the Lord is the head of the household and that as the husband you must be respected as well as loved? Will she teach your children the true values of a Christian family?
This kind of a wife is a real treasure and a gift that just keeps on giving until the end of your lives. The Lord will surely look with favor upon your household and His blessings will be evident to anyone. As a husband, if you have been fortunate to have received this treasure from God, do not forget to thank God for her and always reinforce to her how much she means to you. We must never take for granted that the Lord has blessed us and we will continue to receive His favor. We should cherish our wife and love her and be true to her forever!
"The man who finds A TRUE WIFE finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord."
Are you married? Has your wife been true to you? Do you compliment each other in your beliefs and ideals? Is she your best friend in this world? Then you have truly found a treasure and you are to be envied. What is more important is that you will receive favor from the Lord. This proverb explains how important it is to choose the right wife, a true wife, one who will be a blessing from the Lord.
In this present society and world the emphasis on choosing a wife is often misleading and wrong. It is not the outward beauty that a man should look upon. It is the inner being and beliefs of a woman that matter the most. Does she love God and put Him first in her life? Does she have a desire to learn and understand the Word of God? Is she a doer of the Word or only a hearer of the Word? Does she recognize that the Lord is the head of the household and that as the husband you must be respected as well as loved? Will she teach your children the true values of a Christian family?
This kind of a wife is a real treasure and a gift that just keeps on giving until the end of your lives. The Lord will surely look with favor upon your household and His blessings will be evident to anyone. As a husband, if you have been fortunate to have received this treasure from God, do not forget to thank God for her and always reinforce to her how much she means to you. We must never take for granted that the Lord has blessed us and we will continue to receive His favor. We should cherish our wife and love her and be true to her forever!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
ALL MUST REPENT!
ACTS 26:20
"ALL MUST REPENT of their sins and turn to God- and prove they have changed by the good things that they do."
Are there any absolutes in this world? Many humanists try to tell us that all things are relative. If all things are anything, is that not an absolute? Why is it that non believer's want there to be no absolutes? If there are no absolutes, then there is no God. One thing we know for sure, you will absolutely die and your life on earth will come to an end. Do you know of any exceptions?
Jesus Christ died on the cross, after suffering, and He was the first to rise from the dead. This was God's way of announcing His plan and light to Jews and Gentiles alike. What was the message of Jesus?
ALL MUST REPENT OF THEIR SINS AND TURN TO GOD. We must prove that we are then changed and this is shown by the good things that we do. So here is the truth for today; Everyone must repent of their sins and turn to God. That means all of us, no exceptions and this is an absolute. If you have not turned from your sinful path and way of life and turned around to walk in the Lord's path, you have not repented. Are you living a life consistent and worthy of repentance? What kind of deeds are you performing, if you say you have come to the Lord?
You have heard the expression, "talk is cheap". This means that it is easy to say something but it is much more difficult to actually do what you say. Many have understood that it is more important to be a doer of the Word, than just a hearer of the Word. Thus this scripture is trying to reveal to us that we actually prove that we have repented and come to the Lord by our actions, the things and deeds that we do. True Repentance bears fruit, and everyone will take notice of the new person you have become. Who then must repent and turn to God? All of us if we hope to be a part of God's kingdom. How will we know if we truly have repented? You will have changed from a sinful man to one who does good deeds and your life will be worthy.
"ALL MUST REPENT of their sins and turn to God- and prove they have changed by the good things that they do."
Are there any absolutes in this world? Many humanists try to tell us that all things are relative. If all things are anything, is that not an absolute? Why is it that non believer's want there to be no absolutes? If there are no absolutes, then there is no God. One thing we know for sure, you will absolutely die and your life on earth will come to an end. Do you know of any exceptions?
Jesus Christ died on the cross, after suffering, and He was the first to rise from the dead. This was God's way of announcing His plan and light to Jews and Gentiles alike. What was the message of Jesus?
ALL MUST REPENT OF THEIR SINS AND TURN TO GOD. We must prove that we are then changed and this is shown by the good things that we do. So here is the truth for today; Everyone must repent of their sins and turn to God. That means all of us, no exceptions and this is an absolute. If you have not turned from your sinful path and way of life and turned around to walk in the Lord's path, you have not repented. Are you living a life consistent and worthy of repentance? What kind of deeds are you performing, if you say you have come to the Lord?
You have heard the expression, "talk is cheap". This means that it is easy to say something but it is much more difficult to actually do what you say. Many have understood that it is more important to be a doer of the Word, than just a hearer of the Word. Thus this scripture is trying to reveal to us that we actually prove that we have repented and come to the Lord by our actions, the things and deeds that we do. True Repentance bears fruit, and everyone will take notice of the new person you have become. Who then must repent and turn to God? All of us if we hope to be a part of God's kingdom. How will we know if we truly have repented? You will have changed from a sinful man to one who does good deeds and your life will be worthy.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
NO ONE BUT YOU!
PSALM 5:1-2
"O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to NO ONE BUT YOU!
Who do you cry out and groan to? Is it a parent, sibling, friend or someone in authority over you? When you cry for help, is anyone listening to you? We so want someone to give an ear to our words and consider our sighing and groaning, especially when we are crying out. The problem is that they may not be listening. In fact, in some cases, they may even be happy about our having a problem. The government does not listen to our cries, our boss may not hear us when we groan and sigh for changes or consideration, and our parents and children are often too busy to listen.
So, who should we cry out to and pray to? Who will hear us as we pray, and pay attention to our groaning and sighing? Who will actually give us an ear and consider our meditations? Who actually hears the sound of our cry? This scripture reconfirms that it is our King and our God. As believers, we can count on the fact that the Lord listens, hears, and considers our words and our meditations. He is considerate of our sighs and groans and has compassion on us. He is listening, so go ahead and talk to Him any time!
The fact that the Lord loves us and cares enough to consider our words and meditations is in stark contrast to the world. Most of the time people just do not listen to us and rarely understand what we are trying to convey. Even more important is the fact that they do not have the answers to our questions, nor solutions to our problems. So we should carefully consider who we cry out to and who we make requests or prayers to. If you know your bible then you know who to pray to. Lord, NO ONE BUT YOU!
"O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to NO ONE BUT YOU!
Who do you cry out and groan to? Is it a parent, sibling, friend or someone in authority over you? When you cry for help, is anyone listening to you? We so want someone to give an ear to our words and consider our sighing and groaning, especially when we are crying out. The problem is that they may not be listening. In fact, in some cases, they may even be happy about our having a problem. The government does not listen to our cries, our boss may not hear us when we groan and sigh for changes or consideration, and our parents and children are often too busy to listen.
So, who should we cry out to and pray to? Who will hear us as we pray, and pay attention to our groaning and sighing? Who will actually give us an ear and consider our meditations? Who actually hears the sound of our cry? This scripture reconfirms that it is our King and our God. As believers, we can count on the fact that the Lord listens, hears, and considers our words and our meditations. He is considerate of our sighs and groans and has compassion on us. He is listening, so go ahead and talk to Him any time!
The fact that the Lord loves us and cares enough to consider our words and meditations is in stark contrast to the world. Most of the time people just do not listen to us and rarely understand what we are trying to convey. Even more important is the fact that they do not have the answers to our questions, nor solutions to our problems. So we should carefully consider who we cry out to and who we make requests or prayers to. If you know your bible then you know who to pray to. Lord, NO ONE BUT YOU!
Monday, July 7, 2008
HUMBLE OR PROUD?
PSALM 138:6
"Though the Lord is great, He cares for the HUMBLE, but He keeps His distance from the PROUD."
The Lord is High and Mighty and He is Exalted. We on the other hand are not. Some people recognize this and as a result are humble and lowly. Then there are those who become prideful as a result of some ability, accomplishment or gift from God. Which of the two are you? Pride is hateful before God and man according to Ecclesiastes 10:7. Here in psalms we find that the Lord keeps His distance from the proud person but He cares from the humble. Pride that separates you from God in any way can not be a good thing.
The Lord has respect for the lowly and humble, and it is clear He brings them into fellowship with Him. This proves once again that although the Lord is High and Mighty He loves us no matter how low or humble we really are in His sight. What a wonderful Savior and God we have when even though we are beneath Him He Loves and Cares for us no matter what our condition.
In contrast, if we exhibit pride, it is as though He does not know us. He only recognizes us from a distance. The haughty He only knows from afar. So there is not much of a question as to how we should act and be. We must avoid being haughty and prideful so that the Lord will not distance Himself from us. We must remain humble and lowly. The next time you get puffed up and extol your accomplishments or gifts think about the end result in God's eyes. The question is , are you HUMBLE OR PROUD?
"Though the Lord is great, He cares for the HUMBLE, but He keeps His distance from the PROUD."
The Lord is High and Mighty and He is Exalted. We on the other hand are not. Some people recognize this and as a result are humble and lowly. Then there are those who become prideful as a result of some ability, accomplishment or gift from God. Which of the two are you? Pride is hateful before God and man according to Ecclesiastes 10:7. Here in psalms we find that the Lord keeps His distance from the proud person but He cares from the humble. Pride that separates you from God in any way can not be a good thing.
The Lord has respect for the lowly and humble, and it is clear He brings them into fellowship with Him. This proves once again that although the Lord is High and Mighty He loves us no matter how low or humble we really are in His sight. What a wonderful Savior and God we have when even though we are beneath Him He Loves and Cares for us no matter what our condition.
In contrast, if we exhibit pride, it is as though He does not know us. He only recognizes us from a distance. The haughty He only knows from afar. So there is not much of a question as to how we should act and be. We must avoid being haughty and prideful so that the Lord will not distance Himself from us. We must remain humble and lowly. The next time you get puffed up and extol your accomplishments or gifts think about the end result in God's eyes. The question is , are you HUMBLE OR PROUD?
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