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PENTECOST – THE BEGINNING

It Was A Really Big Deal!

On Sunday, May 23, many Christians will celebrate, Pentecost, remembering
the events recorded in Chapter 2 of the book of Acts.  But what’s it really all about?

Have you noticed it’s not even included on most printed calendars?  Some Christians don’t understand the great significance of what took place that day. And yet,  just 8 days before it happened,  Jesus specifically spoke about about it right before he ascended.

So what exactly are we remembering that warrants celebrating?  Some say it’s all about the Apostles receiving the holy spirit.  Some say it was a unique event relevant only for those at that time.  Others say that it is something about speaking in tongues.

But could that event have an even greater significance than most realize? Is it possible it was the greatest event to date in the history of mankind? What is the real significance of what occurred that day?

Perhaps after reading this article, you might consider that what happened on that day, recorded in Acts Chapter 2, is a big deal; a really big deal!

What Happened In The Garden?

In order to gain a greater appreciation of what occurred on the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2, one needs to understand what happened with Adam and Eve in the Garden. God had told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and if he did, he would surely die. If you’re familiar with the record in Genesis 2 and 3 then you know both Adam and Eve ate of that fruit.

God had said, “In the day you eat, you will surely die,” meaning that very day. Yet, if you continue reading, they both lived for many, many years. Was God wrong?

In taking a closer look at how God originally designed human beings, one can see that Adam and Eve were formed, made, and created with two life forms: soul life, and spirit life.

The absence of life is indicated by the word, “death.” What died that day for Adam and Eve was the spirit life God intended for all human beings to have. They lost spirit life.  It was the spirit life that enabled them to have a close personal relationship with God.

When they lost spirit life, they still had a physical body and soul life. But they lost their connection with the Creator. And, this loss of spirit life was passed on to all men and women. This was a cataclysmic event, with devastating consequences on all of mankind.

Through the centuries there have been hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanoes, wars and other devastating events, including the pandemic that came upon the world last year.  But what happened in the Garden when Adam sinned was the worst disaster for human beings that has ever happened.

Even though there were only two people immediately affected, the consequences would be felt by billions and billions; the consequences would affect every single human being ever born, with the exception of Jesus Christ.

God’s Plan

Not understanding what happened when Adam sinned is one of the main reasons there is a lack of understanding the great significance of what happened on the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts, Chapter 2.  People fail to see the connection. But after the fall in the Garden, God set in motion a plan to redeem mankind, which would include restoring His spirit to human beings.

During the process of God’s plan, you can read in the Bible about how God gave certain individuals His spirit on a temporary basis; but it was not available to any and all human beings. For God to restore what Adam lost, it would require the completed work of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, to fulfill all that was necessary.

God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who willingly did His Father’s work in carrying out God’s great plan of redemption.  He laid down his life, a ransom, a full payment for the sins of the whole world.  And God raised him from the dead to die no more.

Jesus taught his followers on many occasions about the coming of holy spirit. It was a major topic at the last Supper.  The first time he got together with his disciples, after he was resurrected, he talked to them about receiving the holy spirit. On the day of the ascension, right before he left, the very last thing he talked about was receiving the holy spirit.

A New Beginning!

In Acts Chapter 2, after the twelve received the holy spirit and began manifesting one of the nine manifestations, namely speaking in tongues, Peter stood up and preached.  He taught them about Jesus Christ, the savior, and how God had made Jesus both lord and Christ, and that God raised him from the dead.

Peter also talked about holy spirit. He concluded his message by exhorting those listening to, “repent” (change their minds), get baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and that they too would receive “the gift holy spirit.” About 3,000 accepted the invitation.

Part of the great significance of that day was that it was the beginning of holy spirit available for all of mankind. That was the day when God officially made His holy spirit available to anyone who accepted Jesus as lord and believed God raised him from the dead. Peter in fact, later referred to that day as, “the beginning.” It was truly a new beginning for mankind!

And while Adam and Eve could and did lose the spirit of God, this time around, God made it permanent. He has given those who believe in Jesus (that he is lord and that God raised him from the dead) eternal life, which means you cannot lose it. The reason God wants everyone to have His spirit is so that we could not only live forever, but also have a close personal relationship with Him by way of His spirit in us, just like He had with Adam and Eve in the Garden before the fall.

God Has Leveled The Playing Field!

Today we hear a lot about equity, equality, advantage, disadvantage, privilege, etc.  But beginning on that day of Pentecost, God leveled the playing field for anyone who believes in Jesus.  For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

God is offering tremendous advantage and privilege to “whosoever!”

In the Old Testament, only certain people had the spirit of God.  But today, each and every born again believer has the spirit of God, and the ability to operate all 9 manifestations of the spirit.  God made that reality available beginning on the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts, Chapter 2.   No wonder Peter later referred to that day as “The beginning.”

In the Old testament, the bloodline from Abraham, were God’s people, by His choice, and He promised to be their God. And we can read about some absolutely astounding things God did for His people.

But since that day of Pentecost recorded in Acts, Chapter 2, there is a new arrangement.  The Bible clearly states that for those who are born again, God Almighty is not only our Father, but He is our God.  That day marked the beginning of what is called, “the Church of God.”  It is God’s Church!

What a great day in the history of mankind that day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts Chapter 2, really was!  God opened the door for anyone and everyone to receive His gift of eternal life, His gift of holy spirit, and, all the rights, privileges and abilities that go with it.

We can choose to read and believe what God has written to us in the New Testament Church epistles about who we really are and all God has freely made available to us.  It’s up to us to learn how to utilize and operate this gift of holy spirit that God has freely given to each one of His children.

Talk about having privilege!  God’s children, the born again ones, are truly the most privileged people on the face of the earth!   That day of Pentecost really was a very big deal!  It truly was the greatest event to date in the history of mankind!

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HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

rose - 1Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms!

In these days of cultural upheaval, I’m glad there is still a day set aside to honor moms.  And we should.  That’s why I’m once again  re-posting the following for Mother’s Day 2021, because Mom’s are very, very special!

If you like it, share it with someone!

MOM

Some governments use the word “ministry” to describe various functions, like ministry of finance, or ministry of education. The word “ministry” means service. Therefore, the minister of education would be one who serves the country with regards to education.

I believe being a mom is a ministry, a very, very unique service.

No woman can ever study hard enough or prepare long enough to be

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TODAY IS OUR 50TH!

1971

Today, Kathy and I celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary!

I am truly thankful to God for blessing me with such a great woman.  Words fail me as I am so deeply grateful for her love, and for all she means to me.  I am so blessed to have a spiritual woman, a virtuous woman, by my side; one who truly  believes God’s Word!

Proverbs 31:10-31 sums it up!


Proverbs 31:10-31

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

 

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JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE!

Peter Looked Inside And Saw...

Jesus Christ is alive!  God raised him from the dead!

The video below is from Casting Crowns singing, Glorious Day. Below the video is an article I posted in 2018.  When Peter looked into the tomb he saw two very significant items.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is without question the greatest event in the history of mankind thus far. A detail, often overlooked in John’s Gospel account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, sets there like a sparkling gem if you understand the burial customs in the time of Jesus.

Over the centuries, and even today, different cultures have practiced various burial customs. There were a number of Jewish burial customs in the first century. One of those was to wrap or wind the body “in fine linen, putting spices in the folds.” The napkin was “a handkerchief which was employed

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WHAT SKIN COLOR ARE YOU?

The Most Privileged People On Earth!


Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most popular quote is from his, I Have A Dream speech.  He said, “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” It was a powerful statement based on a great biblical truth.

When God sent the prophet Samuel to Jesse to anoint one of his sons as king, Samuel, looking at Jesse’s oldest son, assumed he was the one to anoint. But God said to Samuel, “…for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7b

What if we in this country would see people, all people, as God sees them? Sadly, many in our culture today continue to make skin color the dominant and ultimate issue.

In the video below, the comedian Sam Adams, takes a lighter look at skin color, and makes the point brilliantly. He says that he is not black; he tells his audience what color he is, and why. Following the video are some of my thoughts about skin color, racism, privileged people and identity politics.


Racism

On the serious side, we are living in turbulent times here in the United States where the term “racist” seems to be at the forefront in almost every discussion about almost every issue. It’s not only sad, but it’s alarming that these days, if you don’t agree with certain people, seemingly for any reason, they quickly label you a racist.

No one can argue the fact that there are people in this world who have prejudices, sometimes very extreme prejudices, against other people who look or act differently than they do. That is not going to change. We all inherited a sinful nature after the Fall, recorded in Genesis 3. And so, there have been, there are, and there will always be those who display disdain or worse toward certain other people.

I’ve read a number of articles, and one recently by Ken Ham, entitled, Are There Really Different Races? He pointed out a number of things I have believed for a long time. It’s a rather lengthy article but well worth your time to read it. https://answersingenesis.org/racism/are-there-really-different-races/

There Is Only One Race

Regardless of culture, geographical location, or skin color, we are all human beings. We are all descendants of Adam. The Bible makes this abundantly clear in Acts 17:26: “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;”

The word “men” in that verse is the Greek word, anthrōpos. It means human beings; all human beings. According to God’s Word, we are all related, by blood. Regardless of culture, geographic location or skin color, there is only one race, the human race.

One can take the time to do some honest research regarding “racism.” The origins of what we today call, “race” began in the mid 1800’s. There are many scientific studies and related articles that debunk so much of what many believe and promote as racism.

The United States Is NOT “Systemically Racist”

I wholeheartedly disagree with the highly promoted notion that the United States of America is a “systemically racist” country. Systemic means predominate. Those who promote that are saying the whole of the US has been and still is today, predominantly against human beings they label as, “black people.”

As this country grew and evolved, people from many different cultures, geographic locations and various skin colors arrived and faced difficult times. Those labeled as, “black people,” suffered and endured more than any other group of people. But our country has made huge progress.

We are no longer living in the 1860’s. We are no longer living in the 1960’s.

We elected a man, labeled as, “black,” to the highest office in the country; not once but twice! Add to that there are today, US Senators and Representatives, as well as State Senators and Representatives; there are Governors, Mayors, City council members, and judges at every level including the Supreme Court. And how about “black” billionaires, millionaires, revered sport figures, large and small business owners, teachers, doctors, literally every walk and station of life. And we need to include all the contributions made to the arts, including literature, music and films. And this country is systemically racist? No. .

Are there some people in this country who are prejudiced against other human beings? Without a doubt. Are they the majority? Far from it. But there are those today pushing hard to get people to believe that if you have a much lighter skin color, you are a racist whether you know it or not. If you disagree, it’s because you are denying it, and you’re still a racist.

There are some people who are prejudiced against other human beings for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to language or accents, lifestyle, beliefs, and, yes, color of skin. Human nature is far from perfect. But to say those who have a lighter skin color are all racists, is the same prejudice in reverse. And we are told over and over that those with the fairer skin color have more privilege in society than people of color.

When it comes to privilege, why do those with seemingly intellectual privilege get to be surgeons and scientists? Is that fair to those who do not possess equal intelligence? What about those with athletic privilege? Is it fair they get to play major league sports and make millions while others do not? And how about those with great voice privilege who end up with lucrative recording contracts. Is that fair to the rest of us?

Without a doubt some people have more advantage than other people for a variety of reasons. Perhaps a better question would be, “What about those who choose to work hard, overcome whatever obstacles or disadvantages they face to become successful?” Is that fair for those who do not?

The Real Privileged People

As I mentioned earlier, God’s Word is plain: there is but one race, the human race. In the Old Testament God highly favored a certain group of people, the descendants of Abraham. As such, they were much more privileged than the other people during those days. When they followed God’s words, He protected and took care of them.

And when the time came, God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. And Jesus Christ fulfilled all that was necessary to redeem mankind. Since then, God lovingly offers an invitation to “whosoever.” And that invitation comes with tremendous privilege, real privilege.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God so loved the world. It doesn’t say, white people, tall people, rich people, etc., it says, “the world,” all people. The invitation is to “whosoever,” anyone and everyone in the whole human race. Those who accept the invitation by confessing the Lord Jesus and believing in their heart that God raised him from the dead are saved! They are born again; they obtain eternal life. And in doing that, they become the most privileged people on the planet!

All the people on the earth are not God’s children; only those who get born again. The Bible says those who are born again are God’s children. To think that God Almighty could literally be your Father! Now we are talking about some privilege!

The New Testament reveals and details tremendous privilege that God’s children have, including obtaining eternal life, receiving God’s spirit within, access to the Father by way of the spirit, all trespasses forgiven, made righteous in God’s sight, no longer under the Law, a verdict of not guilty, a guarantee of meeting Jesus Christ in the clouds when he returns, and many more exceeding great and precious promises!

Talk about privilege! Born again Christians are the most privileged people on the face of this earth. And, as such, we are delighted to invite others to the party!

Identity Politics

For those who are born again, when it comes to identity politics, there’s absolutely no room for any of that with God’s children, regardless of skin color, nationality, station in life or any other category.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

The Bible teaches that those who are born again are all part of One Body, and each member is important and needed, with their different longsuits and abilities to contribute so we can serve one another. And the head of this One Body is Christ.

Born again ones can discover from the Bible all the rights, privileges and abilities they have as a child of God, and take advantage of them, or not. They can choose to trust and believe God to help them in their everyday lives. Or, they can choose to be a victim, finding a reason why their life is so difficult, while others are successful. Those who do choose to trust and believe God will be blessed.

Meanwhile, in our country, shouldn’t Christians be demonstrating the love of God toward all people? If God loves all people, shouldn’t we do the same? Shouldn’t we reject those who seek to divide us by promoting identity politics, and instead see every person as an American, with the freedom and opportunities this great country affords them? And shouldn’t we lovingly promote godly principles instead of succumbing to the secular culture that seems to be gaining more ground day by day?

Until we stop looking at skin color, unique talents and abilities, station in life and all the rest, and do what God does, not look at the outward appearance, but look at the heart, we are going to have problems and divisiveness in our country. We could start by teaching our children to not look at the color of someone’s skin, but on the content of their character.

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2021 – THE NEW YEAR HAS ARRIVED!

Here’s Something That Will Not Change In The New Year


The New Year is here.  2020 finally comes to a close. Lots of people are hoping for a new and better year ahead. After 2020, that’s kind of an understatement.

Many are praying for lots of things to change for the better, while others are making new “resolutions” for their lives in the upcoming New Year. But there is something that will not change in this New Year.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about being “born again.” He clearly pointed out two literal births. We read in the first chapter of the epistle of I Peter about being “begotten of God,” and, “being born again.” It says in verse 23, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” There is something amazing in that verse.

We easily understand what it means

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WERE THE PILGRIMS SOCIALISTS?

Very Few Have Been Taught About The Socialist Experiment At Plymouth

There is much talk these days in the USA about socialism.  Some, gleefully with open arms, are lauding it’s great benefits to all.  Others, mindful of so many lessons in history, are crying out great warnings. Still others are deeply troubled over a growing acceptance of a political group founded by “trained Marxists.” Below is some very noteworthy history of the early pilgrims at Plymouth rarely taught today. They began as a socialist society.  Did it work?  Following the article is a short message about gratitude, and a link to some great holiday gift ideas!

A Valuable History Lesson That We Have Forgotten

It is amazing how many people do not know the following very important history lesson about the Plymouth Pilgrims.  There are numerous articles one can easily access. And there are a number of books containing William Bradford’s personal accounts from his journal.

Long before Karl Marx was even born, the Pilgrims practiced first hand, what could easily be identified as socialism. Did it work?

The original contract the Pilgrims entered into with their merchant-sponsors in London called for everything they produced to go into a common store. Each member of the community was entitled to one common share.

Specifically, the contract read, “All such persons as are of this colony, are to have their meat, drink, apparel, and all provisions out of the common stock.” In other words, each person was to put into the common stock all he or she could, and take out the portion or share they needed.

All of the land they cleared and the buildings they built belonged to the common community as well. The plan seemed simple and fair enough: equal distribution for everyone. But did it work?

William Bradford, the governor of the colony, saw the results of this first hand and recognized this form of collectivism was as costly and destructive to the Pilgrims as that first harsh winter, which had taken so many lives. He saw not only was it not working, but if allowed to continue, it would threaten their very survival. Something needed to change!

Change

Changing something for the sake of change is not always the best decision. Changing to a wrong course usually ends in disaster. But the right change at the right time can bring tremendously positive results.

William Bradford, a God fearing man and true leader, decided to take bold action. He saw first hand putting all things into the common store meant that some people could put less in than others. And even if you put nothing in the common store, you could still take out your portion from the common store.

Bradford wrote, “For the young men that were most able and fit for labor and service did repine that they should spend their time and strength to work for other men’s wives and children, without any recompense.”

He also wrote that “the strong, or man of parts, had no more in division of victuals and clothes, than he that was weak.” As a result, some of the young and strong refused to work and the total amount of food produced was not adequate.

The results of their first two harvests were far, far from being abundant. Bradford knew if they were to survive, there must be change.

His Bold Plan

After the poor harvest of 1622, Bradford wrote, “they began to think how they might raise as much corn as they could, and obtain a better crop.” They needed a very radical change to their current economic organization.

Bradford in effect abolished their practice of socialism. Instead, he gave each household a parcel of land and told them they could keep what they produced, or trade it away as they saw fit. In other words, he replaced socialism with a free market system that did a lot more than just put an end to the hard times.

As a direct result, the harvest of 1623 was much different; they had great abundance. Bradford wrote,” instead of famine now God gave them plenty and the face of things was changed, to the rejoicing of the hearts of many, for which they blessed God.” “Any general want or famine hath not been amongst them since to this day.” In fact, in 1624, so much food was produced that the colonists were able to begin exporting corn.

In a number of places around the world, they have been experimenting with socialism for well over a hundred years. They try to redefine it, fine tune it, and re-invent it. But the Pilgrims decided early on to eliminate it.

The Pilgrims learned first hand that people could not be expected to do their best work without incentive. What Bradford did was to simply introduce free enterprise with one of the great foundational principles: private property. Every family was assigned its own plot of land to work and permitted to market its own crops and products.

Bradford changed the system from reliance on the “common store,” to self reliance. And with self reliance comes responsibility for one’s actions.  This, in part, laid the groundwork for understanding and declaring one of the “unalienable rights” we are all given by our Creator: the pursuit of happiness.

The Results Of Bradford’s Change

Bradford wrote, “This had very good success, for it made all hands industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been.” “In no time, the Pilgrims found they had more food than they could eat themselves.”

This change that Bradford instituted was instrumental in the great prosperity of America that was to follow. It wasn’t long before they set up trading posts and exchanged goods with the Indians. They were no longer just trying to survive. They were beginning to thrive.

Their profits allowed them to pay off their debts to the merchants in London. That fact had huge repercussions. Their success and prosperity attracted more Europeans and began what came to be known as, “The Great Puritan Migration.”

Not Just In Plymouth

The same scenario happened in other colonies as well. Many early groups of colonists set up socialist states, all with the same terrible results. What is striking is that the majority of the work was being done by only one-fifth of the people. The others, for various reasons, chose to not work but expected to be fed.

In the Virginia colonies, during the winter of 1609-10, called, “The Starving Time,” the population fell from five-hundred to sixty!  But Jamestown changed into a free market area and the results were just as dramatic as the results at Plymouth.

In 1614, Colony Secretary Ralph Hamor wrote that after they changed from the socialistic plan to free enterprise, there was, “plenty of food, which every man by his own industry may easily and doth procure.”

He went on to say something that is almost unbelievable. He said in comparison to the two systems, that “we reaped not so much corn from the labors of thirty men as three men have done for themselves now.”

Most everyone knows the traditional “Thanksgiving Story,”with the pilgrims sharing food with the native Indians.  But very few know this vital forgotten history lesson. It is not only noteworthy to remember, especially in today’s political climate, but it ought to be taught to our children.

From AHEF and Angela E. Kamrath:

“The Pilgrims’ early shift from a communal to a self-reliant economic system in Plymouth Colony exposed the practical flaws of the one and the qualities of the other system. While the communal system led to low morale, poor relations, under-performance, and lack of sustenance in the community; the system of self-reliance led to high morale, proper relations, self-sufficiency, and increase in the colony. This early trial and error in economics by this Christian people revealed the success of self-industry, led to an American view of work and reliance on God, and became a precursor to America’s free enterprise system.”

In 1789, in his first year as the first president of the United States, George Washington made a proclamation  When you read President Washington’s proclamation the many references to God indicate very clearly his heart as well as the heart of the New Nation.  He very deliberately recognized and was grateful for God’s help and blessings on this country.

The political future in the United States of America is uncertain.  One might think that in this age of “information” how is it so many young people do know the lessons of history regarding socialism.  And how can so many blindly embrace an organization with its founders proudly proclaiming they are “trained Marxists?”

Meanwhile, there are many who continue to pray for the USA, for our freedoms and Constitution to stand.  God help us if we go the way of socialism and Marxism.  And if we do, the day will come when the people embracing this radical change will have to look at their kids, and grandkids, and tell them, “We allowed this to happen!”

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GRATITUDE

People who choose to recognize even the smallest blessing and make gratitude a habit, are happy, positive people. Why? Because in focusing on God supplying, they trust He will continue to provide blessings. And He does!

Those who choose to recognize every lack and make complaining a habit, are miserable negative people. Why? Because in focusing on what they don’t have, they lack confidence in God to provide.

When we thank God for what He has done, He gets the gratitude, the recognition, the thanks He so rightly deserves. We acknowledge Him as our helper, our provider, the One Who brings us His blessings!

In addition to that, scientific studies show how being grateful can dramatically affect your emotions and your physical body, including the brain, the heart, sleep and more!

And on top of that, there is another great benefit in being grateful to God. When we remember what God has done for us, our minds at that moment, are focused on, not on what we lack, but rather on what we have received from Him!

Those reminders build our confidence and trust in Him to continue to provide for us! (the studies talk about grateful people being happier – how sad do you feel when you’re thinking of something God blessed you with?!)

Gratitude builds our confidence and trust in God, and as a result, we bring God our petitions with greater expectations, greater confidence, and greater trust. We believe Him, because we remember what He has already done for us! What a great benefit to us for giving Him the thanks He so rightly deserves!

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:18

And even in the “Days of Covid” we certainly do recognize God’s great blessings on Thanksgiving Day; blessings in our own lives, and blessings on our nation.  But we can also remember to give thanks and show our gratitude to our loving God and Father each and every day.

Have A Great Thanksgiving Holiday! Keep Praying For Our Country!

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

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ARE YOU AFRAID?

Some Very Practical Insight On Getting Rid Of Fear In Your Life!


I recently learned something very interesting and very practical from the Bible concerning fear. More on that in just a few minutes. Let’s consider some of what God’s Word has to say about fear.

There is a great truth about God’s perspective concerning fear in Psalm 34. It says in verse 4, “I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” Some popular psychology of our day propounds that we need to live with our fears. If we are supposed to just accept and live with our fears, why doesn’t that verse say, “I sought the Lord and He heard me and told me to just live with my fears?” The will of God is clear; God desires to deliver us from all our fears.

Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man brings a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” A snare is a trap. In I John 4, it says that fear has torment. Having fear does not help us; fear brings torment and it entraps us.

After the crucifixion of Jesus Christ the disciples were behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. Fear, like worry and doubt, greatly interferes with our believing the promises of God.

Be Not Afraid, Only Believe!

You may be familiar with the record in Mark, Chapter 5. A man came to Jesus asking him to come and lay his hands on his dying daughter so that she could be healed. Jesus went with him, but along the way someone came and told that man it was too late, his daughter had died. As soon as Jesus heard those words he told that man, “Be not Afraid, only believe.”

This brief discussion about fear in this article is not about being in a field somewhere and seeing a bull coming your way and just saying, “I’m not afraid.” Of course not! You would get over the fence in a hurry!

And I’m also not referring to jumping off a cliff saying, “I’m not afraid, God will protect me because it says in His Word that He gives His angels charge over me; they will bear me up in their hands so that I won’t dash my foot against a stone.” Doing something foolish like that would certainly be tempting God.

I’m talking about fear that comes up due to circumstances and situations that we may face in our lives. Fear is not something that God wants us to just accept and live with. His desire is to deliver us from all our fears. Living with fear is a snare, it is torment, it is bondage. Fear keeps you from enjoying your life and it greatly hinders you from believing the promises of God.

There are lots of things today that people are afraid of: fear of losing their job, fear of getting into an accident, fear of an illness or recurring illness, fear of a lack of finances, and the list goes on and on.

In the second epistle of Timothy we find out that for those of us who are born again, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” When a person accepts Jesus Christ as their lord and believes God raised him from the dead, the Bible says you are saved. A saved person, one who is born again, receives God’s spirit. and that spirit God gives us is not a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Fear happens in the mind. And at times we have to honestly ask ourselves, “What am I afraid of?” And when we recognize we have fear, what do we want to do about it?

I Learned Something Very Practical

in Reading David Bergey’s new book, 100 Scriptures to Help you Recover your Health, I learned something very practical concerning what God says about fear. While there are numerous places in the bible where God talks about not being afraid, in many of those places God tells us why we should not be afraid.

In the first chapter of the Book of Joshua, God is instructing Joshua to take the children of Israel into the Promised Land. Moses died and now Joshua was in charge. I can’t begin to fathom the weight on Joshua’s shoulders with such a responsibility.

But God not only told him to be strong and very courageous, but He told him why. God said, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua was not alone – God was with him!

In Psalm 23, it says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” We are not alone! Even if you are “walking through the valley of the shadow of death,” which is a pretty scary place to be walking through, but if you are, like the Psalmist said, “I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.” God is with you with His rod and staff.

In Psalm 46 it talks about not being afraid even if the mountains are falling into the sea and the earth is removed! Talk about being in a dramatic scenario and not being afraid! But why? It says because God is our refuge and strength and He is a very present help in trouble.

God Is Present!

God is not distant, far far away somewhere; He is present. He told Joshua I am with you; in Psalm 23 it says, Thou art with me, and in Psalm 46 it says He is present. We are not alone; He is here with us!

Many times in God’s Word you won’t read verses that say, “Don’t Be Afraid, don’t have any fear, just suck it up and be brave! Just be positive!” But rather, you read verses that say to fear not, because God is with you!

My favorite two verses about fear are in Isaiah 41, verses 10 and 13:

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

God repeatedly says to not be afraid, because, “I am with you!”

His Spirit Is In Us!

Ephesians 4 tells us there is one God and Father of us all, “Who is above all and through all, and in you all.” God is in us by way of the spirit, His spirit that he put in us. Are we alone? Absolutely not! And in those times when you feel all alone, remind yourself that you are not alone, God is in you!

In Philippians it says that God works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Are we alone? Absolutely not! And what is His good pleasure? It is certainly not to live in fear, but rather to help us, to strengthen us, to bless us, to be a very present help in time of trouble!

In Romans 8 chapter 11, there is a very wonderful verse regarding healing. “But if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His spirit that dwelleth in you.” When it comes to sickness, fear not! Why? His spirit in you shall also quicken, make alive your mortal body!

In Acts 27, Paul was on a ship that was battered by a typhoon, and eventually, after many days, all hope was gone. But then Paul came and told them to be of good cheer, that no one was going to die. Why in the world would he tell those people who knew they were all about to die, to be of good cheer? Was he just some nutcase trying to be positive? “Okay everybody, let’s all just be positive here.”

He told them to be of good cheer because God sent an angel who told Paul, “Fear not, Paul… God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.” Paul then told them, “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” Once again, as you see in so many other places in God’s Word, when the message is to not be afraid, the reason why is given.

For you and me, in those times when we are having fear, we ought to focus on the great truth that we are not alone. God is with us, and in reality, God is in us by way of His spirit that is in us. He truly is present with us; He will strengthen us, He will help us, He will heal us, He will restore us, and He will protect us!

You are not alone!

Your loving God and Father will take you by the right hand saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you!”

 

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“RESCUE” IS A POWERFUL SONG!

Praying For God To Rescue The USA

When I first heard this song, “Rescue,” by Lauren Daigle, it reminded me how in these very troubled days, many are praying to God Almighty, asking Him for His help. Our country needs His rescue. And He is more than able to help and heal this land.

The song is from God’s perspective: His reminder that He hears our cries, and that He is indeed able and willing.  So whether you need His rescue in your personal life, or, you’re praying for Him to rescue the USA, enjoy this very inspiring song. (Lyrics are below the video)

Rescue by Lauren Daigle

You are not hidden
There’s never been a moment
You were forgotten
You are not hopeless
Though you have been broken
Your innocence stolen

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS
Your SOS

I will send out an army
To find you in the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you

There is no distance
That cannot be covered
Over and over
You’re not defenseless
I’ll be your shelter
I’ll be your armor

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS

I will send out an army
To find You in the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
And I will never stop marching
To reach you in the middle of the hardest fight
It’s true, I will rescue you

I hear the whisper underneath your breath
I hear you whisper you have nothing left

I will send out an army
To find you in the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
And I will never stop marching
To reach you in the middle of the hardest fight
It’s true, I will rescue you

Oh, I will rescue you

II Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

If you found this inspiring, pass it on – share it with others.