The Cross

The Cross

People wear it around their necks on a chain
They display it on their door
But do they ever stop to realize the weight of the Cross
And its true meaning?

The cross was heavy
It was difficult to carry
The weight becoming more burdensome with every step and every mile.
It was a place of torture, agony, and shame.
It is symbolic of death

Jesus said we are to take up our Cross
In order to follow Him.

The cross we like to take up is:
Lightweight
Easy to carry
Carried with pride

But....that is not the same Cross Jesus instructed us to take up.

His followers are to be like Him.
He was despised and rejected. (Is 53:3)
Jesus said the world hated Him, therefore they will hate us. (Jn 15:18)

The Cross was a place of shame for Jesus.
They stripped and hung Him naked, for all the world to see.
Yet, many are embracing the opposite - ashamed to dress Holy and modest while walking proudly around immodest and half clothed, striving to blend in rather than stand out and be separate. 

The Cross was a place of suffering for Jesus.
Yet, many today avoid suffering as they try to "live their best life."
The best life is not in the here and now, but in the one to come.

The Cross was a place of death for Jesus.
Are you dying to self and sin?

What Cross are you truly carrying?
The modern one that is light and easy?
Or the rugged Cross that Jesus said we must bare in order to follow Him?
What Cross are you truly carrying?

"It's MY Year!"

"It's MY Year!"

I've heard that said by many over the past several years.

I know they are trying to speak faith and proclaim victory. 

But when we focus on it becoming "my" year for "great things to happen," we are often left disheartened and frustrated.

It will never be "my" year.

It will always be God's year.

Keep the focus on Him.

You want this New Year to be blessed?

Commit thy ways unto the Lord.

Meaning: pledge or bind all your ways to the Lord.

Psalm 37:5 KJV — 

Commit thy way unto the LORD; 

trust also in Him; 

and He shall bring it to pass.

Proverbs 16:3 KJV — 

Commit thy works unto the LORD, 

and thy thoughts shall be established.

May we draw closer to the Lord and commit all our ways and works to Him throughout this New Year.

Happy New Year!

Gain is godliness?

Gain is godliness?

Actually the Bible instructs to:

WITHDRAW thyself (get away) from 

those who think that gain is godliness.....

5 Perverse disputings (constant contention)

of men of CORRUPT MINDS, 

and DESTITUTE of the TRUTH, 

--> supposing that gain is godliness: 

from such withdraw thyself. <--

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, 

and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment 

let us be therewith content.

9But they that will be rich fall into temptation 

and a snare, 

and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, 

which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money 

is the root of all evil: 

--> which while some coveted after, 

they have erred from the faith, <--

and pierced themselves through 

with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, 

FLEE THESE THINGS; 

and follow after righteousness, 

godliness, 

faith, 

love, 

patience, 

meekness.

18 ...do good, 

...be rich in good works, 

ready to distribute, 

willing to communicate;

1 Timothy 6

2 Timothy 2:19

 ...Let every one that nameth 

the name of Christ 

depart from iniquity.

2 Timothy 2:19

As Christians, 

we are not supposed to be 

"sinners who sin differently."

As Christians, 

we are to DEPART from (leave, get away from) iniquity (sin).

Thanksgiving Is More Than Just a Day

 Thanksgiving Is More Than Just a Day

A question was asked on Fb concerning who all had already decorated for Christmas. Many said they already had. 

One poster's comment caught my attention: "Thanksgiving is just a day but Christmas is a season." 

That is incorrect and not how it is supposed to be.  

Thanksgiving should be a season that is kept in the heart all year round - focusing on and remembering all that God has blessed us with. So many blessings we do not deserve. 

I love Christmas time, too, but I do not want to rush past the one holiday that the stores cannot commercialize.... =

 the Giving of thanks to our Heavenly Father above. 

They've tried to change the focus away from giving thanks to God by calling it "Turkey Day" or "Friendsgiving". 

That's not what the day/the holiday/this season is about.  

Gratitude is the best attitude. 

Many grumble and complain about what they do not have, but I choose to be thankful.  

I choose to remember and focus on God, His goodness, and all He has blessed me with, the many times He's heard my cries and answered my prayers. 

Jesus, I'll never forget what You've done for me and my family!  

I remember and I'm so so very grateful! Thank You, Jesus!

The Body is Not For Fornication

 I have heard this passage spoke to me for the past several mornings before I was even fully awake.  

.... the body is not for fornication, 

but for the Lord; 

and the Lord for the body.

1 Corinthians 6:13 KJV 

Fornication meaning:

porneía, por-ni'-ah; from G4203; 

harlotry (including adultery and incest)

Because I felt the Lord leading me, I posted this on our Church page. It's not something most churches would post on the Church page, but it is Biblical Truth that the Lord is trying to speak to and warn someone....

Flee fornication - 1 Corinthians 6:18 KJV 

But fornication, 

and all uncleanness, or covetousness, 

let it not be once named among you, 

as becometh saints 

- Ephesians 5:3 KJV

Mortify therefore your members 

which are upon the earth; 

fornication, uncleanness, 

inordinate affection, 

evil concupiscence, (lust for what's forbidden)

and covetousness, which is idolatry (that includes coveting someone else's spouse - Exodus 20:17) 

- Colossians 3:5 KJV 

It is a work of the flesh. - Galatians 5:19

For this is the will of God, 

even your sanctification, 

that ye should abstain from fornication:

1 Thessalonians 4:3 KJV 

Hear God's voice. 

Heed His voice. 

He loves you too much to leave you in your sin.

It's Not In The Bible! Or Is It?

It's Not In The Bible!

Or Is It?

Some will say, "I don't see anywhere in the Bible that says I can't ____________ ." as an excuse and reason to do something that appeals to and pleases the flesh.

Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:9-10 that the law (rules) are made for (he then lists several sins)...

....lawless = not wanting to obey rules

....disobedient = not wanting to obey or be under authority

....ungodly = not religious, immoral

....sinners = a person who sins, disobey God's Word and instructions

....unholy = wicked, not showing respect for God or religion

....profane = characterized by obscenity or indecency; inwardly impure

And the list goes on.

Then he adds this clause:

" And if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine."

He added the clause:

"....And such like...."

after warning against several works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21

ANYTHING that causes you to walk more in the flesh and feeds fleshly desires and lusts fall under these clauses.

It may not be specifically mentioned but it's still covered.

Is it feeding the lusts of the flesh?

Or requiring us to submit our will to God's will?

We cannot use lack of specifics as a license to sin.

Are You Really and Truly in Love With Jesus Christ?

Are you in love with Jesus?

Are you really and truly in love with Jesus?

Peter thought he was.

Jesus asked him the question 3 times:

" Lovest thou Me?"

The first time He asked:

"Lovest thou Me MORE than these?"

Do you love Jesus Christ more than:

- your job?

- watching videos or spending time on tiktok or other social media?

- pleasure and fun?

- more than (you fill in the blank)?

- more than the greatest love you feel for your spouse, children, or family?

Do you love Jesus more than anyone or anything?

What are your actions revealing to Him?

Often missing church, prayer time, bible reading?

Because other things take priority. 

Make time with Jesus a priority.

THAT'S  how we show Him that we love Him MORE than these (anything).

This came to me strongly while in prayer.

Jesus is asking:

Lovest thou Me?

Lovest thou Me MORE than these?

Matthew 22:37

Thou shalt love the LORD thy God

With all thine heart (feelings)

And with all thy soul (every breath you take)

And with all that mind (what you think on).

Soul search and ponder:

Do I truly love Jesus Christ more than anyone or anything?

A Serious Question To Ponder.....

 A Serious Question To Ponder.....

Would you say to God, "I'm not interested in what you have to say."?

Most would be appalled at the thought and adamantly deny that they would tell God such a thing. 

You've heard the term "actions speak louder than words."

What are your actions telling God?

If you rarely or never read your Bible, you are by your actions telling God that you are not interested in what He has to say. 

And if you rarely or never pray, you are by your actions telling God that you're not interested in talking to and spending time with Him. 

We spend so much time talking to friends, chatting with them on the phone, and hanging out with them, but how much time is spent talking to Jesus (the One who gave His life's blood and suffered such agony and torture on the cross to purchase our salvation.) ?

We must not neglect this great salvation or treat it so carelessly. 

If you do not read your Bible every day

You are revealing to God

That you are not interested 

In what He has to say.

(The Bible is His letters to us)

If you do not pray every day

You are revealing to God

That you are not interested 

in talking to Him.

Take time

Make time 

Daily - Every Day

To spend quality time 

In the presence of the Lord

Talking to Him

And listening to Him

"Identifying as" ?

If "identifying as" something that you're not works

(such as a male can 'identify as' a female 

and vice versa

or a child can 'identify as' a cat) 

then why can't I 'identify as' any age i prefer? 

Why can't I 'identify as' 18?

and demand that others recognize 

and acknowledge it as truth?

WHY?

Because TRUTH is based on FACTS - 

both of which can never changed 

or be altered by what i choose to believe 

and claim. 

Science proves it

Forensics prove it

DNA proves it

And most of all God's Word will always be Truth!

There are 2 spirits at work 

- the Spirit of Truth

- and the spirit of error

Make sure you are listening to 

and following 

the Spirit Truth.

They Think We're Strange?

 They Think We're Strange?

Coincidence? No, more-so God led....

I just read this Scripture and was going to post about it, but then I found this in my fb memories. So, I'm reposting....

1 Peter 4:3-4 KJV

For the time past of our life may suffice us 

to have wrought the will of the Gentiles 

(referring to their pagan and ungodly ways)

when we walked in......

--> lasciviousness = driven by lustful behavior 

--> lusts = longing for what's forbidden 

--> excess of wine = drunkenness

--> revellings = carousal, letting loose

--> banquetings = drinking bout, carousal

(Carousal means the activity of drinking alcohol and enjoying oneself with others in a noisy, lively way)

--> and abominable idolatries = ungodly idol worship, worshipping the will and desires of the flesh

Wherein THEY THINK IT STRANGE .

THAT YE RUN NOT WITH THEM  

to the same EXCESS OF RIOT (UNSAVEDNESS)

speaking evil of you.

It seems strange to those who do these things that we are not doing the same ungodly things.

Some will even speak evil things against us because we don't.

Because there is a way that seems (appears) right to humans, but its end leads to death. (Prov 14:12, 16:25)

They do not realize or understand they will one day stand before and give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. (1 Peter 4:5) Unless they repent and change their ways. 

It seems odd to them, but we are not seeking to please man.  

We are striving to please Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous Light. 

So that we will one day hear Him say "We'll done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter in."

What did the scriptures reveal concerning the Holy Ghost?

What do the Scriptures reveal concerning the Holy Ghost?

THE HOLY GHOST 

this SIGNIFYING, 

that THE WAY INTO THE HOLIEST OF ALL 

was not yet made manifest, 

while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

Heb 9:8

* The Holy Ghost signifies the way into the Holiest of All.

He that BELIEVETH ON ME, 

as the scripture hath said, 

out of his belly SHALL flow 

RIVERS OF LIVING WATER.

(But this spake He of the SPIRIT, 

which THEY THAT BELIEVE ON HIM

SHOULD RECEIVE: 

for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; 

BECAUSE that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

John 7:38-39

*Jesus taught those that believe SHOULD receive the Holy Ghost.  

He that

BELIEVETH and is 

BAPTIZED

shall be saved; 

but he that believeth not shall be damned.

And THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW

THEM THAT BELIEVE; 

In my name shall they cast out devils; 

they SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES;

Mark 16:16-17

*Jesus taught that those that believe AND are baptized shall be saved.  

And that there are signs that shall follow them that believe... They shall speak with new tongues (which is the evidence of a person receiving the Holy Ghost. We find this evidence throughout the book of Acts.)

These are only a small portion of what the scriptures say concerning the Holy Ghost (which is the Spirit of Christ).

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, 

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. 

-->Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, 

he is none of His.<--

Romans 8:10

And if Christ be in you, 

the body is dead because of sin; 

but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Romans 8:11

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.

* the Holy Ghost shows that we belong to Christ.

* the Holy Ghost signifies (indicates, reveals) the way into the Holiest of All... The place where God's glory dwelt. (Heb 9:8)

*Jesus taught that we must believe AND be baptized in order to be saved AND that the sign of speaking in tongues SHALL FOLLOW those that believe. (Mark 16:16-17)

*Romans 8 reveals the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Christ dwelling in us.

There are so many more scriptures that I could post. 

Some will take time to read a long post. ❤️ 

Others, will scroll on by because it's too long yet watch hours of movies. 💔

You do need the Holy Ghost dwelling in you.

Have you received the Holy Ghost SINCE you believed? (read Acts 19)

You Shouldn't Argue About Religious Beliefs?

You Shouldn't Argue About Religious Beliefs?

Many adhere tightly to the thought that you shouldn't argue about religious beliefs.

"You believe your way and I'll believe mine" is the motto many hold tightly to using the excuse, "I don't want to offend anyone."

APOSTLE PAUL DIDN'T BELIEVE THAT. 

He went into this synagogue (the place of worship) and spake BOLDLY for 3 months DISPUTING and PERSUADING the things concerning the Kingdom of God. (Acts 19:8)

Paul disputed and spoke boldly, trying to correct false doctrine and ways of thinking.

Acts 19:9-10 says he DISPUTED DAILY for TWO YEARS.

Why? 

BECAUSE SOUND BIBLICAL DOCTRINE IS IMPORTANT. 

Paul's actions proved that. 

What a person believes and follows determines where they will spend eternity.

Jesus said we MUST be born again of water (Baptism in Jesus name) and of Spirit (receiving the Holy Ghost). 

Paul came to understand Jesus' instructions after his Damascus Road experience.

Paul had fought this Way, yet now he has found disputing and teaching it daily, because he knew each of us must be born again or we cannot see nor enter the Kingdom of heaven.

That's why he asked these disciples in Acts 19:1-6 if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed.

That's why he RE-BAPTIZED them when he found out they had not been baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. (Vs 5)

That's why he laid hands on them and prayed for them to receive the Holy Ghost, which they did and was evidenced as they spoke in tongues. (Vs 6)

Teach the Word.

Teach the Truth. 

Teach it boldly. 

Speak the truth in love, but speak the truth without fear or favor of man.

Jude 1:3 adminishes us....

.... It was needful for me to write unto you 

and exhort you that ye should 

EARNESTLY CONTEND FOR THE FAITH,  

which was once delivered unto the saints.

EARNESTLY = with sincere and intense conviction

CONTEND = assert something as a position in an argument.

Eternity is coming fast.

Souls are depending on you to show them the way.

Pray for boldness and wisdom, then go make disciples teaching them to observe whatsoever things Jesus commanded.

We are seeing a lot of horrific atrocities happening around our nation and world. I hate to be the bearer of bad news....Jesus said it would be this way and things will get worse as His return grows nearer.

The reason?

...men love darkness rather than light... 

John 3:19

And because people love darkness rather than light, sin is abounding and hearts are growing cold....

Matthew 24:12 KJV — And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

People do not want to hear anything that points out their need to quit sinning. 

They do not want to hear anything that warns that their actions and ways will lead to eternal destruction if they do not repent. 

Therefore, they hate Christians. 

They hate the name of Jesus.

Because they hate the true message of Jesus (not the Hollywood version)

Matthew 10:22 KJV — And ye shall be hated of all men for My Name's sake...

Matthew 24:9 KJV — ....and ye shall be hated of all nations for My Name's sake.

John 15:18 KJV — If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you.

1 John 3:13 - Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

They hate those who proclaim Biblical Truth out of love and care for their soul, but they don't understand....

1 John 3:15 KJV — Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

• Brother = having the same national ancestor, belonging to the same people, or countryman

• Brother = any fellow or man

They think the messages warning to turn from sin is hate. They do not realize it is really a message of love. Because, we care about their eternal destination.  

Our response needs to be like Jesus and the Apostles in the face of opposition and persecution......

Romans 12:21 KJV — Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Continue to show love. 

But we must also speak the Truth - we must speak the Truth in love, but we need to speak the Truth. Someone's eternity is depending on it. 

The Book of Remembrance

The Book of Remembrance 

Is your name written within its pages?

Malachi 3:16 KJV — 

Then they that feared the LORD 

spake often one to another: 

and the LORD hearkened, 

and heard it, 

and a BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE 

was written before Him 

for them that feared the LORD, 

and that thought upon His name.

The Lord:

Hears

And remembers

Those that: 

fear the Lord 

Talk about Him to one another 

and think on His name 

These are they whose names He has written within the pages of His BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE. 

Is your name written within its pages?