God

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I challenge you to protect life!

Fads come and go.

There was a time college students swallowed goldfish and wore raccoon coats.
Lava lamps, bell bottoms, and platform shoes were fads.
So were Beanie babies, fanny packs, and sagging pants, though that last one needs to leave.

Fads come and go and the latest to come is the ALS ice bucket challenge.

On the surface it looks fun and the videos have been entertaining. But under the surface something else lurks.

Each challenge participant is to make a donation toward ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) research. It appears that the research involves embryonic stem cell research.

I don’t think anyone has the right to force another person to forfeit their life for the lives of others. Embryo’s may not be able to walk, talk, or live outside the womb but that doesn’t make them any less human.

Barbaric religions have often forced the sacrifice of the innocent to appease the god of the guilty. Children have often been chosen to be that sacrifice.

Not even God forced His own innocent Son to give His life for you. It is written

He laid down His life for us. 1 John 3:16

And

Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. John 10:17-18

Jesus gave His life for others.

That’s something an embryo, baby, or toddler cannot do!

Abba, we have failed You and ourselves in not protecting the innocent. Forgive us and help us change our ways! In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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Know the Future

Sometimes it would be nice to know the future.

Abraham and Sarah had that knowledge.

Gen 17:19 God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac;

Gen 18:10 And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.”

Abraham and Sarah are told they will have a son. They will call him Isaac. And they even knew the time he would be born.

Often the desire for futuristic knowledge isn’t about having a baby. More likely it’s for next weeks $250 million lotto numbers, the final score for the next Superbowl, or penny stocks that will increase in value 500%!

Such knowledge is selfish, greedy, and temporary.

There is one future you can know.

God has said;

I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord; Jer 29:11-14

God’s future for you is one full of hope and promises. It’s full of love, forgiveness, and grace. It’s also eternal.

The future belongs to God. Join in.

Abba, my future is in You. I trust you with it. In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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Demon of depression and suicide

There’s a story of a man whose son had been plagued by a demon since birth. It would convulse him into seizures and the child was often hurt in the process. He would burn himself and try to drown himself.

The young man seems to have a self-destructive nature. No doubt he is demon possessed because the Bible says so. However the demon perhaps has an affect of depression and suicide on its host.

However, there are many that have the same depression and self-destructive nature. Demons are not blamed nor diagnosed. Meds are prescribed and perhaps psychiatric care.

I don’t downplay doctors and medicines – but doctors often downplay the spiritual.

The disciples had tried to help but could not. In desperation the dad turned to Jesus.
Jesus in turn frees the man from this demon.

There are a few great quotes and lessons that come from this story in Mark 9:17-29

Jesus –

“If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

The dad –

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

The disciples –

“Why could we not cast it out?” Mark 9:28

Jesus –

“This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:29

The message to me is clear. If you struggle with these things you can be delivered from it. Believing, prayer, and fasting are all keys to breaking the chains of depression and suicide.

Abba Father, help my unbelief too! In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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Cutting it Away

When God makes a covenant you don’t have any choice in the terms.

God has chosen Jesus as the way back to Him. It is through the blood of Jesus that you have the forgiveness of sin. You have no choice. It is His chosen way!

I believe there are things God would have you cut out of your life as a result of the covenant. These things you can live without. They are not necessary for your relationship with the Savior; and could be detrimental.

The main thing that needs to be cut from your life is sin!

Abraham was presented with the terms of a covenant with God.

Gen 17:10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised;

If given the choice, I’m sure Abraham would not have chosen that particular procedure. He may have chosen to give up red meat or wine.
But what God demanded be cut away was useless to the life of Abraham – something not really needed and something he could live without, yet painful to remove.

I’m sure there are things in your life that would be painful for you to get rid of; but you can live without.

Abba, help me cut out of my life those things I don’t need to make room for more of You. In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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Camp Lesson – Boundaries

The lesson at church camp was about boundaries. It’s a subject that touches the youngest to the oldest. Each of us has a boundary.

One teacher put “Caution” tape around the seats where the class would be held. The boys stood around and looked at the tape and tried to decide what to do.

Finally one boy lifted the tape, went under it, and sat down. Another boy followed suit. And another and another until they were all sitting down.

Prov 22:28 Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set.

That’s the way it continues to be with God’s word – it has given boundaries that should not be crossed and slowly, one by one, they have been.

The line has been crossed when it comes to the abortion, same sex marriage, and the respect of God.

Once the boundary has been crossed or moved it is extremely difficult to return.

Do not cross the boundaries Father has given. Others will but you must keep yourself from doing it. When you stand before God and give your account, He isn’t going to accept the excuse that everyone else was doing it.
That didn’t work with your parents – it won’t work with Him either.

Abba, help me to see the boundaries You have given and not cross them. Give me the strength to encourage others to stay also. In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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Mistakes – #1

Have you ever made a mistake?
Of course you have; many you couldn’t undo or change.

Don’t feel alone. The Bible is full of men and women that made mistakes – some minor and some really major.

In the case of Abram and Sarai, they had no children but a promise from God that their descendants would be like the stars of the heavens.

But maybe they figured their problem was bigger than their God. So she took matters into her own hands.

Gen 16:2 So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.

If God is restraining you it’s either because He doesn’t want you to have it or it isn’t the right timing for it.
In this case it is the latter, this wasn’t the right time for Abram and Sarai to have a child. That day is coming but it is not today.

God’s delay is not a weakness. Patience in waiting on God is a virtue that you can ill-afford to tamper with.

God’s promises don’t need your help. God has been running the universe just fine without you winding up the mechanism. Let Him do what He does best.

God’s plans will be fulfilled. Every promise made will come to pass. If the Bible says it, you can believe it will happen.

Never believe your problems are bigger than God can handle. If you think you can do a better job than God then your ego may be bigger than God can handle!

Abba Father, help e leave the ego behind, wait, and depend on You! In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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The Complete Offering

God’s word is not always easy to understand. For years I avoided the following, never preaching or teaching on it.

But God’s word is meant to be understood. It is given so we can know the fullness of the Father.

Gen 15:9-11 So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

The greatest proof of God’s promises is found in the text and those that follow.

Sacrifice is important to God.

According to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Heb 9:22

The sacrifices of Adam, Noah, Abram, and all before Sinai, were done without the demand of the Law.

In Abram’s case, he brought every blood sacrifice allowed by the future Law. The complete set, as it were.

Jesus is the complete sacrifice. He did what the heifer, goat, ram, turtledove, and pigeon could not do – satisfy God.

Satan wants to take that away, like the vultures. He doesn’t want you to know or depend on the offering of Jesus.
He wants the world to be confused, divided, and confrontational over Jesus.

Break through the confusion and misunderstanding. Read God’s word and let the Holy Spirit reveal the truth, in Jesus name, YES&AMEN!!!

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Big Promise

My promises to others are small. I try not to commit to what I cannot do. And sometimes I forget something, so I try to keep notes in my iPhone.

You don’t want to promise what you cannot deliver to begin with. Time and effort work against promises

I know I have broken promises, both intentionally and unintentionally. And promises have been broken to me.

God is the opposite of you and me.

Gen 15:5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”

God’s promises are big. I mean to say your descendants will be as numerous as the stars is a huge commitment. It’s happened! How many descendants of Abraham have there been through the ages – both born naturally and adopted and grafted in!

It’s not the only promise He has made!

Isa 1:18 “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.

Matt 28:20 “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Rom 10:13 “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Heb 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Ps 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

1 John 1:7 the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Acts 1:11 This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.

Rev 22:20 “Surely I am coming quickly.”

Abba, I have yet to see a broken promise from You. I believe them all, in Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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What will You give me?

Gen 15:2 Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me…

What did Abram already have?

The Bible reports he was rich in gold, silver, and cattle. He had a beautiful wife that was desired by other men even though she was in her 70’s.

He had trained servants that could take on the armies of four different kingdoms. He had the promise of possessing all the land.

And most importantly, he had God!

It’s not what you have from God that you are concerned about – it’s what you don’t have.

Though Abram was a rich man with a lot to be happy about, he had no children.

Gen 15:2
Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”

Abram had one other thing – God’s promise of an heir from his own body, but it was one promise he struggled to patiently wait on.

Look around your home at all the things you possess. It’s proof that people are never satisfied. Garage sales are further proof of too much around the house.

Can your possessions compare to the gift of eternal life from God?

Matt 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

How much of your life can you give God credit for having?
Are you coming to Him and asking for more?
Can you wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled?

Abba, I am rich because of You! My greatest possession is my salvation. Every day I only ask that I can encourage someone else, in Jesus name, with the Good News.YES&AMEN

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Guard your heart and mind

I am the protector of my household. If a wild animal comes into our yard, I am the one that will protect my family, pets, and property.

The same goes for people. Given the nature of today’s society, I am suspicious of people I don’t know that drive up to my house.
Are they merely lost and want to know where someone lives?
Are they casing my home to see what cannot be seen from the road?

I believe in God. I believe in his protection over me.
But God has also given me some common sense and I cannot let my guard down!

God told Abram,

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Gen 15:1

That’s some great assurance from God in that one sentence and the events that follow.

But Abram let’s his guard down some time after this declaration and fathered a child by a handmaid.

The Bible encourages you not to let your guard down.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant;
1 Cor 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith
Mark 14:38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.
1 Thess 5:6 let us watch and be sober.

Abba, I trust Your promises to me. I believe You. Help me to always keep a guard on my heart and mind. In Jesus name, YES&AMEN