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When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received Gods grace, somehow!
By: Maya Angelou
I just wanted to share this poem that I have found...it explains what being a Christian is all about. It shows how we should take a humbling and thankful point of view on becoming a follower of Jesus the Christ, not one of self righteousness.
I used the Bible verse (Matthew 13:43) on my Life of Thomas header because I thought it went well with the picture of the sun shining through the clouds. The only thing that makes me "righteous" was an event that took place around 2000 years ago, an event that changed the world forever! When the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of God, (sinless) Jesus of Nathareth bore the sin of the world upon himself on the cross. He tore the veil that separated man from God opening up heaven to those who believe. Hallelujah!
Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus Christ. Show all posts
The Commandments in the Lord’s Prayer: A Heart Condition
From the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry here on Earth, he went to great lengths to make it clear to whoever was listening, (Jew and gentile alike) that what God wants from us is our hearts. Throughout the Old Testament, He makes it known to Israel that a hardened heart will turn them away from God. As God allowed nations to come against Israel it was always because they had turned their hearts away from Him as they sought after other gods, practiced idolatry, engaged in all kinds of activity that clearly violated the Law as given to them by God Himself. In Deuteronomy 30:14 God says, “But the Word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.” In verse 17 God makes it clear, “But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, I announce to you today that you shall surely perish.” Even from the very beginning of man God made it clear to Adam in the first command ever given in Genesis 1:17 “but of the tree of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” that from Adam’s heart he would have to trust in and obey God. Satan knew that if he could work on Adam and Eve and within their hearts get them to put their curiosity ahead of God’s Law and break their trust in Gods’ spoken Word alone, they would ultimately fail. Prior to the flood, God gives His clear reason for destroying man from the earth in Genesis 6:5 “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
In giving the Ten Commandments as the law of our hearts, God made an easy way for Israel as well as us today to check our hearts. I refer to the Commandments like a thermometer. A thermometer shows us that we have a fever just as the Commandments show us that we are sinners. A thermometer does not cure our fever. The Commandments do not take away our sin, but rather point out the fact that if our hearts are not inline with Gods Word we will not be in His will but separated from Him through sin. In Matthew 5:17 Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” He then continues to explain the Law as a matter of the heart. In verse 21 he says, “you shall not murder” but in verse 22 explains “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” Again in verse 27 he says, “You shall not commit adultery, but I say to you whoever looks at a women to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Throughout chapters 5 and 6 Jesus teaches lesson after lesson that it is our hearts that are the problem, not our outward appearances.
To drive this point home, Jesus gives us a prayer that I believe shows us how each segment of the Law is pointing to the fact that it is our heart that is the issue. When doing a side-by-side comparison of the Lords Prayer to the Ten Commandments, I believe that you will see how he makes this clear. The following table includes the Law compared to the Lords Prayer with small narratives to explain how I believe Jesus was trying to teach us:
There is only one God, not Allah, Buddha, Mohammad, Baal, etc. We are not to put anything before him. Anything that comes in our life before God can be a god before him. He does not want to be the first god in line ahead of our other gods either because He is our only God. If we desire to be lead by anything other than our desire to live the life that God has in store for us, we will seek other gods to fill those desires.
These are the physical and tangible things that we create for ourselves that become our gods so that they will serve us. We are to put our faith in God and Him alone as we recognize that He is our creator and sustainer who is in heaven. We often want to make for ourselves a self-image of who we think we are or want to be. Our hearts desire is to serve ourselves here on earth. Jesus points us to heaven. Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Recognize that he is holy and acting accordingly. We are not to diminish the sovereignty of God. It is amazing how when we hurt ourselves when working with tools, or find ourselves getting angry with others for something they did, we waste no time using the LORDs’ name in vain. Why don’t people yell, Oh Buddha or d#*it that Mohammad. It is because we all know in our hearts that it is God we want to blame everything that goes wrong on.
God gave us the example that rest is needed as a practical example. He also reminds us that we are to labor and not slumber. We will get our rest at the appropriate time. He promises us eternal rest from our life’s labor here on earth as we await His return and the establishment of His kingdom here on earth.
As our father in heaven, He has given to us everything that we need. He has also given us the example of marriage for parents to function as one and train up their children just as he has given us the example of being his bride. We as parents are to live Godly lives as defined by His word which is His will on this earth. By obeying His word and living holy lives, we will set the example for our children as well as those around us. In the same way, he set for us His example as His children when he came down to earth and gave his life for us. This is how we know His will for our lives. Again, often our hearts desire is to live the life that we see that everyone else has here on earth, not the life of sacrifice for others.
Our labor should be for his glory as He has provided for us through our God given skills and talents. He has promised us that he will provide for all of our needs and is faithful to that promise. Our daily bread is not only physical; it also includes our communion relationship with Jesus. He wants us to feed on His word daily and have a two-way relationship with Him. We are to eat from the bread of life.
We are all sinners that require forgiveness and a redeemer. Jesus is our redeemer through the shedding of his blood for our sins. We are not to take life physically or from our hearts. Jesus requires us to be forgivers of those who have intended or committed sins against us. We are not to carry grudges against others nor cause others to feel guilty in our presence.
These are matters of the heart. Jesus preached that if we think about committing adultery or lust after others in our hearts, then we have committed these sins already. He knows our human nature will cause us to be tempted and that Satan will use this to lure us away from living a holy life if we allow it.
As Satan stands to accuse us of our sins, we would easily do the same against our neighbor, co-workers or even family if we thought that it would protect us or benefit us even to the point of lying. We are required to give a good testimony and bear a true witness as salt and light in a dark world. It is far easier to gossip to lift your self-image and demean others than it is to humble yourself in the presence of others and give the glory to God.
It is so easy for us to desire anything and everything that everyone else has. Marketers know this and prey on our desire to have it all. For whatever reason, it always seems that someone else has it better than us, and we desire to have that thing, job, car, house, family, ability, talent or whatever. It is no coincidence that we have this idea that we can have all that our heart desires. It is only deception that causes us to be tempted to do anything to fulfill our hearts desire. God is in control and it is His kingdom, not a democracy. We do not get to take a vote on how we are to live or take a poll to get the most recent politically correct opinion on how we should live because everyone else does. We are to live according to His will in our lives and according to His word so that we may live receiving His blessings.
In conclusion, Jesus often pointed out to the Pharisees and Sadducees that they should have read God’s Word and explained to the people plainly the difference between the Law and the peoples’ responsibility to keep the Law in their hearts through holy living as a people set apart. As the Body of Christ, we now have the awesome privilege and the responsibility to live holy lives set apart from the world in a way that will make the world see Jesus in our lives by our actions and words. What is in our heart is often what comes out of our mouths. Just like trying to stuff toothpaste back into the tube, once the words of our hearts are out of our mouths, we cannot take them and put them back. If we have repentive hearts and recognize our need for our Savior daily, we will have thankful hearts and our lives will be lived accordingly.
Written By: Gerry McGovern
Easter and it's Meaning
Easter is the most significant observation in the Christian liturgical year.
In English, "Easter" is derived from the name of an ancient Pagan Goddess Eostre.
In Hebrew: פסח; transliterated as pesach or pesah". In most of the remaining languages in countries with a Christian heritage, the name for Easter is derived from "Pesach." the name for Passover. The children of God (Israelites) were enslaved by the Egyptians and were tired of being mistreated. They started to cry out to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; he hears their call and appoints Moses to lead them. This was around the year 1446 B.C.
"Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats" [Exodus 12:5 KJV]
"And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it." [Exodus 12:7 KJV]
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." [Exodus 12:13 KJV]
Above is what God told Moses to tell the Isrealites to do to protect themselves from the tenth plague. Passover is when the children of God (Israelites) were commanded by God to sacrifice a perfect lamb(no defects), than to put it's blood on the posts around the door of their houses so that the angel of death would pass over them, but those that did not do this, allowed God to take the first born son of the household. This would make pharaoh finally let the Israelites start their exodus out of Egypt.
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." [John 1:29 KJV]
John the baptist who is a prophet of God sees Jesus and realizes who he is immediately. The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! This is around the year 26 A.D.
And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. [Numbers 21:9 KJV]
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." [John 3:14-17 KJV]
This is when Nicodemus, who was a man of the Pharisees and a ruler of the Jews who was talking to Jesus. Jesus was explaining what had to be done to redeem the world from sin. He was explaining that just like the brass serpent that Moses used to save the Isrealites (who have repented) from the poisonous snakes in the wilderness; that he himself would have to be lifted up on a tree to save those who have repented and accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior. This story about Moses, by the way, is the source of the medical symbol of a snake on a pole.
"In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof." [Exodus 12:46 KJV]
"The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced."[John 19:31-37 KJV]
And just like the animals sacrificed during the passover the Israelites were not permitted to break any of its bones, just like the Lamb of God who was dead before the Roman soldiers could break his legs. Jesus the Christ was that perfect sacrifice who had never sinned and was put on a tree so that those who believed in him shall not die but have life eternal!
"Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." [Matthew 28: 5-6]
This took all most 1500 years for these prophecies to come to pass, it just goes to show that the Bible is God's word and it confirms itself. Jesus conquered death and opened the way to the Father. If you accept Jesus as your Lord and savior and cover yourself in his blood, death will passover you as well! Hallelujah, glory to the Lamb of God!
Have a Happy Easter all, peace be with you and yours!
In English, "Easter" is derived from the name of an ancient Pagan Goddess Eostre.
In Hebrew: פסח; transliterated as pesach or pesah". In most of the remaining languages in countries with a Christian heritage, the name for Easter is derived from "Pesach." the name for Passover. The children of God (Israelites) were enslaved by the Egyptians and were tired of being mistreated. They started to cry out to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; he hears their call and appoints Moses to lead them. This was around the year 1446 B.C.
"Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats" [Exodus 12:5 KJV]
"And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it." [Exodus 12:7 KJV]
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." [Exodus 12:13 KJV]
Above is what God told Moses to tell the Isrealites to do to protect themselves from the tenth plague. Passover is when the children of God (Israelites) were commanded by God to sacrifice a perfect lamb(no defects), than to put it's blood on the posts around the door of their houses so that the angel of death would pass over them, but those that did not do this, allowed God to take the first born son of the household. This would make pharaoh finally let the Israelites start their exodus out of Egypt.
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." [John 1:29 KJV]
John the baptist who is a prophet of God sees Jesus and realizes who he is immediately. The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! This is around the year 26 A.D.
And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. [Numbers 21:9 KJV]
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." [John 3:14-17 KJV]
This is when Nicodemus, who was a man of the Pharisees and a ruler of the Jews who was talking to Jesus. Jesus was explaining what had to be done to redeem the world from sin. He was explaining that just like the brass serpent that Moses used to save the Isrealites (who have repented) from the poisonous snakes in the wilderness; that he himself would have to be lifted up on a tree to save those who have repented and accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior. This story about Moses, by the way, is the source of the medical symbol of a snake on a pole.
"In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof." [Exodus 12:46 KJV]
"The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced."[John 19:31-37 KJV]
And just like the animals sacrificed during the passover the Israelites were not permitted to break any of its bones, just like the Lamb of God who was dead before the Roman soldiers could break his legs. Jesus the Christ was that perfect sacrifice who had never sinned and was put on a tree so that those who believed in him shall not die but have life eternal!
"Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." [Matthew 28: 5-6]
This took all most 1500 years for these prophecies to come to pass, it just goes to show that the Bible is God's word and it confirms itself. Jesus conquered death and opened the way to the Father. If you accept Jesus as your Lord and savior and cover yourself in his blood, death will passover you as well! Hallelujah, glory to the Lamb of God!
Have a Happy Easter all, peace be with you and yours!
An Oasis of Brotherhood
"In King's lifetime, he witnessed the birth of Israel and the continuing struggle to build a nation. He consistently reiterated his stand on the Israel- Arab conflict, stating " Israel's right to exist as a state in security is uncontestable." It was no accident that King emphasized "security" in his statements on the Middle East.
On March 25, 1968, less than two weeks before his tragic death, he spoke out with clarity and directness stating, “peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all our might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity. I see Israel as one of the great outposts of democracy in the world, and a marvelous example of what can be done, how desert land can be transformed into an oasis of brotherhood and democracy."
"I have a dream" for peace in the Middle East John Lewis
Today, Israel's security is at stake yet again. Hamas have been raining down rockets on them from Gaza ever since Israel pulled out in June 2007. Like King I believe that Israel has the right to defend themselves. When Israel, retaliates they always get a bad rap for killing civilians but Hamas use them as shields to protect themselves. You can not blame Israel, they use precise means of defense to get rid of the terrorist threats. Unlike Hamas who seem to use an opposite approach. A ceasefire has been called but how long will it last?
As we remember all that King accomplished in his fight for equality, let us fight for the right for Israel to exist!
On March 25, 1968, less than two weeks before his tragic death, he spoke out with clarity and directness stating, “peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all our might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity. I see Israel as one of the great outposts of democracy in the world, and a marvelous example of what can be done, how desert land can be transformed into an oasis of brotherhood and democracy."
"I have a dream" for peace in the Middle East John Lewis
Today, Israel's security is at stake yet again. Hamas have been raining down rockets on them from Gaza ever since Israel pulled out in June 2007. Like King I believe that Israel has the right to defend themselves. When Israel, retaliates they always get a bad rap for killing civilians but Hamas use them as shields to protect themselves. You can not blame Israel, they use precise means of defense to get rid of the terrorist threats. Unlike Hamas who seem to use an opposite approach. A ceasefire has been called but how long will it last?
As we remember all that King accomplished in his fight for equality, let us fight for the right for Israel to exist!
Tidings of Great Joy
[Picture from catholic-resources.org]"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." [Luke 2: 1-7]
When Jesus was born he was put in a manger because there was no room at the inn. Can you believe that? The king of kings and lord of lords was born and no one could spare a room! Sounds just like today, how often do we not have enough room for God? How funny how that works we are blessed with life and we cannot find the time for the one who had created us. Just can’t find the time, too busy! Sorry God got more important things to do.
Soon afterwards an angel visited the shepherds that were tending their sheep in nearby fields, which terrified them. Anyone would have been startled. When was the last time an angel had paid you a visit?
Than an angel of the Lord said:
"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." [Luke 2:10-12]
I find this to be so wonderful. God the creator of all things was willing to make himself very vulnerable. Coming to earth as a baby through the blessed virgin Mary. He was willing to humble himself and step down from his heavenly throne to fulfill the prophecies of old. Not only that, but what a very humble birth at that. He wasn’t born in a palace, with wealthy parents. Instead he was born to very poor parents and was soon put in a manger for his bed.
Jesus was born in a little town of Bethlehem which is Hebrew for, “house of bread”. God in the flesh, resting in a manger! Jesus who said he was the bread of life, was resting in a feeding trough. Almost as if he was a grain offering. Imagine that!
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” [John 6:51]
Than when we think of how bread was made. The different grains were smashed and ground into flour and other ingredients were added such as yeast and oil than it was baked. The smashing of these grains would foreshadow what was in store for the son of God, being lashed, beaten, and than crucified for the sins of the world. Indescribable!
Another thing I thought was great was how angels paid a visit to shepherds to let them know that their “Savior” has been born. Of all the people, shepherds! The lowest of the low class, were told that the savior of the world was born! It wasn’t the Pharisee or the leaders of Judea but shepherds. Shepherds weren’t even allowed in the Temple because they were considered such outcasts. Many were considered to be thieves, murders, and their job made them an "unclean" people.
As soon as the shepherds had heard this news, a choir of angels burst into song praising the Lord!
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." [Luke 2:14]
After this they dropped what they were doing and hurried to find what they heard about. They went to pay Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus a visit. This was one momentous event, and the only people that were invited were outcasts, shepherds, the rejects of society!
That sounds just like God hanging out with the riff raff of society. Like the sick, poor, brokenhearted, and sinners that no one else had time for. The cool thing is that, before Jesus’ return, we are all invited and believe me folks this is a party you don’t want to miss!
How can anyone describe the greatness of our Lord Jesus the Christ? I leave you with these words by a great preacher who often described his frustration of trying to wrap the glory of God into words.
“I know my words cannot honour him according to his merits : I wish they could. I am quite sure to fail in my own judgment when telling out his excellence ; indeed, I grow less and less satisfied with my thoughts and language concerning him. He is too glorious for my feeble language to describe him. If I could speak with the tongues of men and of angels, I could not speak worthily of him. If I could borrow all the harmonies of heaven, and enlist every harp and song of the glorified, yet were not the music sweet enough for his praises.” [Charles Haddon Spurgeon]
God bless and peace be with you all!
The Stranger
At Christmas time there was a Man who looked so out of place,
As people rushed about Him at a hurried sort of pace.
He stared at all the Christmas lights, the tinsel everywhere,
The shopping center Santa Claus, with children gathered near.
The Mall was packed with shoppers who were going to and fro,
Some with smiles and some with frowns and some too tired to go.
They rested on the benches or they hurried on their way,
To fight the crowd for purchases to carry home that day.
The music from a stereo was playing loud and clear,
Of Santa Claus and snowmen and a funny-nosed reindeer.
He heard the people talk about the good times on the way,
Of parties, fun and food galore and gifts exchanged that day.
"I'd like to know what's going on," the man was heard to say.
"There seems to be some sort of celebration on the way.
And would you tell me who this is all dressed in red and white?
And why are the children asking him about a special night?"
The answer came in disbelief, "I can't believe my ear!
I can't believe you do not know that Christmas time is here.
The time when Santa comes around with gifts for girls and boys.
When they're asleep on Christmas Eve, he brings them lots of toys.
The man you see in red and white is Santa Claus, so sly,
The children love his joyful laugh and twinkle in his eye.
His gift-packed sleigh is pulled along by very small reindeer,
As he flies quickly through the air, while going here and there.
The children learn of Santa Claus while they are still quite small,
When Christmas comes he is the most important one of all."
He held His head in shame, He closed a nail-pierced hand.
His body shook in disbelief; He did not understand.
A shadow crossed His stricken face, His voice was low but clear
"After all these years they still don't know." And Jesus shed a tear.
~Author Unknown~
I came across this at Jesus is the reason, I thought it described the world pretty well.
Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season!
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year! God bless and peace be with you all!
Real Men Cry
I know that most people think crying is a sign of weakness and also know that you are to never shed tears in public! But here is the truth, it is a scientific fact that if you have a strong urge to bawl your eyes out, there is probably a good reason why. You probably have so much emotion building up in your body that your eyes start to water, whether it's pure joy or sadness. This is your body's natural way to relieve stress. A good cry, like a tough workout can be an amazing release. Crying can help free those powerful emotions deep down within our soul. "Humans have the ability to cry in order to remove in their tears chemicals that build up during stress, so they are literally crying it out." says Dr. William H. Frey, M.D., a professor of pharmaceutics and neuroscience at the University of Minnesota. He also wrote a book on the subject called "Crying: The Mystery of Tears". His research shows that your emotional tears actually have different chemical composition from the tears that come from, say cutting an onion. "You exhale to remove carbon dioxide. You urinate to get rid of urea. I believe that you cry to get rid of stress." [William H. Frey]
Women can shed tears more freely than men because it is more acceptable. It is a rare thing to see men crying. Most men don't even consider crying as an alternative, but we should put down that shield and use this natural stress reliever.
Even Jesus Christ knew the benefits of crying. When he found out about his friend Lazarus who had died, he went to go visit him and his sisters. When Jesus came to Lazarus's tomb he wept with Mary and those around him.
"When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled."Where have you laid him?" he asked."Come and see, Lord," they replied. Jesus wept." [John 11:32-35 NIV]
I believe that Jesus was so overwhelmed with emotion that he wept, but he also did it to help comfort Mary. If you noticed that he encountered Lazarus's other sister Martha before he met up with Mary. He didn't cry with her, because she was a different person. Different people are comforted in different ways. People like Martha just need to hear encouraging words.
"Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."" [John 11:23-27 NIV]
People like Mary just need somebody to mourn with. That is how great Jesus the Christ is, he comforted Martha and Mary, both in their own ways!
I remember when I was just diagnosed with diabetes, I was hanging out with a friend, and I felt pretty overwhelmed. I started to cry. Right in front of my friend I was bawling my eyes out. The worst part was he just ignored me! I felt so vulnerable and weak. All he had to do was say something but he didn't. After a short while I stopped crying, I felt better even through that embarrassing moment, and I wiped the tears from my face. We never spoke about that moment again and soon after that we just went our separate ways. It's kind of weird that this was my best friend, and that seemed to be the end our friendship. Not that I hold anything against him, but all he had to do was say something. I wouldn't know what to say if it was him, that was crying. But I know I would of said something followed by a pat on the back or even a hug!
Women can shed tears more freely than men because it is more acceptable. It is a rare thing to see men crying. Most men don't even consider crying as an alternative, but we should put down that shield and use this natural stress reliever.
Even Jesus Christ knew the benefits of crying. When he found out about his friend Lazarus who had died, he went to go visit him and his sisters. When Jesus came to Lazarus's tomb he wept with Mary and those around him.
"When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled."Where have you laid him?" he asked."Come and see, Lord," they replied. Jesus wept." [John 11:32-35 NIV]
I believe that Jesus was so overwhelmed with emotion that he wept, but he also did it to help comfort Mary. If you noticed that he encountered Lazarus's other sister Martha before he met up with Mary. He didn't cry with her, because she was a different person. Different people are comforted in different ways. People like Martha just need to hear encouraging words.
"Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."" [John 11:23-27 NIV]
People like Mary just need somebody to mourn with. That is how great Jesus the Christ is, he comforted Martha and Mary, both in their own ways!
I remember when I was just diagnosed with diabetes, I was hanging out with a friend, and I felt pretty overwhelmed. I started to cry. Right in front of my friend I was bawling my eyes out. The worst part was he just ignored me! I felt so vulnerable and weak. All he had to do was say something but he didn't. After a short while I stopped crying, I felt better even through that embarrassing moment, and I wiped the tears from my face. We never spoke about that moment again and soon after that we just went our separate ways. It's kind of weird that this was my best friend, and that seemed to be the end our friendship. Not that I hold anything against him, but all he had to do was say something. I wouldn't know what to say if it was him, that was crying. But I know I would of said something followed by a pat on the back or even a hug!
Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape
Hello all! Here's another song I wanted to share with you, I find it to be very powerful! It's my favorite song from the band Underoath, a Christian metalcore/post-hardcore band. Like I said before I like all kinds of music! The lyrics are in the movie, so if you would like to sing along, you can. Please enjoy!
P.S. I Love You
My Child,
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7
I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God
Father's Love Letter Letter is from this awesome website!
I hoped you enjoyed this, I did! :)
You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7
I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God
Father's Love Letter Letter is from this awesome website!
I hoped you enjoyed this, I did! :)
The Butterfly Award
Wow, I have only been blogging for a short time, since July to be exact. I have met some great people and have made some great friends! I have shared my love of God, and my miraculous story and I have touched people's hearts like I never imagined it would. Today I have received an award from my Christan Sister Lori Laws, Persevere "who's blog is all about perseverance...running the race of faith in the midst of my daily struggles with a Muscle Disease. It's all about the saving grace of Jesus Christ."
The award I received from her is called "The Butterfly Award". Butterflies symbolize a new life we receive when we submit and have faith in Jesus! First I want to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the award I have received, like I said before, without him I am nothing! Than I want to thank my family and friends who have helped talk me into writing this blog.Than I want to Thank you, Lori! For your friendship and the cool award!
The rules are quite simple;
You pick ten people and pass this award to them.
Then contact them and let them know that you have chosen them and their blog for the award.
Also link back to the person who gave you the award.
Here are 9 blogs I have chosen to give the award to.
Atheist Central
The Bible Post
For The Lord of Lords
The New Covenant
Christian Bloggers Unite
Word and Verse
Thoughts From Me
My Road as I Travel it
Alexander
Those Closest to God
My father told me something the other day that I thought was very interesting. He said the closest people to God are children and those that are close to death. The people in between usually have a hard time finding God.
"Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there." [Matthew 19:13-15 KJV]
The reason is kind of simple when you think about it. Children are close to God because they have just come from God. They are full of innocence and are filled with the Spirit which makes it easy for them to accept Christ.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me..." [Psalm 23:4 KJV]
Those that are close to death, such as older people who have lived their lives and are in a way satified with their lives. They usually have no problems accepting that there will be an after life that will be much more glorious than the life they have lived. Than there are people like myself, who are dealing with chronic pains and life threating diseases. It is easy for us to accept Christ and eternal life because they are dealing with a sense of hell everyday of our lives. There must be something better than this world!
That is why I am grateful for what has happened in my past. If it hadn't I may have never searched for the Lord like I have. If I was healthy my whole life, why would I have to submit to Christ Jesus? I may have felt like I don't need him, which is far from the truth! Even though those people in between are healthy and strong, this may actually be their weakness not strength. This could lead to a certain pride that makes them deaf and blind to the true word of God. They may never know what they are truely missing!
I am thankful for what I have been through because it really has given me Godly character, I wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't lived through what I did.
"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." [Job 23:10]
Picture is from http://www.christart.com/
"Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there." [Matthew 19:13-15 KJV]
The reason is kind of simple when you think about it. Children are close to God because they have just come from God. They are full of innocence and are filled with the Spirit which makes it easy for them to accept Christ.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me..." [Psalm 23:4 KJV]
Those that are close to death, such as older people who have lived their lives and are in a way satified with their lives. They usually have no problems accepting that there will be an after life that will be much more glorious than the life they have lived. Than there are people like myself, who are dealing with chronic pains and life threating diseases. It is easy for us to accept Christ and eternal life because they are dealing with a sense of hell everyday of our lives. There must be something better than this world!
That is why I am grateful for what has happened in my past. If it hadn't I may have never searched for the Lord like I have. If I was healthy my whole life, why would I have to submit to Christ Jesus? I may have felt like I don't need him, which is far from the truth! Even though those people in between are healthy and strong, this may actually be their weakness not strength. This could lead to a certain pride that makes them deaf and blind to the true word of God. They may never know what they are truely missing!
I am thankful for what I have been through because it really has given me Godly character, I wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't lived through what I did.
"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." [Job 23:10]
Picture is from http://www.christart.com/
Persevere
Hello all, I wanted to share another friend of mine that I have made from Blog Catalog. Her name is Lori Laws, and she has a beautiful blog! This is how she describes it, "It is all about perseverance - running the race of faith in the midst of her daily struggles with a muscle disease. Everything here is totally centered around the saving grace of Jesus Christ." [Lori Laws "Persevere" http://persevere-lori.blogspot.com/]
She shares the Gospel truth and her thoughts which are both very touching! She talks about her daily struggles in life, but praises the Lord along the way. Here is a passage from her blog, "An anonymous letter...to renew your confidence".
"It boils down to this: God has all power and can do anything. Nothing is impossible to Him. He has promised to answer every prayer in Christ’s name. So we must ask in full assurance of faith, expecting an answer. But should God delay that answer, or choose another path for us, He must have a mighty good reason for it all. And we must believe that whatever God permits in our lives, it will one day all work to our good. “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” [Romans 8:28]" [Lori Laws "Persevere" http://persevere-lori.blogspot.com/]
It is very inspirational, so if you got time please check out her blog!
She shares the Gospel truth and her thoughts which are both very touching! She talks about her daily struggles in life, but praises the Lord along the way. Here is a passage from her blog, "An anonymous letter...to renew your confidence".
"It boils down to this: God has all power and can do anything. Nothing is impossible to Him. He has promised to answer every prayer in Christ’s name. So we must ask in full assurance of faith, expecting an answer. But should God delay that answer, or choose another path for us, He must have a mighty good reason for it all. And we must believe that whatever God permits in our lives, it will one day all work to our good. “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” [Romans 8:28]" [Lori Laws "Persevere" http://persevere-lori.blogspot.com/]
It is very inspirational, so if you got time please check out her blog!
"Creeping Death!"
Hey all you Metal heads, I know what your thinking METALLICA a Christian band? Yeah, believe it or not! Just look at these lyrics, they are straight out of the book of Exodus.
"Slaves
Hebrews born to serve, to the pharaoh
Heed
To his every word, live in fear
Faith
Of the unknown one, the deliverer
Wait
Something must be done, four hundred years
So let it be written
So let it be done
I'm sent here by the chosen one
So let it be written
So let it be done
To kill the first born pharaoh's son
I'm creeping death
Now
Let my people go, land of Goshen
Go
I will be with thee, bush of fire
Blood
Running red and strong down the Nile
Plague
Darkness three days long, hail to fire
So let it be written
So let it be done
I'm sent here by the chosen one
So let it be written
So let it be done
To kill the first born pharaoh's son
I'm creeping death
Die by my hand
I creep across the land
Killing first-born man
Die by my hand
I creep across the land
Killing first-born man
I
Rule the midnight air, the destroyer
Born
I shall soon be there, deadly mass
I
Creep the steps and floor, final darkness
Blood
Lambs blood painted door, I shall pass
So let it be written
So let it be done
I'm sent here by the chosen one
So let it be written
So let it be done
To kill the first born pharaoh's son
I'm creeping death"
[ "Creeping Death" METALLICA Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]
The children of God (Israelites) were commanded by God to sacrifice a perfect lamb (no defects). Than to put it's blood on the posts around the door of their houses so that God would pass over them, but those that did not do this, allowed God to take the first born son of the household.
"And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it." [Exodus 12:7 KJV]
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." [Exodus 12:13 KJV]
Creeping death was God going and fulfilling his promise. People say, What kind of God would kill little kids? I answer with a question. Why is death considered such a bad thing? These kids are now with God, where there is no pain or suffering. How bad can that be?
Much later, God would fulfill his greatest promise of all, which was sending his son, the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, to be sacrificed so that the sins of the world would be cleansed.
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." [John 3:14-17] KJV]
Friend if you are reading this for the first time, you don't have to be afraid of death or anything to that matter. If you believe in Jesus Christ, you are covered in his blood, and that means when death comes, it will pass over you! Remember always, Jesus is Lord!
"Slaves
Hebrews born to serve, to the pharaoh
Heed
To his every word, live in fear
Faith
Of the unknown one, the deliverer
Wait
Something must be done, four hundred years
So let it be written
So let it be done
I'm sent here by the chosen one
So let it be written
So let it be done
To kill the first born pharaoh's son
I'm creeping death
Now
Let my people go, land of Goshen
Go
I will be with thee, bush of fire
Blood
Running red and strong down the Nile
Plague
Darkness three days long, hail to fire
So let it be written
So let it be done
I'm sent here by the chosen one
So let it be written
So let it be done
To kill the first born pharaoh's son
I'm creeping death
Die by my hand
I creep across the land
Killing first-born man
Die by my hand
I creep across the land
Killing first-born man
I
Rule the midnight air, the destroyer
Born
I shall soon be there, deadly mass
I
Creep the steps and floor, final darkness
Blood
Lambs blood painted door, I shall pass
So let it be written
So let it be done
I'm sent here by the chosen one
So let it be written
So let it be done
To kill the first born pharaoh's son
I'm creeping death"
[ "Creeping Death" METALLICA Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]
The children of God (Israelites) were commanded by God to sacrifice a perfect lamb (no defects). Than to put it's blood on the posts around the door of their houses so that God would pass over them, but those that did not do this, allowed God to take the first born son of the household.
"And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it." [Exodus 12:7 KJV]
"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." [Exodus 12:13 KJV]
Creeping death was God going and fulfilling his promise. People say, What kind of God would kill little kids? I answer with a question. Why is death considered such a bad thing? These kids are now with God, where there is no pain or suffering. How bad can that be?
Much later, God would fulfill his greatest promise of all, which was sending his son, the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, to be sacrificed so that the sins of the world would be cleansed.
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." [John 3:14-17] KJV]
Friend if you are reading this for the first time, you don't have to be afraid of death or anything to that matter. If you believe in Jesus Christ, you are covered in his blood, and that means when death comes, it will pass over you! Remember always, Jesus is Lord!
You Never Let Go
Since I have been listening to Pandora Radio(http://www.pandora.com/), I have been listening to alot of praise music. One of the songs, I heard and liked so much, I wanted to share it with you all!
Matt Redman You Never Let Go Lyrics
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle
of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
Picture is from http://www.christart.com/
Chorus:
Yes, I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You,
still I will praise You!
[ You Never Let Go Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]
Matt Redman You Never Let Go Lyrics
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle
of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
Picture is from http://www.christart.com/
Chorus:
Yes, I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You,
still I will praise You!
[ You Never Let Go Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]
A Call to Arms!
Like I was saying I met some nice people on Blog Catalog. I met some fellow Christians on there, like Chris Esty who has also started a blog not too long ago! He has a very nice blog called, "The Bible Post: Where there is a will Jesus is The Way". I have learned some things already, that I haven't yet known, from his blog.
From Chris's Blog, "What are You Saying about Jesus Christ."
"You may not be aware of this, but testimonies of Christians are weapons of great power to overcome the hold that Satan either has, or attempts to have on God’s people. In fact, the Bible makes this point very clear when it says: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” (Revelation 12:11 NKJV)"
This passage was taken from this article: The Bible Post
I am glad I have started this blog to help those that need motivation and inspiration to keep fighting the good fight! I believe that it is by no mistake of Chris and I meeting on Blog Catalog and becoming friends.
This reminds me of these Bible verses, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." [Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 KJV]
To be able to communicate with fellow Chrisitians is a great tool, because we all know how hard it is to live in our world today! When we talk about our faith and God we can help each other build up our faiths and become stronger Chrisitans, so that we can be ready for what ever the world brings against us!
Is it not obvious the world does not take kindly to Christians, which brings us to another Bible verse. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." [2 Timothy 3:12 KJV] There will come a time when we will get persecuted for practicing our faith and religion. We are going to have to be strong when that time comes. But until than, get close to God while you still can and build up your faith. Who knows when Chrisitianity, will become illegal.
Get Saved Today!
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." [John 3:16 KJV]
I was just surfing the other night on the many traffic exchange programs to help spread my business and I came across this site here. "Get Saved Today.com" This is a whole site dedicated to help people find Jesus Christ! It teaches you a little prayer to say so that you can easily accept him into your heart! Than there are different ways listed on the site to help you keep in touch with Jesus. I just thought it was a cool site and wanted to share it with all of you!I added a link on the side of my blog there! It is underneath my subscription for this blog!
I was just surfing the other night on the many traffic exchange programs to help spread my business and I came across this site here. "Get Saved Today.com" This is a whole site dedicated to help people find Jesus Christ! It teaches you a little prayer to say so that you can easily accept him into your heart! Than there are different ways listed on the site to help you keep in touch with Jesus. I just thought it was a cool site and wanted to share it with all of you!I added a link on the side of my blog there! It is underneath my subscription for this blog!
Hope FM (South Jersey Radio)
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." [Colossians 3:16 KJV]
Here is a link to their site: Hope FM Radio
Hope FM is the only radio station I listen to anymore. I love the music they play on there, and I love the preachers they have on there. All the preachers on there preach the Word very well. One of my favorites is Pastor Joe Domico.
On Hope FM, Joe does a program called,"In Your Faith" that comes on at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. He is a pastor at Gateway Christian Church which is located in Woodbury New Jersey, which isn't too far from my house. I have actually visited there twice and enjoyed worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ with the people that go there. All the people there, are very nice and friendly. It is a nice little church they got there!
The other day, A friend of mine asked me, "How come you don't listen to the old music you use to like so much?" The reason is that "old" music doesn't do anything for me anymore. My eyes have opened, I am awake now! After feeling the Holy Spirit in my heart, it was the greatest feeling I ever had! So much Power, Love, and Energy flowing out of my heart! That is why I only want to listen to praise music, to give praise to the Lord Jesus Christ! The other music doesn't do nothing for me, besides I rather praise the Lord when I can. Why not listen to praise music? Everyday, can be Sunday!
The 700 Club and TBN
There is so much garbage on television! Filled with death, murders, fires, wars, lies, gossip, perversion, and chaos, the list goes on. So much negativity, no wonder people are so depressed now a days. You are being brain washed this way. All those negative things will eventually bring you down and swallow you up. If you want to watch something that will give you hope, motivation, strength, and pure joy than tune into the 700 Club! It is the flagship news talk show of the Christian Broadcasting Network, airing on cable's ABC Family and in syndication throughout the United States and Canada.! It one of my favorite shows !
"The show presents news stories from Robertson's religious and political perspective, often relating stories to passages from the Bible which are generally followed by commentary from the hosts. Celebrities and other guests are interviewed about religious views. The news segments frequently emphasize eschatology (apocalyptic).
The 700 Club strongly supports Israel, especially in its disagreements with the Palestinians and the U.N. Among its frequent Jewish guests are Michael Medved and Rabbi Daniel Lapin, who share its conservative Judeo-Christian beliefs."
700 Club Wikipedia
The overall message of the 700 Club, and TBN is that Jesus Christ is Lord, the lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world! All you have to do is accept him in your heart, mind and soul, and follow his commandments to the best of your ability and you shall have eternal life!
The Way of the Master
"Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." (Luke 22:42-44)
I know there are some days that I feel beat done and worn out from all that I have been through. Sometimes the Lord calls upon me to do things, that pushes me to do things that will make me feel uncomfortable, such as sharing my personal life with you. Than I remember if I can touch someone's heart by giving them hope and motivation to keep fighting than I feel that I have accomplished my goal!
This Bible passage helps me put my mind, heart, and soul in the right place. Who am I to feel tired and discouraged, where it's a miracle that I am still on this earth. You always have to look at the bright side of life, don't focus on the negative things they will devour you if you let them. Be thankful for what you do have! Who am I to question what God wants me to do?
When Jesus was praying this prayer to his Father, I can imagine that he was feeling very beat down and discouraged. He was actually sweating blood from all the pain he was going through! This was all before the excruciating pain he was going to recieve from the Romans to cleanse the sins of this world for all. To say that this made Jesus feel uncomfortable is an understatement! He went through more pain than most people could bare to think about!
It is good to know that our Lord Jesus, the redeemer of the world understands how we may feel about certain hardships that we may be dealing with in our lives. He will always help us and comfort us if we are willing to ask for it. Remember, he will never give us more than we can handle!
I know there are some days that I feel beat done and worn out from all that I have been through. Sometimes the Lord calls upon me to do things, that pushes me to do things that will make me feel uncomfortable, such as sharing my personal life with you. Than I remember if I can touch someone's heart by giving them hope and motivation to keep fighting than I feel that I have accomplished my goal!
This Bible passage helps me put my mind, heart, and soul in the right place. Who am I to feel tired and discouraged, where it's a miracle that I am still on this earth. You always have to look at the bright side of life, don't focus on the negative things they will devour you if you let them. Be thankful for what you do have! Who am I to question what God wants me to do?
When Jesus was praying this prayer to his Father, I can imagine that he was feeling very beat down and discouraged. He was actually sweating blood from all the pain he was going through! This was all before the excruciating pain he was going to recieve from the Romans to cleanse the sins of this world for all. To say that this made Jesus feel uncomfortable is an understatement! He went through more pain than most people could bare to think about!
It is good to know that our Lord Jesus, the redeemer of the world understands how we may feel about certain hardships that we may be dealing with in our lives. He will always help us and comfort us if we are willing to ask for it. Remember, he will never give us more than we can handle!
A Loving Prayer and The Reason Why
I prayed over this work. I asked God to bless those who read this! I asked the Holy Spirit to help those who haven’t yet found or felt his presence to fill this person with that power. I asked Jesus to open their eyes so that they can also realize the truth. That there is a God! We are his children. We are here for a purpose. Our purpose is to try our best to become like his Son Christ Jesus. We should worship him through love and by being faithful to his commandments. Jesus’ two commandments are God’s Ten Commandments rolled up in to two commmands. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” [Mark 12:30-31] We must first realize that, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” [Romans 3:23] And through God’s grace we are worthy of eternal life if we Confess that we are sorry for our sins and believe that Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is our Lord and Savior. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” [Romans 10:9]Without Jesus’ sacrificed life we would have no chance to enter heaven. What did Jesus say when they hung him up on the cross? He said, I love you this much! With his arms stretched far and wide! Amen!
This Hebrew Amen is derived from the root [aman] which means to be firm or solid in the sense of permanency. Thus by implication, it means to be sure, true or faithful.
[http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/faq/amen.html]
I am writing this for the people who have to go through some tough times and difficult choices. I am writing this to give those people hope, strength, courage, and the will to keep on fighting. I am writing this for the parents or any loved ones that are there with you fighting along the way. I know that this might not be the life you have hoped or wished for but this is the life you have been given. Life is a precious thing, don’t let it slip away. I know that sometimes it just hurts so much and you just feel like not doing anything. You may get frustrated because it just seems like you are not getting any stronger or any better. Don’t give up! Try to find something that is worth fighting for, if it’s not for yourself, do it for your family and loved ones! Remember, “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you just might be the world!”(Taylor Hansen)
I admit this is one of the main reasons I won’t give up. I saw how much my family and friends loved me and just couldn’t imagine the pain they would go through if I wasn’t around anymore. Stay strong, keep on fighting!
Do a little each day. You have to keep eating and do as much exercise as you can handle but don’t be afraid to push yourself to do one more. Even though you may be tired afterwards you will feel proud of yourself for doing a little extra. Do something you enjoy, from reading your favorite book or being with friends and family.
Have you ever heard that saying that “love conquers all”? This is, what helped me conquer so much. It gave me the strength and courage to overcome so much of the adversaries in my life. The love I received from God, my family, and friends, helped me beat the illnesses that were trying to kill me. John put it best, “God is Love”!
This Hebrew Amen is derived from the root [aman] which means to be firm or solid in the sense of permanency. Thus by implication, it means to be sure, true or faithful.
[http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/faq/amen.html]
I am writing this for the people who have to go through some tough times and difficult choices. I am writing this to give those people hope, strength, courage, and the will to keep on fighting. I am writing this for the parents or any loved ones that are there with you fighting along the way. I know that this might not be the life you have hoped or wished for but this is the life you have been given. Life is a precious thing, don’t let it slip away. I know that sometimes it just hurts so much and you just feel like not doing anything. You may get frustrated because it just seems like you are not getting any stronger or any better. Don’t give up! Try to find something that is worth fighting for, if it’s not for yourself, do it for your family and loved ones! Remember, “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you just might be the world!”(Taylor Hansen)
I admit this is one of the main reasons I won’t give up. I saw how much my family and friends loved me and just couldn’t imagine the pain they would go through if I wasn’t around anymore. Stay strong, keep on fighting!
Do a little each day. You have to keep eating and do as much exercise as you can handle but don’t be afraid to push yourself to do one more. Even though you may be tired afterwards you will feel proud of yourself for doing a little extra. Do something you enjoy, from reading your favorite book or being with friends and family.
Have you ever heard that saying that “love conquers all”? This is, what helped me conquer so much. It gave me the strength and courage to overcome so much of the adversaries in my life. The love I received from God, my family, and friends, helped me beat the illnesses that were trying to kill me. John put it best, “God is Love”!
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