DO YOU KNOW WHAT GOD IS LIKE???

What do you imagine God is like?  As a little girl growing up, I use to sit on the back steps in my parent's back yard and pray to Lord God.  I just knew He was universal to have created everything you are a witness to on earth.  The beauty of the trees, and wind that moves, though you can not see it, mountain peeks, low lying valleys, and just the spectacular form of flowers, fragrance, beauty and grace that they add to our world.  Yes, there is a lot to be thankful for, yet, what is God really like?  Let us discover some of his attributes, and how one can define Him.

Let us first realize that God is uncreated.  Many people can not wrap their understanding around this statement.  He created us, yet He is uncreated.  John1:1,2 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2) He was with God in the beginning.  Here we see that the "Word" that was with God in the beginning is "Jesus."  He was with God in the beginning, and the Word was God.  So now we have Jesus with God in the beginning, before creation; then the parallel which shows us that Jesus is equal to God.  What makes this unique is that God created us, Jesus is not created, He is from God.  "Word" in Greek is "logos" which means the rational principle that governs all things.  Here we see that John is introducing the readers of scripture to the true logos of God, which is Jesus.  Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God.  This clearly indicates that Jesus is God in the flesh.  This is why we can clearly speak about God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit as three persons in One.

In Matthew 2:23 - The virgin will be with Child and give birth to a Son, they will call Him Immanuel, which means "God with Us."  We have here a new born baby.  Not just any baby but the Messiah.  Notice in this verse we see reference to Jesus as Immanuel, that means (God with us).  Again you see the equal relationship between Father and Son.  In the Greek this is a word called "Ho Theo's" - represents "God" which God is "Theo's" - so "Ho Theo's" means Jesus is "The Almighty God with us.  Jesus states, "Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father." (John 14:9)  He goes on to further say, "Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me?"   These words that have been spoken came from Jesus.  This is why in the trinity or the triune we can refer to God as Father, God as Son and God as Holy Spirit.

God is Omnipotent - meaning He is all powerful.  He is Omnipresence - in your life everywhere.  He is Omniscient - meaning He knows all.  He knows your heart.  You can talk to Him, worship and adore Him all at once for all the provisions He has given you,

Jesus promises to us a comforter.  One that will guide us.  In the book of John 14: 26 - we see that He has provided for everyone the Holy Spirit, that the Father sent in the name of Jesus.  This is the third person of the trinity.  It is the function of this Counselor to teach us all things.  Both Father and Son are involved in sending us the Spirit of Truth.

While God was on earth in the flesh, Jesus, he taught moral and ethical values important for maintaining a Christian life of righteousness.  He raised people from the dead, healed people of leprosy, blood afflictions, illness, both simple and chronic.  He broke bread and feed 5,000 from a basket of a few fish.  He came from God, the Holy Spirit planting the seed in Mary, as God is incarnate and born of flesh, Jesus to bring the world in reconciliation with God.  Jesus taught in the ministry until He knew that in His design plan it was time to return to heaven as the Anointed One.  He was beaten, spit on, mocked, and made to carry the cross that would be His final moments.  He did all this to forgive us from sin.  He died and rose three days later.

God is the beginning and the end, from Genesis to Revelations.  He is the Alpha and Omega, eternal and immortal.  No one can else can take this claim.  He is sovereign.  He is a God of love, agape love.  He dwells within us.  He has made us little Christ to represent Him in His image, holy.  There is no God besides me.  (Isaiah 45:5)

The most important thing to know what God is like is to know "love."  He loved us first.  God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus). (John 3:16)  If you really do not know how to address God, remember that He, being the God Head is the creator of all things good.  He keeps a leash on evil.  As King David told God that he would love Him, it pleased God.  "I will love You O' Lord." (Psalm 18:1).  God wants you to please Him.  Are you?  Now that you know a little bit more about God, know one thing for sure, "There is a God!"  
                                                                               God bless, Deaconess Barb.

BLESSED BE THE PERSECUTED IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER

2 Corinthians 12:7-10,  To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  8) Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  10) That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight, in persecutions, in difficulties.  for when I am weak, then I am strong.  Human weakness is an ideal opportunity to witness the power of the divine Lord and the effect He has on ordinary people.  Through the conversion of Paul to the revelation of John we see the awesome power of God.  We witness this through changes in people here, today, in this age of accountability.  The Lords grace is made perfect in ones weakness.  Think about this as we visualize Christianity in the most devastating area's of the world, as we bring others to Christ Jesus.  We may not often understand His power that changes ones heart in doing evangelism or missionary work, and we could not understand it in our human nature, yet we feel it, we sense it, because He is here with us.  The enemy of Satan is rampant among our pastors, priest, and clergy servants.  We do not often hear the surmountable devastation his evilness will track, resulting in wayward paths of destructiveness, but it is evident in our society and world view today with idolatry and taking the name of God out of our system and our very hearts, that we know evil is everywhere.  Satan will try any means to keep  the will of God and His design plan from happening, even if it results in  the loss of life  or in  the chaos  of  mass death towards Christan's.  Yet, anyone living in  Christ and doing His work should be  proudly devoted to the only sure truth and trust, the Father gives to us, even as we are being persecuted for it.  It is in those weakest moments that we can rest in our humility and our devastating fear in the Lord our Savior.  Being a Christian and placing charity around the world, even in good works, we will find our self ridiculed for our kindness and hated for our devotion to God.  Paul was feared because he loved to persecute and capture Christians for the kill.  He would go great distances and enjoyed what he did, as it was his duty.  As Paul persecuted Christians, Jesus allowed him to know that he also persecuted Him.  "Why, why Saul do you persecute me?"  You know, the power of the Holy One is life changing, as Paul would soon discover.  He converted to Christianity and was one of the best evangelist for Christ, witnessing first hand Gods love for man and bearing that same persecution he once delivered to others.  Just as false teachers came into Corinth, we must battle those false teachings that consume others and are teaching wrong.  People who do the work of the Lord have a sense of sanctity that is difficult to explain to someone who has closed their heart, which is why Christan's have apologetics in defense of biblical rights where Jesus is often forsakened.  We are a strong religion not trying to take over people but their souls, spirit, in righteousness and with the good news of salvation, so that they can knowingly understand and make the choice in their life, which path they are going to follow.    Many will say the God we represent is a false God.  Yet, our God does not promote killing and blatant murder.  The Father designed each and everyone of us with a purpose.  He is sovereign with an almighty force that is far reaching benevolent in love and in grace.  He brings ultimate joy and comfort to the believers.  Preachers signify faith that is sacrificed and the everlasting heaven to others on a regular basis.  If people want to ride the winds of evil, then they are blinded to the gifts of the spirit for all of humankind.  God put us here to experience this time on Earth and all the wonders of space and His holiness and to please Him.  Nobody knows it better than our church leaders how difficult it is bringing belief to an unjust world, as violence against Christianity escalates.  Yet we have true martyrs in Christ that do this service everyday, not knowing what their tomorrows will bring.  Look at Stephen, for his beliefs, he was stoned.  As sure as Paul witnessed this action, did the Lord make him a righteous man.  Paul was shipwrecked, beaten, left for dead, thrown in jail, for his conversion to a Christian life.  Paul had a personal relationship with the Lord, that is a life changing event.  This is why people will go out, willing to challenge others, while risking their life in the name of Christ, for the truth, the light and the way.  Persecution is a world devastation.  In the year 2008, 121 believers in Christ including pastors were murdered in India by an anti-Christian terrorist group.  Over 5,000 homes destroyed.  More then 235 homes and places of worship burned to the ground.  In this act of hate, Satan cause, more than 70,000 people left with no where to go.  They were displaced by belief.  They bravely fought against their violent opposition, while boldly shouting out the name of the Lord in the mist of their tragedy.  Evangelist and missionaries  are among some of our hope in pursuing the gospel to others.  In another trying case, the Chinese government wants to contain Protestant growth in their country.  Yet, God shows us that He is on the side of the believer with over 600,000 new Christians in the Vietnam territories alone.  Once people of religious oppression realize the truth, they are willing to live a Godly life for Him.  This is His omnipotent power.  Courageous Christians like these leaders know their place in His heart and it gives them peace in the most outrageous calamities.  God is greater than any police, government or policy.  Though taunted for being Christian and coverting others, His love makes these fearless evangelist stronger than ever to do His will.  In the year June, 2009, the village of Bahmani in Pakistan made news as muslims announced that Christains had insulted the prophet Mohammed.  A mob of about 150 muslims were arranged to set up against the Christians, burning 16 of their homes and damaging 60 other homes pouring kerosene on people and setting a flame to their bodies.  Again in July it was circulated a rumor, that a young Christain man desecrated the Quran by burning pages from the holy book.  This was only a rumor.  This all happened in a village called Korian.  Faithful Muslims heard this and wanted to teach Christains a lesson.  They looted and burned homes once again, to send out a message to the Kafirs, that if they reject the Muslim faith, then they deserved death, and so the violence continues all around the world.  It is the radical Muslim ideology we speak of, the same ideology that drove suicide bombers into an Islamic University.  The same ideology that drove suicide bombers into the Twin Towers, killing thousands, of which most were Christians.  We must remember that a step away from God is a step away from greatness.  We see this growing hatred in a worldview against Christians everday, nevertheless, we do have a growing number of Christians willing to put their life on the line for Christ as He did in salvation for us.   Being a Christian leader is the high call from God, no matter where He sends you or what he has you doing in service.   It is His omnipotent presence in our life that we willingly want to do His will.  Yes, there are too many false religions and false teachers, preachers in the world today that sound convincing but are not doing the Lords work.  These religions give us nothing that we can learn from if our heart belongs to God.  It is for this that the persecuted in the name of the Father do not look for fame or glory unless it is directed towards the Lord, alone.  It is in the times of turmoil and weakness, when our homes are burning and our faith results in assault that Christians doing Gods work around the world know that His grace is sufficient for them and that His power is made perfect in those weak moments, but our love and His never wavers below His grace of righteousness.
                                                                                           God bless, Deaconess Barb

Some difference between the natural body verses the spiritual body

Do we think much about our bodies?  Sure we do!  We think many things like; Am I too fat or to thin, too tall or not tall enough.  How much hair we have and how it looks from day to day?  Our hair and our make-up, clothing, the way one carries their self can portray many unique characteristics about our likes, dislikes, the way we may approach something, like an issue or just that we do not want to be approached.  We are happy, laugh, cry, sometimes out of control.  We may become oppressors of others, inhibited, outgoing, athletic.  Our body engulfs many attributes both inside and outward.  We are men and women who aim to reach the top of our goals.  We push and strive to be better, best, unique and different from the rest of the pack.  We need our 15 minutes of fame.  Often we are unable to control many characteristics or outcomes in our developmental state.  Nevertheless there are things about our bodies, character and attributes we are able to change, yet, are we willing to do so?  We are in the physical body by appearance , and our physical body by what is within us.  Our spiritual body will manifest by the way we carry our physical bodies, our language, temperance, our tolerance.  If you understand God, you will soon understand that there is no war in heaven.  It is contained in love.  This is a love that far out ways the natural state.  You see, God does not care if we are tall, short , fat, smart or dumb, He loves us all.  This is His spiritual body that He has given us.  Heaven holds no place for shame.  It is not a weakened state, a world of time, for it is above all this.  It is the freedom we have in the spiritual body.  We have the ability to put it to good use for all, but man in his natural state can not always keep a rational line on things.  Even the disciples did not understand this concept until Jesus came to them, then did they see with a clear heart.  When your biological body is gone, the freedom your spiritual body will experience will come from ones faith and belief in our Lord God..  We must assume the body as if it is in  it's divine state on earth.  Only then, can we understand what God the Father wants for us.   He came  for us, holy  divine, as a perfect man on earth for the purpose of saving your soul, before  returning to His glory through a  terrible , torturous death.  This is all part of the Lords design plan for you and for me.  So, as we take our life and our bodies for granted, remember, we then take God for granted as well.  Our natural body will one day die off, and our memory will fade out, so isn't good to know that God has prepared the afterlife for our new body, with all new attributes?  1Corinthians 15:35-44   35)  But someone may ask, "How are the dead raised; With what kind of body will they come?"  36) How foolish!  What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.  37) When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just the see, perhaps of wheat or of something else.  42) So will it be with the resurrection of the dead.  The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable.  43) It is sown in dishonors, it is raised in glory, it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.  44) It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.  If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.  We can look forward to the day when we no longer suffer in this, our natural body, and live in our imperishable bodies.  This is only done through our faith and belief in Christ.  So, while we are prisoned in our mortal bodies we are here for the purpose of pleasing God.  The only way to do that is through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Live everyday as if you are in the spiritual body alone, and let your light shine through you.  You will see what a difference you can make in others.  Others will take notice and want the same body you have.
                                   God bless, Deaconess Barb

Is Jesus really God?

A couple years ago while at theology camp a pastor with a doc. degree ask us how many people recite   the Nicene Creed in church.  He was raised a catholic, but later converted to Methodist.  I suppose the reason why he is so knowledgeable is because he ask questions and challenges what other world views have to say about religion. I  do not ever remember the creed being read at any church I attended.  As I took the time to read it, I remember a part of it that said; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the virgin Mary and was made man.  Then I thought of all the people who have challenged me through out the years  stating the question; How can Jesus be God when He was there with God in the beginning?  Jesus can not be God, they are two different beings?  I just don't understand the whole incarnate thing, it sounds impossible, because God is suppose to be all powerful and knowing?  Lets look at John 1:16-18, Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.  17) For the law was given through Moses; ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known.  Wow!  What a powerful reading!  Did I read this right?  The bible states "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God.   The bible is God breathed, therefore it is telling me that Jesus is Himself God!  I know there is a God and as Christians you should know the same thing also!  Lets face it, people are motivated into cult's that seem to have the answers to all these questions, by putting a spiritual face on, so not to show their falsehood.  These religions do not believe in all of the bible, or that Jesus is divine, but merely a prophet or a man with incredible intelligence that was well versed.  How can these people then say that they support salvation through Christ Jesus?  The Nicene Creed which I gave you part of, explicitly states that Christ is God, and affirms this full in the deity of Jesus Christ.  Anyone who teaches contrary is teaching heresy.  I do not say tis lightly, but knowing with a heavy heart that there are a lot of loss souls on earth.  Let us begin by revealing several places in the bible which shows us that Jesus is in fact God, which I feel we have already established in  John 1:18.  Unless you believe that I Am, you will indeed die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins. John 8:24.  Jesus said these works.  He is stating here, that those who have not heard, will surely die in their sins.  They will not die because they did not hear the gospel, but rather because they are sinners.  Unless you believe that I Am; If you do not believe that I Am.  He is the Messiah, the truth, He is God.  He is telling the people that He is the I Am.  2 Thessalonians 2:13 - But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through believ in the truth.  It is through His love that we are elected to be saved, from eternity.  This is a part of the salvation that is reserved for every Chrsitian.  It is not His intent for anyone to perish, but come to repentance.  John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  God shows us His love as Christ died for the ungodly, undeserving ones.  People are often receptive to hearing the truth, which is that our kindness to others and our giving His truth, this truth  is part of  His design plan and is pleasing to Him.  John 20:28 = Thomas is addressing an answer.  He replies this way; "My Lord and my God."  Notice, he is calling Jesus God.  Jesus did not correct him.   Thomas knew who He was.  Let us take a look at another verse, John 1:1, 14  1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  14)  The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.  We have seen His glory the glory of the One and Only, who came fro the Father, full of grace and truth.  Now if we go back to the literal Greek, the word "Word" - "Jesus" was their in the beginning.  The word "logos" refers to the pre-incarnate Logos of God - the living word.  Jesus was and is our Living Word, our Logos our God.  The Word was God.  Johns purpose was to establish for all the fact that Jesus is God in the flesh.  There are many verses to establish what the truth is, which is that Jesus is God, but we will finish with Matthew 2:23 - The virgin will be with Child and give birth to a Son, they will call Him Immanuel, which means "God with us.  This references to Jesus, being God with us.  The Greek word "ho Theo's" in this definite article, represents "God", which God is "Theo's" - so "Ho Theo's" means that Jesus is "The Almighty God with us."  As Christians we need to take this information that the bible gives to us and use our extraordinary gifts to enlighten others that  in fact and in truth Jesus is God.  He is our Lord God.  God bless, Deaconess Barb

Joseph did Accept Jesus as his Son

Matthew 1:18-25     18) This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together,  she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  19) Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  20) But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21) She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name of Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.  22) All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23) "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call Him Immanuel" (which means ("God with us").  24) When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary  she gave birth to a son.  And he gave Him the name Jesus.home as his wife.  25) But he had no union with her until        Can you imagine being pregnant by divine grace!  I surely can not, but what a universal blessing to have been given.  You know it is impossible for any women today to give birth without some sort of sexual process.  Whether it is through intimacy or in a peachtree dish, there is something that has to take process first to produce fertilization, making it possible for a female to  conceive.  Many people think that this is just a story, a myth if you will, because the unbeliever can not see that a mighty God who created the earth was powerful enough to have a Son through a virgin birth.  Yet, God is the only power to  be able to conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit within a female womb.  No lie is in truth and God is truth, so as Christians then, we must not deny that our Messiah is Jesus.  Many people today who believe otherwise are living a lie.  Isaiah and Micah are books inspired by the Holy Spirit.  They tell about a child being born of a virgin women and being called Immanuel.  (Isaiah 9:6)    There are many places in the holy bible that you can reference many direct or indirect prophesizes of the birth of Jesus.  What a beautif\ul mystery we have bestowed upon us, that now we can clearly say yes, we hold the truth which is Jesus.  Joseph was aware that Mary's pregnancy could cause her death.  It was not unusual in  that time for a female to be stoned to death for this type of situation.  Mary and Joseph had a job to do.  They had the Holy Spirit to guide them, to watch over them, while they dept the Messiah safe.  So why was Jesus born any way?  His name "Jesus" means, "the One who will save His people from their sins."  The special name He has shows us that He was born with a purpose.  How miraculous thta God has everything covered, from the beginning of the world, through this birth and into eternal life.  He has this all laid out for you in the bible.  In Gods design plan, He planned for our salvation through His Son, born of Mary, a sacrifice on the cross at Calvary.  He planned this before creation.  The birth of Jesus Christ was made known some 700 yars prior to His arrival.  You see, the prophecy was already establilished.  Only God can pull miracles like this one off.  No one in human nature has this type of glorious power.Jesus is our propitiation which in the Greek means, God's wrath against man is appeased on account of the death of Christ for our sins.  He becomes our sacrifice.  In removing the dissatisfaction of God with man, He is Hilasmos in the Greek, which comes to us through Gods reverent love and His mercy and righteousness.  This baby Jesus is the property owner of our souls.  He is the only heir to the Father, our grown propitiator and beloved to the Father.  Joseph was made aware of this and abided by the Holy Spirit.  Make no mistake about it, There Is A GOD!  God bless Deaconess Barb.

Can You Hear God's Voice? Are You Listening?

Romans 8:12-14   12) Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation-but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it.  13) For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.  14) For those who are led by the sSpirit of God are the children of God.   We, as the Children of the Father, are led by the Holy Spirit.  You see, the Holy Spirit has a function, which is to guide us in our daily walk in life.  We can no see Him, but He is there none the less.  He is the one that keeps us on that straight and narrow path, which leads to eternal life.  We must listen to Him with our heart, for He will guide us to do all things that are good.  Romans tells us that we have an obligation as Christians to be in spirit and not in a sinful way.  One thing that is constant here in our life, is the fact that we are truly failures when it comes to living a Godly life.  Between Gods grace and our Savior, we reach the security of our salvation.  This is something we would not be able to have on our own.  The flesh can not reach that high.  So then we must listen to our heart, because this is the place where you are going to hear the voice of God.  Paul affirms to the Jews and also to the Gentiles, that it is the merciful forgiveness from God and nothing else by the flesh that sin is forgiven.  Now that we have received Him, we need to listen to Him and also to use Him.  He wants us to use Him for the purpose of good.  Fine tune your hearing and listen to the voice of God.  So, you may be asking, "how do I hear His voice?"  There are four practical ways to hear the voice of God.  1)  We must listen to our very own voice.  This is obvious and practical.  It is the images in our mind that we must pay attention to.  Our mind is a powerful and persuasive part of our being.  It produces our thoughts, what we think and all the feelings we have and display.  Your mind wills the flesh.  So if we  us our minds in negative thought, bad things will surely follow.  It speaks the voice of the flesh, and how we approach our life that others will perceive and visualize as of; a product of our imagination.  Now, if we use our mind for good and holiness, then  the thoughts and  use we  have to approach our self, others or  type situations will serve well.  Nevertheless, if we  use our mind and flesh for  a  negative purpose, then this will surely bring us into a sinful nature.  2)   This voice is the one we use to listen to others.  One will say everything in life is fantastic!  You listen to another person and they grieve; for everything is life is terrible!  Here, we can see good and evil working in the world.  The evils of the world is in a dark area, which we allow to filter into our life, if we are not living in the light of the world.  This is where we battle to contrary feelings, opinions and views, which we live with everyday, pitting rational and irrational thoughts into action.  Remember, God is never wavering.  He only has rational thought.  So to hear His voice, one must listen to the rational input and not adhere to the irrational influences.  3)  The third voice is that of the devil, Satan.  It may scare you a bit, for if we are not careful our minds and our lives can be littered with his crafty ways.  He is quite sly, you know.  He can persuade our hearts to do evil, like he did in the garden with Adam and Eve.  He will find a time and a circumstance to sneak in on us, perhaps when we are most vulnerable.  Pay attention, for he speaks to us through the world and media.  He creates worldly ideologies that will destroy our homes, business, and good service, through things like pornography idolatry, immorality, many ways.  Once he is allowed in, he will destroy the very essence of ones soul.  He is the destroyer.  You can though listen to the Light the Truth and the Way and push the devil aside.  Use your entire soul for good, this way evilness has no opening to filter in and destroy you.  4)  Finally, the most important voice to listen to is that of God.  It is the subtle way in which He communicates to you.  He uses the Spirit to speak with us.  In order to hear His voice you must focus on the heart.  Romans 8:7 tells us; Thesinful mind is hostile to God; for it does not submit to Gods law, nor can it do so .  You see, we can not please God in the flesh alone, but in the Spirit that dwells in us.  Once we have Christ, it is important not to push Him away.  We then will live a Godly life of righteousness and listening to His voice in all that we do.  His voice shows in our attributes towards others, to see, to have, to share and to follow.  Man in his irrational thought wants to change the thinking of others.  He will use any means possible to pull us away from the Lord and into the world.  Set your hearing to the fine tune mode and allow the spirit to take presedence over the heart, by listening to the voice of God.     God bless, Deaconess Barb

God's Provision for all of Us!

Deuteronomy 8:1-9  Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and my enter and possess the land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers. 2) Remember how the Lord Your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands. 3) He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your Father had know, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.  4) Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years.  5) Know then in your heart that as man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.  6) Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in His ways and revering Him.  7) For the Lord your God is bring you into a good land-a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; 8) a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

As we are obedient to God the Father we must be willing to observe His laws and the commandments that are passed down through Moses.  Everything we have in life is with God's provision.  As we can see Israel endured discomfort for the forty years they spent in the wilderness after they fled Egypt and their bondage.  They could have gotten to the promised land on a straighter, shorter path, but God knew these people needed to be humbled.  They sinned during this period and in verse two we see that they also moaned and groaned along the way.  God provided protection for them.  He cared in their deliverance.  The men and women trusted and served God through this period in all their struggles.  In verse three, upon realizing then, as it is relevant today, Gods command and His blessings supported the Israelites as they journeyed on.  He supplied them with all their needs.  His hand of grace extended to the Israelites, during this period was sufficient to the basics; they had clothing that never wore out and they were feed.  And though these people let known their dissatisfaction in their troubles, and tribulations they had not yet seen the bigger picture that was waiting for them.  God's first provision for them was that He free them from bondage.  His second provision for them was to bring them away from harm and into safety.  God's third provision was to feed them, while the fourth provision was to see that they all were clothed.  God provided for them for 40 long, hard years, knowing what was in their hearts.  Of course there were Israel  lites that did not keep to God's commandments, much like people do not today.  God taught them that man does not live by bread alone. The Father wants man to fear Him so that they will learn to walk in His way.  He wants all of us to keep His commandments.  He guides His chosen people to a land where water is plentiful and where there are springs coming up out of the hills and valleys.  This land provided yet again their needs; wheat, barely, vines, fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey.  This was a land that He led them to where bread would not be scares.  These people would lack nothing, yet gain everything through God's provision for them.  This was a land that contained iron in the hills.  They were able to dig for brass.  It was quite a promised land.  A land known as milk and honey, of green fields, good for growing crops and other food.  This wealth, these riches was just another of God's provision he had waiting for the Israelites.  We need to remember as Christians to take a look back at the ways that God has provided for us.  How He makes provisions for each one of us.  He made multiple provisions for the Israelites and He will for us.  We must revere His word and teachings, so that we may humble ourselves spiritually before the Lord.  We need to look back and to visualize the miraculous way the Father provided supplies and food.  We must be willing to be obedient  to God the Father.  We must be willing to observe His laws and the commandments that are passed down through Moses.  Everything we have in life is with God's provision.  As we can see Israel endured discomfort for the forty years they spent in the wilderness after they fled Egypt and their bondage.  They could have gotten to the promised land on a straighter, shorter path, but God knew these people needed to be humbled.  They sinned during this period and in verse two we see that they also moaned and groaned along the way.  God provided protection for them.  He cared in their deliverance.  The men and women trusted and served God through this period in all their struggles.  In verse three, upon realizing then, as it is relevant today, Gods command and His blessings supported the Israelites as they journeyed on.  He supplied them with all their needs.  His hand of grace extended to the Israelites, during this period was sufficient to the basics; they had clothing that never wore out and they were feed.  And though these people let known their dissatisfaction in their troubles, and tribulations they had not yet seen the bigger picture that was waiting for them.  God's first provision for them was that He free them from bondage.  His second provision for them was to bring them away from harm and into safety.  God's third provision was to feed them, while the fourth provision was to see that they all were clothed.  God provided for them for 40 long, hard years, knowing what was in their hearts.  Of course there were Israel  lites that did not keep to God's commandments, much like people do not today.  God taught them that man does not live by bread alone. The Father wants man to fear Him so that they will learn to walk in His way.  He wants all of us to keep His commandments.  He guides His chosen people to a land where water is plentiful and where there are springs coming up out of the hills and valleys.  This land provided yet again their needs; wheat, barely, vines, fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey.  This was a land that He led them to where bread would not be scares.  These people would lack nothing, yet gain everything through God's provision for them.  This was a land that contained iron in the hills.  They were able to dig for brass.  It was quite a promised land.  A land known as milk and honey, of green fields, good for growing crops and other food.  This wealth, these riches was just another of God's provision he had waiting for the Israelites.  We need to remember as Christians to take a look back at the ways that God has provided for us.  How He makes provisions for each one of us.  He made multiple provisions for the Israelites and He will for us.  We must revere His word and teachings, so that we may humble ourselves spiritually before the Lord.  We need to look back and to visualize the miraculous way the Father provided supplies and food and raiment's granted to them during their 40 years in the wilderness.  Think about it this way; As Christi is the Word of God, so is God the food for our souls.  God makes it very clear that He, Himself inflicted much pain on the Israelites.  He did this because 1) to make them humble 2) to know their hearts and 3) to teach them that man does not live by bread alone.  Today we must understand that in having pride we will also have sin, because pride motivates sin, much as it did with the chosen ones.  We as Christians need to keep Gods promises foremost in our minds so that we remember where our provisions come from.  We must not deny Him like many of the Israelites had.  Hebrew 12:5 reminds us every day that God is involved in our life.   He does this not to punish us, but rather to humble us.   You see, when we do not feed our body with God's Word, we forget all the provisions that He supplies us with in our life.  Our spirit weakens and we deaden our spirituality towards Him.  And yet, as we open up our minds and hearts to Him, He is there to always welcome us .  Only then will we be able to truly feel the blessings of prosperity the Father Almighty has for all of us.  He  teaches us  and  guides us and gives us the ability to learn to become faithful Christians as our disciplinarian.  God never left or abandoned the Israelites, but He led them as He leads us in our spirituality. As God caused the original, first generation of these people with the exception of Joshua and Caleb to perish, He wanted the new generation to hear His law.  The word Deuteronomy means second law, one of Moses books he was  handed down from God to the children of Israel 40 years earlier at Mt. Sinai.  This new generation, gave way to hope.  It was in this new generation that we have the second law, because these people were the ones who's parents turned away from God and failed to believe in Him.   Just as there is hope in our younger generations, we must pass on  the  righteousness of  God and teach our children about Gods commandments and obedience for it is still relevant today.  God shows us that we are not to live in the past, for it was quit wicked and that every new generation has it's own set of hopes.  He uses this as a guide to coming generation into the future , on how not to ignore  God's provisions but to us them to make others stronger in their faith and to guide the faithless in spirituality.  You see the first generation dismissed holiness and law, so their faith was futile.  We too, are humbled like all the generation that preceded us and like the Israelites.  We have to keep in mind that all our humbleness comes from God who is divine in nature.  It comes to you, so that you will not continue to sin, but come to the Lord who provides for you.  Apostle Paul was one who came to realize quickly God's provision for him, as he converted from a murderer to a leader for the Lord.  Remember we are given of God accordingly to how we give to Him, because the devil is running rampant.  He wants to deny you of God's provision, as he did Paul for a short period.  But God is the all powering authority and is in control.  He fed the Israelites manna, and provided them with the necessities of life, and He does the same for you.  God kept their feet safe from swelling and discomfort.  He provided for their generation as He has provided for us much wealth in this generation.  Now it is up to us not to abuse it.  Do not abuse His hand of grace.  Matthew 28:20, Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the earth."  The bottom line here is that we can count on God's provision for us, because  He is awesome and He is one with infinite time and divine nature.  He will not allow us to suffer, what we can not handle.  Yet, He will humble each and every one of us.  Is it enough for you to live by bread alone without tasting the spiritual life waters?  Have faith through Christ today, for it is what the Father has made available for us through His blood and through His salvation, a provision for all to have.  God gives us promises and provisions everyday, so that we must trust Him whole hearted.  Open that door that stands between you and the Father and touch His rational intent that will guide you to heaven and not into the path of wilderness.                     God bless, Deaconess Barb...

God's Laws Verses Mans Laws

Matthew 5: 17-20   17) "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  18) Truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  19) Anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in His Kingdom of heaven but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.  20) For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of heaven.  We see here that it is important to have a clear conscious in the sight of the Almighty God.  Upon ones death, they will be in judgment according to "His" law.  God's law is like Him, unwavering.  It is to be handed down to all generations that supersedes the last.  Our law, mans law, is defiled with corruption immorality, ethical wrongs and lawlessness.  We see this everyday in the media news.  If you recall the two judges in Luzerne County, Pa who were put in high positions to uphold and carry out law in a juvenile court system.  One day, an evil hand was extended out to the two individuals.  They grabbed onto that hand, and because of this action, the sin of greed caught up with theses officials who at one time did justice to the law, but now they corrupted the system.  Man in human nature has both rational and irrational thoughts.  His rational thoughts are on the side of righteousness, as the irrational one may not be.  These corrupt men lost everything good, that they took a long time to build.  Satan held out his hand, like he did in the garden.  If you take it, you will be bitten, as were these men.  God's law is the reason why Jesus needed to be the propitiation for our sins.  God made a promise not to destroy humans like He did in Noah's time.  Jesus, a testimony to the truth needed to the worlds sin upon His shoulder as part ot the Fathers intend plan, so that we may have eternal life. As prophets brought the Word to people in ancient times, so do ministers, deacons, teachers, missionaries and all saints, which is everyone, as administrators for the "Way." which is our truth and life through Jesus Christ our Lord God.  In Romans 3:21, Gods word speaks to us about having righteousness through faith.  21) But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.  Here, Paul is explaining that God has provided a means where by we may receive forgiveness of our sins.  We are accountable to righteousness in His sight.   John 5:39-45 Jesus has made it known that He is that testimony for God.  People did not believe who He was, like many today make that very same claim.  Nevertheless, Jesus taught morality and ethical standards for people to measure their selves to.  In the first five books of the bible Moses was the giver of that law.  Another way we see mans irrationality is the outcome of Rowe verses Wade - mans prudent law.  It is good for a women to have an abortion.  It will help their marriage down the road .  It is wise both emotionally and financially.  Clearly this is not Gods divine law!  God said that He knew you before the womb, in the womb and after.  The cries of millions of unborn children, if only we could hear their screams.  We see Gods many laws in the book of Leviticus and throughout the Old Testament.  God told Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5.  The Lord called Jeremiah to be a prophet and  giver of the law at the age of 13.  God has a plan for all of us and we must understand His law, so that we do not make the same mistakes over and over which puts us in the direction of Satan,  doing his work and being his child instead of the one who created us in righteousness.Since January 2010 there had been a reporte

Jesus Prayers For All Believers.....

John 17:24-26 24) "Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world. 15) Righteous Father, thought the world does not know You, I know You and they know that You have sent Me. 26) I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for Me may be in them and that I Myself may be in them." This is not your ordinary, standard prayer. Look how many times Jesus has used the words "You" and "I" or "Me" in this heart felt prayer that is remarkable because He is praying to the Father on behalf of every inhabitance of the earth and for our future as well. His prayer, for his disciples show us His testimony in love. It extends beyond the teaching and preaching of today. What Jesus is making sure of is that Gods plan is being carried out to be fulfilled until the end of time. He knows the 12 disciples will begin the great commission to bring the word of God to the world. He has finished His service the Father for in His design plan. This prayer that He is offering to the Father is for the Fathers glory and it takes place prior to His arrest and crucifixion. You can see the union that is taking place between the Son and the Father. It is so profound, because there will be a moment when the spirit will need to separate itself from the mortal body at the cross, so that His divine nature and attributes will bring Him to His power and His glory, at the right hand of God. Knowing His future, Jesus gives this beautiful prayer, as He is saying here, "I am no longer in the world." Wow! You see, the process it takes for Jesus to go to the cross and then to His resurrection is the formality that must take place so that He can obtain the glory that He sacrificed for our sins and rightfully so. Not anyone can sit at the right hand of God, but the ONLY ONE! He is making this known not only through the disciples but through the many teachers and preachers that is to come. Notice His words in prayer. He is praying as though He is talking from the realm of eternity, not of earth, even though He was on earth in physical form, He was still wholly divine in nature. Jesus has always known what the "will" of God was to be, during His ministry. He is an intercessor for the disciples. In verse 20 of John, He states; I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message. He tells us in Luke 24:25 - that the Messiah had to suffer all the things that He did, so that it would enable Him to enter into His glory. Even on the road to Emmaus, as in Luke 24:22, The two disciples are speaking with the Lord about what happened to Him and did not realize who they were talking too. They did not recognize Him. This is so true for many people today. We do not feel His presence or hear His subtle words, or we fail to see how He answers our prayers, because we have grown to take Him for granted. As long as we have what we need in life, there is little to no room for Christ. Luke verses 25 and 26 tells us that we are the foolish ones, who are slow at heart to believe in His word and to what the church leaders are speaking, because there are so many people who do not want to give glory to anyone else but themselves. Christ is the one who is to have the glory, which is why we pray to Him. All things to the Father can only be received through the Son. So we must pray appropriately. So, what takes you so long to believe? Here, we see that Jesus is praying for men and women to have an intimate relationship with God the Father. Jesus came to earth to save us, and as we glorify Him, we must always remember there is a God. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are three in one. Jesus reveals that He will be there to help the disciples. Even as the Holy Spirit came, Thomas still doubted until he actually touched the Lord. We do not have the visual presence that Thomas had, but do have faith in knowing the love of God surrounds us by His hand of grace through the Son. He tells us to extend that faith by loving our neighbors. John 16:28, - I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. What He is telling you here is that He is the TRUE VINE. He tells us that all that belongs to the Father is His and that the Spirit will receive from Me what He will make known to you. We are the handiwork of the originator and in unity with Him through Christ. In emulating Him we are to represent ourself like Christ, with others, and in prayer to Him. He knows our heart even before we pray. Do you think He will hear you if your heart is not sincere? He expects all to know His presence on earth as well as in heaven, His sacrifice for our sins and His glory, so that when we pray we may do so in a righteous manner, knowing who He is, what He did. He affirms that the believer who prays to Him has come to know Truth and trust in Him. The disciples planted the seed to grow in the house of worship to exceed them in growth, and we will be manifest in the love of God, the same of which He has for His Son. John 17:6 tells us He is praying for His disciples that, "I have revealed you" to those whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your word. Are you obeying the word of God? If not let me share a final prayer with you...

Heavenly Father, let us find that perfect love in one another that You have for Your Son, Jesus, and for us as well. Your love has no boundaries. It is ever flowing with the light of ultimate love. Father, many people forgot about You, but through You Son, commissioning the disciples, His voice is carried on as a testimony to You. Let our life be a testimony as well. Every time we turn our heads, let us reveal within this world, Your heart, truth and Your reference, so that we may share in Your hand of grace with adoration and prayer. Let our vision manifest from our heart to serve You. Father, let us never forget the words of Jesus as He said, "I have given them the glory, that You have give me." For us, that glory is Christ Himself. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts when we pray to You in glory through Your unique Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
God bless, Deaconess Barb...

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What Is It You Do Not Understand?

    Understanding the first four days of creation.  In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth.  According to Strong's interpretation of this verse in biblical theological understanding, he and J.P. Green strongly suggest that we must take the verse at face value.  All of the heavens above the earth surface exist.  The earth at this point is in darkness, the atmosphere above, being opaques.  God created the earth and the Spirit hovers over it.  He is moving gently over the surface of the earth.  This is the development of the miraculous universe and all elements required to sustain the inhabitants, humankind.  This shows us the account of the origin of the maker of the earth and the heavens.  This creation allows man to keep their eye upon the heavens, while firmly planting their feet on earths ground in Christian faith, fully knowing that the Lord was their with the Father in the beginning.  We often see the account of the great works Jesus did throughout the bible, yet as the world was empty and formless, our Savior was there, as part of God's design plan which would lead the Savior to the cross, crucifixion and his glory at the Fathers right hand in all power.
    God said let there be light and with a flash their was light.  Wow!  Can you imagine if man possessed this power, we would be destroyed in a heartbeat.  You see the Father has rational thought while man at times has irrational thought, which is what makes mans action full of sin and evil deeds.  Each day that God created is not just a day in itself, but has biblical reference more profound than we are able to understand unless we study the word of God and see it's correlations.
    You see, God willed the light to come.  It is through His power of WORD that not only did He give light to the earth, but He also gives light to the human soul.  God is also showing us here that the light is through Jesus.  Genesis 1: 6-13, tells us that both day and night belong to the Lord.  He owns it!  He made night and day for the purpose of man to come and for the purpose of distinguishing to the the difference between good and evil.  By doing this he also makes it easy for man to realize that there is a higher presence at work and to keep abreast of these facts.  This knowledge will keep us on the straight and narrow path in life.  So, we have the first day and God saw that it was good.
   The second day is made with expanse between the waters and to separate the waters.  He also made an expanse between the waters on the ground and the water of the sky above.  God gives us a cycle of water vapors to replenish the earth in all it's beauty as a magnificent gift.  He places clouds in perfect height and position.  We don't often think of the intricate of how things on earth work, only the fact that they do.  The water is essential part of  our world  system that God produced, giving us grass, fruit, livestock that feeds and drinks, which is fundamental for our growth and life.  Seeing this and all that is created, Christians will give Him back the glory that is His, we benefit from.  This gives us reason to pray, so that we may embrace His love.  The living water that only He can give helps to restore our soul for our individual well being, as we see in Psalm 23.   This being the second  day.  God  found  favor with this day as He saw it as being good.
    Day three, let the water from the sky gather in one place an let dry land appear.  The ground to be called  "land" and the seas  "water."  There will be fruit, trees and vegetation of various kinds bearing seeds and other plants.  God saw the beginning that He is going to give to man to maintain.  He makes the seas that will flow with endless waters and a basin for all other waters like rivers and streams that will form.  These waters will not cross the boundaries into other water territories, yet unique unto their own.  God shows us that both creation and reproduction is in an orderly approach.  He is creating history.  He shows us who is in control.  God is sovereign and He reminds us with the reassurance of everything He has created, which is more than meets the eye.  We do not need nor do we have to understand everything, because it is more than we can handle in our limited state.  This is why God allows us to visualize the beauty He gives us that is both out from reach and  yet tangible.   He made two great lights.  The brightest to govern the day and the lesser to govern the night.  He made stars in the expanse of the sky to give light to the earth.  Christians fell the days being symbolic to the bible in various ways throughout the testimony of Christ.

                                                           God bless, Deaconess Barb
   

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I'll Fly Away Jim Reeves

What is Gods Church?

People in the world have their views and opinions about what a church should be like.  In many churches today we have "well intentional dragons" that want the church to grow, but have such a strong opinion  on everything from the church decor, to the Pastors sermons, to who and what needs to be controlled.  These people mean well, but somehow seem to forget who is the Head of the Church.  Let's face it, the church at one time had a strong voice in the community.  It does not appear to be that way now.  Paul had given a sermon while in Ephesus against "polytheism."  This sermon took place at the great theater which caused a riot.  Poly is Greek meaning "Many" - Theism is Greek meaning "God."  The riot was caused because there were merchants that needed to sell goods.  A lot of people then believed in Idolatry, false Gods and many Gods.  The paganism Paul was confronted with throughout the crowd, did not want to hear or learn the truth, because it would mean a loss of business for them, like with the silversmiths.  Today, Hinduism has a belief in over 300 million Gods.  Paul knew there was only one true God.  He faced violent opposition because he spoke so boldly for the Kingdom of God.  Paul feared for church members and he had a right to do so.  The work Paul did in Ephesus and in other cities literally bought him to tears.  No.  He was not a weak person, but one who diligently did the work of the Lord, for which he was beaten, imprisoned, and left for dead.  Paul was intensely involved and concerned about the well being of the church and the behavior of the congregation at Ephesus.  Today we can see Satan's handy work as he demolishes churches one at a time.  In Ephesians 4:2,3, - He told the congregation that sin keeps them from reaching the Kingdom of God.  He never forgot his conversion that was given to him in grace from the Most High.  This was on the road to Damascus to frind Christians to persecute.  As we do the same it is a strike against Christ.  Paul did not want to see others slip into darkness.  Yet, like today, the power of persuasion seems to take hold on the young and others in the Christian church.  Galatians 4:19 - when Paul address the church of Galatia, he calls them; "my little children."  Paul learned the hard way to respect Christ and the church for which he is the groom and the head.  Paul's sadness came to him, because he knew that there would be people throughout history that would reject the Savior.  He could foresee great devastation that would afflict people in pain and in suffering, which was not necessary.  Should we cry out for Christian churches today?  What about for our nations as they lead us into our weakness and virtual destruction?  Our churches are to image what God woulb be and how God would act.  But, even our churches are falling short today.  Nevertheless, there are people that will not and do not believe in Christ.  They are some of the worse critics of the church today.  Even worse, may be the very people that make up a congregation that defile the name of the Lord.  John 13:35 tells us that ; "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."  If we do not care for each other, as members of the church or it's leaders, then you can not possibly care for anyone entering the church for the first time.  Gods love for the church is the kind of love that a mother will have for her children.  In the Old Testament we see this as Israel looked upon it's citizens as her children.  It is an important role for the love of Christ to show throughout the body of Christ which is the congregation.  A church should attain a character that is nurturing the needs of others.  God's church extends out side the walls and into the community and in other countries.  It is a mission of exhaustive work that glorifies the Lord with no personal gain or fame.  It is a 24 hour fellowship of love, hope, and charity.   Church members follow the Savior.  The Almighty is a first priority.  Matthew 22:36-40, Christians are to reflect, resemble and emulate the love of the eternal God and wait for the day that His Kingdom comes to earth.    We should  share the love of  God willingly and with humility.  You see, we are the biggest gift that a church can give to itself, because it is believers that come together to glorify faith in Christ.  This is Gods church.  Because, it is the spirit of the truth that edifies people and that is contagious.  The truth equips the Christian with the ammunition they need to grow the body of Christ.  Paul reminded the churches then and today that we need to live as a model for the life of the Lord is at hand.  He felt people should have humility and a lowly mind which would show in our love and devotion to the Father, our God Almighty.  The church does not judge, condemn, pick a part, needle, control or give false witness to the Lord or any members of it's body.  Christ and His church will not be allowed to crumble if the body of Christ shows deep the dear love on has for Jesus.  It is a church that is not cold and unfriendly or with an air of arrogance.  God's church is carrying out the fundamental task in ministry for the purpose of the Lord.  It is the confirmation of ones inner self as they witness in the word of testimony, constantly renewing and reforming and restoring themselves and others through the word of scripture.  Only as this takes place, then can we fully appreciate and understand what the leaders position is that God places them.  It is His truth that will convert others in the same way that Paul was converted on that faithful day on the road to Damascus.

Is Your Soul Only Mortal and Nothing Else?

Are you afraid to die? Are you ready to leave this world behind, friends, family and children? Is it that one fears dying or the actual death itself? This subject is quite profound to talk about. It is the fear of not knowing how or when one will die that scares us. It is true that death is inevitable, no matter what the process. Nevertheless, it brings with it emotional trauma and a deep humanistic time to grieve. We need to grasp and hold onto the understanding what death brings to us in this life time. It would devastate me to know that all my life I have followed God's rules and was a participant in His divine plan, only to die and that would be the final step in ones life cycle. So, do we all come to death? Of course we do! This is evident by all the grave stones on the ground. The Father tells us that in His place there are many mansions. Why would God need all those mansions? False religion will have one believing that this life is all there is, constantly challenging the Word of God. It is through the disobedience of Adam that we are waged in death for sin. It is through teh second Adam, Christ Jesus that we have been saved from that sin. It is through the blood of Christ, the tears of blood, our propitiation that throught a ruthless, horrible act towards our divine Lord that we are able to share in His power and in His glory for the grace and glory He bestowed upon our flesh in forgiveness of sin. 1) My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for his is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years. Found in the book of Genesis, this may be interpreted as complete or done, nothing else, because man is mortal. Do not get stuck in the finality of a verse. 2) Ezekiel 18:20 - The soul who sins is the one who will die. Again we see that this indicates the soul is existing life, the here the now. Many believe that the immortal soul is the time man exist on earth during his present life time. What this is telling us, is the the sinner who strays away from Christ will surely die in his sin. Now as Christians we do believe that our soul goes to heaven when we die. Hmmm.....makes one wonder, until we turn to John 10:27, 28 - My sheep listen to my voice: I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. As a Christian we know that God is everlasting, the First and the Last. Immortal means exempt from death, and yet Jesus died on a cross at Calvary. Jesus in human form, still had divine attributes. The mortal part of ones live is the flesh. It is the covering that dies, not the spirit, the soul. Once our human body dies, our spiritual body is free from the bondage it has been encased in. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. God loves the sinner. God is telling us here, that the way to eternity is not through works or service or incessant devotion. They are things we should be willing to do. It is the person who believes in the Son of Man that will have eternal life, life immortal, life in the spirit, life in a place that the Father has prepared for you. God has given you life from His origin. His Son gives you new life in the after life. You will not perish, if you have faith in Christ and believe that He died on the cross for your sin and that the only way to the Father is through the Son. Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. If we had no other place to go after ones death of the physical body, then why would God need to give us the gift of eternal life: Here we see that eternal life is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 16:26 - What good will it be you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul? Or what can you give in exchange for your soul? Man can not give anything in exhange for the soul because we are limited to our power in our human nature. Man is a living being with a immortal soul. Man though can choose to damage his soul, that which has been given to him. However, Chrsit our Redeemer, Savior of the soul will restore the souls of man. Man is a living soul. The soul is filled with reason, for it is infinite and superior to the mortal self. It has heavenly attributes of divine admiration. Where we may see no purpose in life with a soul, the souls very existence is lifes purpose! Remember what the Lord tells you, "Absence from the body, present with the Lord." As Jesus hung on the cross between two criminals, he said, "today you will be in Paradise with me." He is full of love and forgiveness. God has prepared a place for our spiritual bodies. And as ones body has met the Holy Spirit it is the Word of God who tells us, that we will be in perfect form, both mentally and physically. There will be no illnesses in heaven, no deformities, no challanges. A whole new body! One that is with rational thought and rational reasoning, upright, embraced in love. It is very exciting to know that we have an after life to look forward to. Finally, 1 Corinthinas 20-23, But Christ has indeed been raised form the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead caomes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the first fruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him. Let us never for get what our Father has done for each and every one of us. Embrace Christ in reverent love, because the Son gives life to whom He is pleased to give it. He is our judge, so that all may honor Him.

WHY IS THERE EVIL IN THE WORLD?

If God exist then why is there evil in the first place? First let us establish that "There Is A God." That He is all powerful, omnipotent, who knows all. He is present in all things in His divine will. God is good, righteous and the truth. Evil exist, whether we call it, Satan, Lucifer, the devil or just plan evilness, it exist! Job from the bible knew that evil existed all to well. He also knew that there was a God and had total faith and love for Him. Job refused to turn his back on the Lord. God controls evil. Satan is on a short leash, but nevertheless his powers are here, but limited. We see evil in the suffering of 911, Aides, cancer, fires, tornadoes, and many disasters. It is imperative to know that God can us evil for good. This is where our understanding must take hold. God used Job to vindicate righteousness or good over evil. He can take the most horrendous evil and turn it to good. He took the dying of Jesus, His Son, nailed to a cross, beaten and tortured, tormented and left to die at Calvary, the worst horrendous death by man to bring man the good, salvation for all. Acts 2:23 states; This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. This was Gods purpose in His design plan to hand Jesus over to man. Out of this came a great love for man in forgiveness of sin. Don't get men wrong though, to say evil is good - is evil. God is not evil. God's sovereignty stands good over evil. Since it is obvious that God has mysterious complex ways, how do we respond to evil as Christians? First, we must make the Lord our source of comfort in this evil world. God is there to help you in times of trouble, pain and suffering. For this very reason we have these things which is God's design to affect our desire in Him. God can never use any one of us until He has humbled us greatly. Submit yourself to God's will and trust Him. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Purify your heart and don't allow Satan to take one moment of your life. Where there is hope there is love and where there is love there is God.

God bless, Deaconess Barb

DO NOT FALL AWAY!

Romans 3:22 - tells us that righteousness comes from God and it is by faith through Jesus Christ who believe, not through some mythological difference that opposes the word of God. Be careful not to crave attention so much that you get caught up in idolatry. There are many religions in the world and not all religions are good. There are false religions and false leaders that will lure the lost into the clutches of Satan. Anything that is not of God and not through the Son of Man is idolatry. We live in a heavily influenced society today where evil is prevalent. One must be watchful of those who cause divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching of Christ, for no man has greater power than the Originator of life. According to Philosophy, benevolence is seen as optimism, that is applied to others based on a benevolent universe promise. The fact remains in religious philosophy that God is the standard. He is Creator of the world and continually sustains it. We are capable of understanding the basics of Christianity. God equips us so that we do not have to fall away and self-destruct. If our children are not taught sound biblical beliefs by adults, they have nothing, no foundation that can be given in faith. People think with the New Testament at hand that the Old Testament laws and ones obedience to the Lord is not necessary, but it is and the laws are just as important today. We are justified by faith and need to up our level of righteousness and plant ourselves firmly in Christ so that we too do not fall away. We must mature ourselves in Christ.
God bless, Deaconess Barb

Are You Going To Heaven When U Die???

Many people think that they are human with a soul. They are essentially right. I like to look at it this way - we are all spirits, souls, having many human experiences. Matthew 7 verse 13 and 14 state that the gate is narrow and the road is straight. There are many people that take the broad road which lead to their destruction. Few people travel the road that is straight, narrow and righteous. Accepting Christ into ones life is a start. He does not need us to accept Him. It is our choice. We need to accept the fact that there is a God and that all things go through our intercessor, Christ Jesus. It is the only way. He is the propieation for all sin. Many people think that they can continue to sin and that their sin will be forgiven. Yet, is the sin you ask forgiveness for, of a sincere heart? Are you right with the Lord in all that you do? Or is your sincerity as fleeting as your heart? We often seek out divine intervention only in times of trouble or despair. People walk around with blinders on today. We have fallen so far away from the grace God wants for you. Our nation today is traveling a broad road, or as some theologians like to call it, the "middle road." It is a road that leads to destruction! Make yourself right so that you can climb back on the narrow road that leads to life after life. Exercise your right that love is what God wants us to engage on earth and understand. Knowing God's will and His design plan for your future will bring you into the mind set you need to bow down and worship the Son and to do all things good to the glory of the Father.
God bless, Deaconess Bar