We Possess the Power of Life….

When you hear a story about someone that breaks your heart, usually the urge to help comes into your mind. When this happens you think, “I don’t know what to say”, or “I wouldn’t know where to begin”. At that very moment the one thing you can do is pray. Pray for that person, and all that is involved. Once you’ve prayed for the safety, wisdom, healing, peace, comfort, or whatever it may be, then ask God to use you as part of the solution to the problem. Even if you never utter one word to the hurting person, you’ve done the best thing possible; interceded on their behalf. You’ve done the very thing the Holy Spirit continually does for us, even without our knowledge. You are never helpless when it comes to helping hurting people. You possess the power of life, Christ in you. And you have access to the One Who made it all, designed it all, and runs it all. Never forget this.

1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity–the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 1 Timothy 2:1-6

A Puzzle with Missing Pieces…..

If you think the next iPhone or gadget, or college degree or job, or vacation or party is going to satisfy you, think again. It’ll only be temporary. Unless God is in the exact right place in your heart, nothing will ever completely satisfy you. God created us to be fully satisfied with Him only. Our desires for anything but God will never find the joy and contentment they seem to promise. Our purpose is the pursue God, asking Him to fulfill us with His presence. If you’re honest with yourself, you’ve experienced the short-lived satisfaction from all of life’s experiences. They are exactly that, short-lived. Without an eternal purpose, that which God gives, life is a journey of brief moments of satisfied feelings. God is the only One that can fill the void we create with our sinful nature. It’s like working on a puzzle, and not having the last few pieces to complete it. He’s the perfect fit to the puzzle of life. He completes us. Without Him, life is just that, a puzzle with missing pieces.

20 Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied. Proverbs 27:20

Willfully Shipwrecked….

We all have choices in life; what we eat, watch, do as a job, etc.... But when it comes to shipwrecking our lives, there’s no faster way than choosing to deliberately violate our conscience. There’s something to be said about integrity. And integrity has no holiday.

19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God. 1 Timothy 1:19-20

How You Respond to This Truth….

Here’s a truth everyone must accept or reject: Jesus came to save sinners. How you respond to this truth not only determines your eternal home, but your ability to live life. When you choose life, your life becomes a testimony to the power and love of God. Talk about useful and significant!!!

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”–and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen One who never dies; he alone is God. 1 Timothy 1:15-17a

What Condemns a Man….

Ignorance and unbelief are forgivable by God. It’s continual willful disobedience and refusal to acknowledge truth that condemns man.

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, 13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:12-14

Social Media…..

Social media, how much time is wasted with unimportant, unproductive, meaningless chatter?

Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. 1 Timothy 1:4a

Live Your Life in Such a Way That….

You can never truly know a person until you see the condition of their heart. And the only way that’s possible is if they reveal it to you. Live your life in such a way that allows you this privilege.

19 As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. Proverbs 27:19

Freedom Without Restraint…

Freedom without restraint isn’t really freedom. God designed us with a specific plan. Our job is to glorify Him. We do this by first accepting His plan, His salvation: from sin, by love, into life, with purpose, through faith, unto goodness. This plan is for every single human being. It’s only when we realize His way is best, and acknowledge it (through heart felt contrition), that God opens our eyes to the truth. The reason people don’t see God, or at least not honor Him, is because He has snatched His word of truth from them. He will not continually give to someone something that is not appreciated or used to further His kingdom. If we don’t use what He gives us, He will gladly give it to someone who will. When we realize God’s way of living, then and only then, we can truly walk in freedom. It’s found in Jesus, the author of life.

Lord, give me Your unfailing love,the salvation that You promised me.42 Then I can answer those who taunt me,for I trust in Your word.43 Do not snatch Your word of truth from me, for Your regulations are my only hope.44 I will keep on obeying Your instructions forever and ever.45 I will walk in freedom,for I have devoted myself to Your commandments.46 I will speak to kings about Your laws,and I will not be ashamed.47 How I delight in Your commands!How I love them!48 I honor and love Your commands. I meditate on Your decrees. Psalms 119:41c-48

Without Accountability, Without Consequences….

One of the main reason why I left my job as an educator was because of the lack of discipline. Without accountability, without consequences, there is no proper fear of authority. Teachers become “glorified babysitters”, with the secondary responsibility of “spitting out” information. This information is readily available on any smartphone device these days. Students think, “I can do what I want, because I have the answers in my pocket”. When there’s no discipline, knowledge loses its purpose. When a teacher teaches, they ad experience and wisdom (application) to information. Something that a smartphone can never do. When will people realize that life is all about people; what they bring to the table. Without proper discipline, public education is on a one-way path to self destruction. Justice will be served, but to those that haven’t been disciplined, woe to them when it comes.

11 For I am with you and will save you, ”says the Lord.“ I will completely destroy the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you, but with justice; I cannot let you go unpunished.” Jeremiah 30:11

False Teachers….

Now-a-days, false teachers are every where. It’s like you can’t throw a rock in any direction without hitting one. God has said, will say, that He hates the lies that are spread through these deceitful, selfish pretenders. Here in Jeremiah 29, we find what God does to people who speak for Him, that have no connection with Him. God says he will punish these false prophets. God says He will punish them with war, famine, and disease. He will scatter them around the world. He will make them objects of condemnation, horror, contempt and mockery. This is the fate of those that speak for God without permission. You ask yourself why would God even allow this to happen? Why scatter them instead of killing them off? I can’t give you the exact reason, but I can say that these false prophets cause true seekers to focus their efforts to know God better. When something false is said about God, it makes me want to find out if it’s true or not. It makes discernment more of a virtue. It weeds out the pretenders from the authentic believers. Yes, these false prophets deceive, and lead people away from God, but they help separate the sheep from the goats as well. The moral to this passage is “don’t speak for God, when you’re not sure what you’re saying is true. Period. Speak only what you know to true. It will always point people toward God, not away from Him.

18 Yes, I will pursue them with war, famine, and disease, and I will scatter them around the world. In every nation where I send them, I will make them an object of damnation, horror, contempt, and mockery. 19 For they refuse to listen to Me, though I have spoken to them repeatedly through the prophets I sent. And you who are in exile have not listened either,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 29:18-19

23 For these men have done terrible things among My people. They have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives and have lied in My name, saying things I did not command. I am a witness to this. I, the Lord, have spoken.” Jeremiah 29:23

30 Then the Lord gave this message to Jeremiah: 31 “Send an open letter to all the exiles in Babylon. Tell them, ‘This is what the Lord says concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Since he has prophesied to you when I did not send him and has tricked you into believing his lies, 32 I will punish him and his family. None of his descendants will see the good things I will do for My people, for he has incited you to rebel against Me. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ ” Jeremiah 29:30-32

Integrity Matters…

Hiring a good employee and being a good employee has its benefits, for both the owner and the worker. Integrity matters on both ends.

18 As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit,so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded. Proverbs 27:18

Time…

Time. Time is the only thing that proves a person’s authenticity who claims to speak truth. A prophet must prove himself to be true, and everything he says must come true, everything. Time is the only proven method that works. Jesus, Himself, said, “you will know a tree by the fruit it bears”, time proves truth, and it proves the authenticity of people as well. Having patience is golden when seeking discernment of truth in people’s words and actions. Words matter, they have consequences when they are not used in proper context.

8 The ancient prophets who preceded you and me spoke against many nations, always warning of war, disaster, and disease. 9 So a prophet who predicts peace must show he is right. Only when his predictions come true can we know that he is really from the Lord.” 10 Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke off Jeremiah’s neck and broke it in pieces. 11 And Hananiah said again to the crowd that had gathered, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Just as this yoke has been broken, within two years I will break the yoke of oppression from all the nations now subject to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.’ ” With that, Jeremiah left the Temple area. Jeremiah 28:8-11

15 Then Jeremiah the prophet said to Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, but the people believe your lies. 16 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: ‘You must die. Your life will end this very year because you have rebelled against the Lord.’ ”17 Two months later the prophet Hananiah died. Jeremiah 28:15-17

A True Friend….

The worth of an honest, true friend, who can measure? 17 As iron sharpens iron,so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17

Rules Go Beyond Their Face Value….

Have you ever thought about something, and when you’ve exhausted the resources available in your quest for discovery, realized you’ve been interpreting reality in an unrealistic manner? I think as human beings living on planet earth, we tend to get caught up in our own point of view, which prohibits to the discovery of the truth, or reality. Once we are in a predicament, we say, “Woe is me”, or start to question “Why?”. We are all responsible for our own actions. We are all accountable to God. When things don’t work out, due to our irresponsibility, we look for someone to blame. We seek retribution. When in fact, 99% of all of our pain and suffering is self-inflicted. I mean it’s mainly due to our lack of effort in following God. Let me explain. Let’s say you are playing a game. The game has rules. If you don’t follow the rules, you get penalized. When you get penalized, the game isn’t fun anymore and you want to quit. How can you expect to play the game, and enjoy it, much less win, if you don’t play by the rules? How can you enjoy playing if you don’t stay within the parameters of the game. You know once you cross the line, you must expect the penalty. Once that happens, why is it we act like it’s not fair? Like we’ve been wronged? It’s because we don’t set in our minds, before the game starts, that we are going to accept the rules, and play within its parameters. We look at it as, “I want to win, no matter what the rules say“. Winning at all costs is the attitude we all have. In reality, this “winning at all costs”reveals the underlying motive of selfishness. This premeditated mindset sets us up for failure and disappointment. Is this not the same way it is with life? We know there is a right way to live, God’s way, yet we have a mindset that says, “I’m going to do it my way, regardless of the rules”, and we expect to win, or get our way. When the consequences come down hard on us, we complain, and cry “Foul!”. The right thing to do is accept the rules before we start playing the game, then if things go wrong and lose, it won’t be because we didn’t follow the rules. Some examples of this: there is no such thing as “safe sex”. Pregnancy, STDs, and emotional baggage are part of the consequences when you don’t play by the rules. Abortion or taking the plan B pill afterwards is not a legitimate defense to your situation. Calling alcoholism a disease is not a defensible stand. A disease is something you can’t wake up the next day and say “I want to stop”, like with a behavior (you can). Accepting your sinful behavior doesn’t make it not sinful. God determines and clarifies it through His Word as to what sin is. No amount of pushing your agenda to gain acceptance is going to make something that’s wrong turn into something that’s right. Sexual immorality is a sin, no matter how you want to define it. Adultery, fornication, and homosexuality are all sins. They all fall under the definition of sexual immorality, regardless if we want to accept it or not. Trying to promote something that is harmful to the body, that eventually destroys it physically, mentally, and spiritually, doesn’t change the reality of it. I could go on and on, but if you’re honest with yourself, you get the point. Rules are set into place for our own good, for our protection. They serve a purpose. God’s rules serve an even higher purpose. Some of His commands show us our sin and are meant to point us toward a Savior that He provides. Some of His commands don’t have hints on them (peace, patience, kindness, love). When we accept His way of living, we can enjoy life, knowing we are living within the parameters of His design (or above them). We can live secure, knowing we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. We can live free from guilt, shame, and condemnation. It’s only when we try to live our own way, without God, do we come across these adverse issues, and start to play the justify game, which leads to self-defeat, and misery. With all this being said, we get out of what we put into something. We reap what we sow. If we plant good things, living God’s way, we live securely and flourish, free from the septic pull of an unfulfilled life. If we break the rules, how can we expect to enjoy life, and win in the end. It all depends on our attitude towards God. What’s your attitude today? What are you going to do about it?

7 “But you would not listen to Me,” says the Lord. “You made Me furious by worshiping idols you made with your own hands, bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer. Jeremiah 25:7

 I lie in the dust; revive me by Your word. 26 I told You my plans, and You answered. Now teach me Your decrees. 27 Help me understand the meaning of Your commandments, and I will meditate on Your wonderful deeds. 28 I weep with sorrow; encourage me by Your word. 29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing Your instructions. 30 I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by Your regulations. 31 I cling to Your laws. Lord, don’t let me be put to shame! 32 I will pursue Your commands, for You expand my understanding. Psalms 119:25c-32

Lord;I will keep them to the end.34 Give me understanding and I will obey Your instructions;I will put them into practice with all my heart.35 Make me walk along the path of Your commands,for that is where my happiness is found.36 Give me an eagerness for Your lawsrather than a love for money!37 Turn my eyes from worthless things,and give me life through Your word.38 Reassure me of Your promise,made to those who fear You.39 Help me abandon my shameful ways;for Your regulations are good.40 I long to obey Your commandments!Renew my life with Your goodness. Psalms 119:33c-40

The Paradox of Belief….

There’s one thing to always remember about the “Lost”: people perish not because God is a tyrant, rather, they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. The paradox of belief: reject truth, suffer eternally.

7 And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from His glorious power. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. 12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

Always Points….

A true believer always points people away from evil (selfishness) and back to God. Always.

22 If they had stood before Me and listened to Me,they would have spoken My words, and they would have turned My people from their evil ways and deeds. Jeremiah 23:22

Sin Causes….

One thing about sin that people don’t realize, is that once you’re in it, it causes blindness, misunderstanding, and willful defiance. Blindness to to see adultery as wrong, confusing dishonesty with truth, and it encourages the promotion of evil. It says, “your sinful behavior is okay”. “Don’t worry, you’re not doing anything wrong”. “If you disagree with me, I’ll call you a hater or bigot”. “If you oppose my views, I’ll take you down”. Does this sound like some of the agendas being pushed today?

14 But now I see that the prophets of Jerusalem are even worse! They commit adultery and love dishonesty. They encourage those who are doing evil so that no one turns away from their sins. These prophets are as wicked as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah once were.” Jeremiah 23:14

16 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says to His people: “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the Lord!17 They keep saying to those who despise My word, ‘Don’t worry! The Lord says you will have peace!’ And to those who stubbornly follow their own desires, they say, ‘No harm will come your way!’ 18 “Have any of these prophets been in the Lord’s presence to hear what He is really saying?Has even one of them cared enough to listen? Jeremiah 23:16-18

Constantly Testing Things….

Another sign of a true believer is his constant testing of things. God doesn’t expect us to be robots. He doesn’t think we should believe everything we hear. He knows that Satan is a liar and a deceiver. That’s why Paul tells us to test everything, and to hold onto what is true. The truth will stand no matter what man tries to do to it. Lies, or untruth, will eventually be exposed for what it is. I’ve always told myself to ask questions when something doesn’t seem right. Like, what is the motivation behind this process? Who is funding this research? Why do people oppose this idea? The truth will reveal itself when you test it. And if you side with the truth, it will set you free. Jesus, is the Truth. Listen to Him.

19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

God’s Will for Us….

What is God’s will for us? According to Paul in 1 Thes. 5 it’s for us to always be joyful, never stop praying, and to be thankful in all circumstances. Our closeness to God determines our ability to do God’s will. Do you see the correlation? Joyful because of God’s grace. Constant prayer, to be in communication with Him daily. Being thankful to Him for all He has done. Do you see this? Does it help paint a clearer picture of what it means to walk with God, like Adam did in the garden before the fall?

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Store His Word In Your Heart….

The Psalmist knew the secret to being close to God; studying His Word, reflecting on it daily, taking delight in reading it, and not forgetting it. When you read the Bible daily, and then imitate Jesus throughout your day, your relationship with God will deepen and grow. It only stagnates when you neglect His Word and pursue self instead of Him. It’s a heart issue. Store His Word in your heart (by cherishing it), and your heart will be satisfied, and full.

15 I will study Your commandments and reflect on Your ways. 16 I will delight in Your decrees and not forget Your word. Psalms 119:15-16

Grateful, Indifferent, or Idolatrous…

Example 23 of the truth about prosperity: having money gives us the means to say “NO” to God. Our attitude towards money will either make you grateful, indifferent, or idolatrous. You get to choose. If you choose either of the last two, “NO” and God will become frequent words in your everyday vocabulary.

21 I warned you when you were prosperous, but you replied, ‘Don’t bother me.’ You have been that way since childhood–you simply will not obey Me! Jeremiah 22:21

Know Jesus, Know God….

What does it mean to know God? To know His character and imitate it. We have Jesus as our example. Know Jesus, know God. Imitate Jesus, know God.

15 But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king!Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink.But he was just and right in all his dealings.That is why God blessed him.16 He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know Me?” says the Lord. Jeremiah 22:15-16

The Many Faces of Pretenders….

09212021 When you really think about it, the people that God opposes the most are the ones who pretend. Some pretend to know God, and yet live in a manner that contradicts His character. There are those that pretend that God doesn’t exist and live as though He doesn’t. Then there are those that take His Word in and they pretend to think it makes them better than others, they look down their noses at people because they don’t live like they do. You can only pretend for so long. God’s patience, as vast and deep as it is, will someday run out. The very safety people think they are in because of God, Will be their demise. The very One they pretend to know, will end up being the One bring retribution they think they don’t deserve. Pretending is a game you play as a child. When you grow up, pretending isn’t allowed. Even so, God, in His love for us, gives us a choice: choose life or death. You must choose, and there’s no pretending involved in this decision.

5 I Myself will fight against you with a strong hand and a powerful arm, for I am very angry. You have made Me furious! Jeremiah 21:5

8 “Tell all the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: Take your choice of life or death! 9 Everyone who stays in Jerusalem will die from war, famine, or disease, but those who go out and surrender to the Babylonians will live. Their reward will be life! 10 For I have decided to bring disaster and not good upon this city, says the Lord. It will be handed over to the king of Babylon, and he will reduce it to ashes.’ Jeremiah 21:8-10

What Sets Us Apart….

Sometimes the only difference someone will ever see in a believer that he will not see in everyone else, is in the believer’s grieving, he will see hope. It won’t be the type of hopeless despair, like you see at most funerals. It will be an expectant, short-term absence, knowing loved ones will be reunited kind of hope. This is the one thing that Christians have, that no one can argue or ever take away. Is it in you? Do you recognize it and give thanks to God for giving you this great and wonder gift? It’s what sets us apart, and helps get us through the tough times.

13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Our Position in Christ…

Search for God with all your heart. That’s what He wants. In Christ, living to please God frees us from comparing how we don’t live up to His commands. That is the point. In Christ, we don’t have to, He already did and we are substituted in on His behalf. It all begins with honesty and understanding our position in Christ. The rest is putting it into practice.

1 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. 2 Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. 3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths. 4 You have charged us to keep Your commandments carefully. 5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect Your decrees! 6 Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with Your commands.7 As I learn Your righteous regulations, I will thank You by living as I should! 8 I will obey Your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! Psalms 119:1-8

Fire In My Bones….

If you are a believer, I mean a Jesus following, God fearing, Grace living, Humble with oneself, believer, then this should be true of you: God’s word burns like a fire in your soul. And there’s no greater satisfaction than when you share this truth with others. You just can’t keep it inside, it must be released to accomplish His will.

9 But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in His name, His word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! Jeremiah 20:9

In Tune With Eachother…

Confusion and misinterpretation are two issues that exist in human relationships. Often when someone who sees it, warns others. This warning can be seen as criticism and taken the wrong way. Because we see and interpret things differently, the prudent must make sure his message is presented with gentleness and respect. And the simpleton must not only see the way the message is presented or he may miss the intent of the message. Either way, we must be “in tune” with each other or we will miss the message and suffer the consequences.

12 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 27:12

Till the Soil of Your Heart…

People say God is silent. People say God doesn’t speak to us anymore. People say, “I don’t hear God”. What’s really going on when you hear these things being said? Maybe it’s because these people are not in tune with God. Maybe they are pretending to be faithful followers. God speaks to us in many different ways. He primarily uses His Word to communicate with us (the Bible). And His Word is alive and active. He also speaks to us through creation (the natural world). He speaks to us through dreams and conscious thoughts. And He speaks to us in everyday interactions with other people. The problem is, unless you are pursuing Him daily; making a conscious effort to truly know Him, you’ll probably hear silence. You’re not cultivating the soil of your heart, what’s necessary for the seeds of God’s word to be planted and grow. It’s only when He grants us the development of our spiritual senses that we start to see His invisible hand moving and working in all things. Here’s an example of this. Jeremiah is told to go see the local potter. As he watches this craftsman mold and shape this piece of clay, he realizes it’s the same way God deals with us. Just imagine all the opportunities God has given us to hear Him speak to us, that we have missed due to our lack of pursuit? All the direct messages we failed to grasp due to our inward directed focus (selfishness)? Our lack of spiritual insight, due to our lack of desire to know Him? His word is alive and active. It sometimes takes reading His Word in the morning, storing it into our hearts, for it later to be revealed being played out in life. It’s alive, and it grows in you through life’s experiences. It’s all out there waiting to be revealed. Do you believe this? Or are you satisfied with the current state of your existence? Till the soil of your heart, make it crop ready. Then when God sees fit to plant His Word in your heart, you will begin to grow your faith and witness these “God Speaks” moments. They happen all the time. Be prepared to listen.

1 The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, 2 “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” 3 So I did as He told me and found the potter working at his wheel. 4 But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.5 Then the Lord gave me this message: 6 “O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand. 7 If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, 8 but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. 9 And if I announce that I will plant and build up a certain nation or kingdom, 10 but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey Me, I will not bless it as I said I would.11 “Therefore, Jeremiah, go and warn all Judah and Jerusalem. Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am planning disaster for you instead of good. So turn from your evil ways, each of you, and do what is right.’ ”12 But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires.”13 So this is what the Lord says: “Has anyone ever heard of such a thing,even among the pagan nations?My virgin daughter Israel has done something terrible! 14 Does the snow ever disappear from the mountaintops of Lebanon? Do the cold streams flowing from those distant mountains ever run dry? 15 But My people are not so reliable, for they have deserted Me; they burn incense to worthless idols. They have stumbled off the ancient highways and walk in muddy paths.16 Therefore, their land will become desolate, a monument to their stupidity. All who pass by will be astonished and will shake their heads in amazement.17 I will scatter My people before their enemies as the east wind scatters dust. And in all their trouble I will turn My back on them and refuse to notice their distress.” Jeremiah 18:1-17

Relying On Human Strength to Save….

With mid-term elections coming up there are a lot of people putting their trust in candidates running for office. They are relying on human strength to save this country from the consequences of its moral bankruptcy. The nastiness of the human heart rears it’s ugly head on the campaign trail revealing its deceitfulness and how desperately wicked it really is. What really gets me about this topic is that people who attend church, and “appear” to be faithful followers of Christ promote candidates that go against everything God stands for. They think if their candidate gets elected, everything will get better. They are only deceived because they turn their hearts away from God. The truth is no human being will save mankind. Only Jesus can do that. And the good news is, He already did. Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, who have made the Lord their hope and confidence. This comes straight out of Jeremiah chapter 17. And people say the Bible is irrelevant and antiquated. Those people need to ask God to open their eyes to His truth. “For His Word is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword”... simply ask God to reveal this life-giving wisdom to you, and you will see the world from a new perspective.

This is what the Lord says:“Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.6 They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land. 7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green,and they never stop producing fruit. 9 “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,and desperately wicked.Who really knows how bad it is? 10 But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:5-10

13 Lord, the hope of Israel, all who turn away from You will be disgraced. They will be buried in the dust of the earth, for they have abandoned the Lord, the fountain of living water. Jeremiah 17:13

What Pride and Joy Really Looks Like….

Paul says we will be rewarded in Heaven for all the witnessing we do here on earth. Here on earth we will be rewarded with pride and joy. What is this pride and joy? Converted believers because of our witness. Does this excite you? Does it motivate you to get out there and witness to someone? Why are why not? If you’re not witnessing to and discipling others on a consistent basis, maybe the “Good News” of the Gospel isn’t so good to you. Maybe the your love for people has grown cold.

After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when He returns? It is you! 20 Yes, you are our pride and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

Authentically Sharing Our Faith….

Christianity is all about sharing the truth with people, and we are most effective when we’ve share our lives with others in that process. Relationships are the keystone of our Bible believing faith. How could you express your love if there was no one there to receive it? The most effective witnesses for Christ are those that give the most of themselves in revealing God to others. When you show genuine concern for others, while sharing your experiences by being transparent with the listener, your witness will never be wasted. Trust me on this one, it works.

8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. 1 Thessalonians 2:8