It is such an honor to be able to offer this information to you! I am just beginning to absorb it myself and can not imagine what this means to the world!
There was a new discovery last month that once again proves the Bible is true. According to some scientists and linguists at WIT-Wyoming Institute of Technology some interesting discoveries have been made about "junk DNA" which turns out to be no junk at all!
We have learned from Louie Giglio that Laminin covers every cell in our body in the shape of a cross. And this correlates to the scripture, "He is before all things and in Him all things hold together" Colossians 1:17. Now scientists have noticed that there is a pattern to this junk DNA that remarkably resembles and,apparently, spells out scriptures. Some specific gel ones spell out specific scriptures which are repeated throughout the DNA strands. One of those scriptures is, "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own..." 1 Corinthians 6:19.
Let 's think about this one scripture which is tattooed, written, engraved on our very DNA ! Has God not told us this already? God tell us in John 1:1 "in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Gen 1:27 "God created man in His own image,".
God has not hidden these truths from us. They are in the pages of the number one best selling book of all time! However it has taken us until June 2014 to even scratch the surface of what that really means. My. Mind is still reeling as scripture I've learned begins to take a different turn-not away from what I understood it to mean but clarifying it!
If God bothers to write His Word on our DNA and we ARE made in the image of God then I am sure it is not His will that one should perish. We find that in 2 Peter 3:9. I have understood that hell was never meant for mankind but for Satan and his demons but I know even more that it must grieve our jealous God that while He painted His Word on the very core of our being we wander. God keep me from doing so !
I know there will be new developments as they are still studying, but this is more amazing to me than the Dead Sea Scrolls!
A major Christian radio station, KLove, reported the story days ago. It seems impossible, but He is the God of the impossible.
I pray this will help me see people and the scriptures differently. We each are a walking Bible. Truly a temple. I am so amazed and our God remains an awesome wonder to me.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
1 Dog, 2 Sermons
I received a call from a friend today. He was very upset, emotion choked his voice as he explained how the new dog he rescued was now at the vet unable to be retrieved. As responsible, loving owners do-this man took his dog to the vet for a check up only to discover that his dog was not his at all. This dog had a chip implanted under his skin with the owner's information. My friend was distraught!
The veterinarian was a responsible man who was doing what was required in contacting the owner. The owner even promised he would come pick up the animal but he did not come as he promised. My friend was upset. The dog was crying for him and he couldn't console the animal. The animal didn't understand, he wanted my friend but couldn't be there. Of course the vet could not give someone else's property to another person. It was not his place. But if the owner didn't return he could relinquish the dog to the public animal shelter for adoption or destruction.
I asked my friend if he'd be willing to pay either the owner or the shelter for the dog and his reply was full of anguish. He said, "I want him, I don't care what it costs, I will pay." At his job earlier in the day a friend tried to console him by pointing out to him that this is exactly what Jesus did for us. When we were taken captive He rescued us. Just like my friend would have to go to the pound and retrieve his pet, Jesus went into the ground to pay our debt! He paid with His life to get us out of the prison sin held us in. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Now what did this dog do to deserve my friend's kindness and devotion? NOTHING! The dog wandered into his place of employment and he was starving. He was skinny and had nothing to offer. But my friend saw the possibility in this dog and knew that if he fed him and loved him and trained him right that he could be a good dog and he might be good for companionship. In fact, the burden of how the dog turned out really rested on my friend, not the dog. All the dog had to do was eat, rest and be obedient. My friend would provide the housing, the food, the medical attention, the toys and the training-everything! That includes affection. Now this poor dog was waiting in a cold and lonely place because of a chip.
Now you might wonder why I chose to tell you this story. Because a friend and I were discussing things tonight including her recent missions trip. We talked about how America was very rich compared to the rest of the world and how people who live in sin and don't work and don't intend to hold those of us who do work in a form of slavery. We talked about how backwards our country is and how it cannot continue-how most people in America are so used to comfort that they will NOT suffer at all if they can help it...blah, blah, blah...Heard all of this before?
BUT THEN GOD, as He often does, began to speak and brought us back to this little dog. We began to discuss how God is going to shake the nations very soon to find out who is truly His. "See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken--that is, things that have been made--in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:25-29.
We began to talk about the mark which many believe is exactly what this dog has implanted under his skin and how it will contain information about who we are-just like this dog's chip. But not only will it contain information about who we are but information about our health care-replacing the emergency bracelets-and also information about our banking and whatever else they choose to include. It is rumored that pretty soon we won't be able to buy or sell without this mark. Actually that rumor reflects what the scripture says, "Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666." Revelation 13:16-18
You might be okay with going hungry but what about food for your baby? Remember this includes obtaining health care-even emergency health care. What if you were a diabetic and you knew without medication and a carefully balanced diet you would not probably but certainly suffer at your time of death. Would you choose to do it? What if you had asthma or congestive heart failure and you couldn't breathe? Would you take the mark and live and then go to hell and suffer for eternity or would you suffer for the moment and live in eternity forever free of sin and decay and in a body that would know no pain?
Now back to the dog. You see this dog has someone who loves him dearly-who is greatly concerned about his care, who paid for his food and provided a place for him, who loves him and will pay any price for him but who can't have him because of this chip. This man was almost in tears as he asked me, "Who do I call to find out how long I have to wait until I can go get him?" And his owner, the one who he belongs to according to the chip, did not show.
Do you understand that the mark matters? Just like that dog sits in that vets office, owner clearly defined, waiting to be rescued and loved and cared for, that is what will happen to those who have the mark. Eventually the vet will have to turn the pet over to the pound and Satan will most certainly let you receive your judgement. He will know where you are and he will not care. Satan is not coming to rescue you. He doesn't care about you. He hates you. Once you take that mark you will belong to him and the scriptures say, "And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, , he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name." Revelation 14:9-11.
This life is a training ground for the coming end. We all suffer. And in the soon coming days we will suffer even more. Very possibly before the rapture there will be some serious affliction and possibly torture or death of the saints. We don't know what we will encounter. But maybe, just maybe God is allowing little annoyances knowing that our faith will be tested. In fact the scripture tells us, "Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"
Oh, Precious Ones, it hurts me to think that you may be like that dog waiting for an owner to come who doesn't care about you. God loves you and loved you SO MUCH that He sent Jesus to pay for your life, to pay the debt of your sins with His own blood! He longs to give you so much and to allow you to be all you can be because He knows why He made you and what you CAN be. Please let Him have you life. Give Him everything just as you are and watch Him make you brand new. And all you need to do is just what that dog did: eat, rest and obey! Tomorrow is promised to no one and you must decide who you will follow. The threat is real, the danger is real, the choice is real but more importantly-Jesus is real. Choose Jesus and choose Him today!
Mercy Abounds loves you.
The veterinarian was a responsible man who was doing what was required in contacting the owner. The owner even promised he would come pick up the animal but he did not come as he promised. My friend was upset. The dog was crying for him and he couldn't console the animal. The animal didn't understand, he wanted my friend but couldn't be there. Of course the vet could not give someone else's property to another person. It was not his place. But if the owner didn't return he could relinquish the dog to the public animal shelter for adoption or destruction.
I asked my friend if he'd be willing to pay either the owner or the shelter for the dog and his reply was full of anguish. He said, "I want him, I don't care what it costs, I will pay." At his job earlier in the day a friend tried to console him by pointing out to him that this is exactly what Jesus did for us. When we were taken captive He rescued us. Just like my friend would have to go to the pound and retrieve his pet, Jesus went into the ground to pay our debt! He paid with His life to get us out of the prison sin held us in. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Now what did this dog do to deserve my friend's kindness and devotion? NOTHING! The dog wandered into his place of employment and he was starving. He was skinny and had nothing to offer. But my friend saw the possibility in this dog and knew that if he fed him and loved him and trained him right that he could be a good dog and he might be good for companionship. In fact, the burden of how the dog turned out really rested on my friend, not the dog. All the dog had to do was eat, rest and be obedient. My friend would provide the housing, the food, the medical attention, the toys and the training-everything! That includes affection. Now this poor dog was waiting in a cold and lonely place because of a chip.
Now you might wonder why I chose to tell you this story. Because a friend and I were discussing things tonight including her recent missions trip. We talked about how America was very rich compared to the rest of the world and how people who live in sin and don't work and don't intend to hold those of us who do work in a form of slavery. We talked about how backwards our country is and how it cannot continue-how most people in America are so used to comfort that they will NOT suffer at all if they can help it...blah, blah, blah...Heard all of this before?
BUT THEN GOD, as He often does, began to speak and brought us back to this little dog. We began to discuss how God is going to shake the nations very soon to find out who is truly His. "See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken--that is, things that have been made--in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:25-29.
We began to talk about the mark which many believe is exactly what this dog has implanted under his skin and how it will contain information about who we are-just like this dog's chip. But not only will it contain information about who we are but information about our health care-replacing the emergency bracelets-and also information about our banking and whatever else they choose to include. It is rumored that pretty soon we won't be able to buy or sell without this mark. Actually that rumor reflects what the scripture says, "Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666." Revelation 13:16-18
You might be okay with going hungry but what about food for your baby? Remember this includes obtaining health care-even emergency health care. What if you were a diabetic and you knew without medication and a carefully balanced diet you would not probably but certainly suffer at your time of death. Would you choose to do it? What if you had asthma or congestive heart failure and you couldn't breathe? Would you take the mark and live and then go to hell and suffer for eternity or would you suffer for the moment and live in eternity forever free of sin and decay and in a body that would know no pain?
Now back to the dog. You see this dog has someone who loves him dearly-who is greatly concerned about his care, who paid for his food and provided a place for him, who loves him and will pay any price for him but who can't have him because of this chip. This man was almost in tears as he asked me, "Who do I call to find out how long I have to wait until I can go get him?" And his owner, the one who he belongs to according to the chip, did not show.
Do you understand that the mark matters? Just like that dog sits in that vets office, owner clearly defined, waiting to be rescued and loved and cared for, that is what will happen to those who have the mark. Eventually the vet will have to turn the pet over to the pound and Satan will most certainly let you receive your judgement. He will know where you are and he will not care. Satan is not coming to rescue you. He doesn't care about you. He hates you. Once you take that mark you will belong to him and the scriptures say, "And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, , he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name." Revelation 14:9-11.
This life is a training ground for the coming end. We all suffer. And in the soon coming days we will suffer even more. Very possibly before the rapture there will be some serious affliction and possibly torture or death of the saints. We don't know what we will encounter. But maybe, just maybe God is allowing little annoyances knowing that our faith will be tested. In fact the scripture tells us, "Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"
Oh, Precious Ones, it hurts me to think that you may be like that dog waiting for an owner to come who doesn't care about you. God loves you and loved you SO MUCH that He sent Jesus to pay for your life, to pay the debt of your sins with His own blood! He longs to give you so much and to allow you to be all you can be because He knows why He made you and what you CAN be. Please let Him have you life. Give Him everything just as you are and watch Him make you brand new. And all you need to do is just what that dog did: eat, rest and obey! Tomorrow is promised to no one and you must decide who you will follow. The threat is real, the danger is real, the choice is real but more importantly-Jesus is real. Choose Jesus and choose Him today!
Mercy Abounds loves you.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
God The Judge
Have you ever been to court? Just walking into the doors of a courthouse and into the room where the hearing will be held stirs something in you. There is an air of formality and expectation. There is a knowing that something important is about to happen.
Soon you hear, "All rise." And everyone, even the criminal, stands as the judge enters the room. The judge is about to hear and examine the evidence presented to him and determine, decide, or judge someone's guilt or innocence. It is a somber occassion. Though some may predict the outcome by following the law-the judge has the ultimate say. You MUST respect him because he has the power in this room and your fate rests in his hands.
If you are unruly he will fine you and throw you out. If you are guilty he or one like him will decide your fate. The law is his plumbline. If he is a good judge he will not let guilt go unpunished. There must be consequences for breaking the law or the law has no power. It is his job to maintain that authority for the security of a civilization depends on it. But there is a Judge even higher.
God is the ultimate judge. And just as there is imposed respect for an earthly judge, whether one agrees with the law or not, God demands our same respect. And though earthly judges have power-they have no power that is not given to them. God is Omnipotent meaning all powerful. In fact, God IS power. No one had to GIVE God anything-in fact He breathes and gives life and there is nothing that has life that did not get life from Him (Jesus). "For by [fn] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16 And just as the judge in the courtroom must judge to maintain authority and the fate of a civilization we are so dependent on God that if He were to take His hand off of us we would dissolve. "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17.
Daniel 5 tells us the story of a rebellious king, Belshazzar, who disregarded the power of Almighty God. As the scriptures tell-this king should've known better because his father was a rebellious king who was humbled in a very unusual manner. But he did not remember his father-or his father's God. That, precious ones, is always a very bad decision.
Daniel 5:1-4 tells us of a feast that the very proud and unwise king Belshazzar was hosting. He thought it would be a "kick" to take the cups and things of God taken from the Temple in Jerusalem and drink from them. These were vessels that were used to offer sacrifices to God. That was the last straw with God for this wicked king! "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Galatians 6:7.
Suddenly a hand appeared and began to write on the wall. So, what did this rebellious, proud and arrogant king do? "Then the king's color changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together." Daniel 5:6. Oh yes! He grew pale and his knees KNOCKED together! He was scared and rightly so!
Belshazzar began to call in everyone he knew to see who could read the writing on the wall. But noone could and h bcame even more pale-or maybe green with nervous nausea-whatever it was "Mr. I'm So Bad" was not looking so good!(Daniel 5:7-12).
Enter Daniel-sold out Jesus Freak of a man. Sat beside hungry lions during prayer time, interpreter of dreams, has his own book in the Bible named after him, respector of a Holy God- Daniel....(Daniel 5:13 through the rest of the chapter). The king began to question Daniel and offered to ply him with riches and authority. Daniel told him to keep what he had but jumped at the opportunity to tell him about his God. He started with the first rebellious king mentioned, Nebuchadnezzar, and reminded this foolish king of his father's folly and forgiveness that was completely ignored by this wicked son. Next came the interpretation of the sentence passed by God on this doomed man.
"And this is the writing that was inscribed: Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin. This is the interpretation of the matter: Mene, God has numbered [fn] the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; Tekel, you have been weighed [fn] in the balances and found wanting; Peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians." [Daniel 5:24-28. And so it did happen that very night.
So, the question begs to be asked-are you mistreating, misusing, disregarding as holy unto the Lord the things of the Most High God? Are you disrespectful to the name of the Lord? Do you OMG and use His Name in vain? Do you mistreat your parents or husband, wife, family or friends? Are you careless with your time, your money, your responsibilities, your words or body?
EVERYTHING we have comes from God and belongs to Him. He is holy. Our bodies are His temple. Your neighbor's body is in the least His creation if he is not saved and if he is saved then that's God's temple too! Our abilities and resources and BREATH were given to us to manage and use for God's glory not our own selfish devices. I have much work to do this year to bring myself into agreement with God on my life and resources but I am willing and a work in progress.
Are YOU a work in progress? So far this new year we have had two Sundays-have you worshipped Him yet this year? We are commanded to do that. Have you read His Word? If you have not done either of these could I tell you with love that you are mishandling things that belong to a Holy God and He will not tolerate that forever though He is longsuffering with us. He created you to praise Him and serve Him.
God is merciful because if He was not we would be dead already for our trespasses against Him. But knowing we could never get to Him, praise God- He came to us in the person of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. That very same person of Jesus Christ is God the Creator and also is the Judge. Who better to judge than the one who took the punishment for our sins. If you chose to make Him, Jesus, Lord of your life-you will live forever under His pardon, His grace, His forgiveness which can NEVER be reversed. But if you do not recognize His position of authority and ownership you will surely be judged and found wanting and the penalty is and has always been death. I do not want you to die without the promise of Heaven. If you do not go to Heaven, you will surely go to Hell where you will live in darkness and torment apart from God and you will live there forever with no hope of release.
God is Holy. We should be also. May you live this year to serve a Holy God. If you are not sure how to do this, please message me because, "...it is not the will of my* Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."
To God be the Glory,
Jamie
Soon you hear, "All rise." And everyone, even the criminal, stands as the judge enters the room. The judge is about to hear and examine the evidence presented to him and determine, decide, or judge someone's guilt or innocence. It is a somber occassion. Though some may predict the outcome by following the law-the judge has the ultimate say. You MUST respect him because he has the power in this room and your fate rests in his hands.
If you are unruly he will fine you and throw you out. If you are guilty he or one like him will decide your fate. The law is his plumbline. If he is a good judge he will not let guilt go unpunished. There must be consequences for breaking the law or the law has no power. It is his job to maintain that authority for the security of a civilization depends on it. But there is a Judge even higher.
God is the ultimate judge. And just as there is imposed respect for an earthly judge, whether one agrees with the law or not, God demands our same respect. And though earthly judges have power-they have no power that is not given to them. God is Omnipotent meaning all powerful. In fact, God IS power. No one had to GIVE God anything-in fact He breathes and gives life and there is nothing that has life that did not get life from Him (Jesus). "For by [fn] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16 And just as the judge in the courtroom must judge to maintain authority and the fate of a civilization we are so dependent on God that if He were to take His hand off of us we would dissolve. "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17.
Daniel 5 tells us the story of a rebellious king, Belshazzar, who disregarded the power of Almighty God. As the scriptures tell-this king should've known better because his father was a rebellious king who was humbled in a very unusual manner. But he did not remember his father-or his father's God. That, precious ones, is always a very bad decision.
Daniel 5:1-4 tells us of a feast that the very proud and unwise king Belshazzar was hosting. He thought it would be a "kick" to take the cups and things of God taken from the Temple in Jerusalem and drink from them. These were vessels that were used to offer sacrifices to God. That was the last straw with God for this wicked king! "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Galatians 6:7.
Suddenly a hand appeared and began to write on the wall. So, what did this rebellious, proud and arrogant king do? "Then the king's color changed, and his thoughts alarmed him; his limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together." Daniel 5:6. Oh yes! He grew pale and his knees KNOCKED together! He was scared and rightly so!
Belshazzar began to call in everyone he knew to see who could read the writing on the wall. But noone could and h bcame even more pale-or maybe green with nervous nausea-whatever it was "Mr. I'm So Bad" was not looking so good!(Daniel 5:7-12).
Enter Daniel-sold out Jesus Freak of a man. Sat beside hungry lions during prayer time, interpreter of dreams, has his own book in the Bible named after him, respector of a Holy God- Daniel....(Daniel 5:13 through the rest of the chapter). The king began to question Daniel and offered to ply him with riches and authority. Daniel told him to keep what he had but jumped at the opportunity to tell him about his God. He started with the first rebellious king mentioned, Nebuchadnezzar, and reminded this foolish king of his father's folly and forgiveness that was completely ignored by this wicked son. Next came the interpretation of the sentence passed by God on this doomed man.
"And this is the writing that was inscribed: Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin. This is the interpretation of the matter: Mene, God has numbered [fn] the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end; Tekel, you have been weighed [fn] in the balances and found wanting; Peres, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians." [Daniel 5:24-28. And so it did happen that very night.
So, the question begs to be asked-are you mistreating, misusing, disregarding as holy unto the Lord the things of the Most High God? Are you disrespectful to the name of the Lord? Do you OMG and use His Name in vain? Do you mistreat your parents or husband, wife, family or friends? Are you careless with your time, your money, your responsibilities, your words or body?
EVERYTHING we have comes from God and belongs to Him. He is holy. Our bodies are His temple. Your neighbor's body is in the least His creation if he is not saved and if he is saved then that's God's temple too! Our abilities and resources and BREATH were given to us to manage and use for God's glory not our own selfish devices. I have much work to do this year to bring myself into agreement with God on my life and resources but I am willing and a work in progress.
Are YOU a work in progress? So far this new year we have had two Sundays-have you worshipped Him yet this year? We are commanded to do that. Have you read His Word? If you have not done either of these could I tell you with love that you are mishandling things that belong to a Holy God and He will not tolerate that forever though He is longsuffering with us. He created you to praise Him and serve Him.
God is merciful because if He was not we would be dead already for our trespasses against Him. But knowing we could never get to Him, praise God- He came to us in the person of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. That very same person of Jesus Christ is God the Creator and also is the Judge. Who better to judge than the one who took the punishment for our sins. If you chose to make Him, Jesus, Lord of your life-you will live forever under His pardon, His grace, His forgiveness which can NEVER be reversed. But if you do not recognize His position of authority and ownership you will surely be judged and found wanting and the penalty is and has always been death. I do not want you to die without the promise of Heaven. If you do not go to Heaven, you will surely go to Hell where you will live in darkness and torment apart from God and you will live there forever with no hope of release.
God is Holy. We should be also. May you live this year to serve a Holy God. If you are not sure how to do this, please message me because, "...it is not the will of my* Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."
To God be the Glory,
Jamie
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The Power Over You
I tell people frequently that we humans are like straws. We are open on both ends and hollow in the middle and though we may appear to be empty we are still filled with something, even if it is only opportunistic air. Unfortunately we are filled with self. We are filled with worldly influences and we are filled by Spiritual forces as well. If we are not filled with Christ, we will be filled with His enemy. While that may be hard to hear, it is most definitely true. We humans were made to be filled and so we will be.
We humans were also made to worship, adore and belong to...Someone. We have an overwhelming desire to "love". We often misunderstand this desire and we try to attach ourselves to things and people thinking these relationships will fill this God given void. We are placed on this earth to find our way to Christ. Just like a duckling is born trying to find his mother, we are born with "eternity in our hearts". Ecclesiastes 3:11. Just like that duckling can mistake the first thing it sees as its mother, we can mistake the first person or thing that eases this ache as the one we were meant to love. That mistake often leads to big trouble.
We, as people, don't trust things that we cannot see so we do not understand the Power over us. But we are governed by many things we cannot see in everyday life. We are susceptible to germs which make us sick. We are supported by gravity. We are aided by the Internet, cable and GPS technology. We cannot see these things yet we trust them. We have faith in them and if they do not work, it greatly impacts our lives. Yet we give them far more credit than they are due. There is a greater Power.
God, in the person of Jesus Christ is the Creative force of this world. John 1:3 "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." Colossians 1:16, 17 "For by* him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." We hold together in Christ. He is the missing piece of our puzzle. That is power.
Perhaps you do not believe in God. Maybe you believe in a "higher power". However, every power is higher than human beings in our present fleshly prison. Which power have you chosen? You see, you must choose. We must choose. We, being straws or as humans will be filled, remember? If we are not filled with Christ then the "Opportunist" moves in. The "Opportunist" is not your friend. This spiritual being known by many names such as Satan, the Enemy, the Father of Lies, and so on has a plan for your life-to make sure you never find Christ.
The Enemy knows his end. Satan is a defeated foe if you have chosen Christ. God tells us what Satan's position is in Revelation 17. In verses 8 and 11 the Bible says Satan "was and is not". Revelation tells us past, present and future all at the same time. God is telling us that he was in existence as a power but he "is not" because his future had already been determined, v8 but "yet is" because he has not yet been thrown into hell. Satan was defeated when Jesus rose from the grave and took the keys of hell and death. Revelation 1:18 speaks of Jesus this, "I [am] He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." However, Satan has been allowed to roam the earth for a while longer. This Enemy can still deceive and influence and blind us if we allow it.
You see, God alone in His Triune power, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit is Omnipotent, meaning that He has all power. Revelation 19:6 "And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!" His Name is also "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8. God is-now; and was-has always been; and is to come-in the Second Coming when Jesus comes back to reign. Jesus will throw Satan into hell and those that follow after him-who did not choose to follow Christ.
I will say again that you get to choose the Power over you. Though there really is only One. Should you decide not to choose Christ to be your Lord-the One who reigns over your life-then you choose the Enemy. And Satan has already been defeated. Though Satan may have a little power now, enough to confuse and deceive you, he does not have enough power to save even himself because he has been condemned to hell when Jesus rose from the dead. Is that who you want to have control over you? Matthew 10:28 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." God, while He is the only real Power, will not force you to choose Him. You can choose to have a defeated foe rule your life, though he can't save his own life. Or, you can pretend that there is no God, though everyday you breathe and see His creation, and you cannot save yourself. The "Opportunist", Satan will still rule your life. Or, you can pretend that the sun and moon and stars or trees have power over you, though you know they were also created. Here again, the "Opportunist", or Satan will be your lord. There is no middle ground.
God is giving you time to make your decision but we do not know how much longer we have. He could come tonight or tomorrow. But tomorrow is not promised. James 4:14 "... whereas you do not know what [will happen] tomorrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." God makes it very clear in His Word, the Bible, what we should do; ""I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;" Deuteronomy 30:19.
May you choose well the Power over you.
Should you want to know more about how to make Jesus Lord of your life, comment here or visit the Mercy Abounds Facebook page. You may also refer to the link on this blog on How to Have a Relationship With Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
We humans were also made to worship, adore and belong to...Someone. We have an overwhelming desire to "love". We often misunderstand this desire and we try to attach ourselves to things and people thinking these relationships will fill this God given void. We are placed on this earth to find our way to Christ. Just like a duckling is born trying to find his mother, we are born with "eternity in our hearts". Ecclesiastes 3:11. Just like that duckling can mistake the first thing it sees as its mother, we can mistake the first person or thing that eases this ache as the one we were meant to love. That mistake often leads to big trouble.
We, as people, don't trust things that we cannot see so we do not understand the Power over us. But we are governed by many things we cannot see in everyday life. We are susceptible to germs which make us sick. We are supported by gravity. We are aided by the Internet, cable and GPS technology. We cannot see these things yet we trust them. We have faith in them and if they do not work, it greatly impacts our lives. Yet we give them far more credit than they are due. There is a greater Power.
God, in the person of Jesus Christ is the Creative force of this world. John 1:3 "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." Colossians 1:16, 17 "For by* him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." We hold together in Christ. He is the missing piece of our puzzle. That is power.
Perhaps you do not believe in God. Maybe you believe in a "higher power". However, every power is higher than human beings in our present fleshly prison. Which power have you chosen? You see, you must choose. We must choose. We, being straws or as humans will be filled, remember? If we are not filled with Christ then the "Opportunist" moves in. The "Opportunist" is not your friend. This spiritual being known by many names such as Satan, the Enemy, the Father of Lies, and so on has a plan for your life-to make sure you never find Christ.
The Enemy knows his end. Satan is a defeated foe if you have chosen Christ. God tells us what Satan's position is in Revelation 17. In verses 8 and 11 the Bible says Satan "was and is not". Revelation tells us past, present and future all at the same time. God is telling us that he was in existence as a power but he "is not" because his future had already been determined, v8 but "yet is" because he has not yet been thrown into hell. Satan was defeated when Jesus rose from the grave and took the keys of hell and death. Revelation 1:18 speaks of Jesus this, "I [am] He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death." However, Satan has been allowed to roam the earth for a while longer. This Enemy can still deceive and influence and blind us if we allow it.
You see, God alone in His Triune power, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit is Omnipotent, meaning that He has all power. Revelation 19:6 "And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!" His Name is also "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8. God is-now; and was-has always been; and is to come-in the Second Coming when Jesus comes back to reign. Jesus will throw Satan into hell and those that follow after him-who did not choose to follow Christ.
I will say again that you get to choose the Power over you. Though there really is only One. Should you decide not to choose Christ to be your Lord-the One who reigns over your life-then you choose the Enemy. And Satan has already been defeated. Though Satan may have a little power now, enough to confuse and deceive you, he does not have enough power to save even himself because he has been condemned to hell when Jesus rose from the dead. Is that who you want to have control over you? Matthew 10:28 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." God, while He is the only real Power, will not force you to choose Him. You can choose to have a defeated foe rule your life, though he can't save his own life. Or, you can pretend that there is no God, though everyday you breathe and see His creation, and you cannot save yourself. The "Opportunist", Satan will still rule your life. Or, you can pretend that the sun and moon and stars or trees have power over you, though you know they were also created. Here again, the "Opportunist", or Satan will be your lord. There is no middle ground.
God is giving you time to make your decision but we do not know how much longer we have. He could come tonight or tomorrow. But tomorrow is not promised. James 4:14 "... whereas you do not know what [will happen] tomorrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." God makes it very clear in His Word, the Bible, what we should do; ""I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;" Deuteronomy 30:19.
May you choose well the Power over you.
Should you want to know more about how to make Jesus Lord of your life, comment here or visit the Mercy Abounds Facebook page. You may also refer to the link on this blog on How to Have a Relationship With Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory,
Jamie
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
What is Good?
Do you ever feel like you're not good enough? Maybe you feel like sometimes people want you to be good enough to do something? When you try out for cheer leading or football you have to make the cut. When you apply for a job you have to interview well and present a list of skills. You don't have to look very far in this world to find discouragement. It may come through your boss. Sometimes it is only a friend away. Sometimes a family member speaks discouragement over you. Sometimes you don't measure up to expectations. But truthfully, if we rely on ourselves and our abilities to accomplish anything we are not going to get very far in God's kingdom. We may build a building or a church. We may even build a city, but have we done it for God and His purposes? Will it bring Him glory? I find it interesting to note that God puts us in impossible situations, with only ourselves, the gifts that we may not be aware we have and prayer, and He miraculously accomplishes His Will through the Holy Spirit.
Ministry can be both a blessing and a burden. God does not need our abilities or gifts, though He wants us to offer them to His command. He can give us whatever we need to complete the tasks ahead of us for His purpose. He blesses us with the opportunity to participate in fellowship with Him through ministry. What He needs or requires is our availability and obedience. If He has our availability sometimes in spite of ourselves He will move through us. When we are obedient God doesn't have to explain everything He wants us to do. In our obedience we agree with God and do what He asks. Then His will is accomplished in, around and through us. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has our good in mind. (Click on the scripture reference to view the passage.) If we know that God is good and His purpose for us is good then we should be willing to minister through faith. As we see His will accomplished our desire grows. Ministry becomes a burden as a fire shut up in our bones when we are cooperating with the Holy Spirit. We can't wait to tell someone the Good News of Christ or to serve Him. Ministry becomes a burden, as in a heavy load, when we try to accomplish God's will without His help. Then, we can't wait for it to be over because we are exhausted.
So for those days I forget about the Holy Spirit empowering us and I am discouraged; when I know I cannot do the things God asks me to do and I cannot imagine how He can make it happen; when I wonder why He chose me- I must remember it is because I asked Him to use me. I made myself available when He called me. I am not good. I am not capable. I am not able to do what God asks of me. But through my sometimes reluctant obedience and availability God is able to do it through me. And for those who doubt my ability and my skill- I have none! Doubt away! But this is what my God says, "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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Know that if anything lasting is ever accomplished through this ministry you can be sure that it was accomplished through, by and for Jesus Christ. And there could not be a more worthy, more capable, more qualified Leader for the job. God alone is good. He alone is worthy. He alone will get the glory. Please pray all our Mercy Abounds leaders will continue to be clean, available, obedient vessels who are totally submitted to His will and committed to His plan for everyone we serve. I thank you in Jesus' Name.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Ministry can be both a blessing and a burden. God does not need our abilities or gifts, though He wants us to offer them to His command. He can give us whatever we need to complete the tasks ahead of us for His purpose. He blesses us with the opportunity to participate in fellowship with Him through ministry. What He needs or requires is our availability and obedience. If He has our availability sometimes in spite of ourselves He will move through us. When we are obedient God doesn't have to explain everything He wants us to do. In our obedience we agree with God and do what He asks. Then His will is accomplished in, around and through us. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has our good in mind. (Click on the scripture reference to view the passage.) If we know that God is good and His purpose for us is good then we should be willing to minister through faith. As we see His will accomplished our desire grows. Ministry becomes a burden as a fire shut up in our bones when we are cooperating with the Holy Spirit. We can't wait to tell someone the Good News of Christ or to serve Him. Ministry becomes a burden, as in a heavy load, when we try to accomplish God's will without His help. Then, we can't wait for it to be over because we are exhausted.
So for those days I forget about the Holy Spirit empowering us and I am discouraged; when I know I cannot do the things God asks me to do and I cannot imagine how He can make it happen; when I wonder why He chose me- I must remember it is because I asked Him to use me. I made myself available when He called me. I am not good. I am not capable. I am not able to do what God asks of me. But through my sometimes reluctant obedience and availability God is able to do it through me. And for those who doubt my ability and my skill- I have none! Doubt away! But this is what my God says, "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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Know that if anything lasting is ever accomplished through this ministry you can be sure that it was accomplished through, by and for Jesus Christ. And there could not be a more worthy, more capable, more qualified Leader for the job. God alone is good. He alone is worthy. He alone will get the glory. Please pray all our Mercy Abounds leaders will continue to be clean, available, obedient vessels who are totally submitted to His will and committed to His plan for everyone we serve. I thank you in Jesus' Name.
To God be the glory!
Jamie
Saturday, December 31, 2011
I Then Shall Live
I have been praying and asking God to help me with many things this New Year. I was so touched by a song we are to sing at church in the morning that I wanted to share it. The Word says that we are to worship "in spirit and in truth". John 4:24. Sometimes when we sing songs, when I sing songs, I wonder if we really get the true meaning. As I list the words to this faithful hymn, see what you think.
"I then shall live as one who's been forgiven. I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid. I know my name is clear before the Father. I am His child and I am not afraid. So greatly pardoned I will forgive my brother. The law of love I gladly will obey."
Already this song had my attention. I knew I'd sung it before, but the words had such new meaning today. Do we know our name is clear before the Father? Jesus paid our debts. We are forgiven and there is no condemnation for us. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". Romans 8:1 So, if we have unconfessed sin in our life, we repent, turn from it back to God. God doesn't recognize our sin historically-as in when we mess us He pulls our file and adds our sin up...NO! "As far as the east is from the west, [So] far has He removed our transgressions from us". Psalm 103:12. He chooses not to remember our sins. Thank You, God, for that! And did you know that if we know that we are loved we have no reason to be afraid? "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." 1 John 4:18. And since you know this depth of love and forgiveness, can you forgive someone who does not? Even if it hurts? Even if it's hard? May God give you, us, the strength to let go of unforgiveness, hurt and hate this year so that you may increase in love and Godliness.
"I then shall live as one who'd learned compassion. I've been so loved that I'll risk loving too. I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges. I'll dare to see anothers' point of view. And when relationships demand commitment, then I'll be there to care and follow through."
By this time I was in tears. Do I really know how to love? Do I put my heart out there for folks to stomp on for Christ's sake or do I love the ones it's "safe" to love? Do I love my enemies? Do we love our enemies? Their hatred of Christ sometimes makes me shy away from them because it is directed at me. Jesus told us, ""If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." John 15:18 In fact, "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." John 15:20. Can we dare to listen to them? Could we, could I, listen so that we can understand where their pain originates so that we can apply the balm of the Gospel to their wounded soul? Not as a spiritual band aid but to truly love them enough to reveal to them where their help will really come from? It is hard! It is uncomfortable! But Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life! If we love our enemies we will pray for their salvation and commit to it. We may even have to "endure" them as they "endure" us for the sake of Christ. I know I can be a pain though I try not to be but I try to be real. Let them see your witness lived out! Your walk speaks louder than your words at times.
"Your Kingdom come around and though and in me. Your power and glory, let them shine
through me. Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor and may Your living Kingdom come in me. The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor. And may You feed a hungry world through me."
We are to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1. When we get out of the way, more of Christ can move in and out of us! When we are filled with Christ we are living out the power of Him. Christ in you is the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27. May we walk in a manner worthy of Him so as not to tarnish our testimony. Then people may receive our words as God softens their hearts to receive it. What an awesome thing to serve the Most High God and serve Him well. How incredible to be privileged to share the Good News of the Gospel of Christ. Lord, bring in the harvest!
Could you sing this song and mean it? My prayer is that this year you will. That we will.
To God be the Glory,
Jamie
"I then shall live as one who's been forgiven. I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid. I know my name is clear before the Father. I am His child and I am not afraid. So greatly pardoned I will forgive my brother. The law of love I gladly will obey."
Already this song had my attention. I knew I'd sung it before, but the words had such new meaning today. Do we know our name is clear before the Father? Jesus paid our debts. We are forgiven and there is no condemnation for us. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". Romans 8:1 So, if we have unconfessed sin in our life, we repent, turn from it back to God. God doesn't recognize our sin historically-as in when we mess us He pulls our file and adds our sin up...NO! "As far as the east is from the west, [So] far has He removed our transgressions from us". Psalm 103:12. He chooses not to remember our sins. Thank You, God, for that! And did you know that if we know that we are loved we have no reason to be afraid? "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." 1 John 4:18. And since you know this depth of love and forgiveness, can you forgive someone who does not? Even if it hurts? Even if it's hard? May God give you, us, the strength to let go of unforgiveness, hurt and hate this year so that you may increase in love and Godliness.
"I then shall live as one who'd learned compassion. I've been so loved that I'll risk loving too. I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges. I'll dare to see anothers' point of view. And when relationships demand commitment, then I'll be there to care and follow through."
By this time I was in tears. Do I really know how to love? Do I put my heart out there for folks to stomp on for Christ's sake or do I love the ones it's "safe" to love? Do I love my enemies? Do we love our enemies? Their hatred of Christ sometimes makes me shy away from them because it is directed at me. Jesus told us, ""If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." John 15:18 In fact, "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." John 15:20. Can we dare to listen to them? Could we, could I, listen so that we can understand where their pain originates so that we can apply the balm of the Gospel to their wounded soul? Not as a spiritual band aid but to truly love them enough to reveal to them where their help will really come from? It is hard! It is uncomfortable! But Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life! If we love our enemies we will pray for their salvation and commit to it. We may even have to "endure" them as they "endure" us for the sake of Christ. I know I can be a pain though I try not to be but I try to be real. Let them see your witness lived out! Your walk speaks louder than your words at times.
"Your Kingdom come around and though and in me. Your power and glory, let them shine
through me. Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor and may Your living Kingdom come in me. The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor. And may You feed a hungry world through me."
We are to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1. When we get out of the way, more of Christ can move in and out of us! When we are filled with Christ we are living out the power of Him. Christ in you is the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27. May we walk in a manner worthy of Him so as not to tarnish our testimony. Then people may receive our words as God softens their hearts to receive it. What an awesome thing to serve the Most High God and serve Him well. How incredible to be privileged to share the Good News of the Gospel of Christ. Lord, bring in the harvest!
Could you sing this song and mean it? My prayer is that this year you will. That we will.
To God be the Glory,
Jamie
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