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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16 The two main phrases in this passage are "you are the light of the world," and, "glorify your Father." The rest is explaining how we are special and that we should show our Christ-like lifestyle.
Do not love the world nor the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever. - 1 John 2:15-17 This is like a continuation of the previous entry. "Do not love the world." That's pretty much straight forward. By world, it means this world, the world we are living in. It is corrupt and is not of God. There are only bad things, evil things, in the world. This world will end, but "whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life," like John 3:16 states.
Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their minds devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble. - Proverbs 24:1-2 Has there ever been a time where you envied a person because they had something you wanted? Here, God states not to envy sinners. Just because right now it may seem as though they have all the fun, that doesn't mean that what they do is correct. For example, drugs. It may seem fun or it may make someone feel good or cool, but the very next second that person will feel crappy all over again. Why? It is because it wasn't meant to fill them up. We as Christians shouldn't want to be with people like that. Why do some Christians fall out of the glory of God? Most likely, it's because they became distracted with the things of this world and decided to "live freely"; they wanted to have fun and enjoy life. God says we shouldn't want to be like them. In the end, what happens to people that are not of the Lord? They . . . are eternally punished in hell.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." - John 3:16 Many people have heard about John 3:16, and maybe they know what it says, but do they really know what it means . . . how deep it is? How much does God love us? Apparently, a whole lot because He sent His son to die for us, sinners, on the cross in order for our sins (sins of the past, present, and future) to be washed away, so that we will be able to go to heaven. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. And, if we believe in Christ and what he did for us, we will have the gift of eternal life (not this worldly life, but the one destined for us in heaven).
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:21 In other words, a true Christian will live life according to God. "To live is Christ . . ." Their entire life will be in His hands, and when they die, they will finally come home. " . . . and to die is gain." They'll be in heaven where they were meant to be, to praise and worship the Lord.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. - Proverbs 4:23 Commentary from "Daily Bible Verse": The heart is first. It speaks of the inner life, the mind, the thoughts, the motives, the desires. The mind is the foundation from which the actions spring. If the fountain is pure, the stream that flows from it is pure. As a man thinks, so is he. So this verse emphasizes the importance of a clean thought life.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you." - Isaiah 43:2 The waters, rivers, fire, and flame all symbolize the tribulations that we go through every day. God is saying here that he will be with us every step of the way, and he will never leave us. He loves us that much. :)
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7 "It's what's on the inside that counts." I've heard this saying many times and found it hard to do, but God does it with us all the time. To each and every one of us, he doesn't look at our physical features but what is in our hearts.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation.
Satan had just departed from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting.
"Yes, sir, I just caught a World full of people down there. I set me a trap and used a little bait. I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"
"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.
Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"
"And what will you do when you get done with them?" Jesus asked.
"Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly.
"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked
"Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. See, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you then kill you. You don't want those people!!"
"How much?" He asked again.
Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears, and your life."
Jesus said without hesitation, "DONE!"
Then He paid the price.
- Isn't it funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the World's going to Hell?
- Isn't it funny how someone can say "I believe in God" but still follow Satan?
- Isn't it funny how you can repost a thousand jokes through bulletins and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending bulletins regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing?
- Isn't it funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me.
- I pray, for everyone who reposts this, they will be blessed by God in a way special for them
- And send it back to the person who sent it, to let them know that indeed it was sent out to many more.
- If You Love God and are not ashamed of all the marvelous things HE has done for you,
repost this as "Read only if you have time for God"
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, not effeminate*, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. - 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 *I.e. effeminate by perversion So, who will not go to heaven? Obviously, that whole list above.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
>>>KNOCK KNOCK<<<
>>>WHO'S THERE<<<
>>>JESUS (READ IT ALL. MOST PEOPLE WOULD STOP HERE)<<<
>>>JESUS WHO<<<
>>>I AM THE SON OF GOD...THE BREAD OF LIFE...THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA...THE BRIGHT MORNING STAR...I AM THE ONE WHO CAME TO SAVE YOUR LIFE...THE ONE WHO DIED FOR YOU AND WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD SO THAT YOU MAY HAVE LIFE YOURSELF...I AM THE ONE WHO CAME TO SET YOU FREE FROM ALL BONDAGES OF SIN...<<<
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
- REVALATIONS 3:20
>>>ARE YOU WILLING TO OPEN THE DOOR TO LET HIM IN?<<<
Friday, October 27, 2006
Once, a teenage girl about 17 had gone to visit some friends one evening and time passed quickly as each shared their various experiences of the past year. She ended up staying longer than planned, and had to walk home alone. She wasn't afraid because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away. As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane asked God to keep her safe from harm and danger. When she reached the alley, which was a short cut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley she noticed a man standing at the end as though he were waiting for her. She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for God's protection. Instantly a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped round her, she felt as though someone was walking with her. When she reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely. The following day, she read in the newspaper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley just twenty minutes after she had been there. Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have been her, she began to weep. Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this young woman, she decided to go to the police station. She felt she could recognize the man, so she told them her story. The police asked her if she would be willing to look at a lineup to see if she could identify him. She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen in the alley the night before. When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if there was anything they could do for her. She asked if they would ask the man one question. Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her. When the policeman asked him, he answered, "Because she wasn't alone. She had two tall men walking on either side of her." Amazingly, whether you believe or not, you're never alone.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete. - 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 What the heck is this passage talking about? Well, let's break it down: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh . . " In other words, even though we live in this world we shouldn't fight against it. " . . . for the weapons of our warfare are not of flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses." In other words, instead of using this world's mentality we should use God's power which is amazingly powerful. "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God," In other words, we can win against sin. "and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," In other words, we remember everything that happens to us and we should take it to God. "and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete." In other words, we are prepared to defeat the enemy. Are you? Maybe the interpretation is wrong, but that's what I think it means. If you got something else from reading this verse please comment. :)
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
As He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!" And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down." As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?" And Jesus began to say to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. Many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He!' and will mislead many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. The gospel must first be preached to all the nations. When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flea to the mountains. The one who is on the housetop must not go down, or go in to get anything out of his house; and the one who is on the field must not turn back to get his coat. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! But pray that it may not happen in the winter. For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will. Unless the Lord has shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, 'Behold here is the Christ'; or, 'Behold, He is there'; do not believe him; for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance. But in those days, after that tribulation, THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL BE FALLING from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN CLOUDS with great power and glory. And then He will send forth the angels, and winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven. Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come . It is like a man on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his tasks, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert. Therefore, be on the alert-for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning-in case he should come suddenly and find you asleep. What I say to you I say to all, 'Be on the alert!' " -Mark 13 This is what's going to happen when Jesus comes back. That's basically it.
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. -1 Thessalonians 5:14 These guidelines are basically what we should do everyday: don't give into sin, help one another, and be patient.
Monday, July 31, 2006
I had on new clothes, New sneakers on my feet. I was there for class on time, Went to the back and took my seat.
Yeah, I'm moving up,
I'm already grown. Soon I'll be graduating, And out on my own.
I talked to some of my friends,
We were all having fun. Said some things I shouldn't have said. Did stuff I shouldn't have done.
I knew I was different...
I felt God touch my heart, I knew I should set a standard, But then I'd be set apart.
Walking to the bus,
I was not looking for strength. I heard the car tires screeching, But now it's too late.
I'm standing in this room,
And I can see the heavenly gate... Oh no! I never prayed. I thought I had time to get it straight!
An angel walked to me,
He had a book in his hand. I knew it was the Book of Life, When would this dream end?
I told him my name,
And he began to look. Then he looked at me sadly and said, Your name is not in this book.
Angel, this is a dream,
No, I can't be dead! He closed the book and turned away, He whispered - You cannot proceed ahead.
No . . . no this can't be real,
Angel, you can't turn me away. Let me talk to God, Maybe he'll let me stay.
He led me to the gate,
Jesus came to me. He did not let me in but said, Beloved what is your need?
Jesus, I cried, please,
Don't cast me away from you. Tears ran down his face as he said, You knew what you needed to do.
Lord, please I'm young,
I never thought I would die... I thought I'd have plenty of time, Death caught me by surprise.
Lord, I went to church,
Please Jesus, I believe. He said you would not accept me, My love you would not receive.
Lord, there were too many hypocrites.
They weren't being true. He took a step back and asked, What does that have to do with you?
Lord, my family claimed to be saved,
They weren't real. You know. He said, I died for you, Now I have to go.
I fell to my knees crying to Him,
Lord, I planned to be real tomorrow. I couldn't make Him understand, I had never felt such sorrow.
Then it hit me hard, I said,
Lord, where will I go? He looked into my eyes and said, My child you already know.
Please Jesus, I begged,
The place is so hot. It seemed to trouble and grieve him, He whispered, DEPART FROM ME, I KNOW YOU NOT.
Lord, you're supposed to be love,
How can you send me to damnation? He replied, With your mouth you said you loved me, But each day you rejected my salvation.
With that in an instant,
Day turned into night. I never knew such torture could be, Now too late, I know the Bible is right.
If I can tell you anything,
Hell has no age. t is a place of torture, Separated from God and full of rage.
You know, I thought it was funny, a joke,
But this one thing is true. If you never accept Jesus Christ, HELL IS WAITING FOR YOU!
He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. -Proverbs 28:13 Once someone sins, what is usually what they will do? Try to cover it up. Why? because they don't want to remember what they did, but does it work? No, because the person still feels guilty about it. What should they do? If they confess their sins to God and ask for forgiveness, He will have mercy on them.
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. -2 Timothy 2:22 Again, do not pay attention to temptation, but obtain the good things that come from Jesus. You must call out to him honestly.
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -John 14:6 I've heard many sermons using this verse. Basically, Jesus is the real deal. He is not fake. He is what makes life meaningful. He is the only way to heaven.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted to beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. -1 Corinthians 10:13 Why is there such a thing as temptation? Some people believe that God is the one that tempts you but in reality, He'll never do that to you. It's the devil that cheers you on to sin, but as soon as you do, the devil goes against you and makes you feel guilty. It's true that God tests you, but only what you're capable of. His reasons might not seem logical at the beginning, but He knows why. The feeling of guilt was made so that you'll come to God to ask for forgiveness, but the devil turns it around it makes it so that you'll get away from God like if you're not worthy to be with Jesus. Do not fall into that trap. Always go to Jesus no matter what.
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. -Romans 12:1-2 These verses are the main logo for my church's youth ministry. What it means is to give yourself to God. Do not be apart of this world. Continue filling yourself up with the word of God, so that you can be an example to others. My pastor always reminds us of what Peter said to Timothy: "Show yourself!" Be the person that God wants you to be. You can't change yourself so go to God. He'll do it.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. -1 John 2:15-17
"Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." -Mark 4:18-19
Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." -John 8:34-36
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:19 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. -Psalms 27:1-6
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you." -Matthew 10:16-20 (also see "Traveling")
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:16
I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? -Psalms 118:5-6 (also see "Traveling")
"But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man" -Luke 21:34-36
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh*, to fulfill its lusts. -Romans 13:14 *mankind "Take off the mask, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ." Those were the first preachings of my Youth Pastor at my church. What I got from it is to get rid of your old self. Become the person that God has created you to be. Of course, He'll help you.
Wine is a mocker*, strong drink is a brawler**, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. -Proverbs 20:1 *copycat **noisy fight One might say that this verse sounds like drinking and doing drugs is not a good idea. That is true but in a deeper level the wine and the strong drink can represent the things of this world that you love the most (things that aren't right in God's eyes). Intemperance - a lack of temperance or restraint. Can you control yourself when you do the thing you love most (that you know is bad)?
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke* upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." -Matthew 11:28-30 *a tie or bond Don't you get tired of the same old thing? Don't you fell that sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to do it all? God is saying that you can come to Him with all those problems and He'll help you out. He'll carry it for you so that you can take His. You'll see that now you feel more relaxed.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. -Psalms 121 When you travel to a new place, don't you feel scared at times? I mean, you have no idea where everything is and you feel lost. Maybe you got a map or a friend to help you out, but nevertheless you still don't know the neighborhood your like home. In this psalm, David is saying that if he ever needs help, he knows that he can look up to God. You can do that too. Ask Him to guard you from all kinds of danger (also spiritually) and He will do it. What kind of God will let you get lost?
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. -Psalms 42:5 Some Christians when they first start, they are fired up. They have that passion within them. They read their bibles everyday, pray constantly, go to every service, but then when tribulations come they lose that understanding. Maybe not that soon. This is a reminder that God is in control. Trust in Him. Hope in Him. Praising Him can get you out of all your obstacles.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. -Philippians 4:6-7 Peace is one thing that we can barely understand. Nowadays because of wars and constant fights around us. Well, Jesus knew about peace. If He is in you, then you'll have peace. How? Tell Him to come into your life, have a relationship with Him, and you'll see that you'll be more relaxed.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. -Psalms 32:8 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6 Are you stuck? Do you know where you're going? If you have realized that He knows what's best for you (because he created you), pray to Him about your life. He will respond. He will tell you the way.
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. -Psalms 34 Why are you depressed? This psalm, in other words, is saying, "There is no reason to be depressed." That's exactly right. He has delivered you from the devil and continually keeps you safe. He is always there for you. Just like a dad protecting his child. What a great God He is.
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." -Matthew 5:43-48 There are many haters in the world. They are the ones that seek revenge all the time. Here, Jesus is explaining the reward for loving your enemies. I bet you all have heard of that saying, "You shall love your enemies," but who would? He is saying that if you love only the ones that love you, what will you benefit from that? He uses the phrase tax collectors because they take money from everyone equally, not just the ones they hate. With God's love in you, you can love your enemies and be perfect just like Him.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. -2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Comfort is the word that keeps popping up in this verse. It means a feeling of relief so this verse means that God is a god of relieving pain. If you are sorrowful, then God can take that agony away. He will always be there for you through all your troubles, and then you can help others go through their misfortunes. God shows us so we can show others.
"But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ' Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." -Matthew 5:22-24 This passage is basically warning you not to get angry with anyone and call them names. Work it out with that person. I think the gift that is mentioned here is your offering because an offering is like a gift to God. When you're angry with someone, God cannot accept your gift. You must first forgive that one person then give your gift. I may be wrong, though.
"He who loves his life will loose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor." -John 12:25-26 Why did I title this death? I still haven't figured that out yet. The answer will come in due time.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. -1 Peter 5:6-7 If you are worried about something or someone, then listen to this. God is saying, in this verse, that if you are worried then calm down. God is always in charge of things. He knows what He's doing. He cares about you.
Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. But You, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them. By this I know that You are well pleased with me, because my enemy does not triumph over me. As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen. -Psalms 41:9-13 Have you ever had a friend who betrayed you? Well, this passage is saying that even if friends fail, God won't. Although they left you, God won't. He will raise you above your troubles and He'll make sure that your enemies won't affect you.
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say; "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" -Hebrews 13:5-6 If you feel lonely then this is the verse for you. It is saying that God will never leave you. He is always with you, helping you, and going through everything you are. If He is with you, then no one can harm you.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other thing created, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:31-39 In these couple of verses, it's saying that nothing can separate us from the love of God. He will always love you no matter what you do because you are His creation. He hates sin, not the sinner. It is also saying that you shouldn't be afraid of losing because He is always with you.
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both the soul and the body in hell." -Matthew 10:28 In this verse, Jesus is saying not to be afraid of those who can hurt you on the outside. Only God can destroy your life because He created it, BUT He loves you so much that He'll never do that. Even if you think you deserve it because of all the horrible sins you've committed, He will never kill you or hurt you. Sometimes He will allow Satan to trouble you but only to teach you a lesson (not in a bad way). He has to instruct us, like a parent with their child.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray . . . Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. -James 5:13-15 This passage is basically saying that if you're sick, pray about it with a group of people with faith to God. It doesn't necessarily have to be physical. It can be emotional like sorrow or depression. Whatever it is, God can help you. You just have to believe it.
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