Today is the day we celebrate the wonderful birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ. God loved us so much that he sent his only son to die for the sins of the world. He came by a miraculous birth to a virgin woman named Mary. See God chose Mary as the vessel to deliver his son. An Angel appeared unto her to tell her she would have a son and to call his name Jesus. Mary was espoused to Joseph at the time and after she delivered Jesus, Joseph became his earthly father.
The Shepherds were told by the angel where Jesus was born. They came to celebrate his birth. Later the Wiseman brought gifts to celebrate and honor Jesus. Herod sought to destroy Jesus, but thankfully God protected him.
Jesus lived a humble life to show mankind that he was one of them. He could have came as a king but he came as a servant of God to teach others about the love of God. God doesn’t pick the rich or well educated to be saved. He opens the door for all mankind, whether they are poor, blind, sick or of low stature.
For whosoever calls on the name of God, shall be saved. -Romans 10:13. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. – Romans 6:23.
Jesus is Gods son, but also was a man who experienced everything an earthly man has. He suffered, had pain, had trials and more. Therefore he knows what we are going through. He knows how we feel when we have trials and tribulations. He is able to help us overcome them. All we have to do is ask him. The Bible says we have not because we ask not.
Jesus doesn’t choose perfect people. He accepts all that come to him in repentance. He can change the most sinful person. He can give love to the one who hates. He can heal the sick. He can help us overcome all our problems. He can make us a vessel of honor and godliness.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16.
The last few years have been a time of trial and hardship for almost everyone. We have been through a recent epidemic. We have had financial ups and downs. We have heard about different countries around the world fighting with each other over lands, beliefs, etc… Each individual has been through some trying times, me included. I’ve often questioned why? I’m a born again, God fearing, Christian who believes in honoring God, worshipping God and most definitely serving him. But, like most people, I’ve seen my fair share of struggles. If you have read any of my posts, you will know things I’ve dealt with and faced.
So recently, I prayed and asked God, why! I’m living right, attending church, trying my best. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. My health has declined, I’ve been through the fire. I know things could be worse, and I praise God that they are not. Recently I’ve read about the Potter in Jeremiah 18. So I made a video to tell you how much that I have been shown and learned. God forms us, refines us for his purpose.
This morning as I read my Bible, I realize that worrying can prevent you from being happy, living life, and it can cause poor health. Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 says, He that observed the wind shall not sow; and he that regarded the clouds shall not reap. As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
When people first heard of Covid, people were afraid to leave their homes; churches closed their doors, businesses went bankrupt. Why? Simply because of Fear. Many people were afraid of catching it, they didn’t know what to expect. Lives were altered. People were afraid to do anything. If a person thinks they are sick, they will be sick. If a person fears what could happen to them, they become unhealthy. They worry about catching a disease or having a heart attack or stroke. They don’t live a rich fulfilled life.
As I look back on how people acted during the Covid epidemic, they were scared, me included. But!!!! There was a time that I said, I’m going to quit worrying about it. I wasn’t going to let Covid break me. I knew that God wouldn’t let anything happen to me that wasn’t his will. I was a nurse in the hospital at this time, that worked on the Covid floor. So, I know what I’m talking about. One patient that was under my care had so much anxiety, that she was making herself sick. Her Oxygen Sat level was 96. She was breathing rapidly. Her husband was by her side. She was afraid she was going to die. I looked at her and showed her that her Oxygen Sat was better than mine, but I was working. I told her to slow her breathing, to take a deep breath then to breathe out slowly and relax. Basically I told her to quit worrying about it, that she was going to be fine. No, this wasn’t a usual practice of mine, but I see she was there because of fear. She was released from the hospital soon after that. At the time she probably didn’t appreciate my bluntness, but sometimes you must tell the truth.
My point is that fear can interfere with what God has planned for us. He wants us to be happy. He gave us so many wonderful things on this earth. He gave us friends, families, and a place to live. Don’t forget to thank God for his blessings. But, don’t forget to pray and ask God what his plan is for you and your life and don’t be afraid to live life.
Today I began to look for scripture that would talk to me. As I searched the scriptures I come across import reasons that Christians should attend church. God instructed us to praise him, worship him in the congregation, build a place of worship, and have certain men over the church.
The scriptures came so easily and quickly that I felt the need to share them to others. First of all, attending church services is important but for those that cannot attend due to sickness, having to work, no transportation, etc… is completely understandable. There are some great preaching sermons online. Look for those that speak truth, not just what you want to hear.
The church is not only a building of God but is the community of believers in Christ. God wants us to have fellowship with other believers. It helps us to stay focused on what we should do. Jesus gave his life for the church. Acts 20:28 said that he purchase the church with his own blood. This shows how much Jesus cared for the church. By going to church it feeds our spiritual needs instead of our fleshly needs. 1 Corinthians 2:13 says, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” Our fellowship should not only be with God but other believers. “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ,” 1 John 1:3. When Jesus left his disciples on the earth, they continued with fellowship and breaking bread —eating together (Acts 2:42).
When we attend a Bible believing church, we have fellowship with other believers which can encourage and instruct us about Christ. Especially if you are a new believer in Christ, you need to go to church and be taught about Christ. The Bible tells us in Romans 10:14,15 that we can learn about God by listening to a preacher. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?And how shall they preach, except they be sent?
Please watch this video on the importance of church. It lays out the scripture given to me yesterday. I learned a few things myself that I stand in awe at what the men of God, who wrote the Bible, inspired ny the Holy Spirit, was able to show us. The video lesson is part of a new believer discipleship class.
No matter what you are going through, whether health issues, relationship problems, financial troubles, God cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 says: Casting all your cares upon him, for he careth for you. Psalms 18:2- The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my hightower.
His love and compassion for our troubles fails not. Lamentations 3:22, 23- It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Psalms 9:9, 10 says: The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
God always provides us a way out of troubles and temptations. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says: There is no temptation taken you, but God is faithful, will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 says But the Lord is faithful, who will stablish you, and keep you from evil.
God gives us the peace we need to endure the trials that we face. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We must seek the Lord and he will help us. Psalm 18:6 says, In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. 1 John 1:9 says: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness.
Grace is unmerited favor. Grace is giving another chance to someone who wrongs us over and over again. Grace is an overpowering, overwhelming love from the Father. It’s not forced. It’s slow in anger, long-suffering, an unsurmountable forgiveness without question or conditions. Grace is having compassion on someone despite rejection. Grace is a retribute of godliness.
Jesus showed grace when he became a sacrifice on an old rugged cross for the sins of the whole world. He suffered and died for those who rejected him, cursed him, spit on him, whipped him and even tortured him.
The Father doesn’t force anyone to accept him. He freely gives us our own choice. Even though he is the creator, he wants us to live a happy life and have a free heart to choose who we will serve. Grace is when God gives us our own choice, whether we repent of our sins, or whether we have a personal relationship with him or not. He still gives us life, love, blessings and compassion. Think of what he has in store for those who love him and come to him freely.
It’s not always easy to do the right thing. We need to strive to be honest, have good morals and walk uprightly. Today when I was driving to the store, I went to park my car and bumped the car beside me in the parking lot. I got out of the car to see if I had any damage to my car or the other car. My car was good but I seen a long white scratch on the dark purple truck beside me. I thought, Oh, there’s no way I didn’t scratch his car, because it was the same spot I hit. I looked around to see if anyone was looking, trying to decide how to handle the situation. Truthfully, I wanted to leave and act like nothing happened! Then I thought to myself, I can’t leave, it’s not right. He was no where near his car, but I knew inside that I had to find the driver. There were plenty of other stores around, but knew he had to be close. I waited next to his car for him to come back. I called my husband and told him what happened. I wondered if I should call the police, leave a note or sit and wait. I thought, it could be hours before he returns. I don’t want to sit here all day. I don’t want to report this to my insurance. So what should I do. I just wanted to crank my car and leave, but I knew it wouldn’t be honest. Also I knew, God sees all. So I waited longer, deciding that I had to wait and tell the truth to the other driver. After about 20 minutes 2 guys come walking down the parking lot. They looked like they could get really angry with me. I was afraid, but I approached them asking if it was there truck that I hit. Yes why, they said. I scratched your car. How, they replied. I told them that my car hit theirs when I pulled up. They looked down and said, it’s okay, it’s cheap paint. I was a little confused. Why were they so polite. I told them, I was willing to pay them to get it fixed. No, it’s okay, don’t worry about it, they answered. I was shocked that they refused my money, and gave me a pass.
It amazes me, that God sometimes gives us a pass. He knows our weaknesses. He knows our thoughts, but he forgives us. He knew my heart, and knew I was trying to be honest and so he helped me today. So I know without a doubt that God helps those that live honestly, and Godly.
Do the right thing, be honest, and things will work out.
The Bible says: That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more, 1 Thessalonians 4.12
There are so many people in the world that are hurting. They may have experienced something that is tearing them up inside. They wonder if life will ever get better. They ask themselves, Does anyone care? I know because I’ve been there. Life isn’t always going to be a bed of roses. But, I know in time, things do get better.
Financial troubles get better. Loneliness getter better. Depression gets better. I know because I’ve been there. It doesn’t happen overnight. Jesus can help you because he has helped me.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 5 to: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
See Satan, the devil likes to bring you down. He will try to rob you of your joy. He loves to depress you, oppress you, and hurt you in any way possible. But Jesus can give you a life of joy, hope, peace and happiness. Jesus loves you. He cares about you
Hebrews 13:5,6, ….I will never leave you or forsake you. He said he would never leave or forsake you, but you have to rely on him. You have to seek him with your whole heart. Repent of your sins. Then call upon Jesus to be your Lord. He will hear and answer you.
Other Scriptures: Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV, John 3:16, 1 Peter 5:7
As a nurse, I’ve had patients that were doctors, lawyers, teachers, meteorologist, a Senator, dentist, hospital administrator, convicts, drug addicts, etc… not once did I treat one person any better than the other. In God’s eyes all people were created in his image. Education, careers, different circumstances doesn’t put a human being above another. There is one thing God looks at. Whether you are covered under the blood of Jesus. Are you a Christian? Time is short. I have seen people die of all ages! Today is the day of Salvation! Repent and turn from your sins! No one is promised another day!
This last few years have been the toughest to get through. I’ve had Covid 3 times. Had a death in the family. Experienced many trials and tribulations, but God has been with me every step of the way. I was saved when I was 15 years old. He had shown me through those trials and tribulations that he has always been by my side. I know I have nothing to fear; no trial, burden, financial trouble, health condition, will separate me from the love of God. Satan has tried to discourage, oppress, depress me, but Jesus has carried me through the fires of life. See he loves me, and he loves each and everyone. He cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7, says, Casting all your cares upon him, for he cares for you. There is nothing that God cannot handle, nothing that God cannot bring you through. He is always over you. He knows when we are scared, depressed, and he will take care of us. Not on our timing, but his.
Today is the day to be saved. Today is the day to get your life in order. God loves you.
Thoughts and happenings around the Belgian Free Christadelphian Ecclesia Brussels-Leuven - Gedachten en gebeurtenissen rond de Ecclesia Brussel-Leuven van de Broeders in Christus
Godly Witnesses For Christ 