Forgiveness & Mercy of God

Posted on September 2, 2014 by Tracy K

woman1Satan wants you to think he is in control.  He is a deceiver and would like to discourage anyone that serves God.  He brings up all our past failures and tries to deceive you into believing a lie.  He doesn’t want you to be happy and at peace but fearful and afraid.  He will tell you that God will not forgive you or that God doesn’t love you.  He will try to make you an emotional wreck if you let him.  He will have others condemn you and remind you that you too have sinned.  I am reminded of the woman that was found in adultery.  If it wasn’t for the grace of Jesus, she would have been stoned to death by her peers.

God reminded me this morning that his mercy is everlasting (Psalm 100:5).  He is in control and he made us; we are his people (Psalm 100:3).   He forgives us of all our iniquities and he is a merciful God (Psalm 103).  He is slow to anger and plenteous in mercy (Psalm 103:8).  His mercy is so vast that it extends beyond anything we can imagine.  He cast our sins as far as the east is from the west.  If you fear the Lord, he pitieth us, which means he has compassion on us when we are in sorrow (Psalm 103:13).  We are God’s children and there is nothing he won’t forgive us for, if we would only ask him to.

God’s forgiveness takes its rightful place among the greatest themes of the Bible.  When we speak of God forgiving the sin of man, we realize that forgiveness is one of the highest, most noble graces that can be exercised this side of heaven.  The importance of a proper understanding of forgiveness cannot be over-emphasized. First of all, let us remember that apart from God’s gracious forgiveness, we too would be unable to stand before Him on the last judgment day. Since we are forgiven by God, we are no longer the servants of sin, but now the servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we trust in Christ, we find that we are justified (declared innocent) of all the sins that we have committed.   No longer do we have to labor under our sin debt, nor do we need to be concerned about our future.  (Rom 5:1-2)  We can know that Christ, as the indwelling spirit, is with us helping us in this life and securing our future with Him.   (Col 1:27, John 14:16-17, 1 Cor 1:20-22, Eph 1:13-14)

Read more about Forgiveness by going to the Settled In Heaven Ministries post on forgiveness.

Related Scriptures:

Jude 1:21-Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Hebrews 7:23-28-And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:  But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.  For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

John 8: 3-11-And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,  They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.  Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?  This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.  So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.  And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.  And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?  She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

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My Strong and Mighty Hightower

Posted on August 31, 2014 by Tracy K

fortress

A Christian living a godly life will have struggles and battles here on this earth.  Satan will come at us at full force, with everything he can, to discourage us and prevent us from serving God.  He will use our family, friends, and others to fight against us.  They may think they are doing God’s service but Satan will use different methods to deceive and mislead others.  He will spread lies, use others to whisper and backbite, cause jealousy, pride, etc…. He has been around for a long time and knows just where to fight against God’s people.  I am reminded of the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 18, “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 high tower”

To give you an example of what battles you may have to go through in your Christian walk, I will give you a small part of my testimony.  I have fought some hard battles in my life due to Satan’s tactics.  I have been called a false prophet, liar, and so on.  I have been lied on by people I considered my friends.  I have been sick and have had sickness in my family that Satan has used to try to discourage me.  I know that I cannot fight my battles alone, because Satan is much smarter and stronger than me.  I must rely on my Heavenly Father above to fight my battles.  I must lay my burdens and cares of this life upon the feet of Jesus.  Jesus is my strong and mighty hightower.  He has and can give the peace we need to overcome what it thrown at us.  Isaiah 26:3 says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.”

Jesus gives us the right tools for the battle.  He starts off by giving us the breastplate of righteousness, then he goes on to strengthen us by giving us the shield of faith, last of all, he gives us the sword of the Lord (the Bible), so that we may quench the fiery darts of the Devil. Ephesians 6:16 says, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”  If you are not fighting battles on this earth you are not doing the service of the Lord.  Satan doesn’t want anyone to continue serving the Lord.  He wants to deceive you into thinking you are not worthy, or that you are not good enough.  Anyone that God has received, he has instructed to continue in the service of the Lord.  It doesn’t matter whether you are a woman, man or child, you can do God’s service.

Satan wants to hit your weaknesses and discourage you from doing God’s will.  We must continue in God’s work, and not allow our faith to be pulled apart.  We cannot stand alone, we must rely on Jesus as our strength.  We must fight battles under the protection of the mighty God; and stay in the battle no matter what comes our way.  God wants not only those who are strong, but those who will not give up.  Do you love the Lord in good times and in the bad times.  He wants those that love him enough to stay in the battle.

Related Scriptures:

1 Peter 5:7-Casting all your cares upon him, for he careth for you.

John 16:2-They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

Psalm 91:1-4- He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psalm 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 high tower.

Ephesians 6:10-16- Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

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What is Spritual Growth

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Tracy K

spiritualgrowth

Many people believe spiritual growth is somehow connected to how much knowledge they can accumulate by studying God’s word alone.  Our spiritual growth is not dependent upon the amount of time we’ve been a believer but how much we invest in our relationship with God, what we learn, and how we apply it to our lives.   The goal of spiritual growth is to become more like our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. The goal is not to be better or more mature than anyone else. It’s simply to grow in knowledge and understanding to produce the kind of life that will reflect God’s love for us and to show the world the redeeming power of Christ’s sacrifice.

To grow spiritually, we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He is responsible for leading us to the kind of spiritual growth God wants from us. We must learn to identify the convictions we feel when we’re not acting in harmony with the Word of God, and learn to repent from those things.  It is not to look at other’s sins and point them out but to look at our own life and see ways to improve our fellowship with God.  One example might be to look at how much time we actually spend in prayer, reading our Bible and worshipping the Father.   We need to take what we read from the Scriptures and hold it like a mirror against our own lives.  Then when we read the scriptures, we need to actually analyze what they are saying; to study deeper than what is on the surface but to see what God is telling us specifically.

Many think that just becoming a believer is all there is to experiencing God. Take time to listen to what God is trying to tell you.  He wants to help his children and fellowship with them but he is waiting for them to come to him in prayer.  I have learned that it takes a deep committed relationship with the Father above through prayer, study and worship on a daily basis, not just a weekly basis.  We shouldn’t just study our Bible once a week before church, go to church once a week and then ignore God the rest of the week.  I have been blessed to be able to stay home more and build my fellowship with the Lord.

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Taught by the Holy Spirit

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Tracy K

spirit11First of all I must tell you that the natural man or the unsaved man will not understand the things of the spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14).  If you have not accepted Christ into your heart and allowed him to be the Lord of your life, then you cannot understand the things of God.  Read my post: Spiritual Baptism- Anointing of the Holy Spirit for more understanding regarding this post.

A man of God is taught by the Holy Spirit and is given wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).  1 Corinthians 2:7,10 says, But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  It is God’s wonderful Holy Spirit that teaches us all things.  Jesus told his disciples that he must go away before the Holy Spirit came unto them (John 14:26).  Jesus said that the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost will teach us all things.

John said in Matthew 3:11 says, “ I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”  When a man receives Christ, he receives the Holy Spirit of God.  The Holy Spirit reveals things to him and teaches him; “for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10).  We have received the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God (1 Corinthians 2:12).  What things does God give us?  He gives us gifts to use for the purpose of his ministry.  Go to this post regarding Spiritual gifts.  So if you want to receive more wisdom from God, then the Bible tells us to feed our Spirit by dwelling in God’s word (Colossians 3:16).

Related Scriptures:

John 14:26-But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

1 Corinthians 2:13-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.

Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Romans 8:14-For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Romans 8:16-The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Romans 8:27-And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 12:2-And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Colossians 1:9-For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

1 Peter 1:2-Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

1 John 4:13-Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

Colossians 3:16-Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Matthew 28:19-Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

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Do you Know Jesus

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Tracy K

salvation11

Are you heartbroken for those that have decided to reject Christ?  Do you care that many will not enter into Heaven?  The reality is that many think that they do not have to believe on the name of Jesus Christ.  Some may claim to believe on Jesus but in their works they deny him. They might use his name for their own personal gain.  False prophets use the name of Jesus to deceive others into giving them money.

Do you know Jesus?  Do you know him in name only or do you seek Jesus through prayer and searching the scriptures?  Can someone look at your life and say, “He or she is a Christian.”  Do you love Jesus the way you claim to?  Do you care about others or do you care about your own life more?  Do you care about your wealth and riches more than giving to others in need?

Some will say: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” (Matthew 7:22) Jesus told us that one day he will say to some that profess him, “I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.” (Luke 13:27)

Not all those that claim they believe on Jesus will enter into Heaven. The Devils believe and tremble (James 2:19).  Jesus said in Matthew 5:20, “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”  Jesus gave us a great description of righteousness. He said in Matthew 7:17, “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.”  This tells me that a righteous person bears righteousness and fruit meet for repentance (Matthew 3:8).

If you do not know Christ and would like to know more about becoming a Christian, go to this page. 

Definitions:

Righteousness-characterized by uprightness or morality: a righteous observance of the law. to live morally right or justifiable:

Meek-characterized by being gentle, kind; humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.

Moral- characterized as or pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical: founded on the fundamental principles of right conduct rather than on legalities, enactment, or custom: virtuous, chaste.

Related Scriptures:

Matthew 7:23-And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 5:2-16- And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.  Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

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Happiness With Jesus

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Tracy K

jesus6

One day we will experience what joy is all about.  We will experience a happiness never felt before because we will have the peace of God.  God’s perfect son Jesus Christ, the one without sin, died for all mankind.  He loves us so much that he was willing to die in our place.  He has more love and compassion for you that you have ever known.  Accept him before it is too late.  He cries for the souls of mankind.  Enjoy the poem below.

Lamb of God, he is our savior.

He loves us all and shows no favor.

Jesus, Savior, Redeemer to all,

those who listen and accept his call.

He died for the sins of you and me,

at Calvary upon a tree.

Jesus is our teacher and Lord.

His word protects us like a sword.

Jesus, son of God, light and King,

in Heaven the choir will sing.

Praises to the Shepherd and Lord,

all worship and voice in one accord.

In Heaven no cost to afford,

Our sin debt paid by Jesus our Lord.

With the great physician and true vine,

his people will one day, eat and dine.

Happy with Jesus, the saved will reside,

in God’s kingdom, forever to abide.

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Focusing on the Will of God

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Tracy K

willofgod

So many distractions, so many things tie up our minds today but we should never stop trying to do the will of God.  To do the will of God, you must know what that is.  First in order to do the will of God, you must know what the Bible says.  John 7:17 says, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”  Then, you need to be a child of God.  It doesn’t do any good to try to live a good life if you are not a child of God. John 9:31 says, “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”  If you want to receive salvation, go to this link.

Gods main purpose for your life is to be his witness unto all men (Acts 22:15).  We have a limited amount of time to spread the gospel to others.  We can tell family about Jesus first, then we must move outward to others.  You never know who God might be speaking to before you arrive.  Someone that you would never expect to receive the gospel, could accept Jesus as their Lord.

God wants his people to be holy.  He wants us to set our mind on things above and not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:1). Leviticus 20:7 say, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.”  To sanctify is to literally “set apart for particular use in a special purpose or work and to make holy or sacred.

Always abound in the work of the Lord.  1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”  Don’t ever stop doing God’s work because his return his near.   Find your spiritual gift and do it to the best of our ability.  Ephesians 6:6 says, “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.”

Related Scriptures:

Romans 12:2-And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
John 11:22-But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

Acts 22:14,15- And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.  For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

Romans 8:27-And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Colossians 3:1- If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 –For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

Related post:

Finding Your Spiritual Gift

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Christians & the House of Israel

Posted on August 9, 2014 by Tracy K

 

graften1

For a Christian to say that they hate Israel is to say they hate their own brethren.  When a Gentile from another nation receives the Lord, they are grafted in to God’s family and become one of the house of Israel. They are grafted in, because they received the Lord.   They were once considered a wild olive tree.  Romans 11:17 says, “And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree.”

At one time, Jews didn’t associate with anyone that they considered beneath them.  Look at what the Samaritan woman said to Jesus when he spoke to her. John 4:9 says, “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.  It was an unlawful thing for a man that was a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation.  Until one day Peter saw a vision from the Lord.  He saw a great sheet knit at the four corners let down to the earth on it were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and fowls of the air.  God told Peter to kill and eat one of the beast.  Peter said no because they were unclean, but God told him not to call anything common or unclean, that he said was clean.  God was referring to mankind.  He later learned this lesson when he went to the house of Cornelius, a devout man that feared God.

It doesn’t matter what nationality or what race you are, if you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior then you are of the household of Israel.  In Ezekiel 37:19-22 God instructed Ezekiel about Israel and other nations that held the children of Israel.  He said,”Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.  And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.  And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:  And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all.

 Related Scriptures:

Ezekiel 37:12-23 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.  And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,  And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.  The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,  Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and for all the house of Israel his companions:  And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.  And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?  Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.  And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.  And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:  And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all.  Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

Acts 10:9- On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:  And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,  And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:  Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.  And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.  But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.  And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.  This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.  Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,  And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.  While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.  Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.  Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?  And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.  Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.  And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.  And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.  But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.  And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.  And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Acts 20: 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 62:2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name.

Romans 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Also, Read Romans Chapter 11.

Related post:

Jesus died for the Jews and Gentiles

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Killing the Innocent

Posted on August 2, 2014 by Tracy K

abortion

Abortion is the termination of pregnancy by the removal of a fetus, embryo or baby from the uterus before birth.  An estimated 44 million abortions are performed globally each year. Women perform these for different reasons such as: they were raped, afraid, forced to by husband or boyfriend, or instructed to by a physician. Any reason is murder in the eyes of God. Don’t you know that God knows what he is doing? Only God has the ability to give life and he should be the only one that can take it. I didn’t say that God will not forgive you because he will, if you go to him in prayer with a sorrowful and repentful heart.  You need to realize the importance of an innocent human life.

There has been controversy in the news lately whether the abortion pill should be paid for my employers.  Abortion is not a God-given choice but a demonic influence by Satan himself. He knows that the pure evil of killing an innocent life is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord. Nothing can be more evil in the world than killing an innocent baby for any reason. Some may argue that it is not a baby before it is born. I beg to differ. God perfectly describes his definition of life in his word.  One example is that God said he knew Jeremiah in the womb before he formed him.  That means before Jeremiah was completely formed in the womb, God knew him.  See scriptures below for more examples.

Satan wants to burden you with the cares of this life. He wants you to worry about the ‘what ifs’ and make you dwell on the evil that is in the world. God wants to give you comfort and his protection. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  Don’t kill your child out of fear or because someone else tells you to do so.  Allow God to work in your life and he can and will help you through this trial if you would allow him to.  Call upon Jesus and let him be the Lord of your life.  Don’t let man tell you to do something that God has called an abomination.

  • Jeremiah 1:5-Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
  • Isaiah 44:24-Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
  • Isaiah 49:1-Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.
  • Isaiah 66:9-Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.
  • Jeremiah 20:17-Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me.
  • Psalm 139:13-For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
  • Genesis 49:25-Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
  • Psalm 127:3-Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
  • Judges 13:5-For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
  • Isaiah 49:5-And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength.
  • Hosea 12:3-He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:
  • Luke 1:31-And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.
  • Galatians 1:15-But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace.
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What is Heaven Like

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Tracy K

heavengateAs I laid on my bed and thought what Heaven would be like, so many things came to mind.  I like the thought that I will never have to worry about anything. I will not have to worry about time.  Time dictates a lot of how we interact here on this earth.  Time can make someone sad if they hate getting up out of bed in the morning.  Time can cause someone to have an accident if they are rushing to work.  Time causes worry, stress and uneasiness. We know there will be a time when Jesus returns and this makes some anxious, some sad, some eager, some happy and some excited.

Then I thought about not ever having to worry about money. I will not have to worry about paying my bills or working because I won’t need money.  God will provide everything from a mansion to food.  I know we will have a wedding feast in Heaven because he promises us that.  Money has made some mad, some evil, some uneasy and some happy.  Just think, we are going to be Gods children.  We will have wealth without needing any because God will provide for our needs.  We will not have to worry about him telling us to get out and get a job because he will give us our hearts desires.

Then I thought about appearances in Heaven.  We will not have to worry about how our clothes look, how our makeup looks on us, or if we need a haircut.  We won’t have to worry about going to the gym because we will have a perfect and glorified body as our Father does.  No one will be pointing fingers and telling us to lose a few pounds.

Then I thought about how we will fit in with others in Heaven.   We will be loved by all and we will love others the way Christ loves us.  There will not be anyone judging us by how we look, talk or what we do.  We will not be able to sin.  Sin brings so much sadness that it can break families apart.  It can make us unworthy before God, so he doesn’t allow it in Heaven.

Last of all, I thought about happiness that we will feel being in God’s presence.  We will not ever have to worry, fear or be lonely.  We have the protection of the Almighty God with us at all times.  God will wipe away our tears and he will be our light to live by.  We will not have to worry about pain ever again.

If you want to experience Heaven, then you need Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Repent from your sins, pray and ask Jesus into your heart and become God’s son or daughter.

Related scriptures:

Revelation 21:4-And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:3-And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

John 14:2-In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Matthew 3:2-And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 6:20-But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

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