Godly Witnesses For Christ

Seeking God through Fasting

Posted on December 31, 2013 by Tracy K

The Bible teaches us that the act of Fasting brings us closer to God. We deny our fleshly desires and promote our spiritual development through fasting. This is the most powerful thing that a Christian can do to discipline his mind and body. There are many reasons that we need to fast. We can fast for our own spiritual growth, fast for God’s guidance, help with our health, or so we can pray for others, including our country.

Why should we fast
Fasting is done by the believer to help bring them to a closer relationship with the Heavenly Father. Fasting will open your eyes to what God is telling you. It shows your love for the father and your willingness to deny yourself, because you give up what you love most. Fasting is a humbling experience that helps you realize that nothing is more important that God. Denying your body of food is the most popular way to fast, and denying yourself of anything that you truly love to do.

What to do when you fast
At this time, you should focus on reading your Bible and Praying to God. Seek a closer relationship with the Father. Repent of any unconfessed sins and examine your heart. Get rid of things in your life that affect your spiritual growth. Praise God during the times when you are weak and worship him with your whole heart. Praise him through song.

How long should we fast
A person can decide on how long they fast, but do not let it affect your health. Make sure to drink water because you cannot live without water for a long period of time. Consider your health at all times, you may want to talk to your doctor before beginning any food fast.

Be aware of your enemy
Satan will come at you at full force, so stay focused. Don’t let others discourage you. Pray when you feel Satan attacking you. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. Do not let anything hinder you from praying.

Related scriptures: Ezra 8:21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

Isaiah 58:2,3 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.
Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.

Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Psalm 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

2 Samuel 12:16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

http://biblicalfocus.com/Fasting.html?gclid=CJuA2I-h27sCFWJo7AodtxgAgg

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, christian, Church, deliverance, Disclipine, faith, fasting, forgiveness, God, love, prayer, seeking God, service, Spiritual | 1 Comment

Trusting in the Almighty

Posted on December 29, 2013 by Tracy K

The Bible teaches us about several great men and prophets that God used because of their faith in him. They won kingdoms, stopped the mouth of lions, won battles, parted the Red Sea, killed giants, healed diseases, etc… They had to believe that God would do what he promised to do. They did not fear man for they knew that God would protect them and help them overcome anything that came their way. They knew it was more important to fear God and trust in him, than to suffer affliction, than to enjoy sin for a season (Hebrews 11:25). I encourage you to read Hebrews Chapter 11. It is a chapter of faith. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

No matter what trials that you have had to overcome, I can tell you others have overcome more. Read the book of Job. Job lost everything he had —covered with diseases. In the end, God restored to Job more than he had in the beginning because he trusted in him. Romans 5:1-5 says, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us

A few years ago, my father came near to death — actually he quit breathing. As a nurse, I tried everything to help my father when he was sick in the hospital but nothing seemed to help. We asked everyone we knew to pray for him. It wasn’t until we gave up —until we put everything in God’s hands, then he worked his miracle in my dad. When my dad quit breathing, God put his hands on my father and restored his health. I discovered who God really was that day. He is the creator, the Almighty and our help in the time of need. Learning who God really is in your life will help you with your faith, and any trials that come your way. God knows all because he looks down from Heaven upon his children (Psalm 53:2).

Nothing happens in this life that God does not know about. Sometimes God allows things to happen to us or people we love so that we will come to him. He deserves your honor and praise and your love for him. He will answer your prayers if you come to him with your WHOLE heart. A quick five second prayer is not giving God your whole heart. He wants us to diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 says, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

God knows what you need before you pray, but is waiting on you to ask him. The more you pray, the closer you will be to God. I have learned that when something goes wrong, stop and pray. Prayer helps you to defeat anything, including Satan. Satan knows your weaknesses and will use them against you. If you are a Christian, he wants you to fall into sin. We can prepare ourselves against Satan’s tactics. Ephesians 6:13 says, 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. 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 truly going to trust in God, you must walk by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, For we walk by faith, not by sight: If you only have faith when everything is going right, than where is your faith? God gives us his Holy Spirit to comfort us and help us when we are troubled in this life. John 14:26 says, 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. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Everything that happens to you in your life adds to the person you are. God prepares us to be witnesses to the world by helping us in our times of need. He builds to our faith through helping us overcome trials and tribulations. If you walk in God’s law and live a life that is pleasing to him, he will give you peace. God’s wisdom is much higher than ours. His thoughts are much higher than our thoughts. Just believe that he knows exactly what he is doing. Trust in him today! Allow him to be your master and Lord.

Related scriptures:
Micah 4:12 -But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.

Romans 11:33 -O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Proverbs 3:5-6 -Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, children of God, christian, Creator, faith, God, love, protector, satan, trials, tribulations, trust | Leave a comment

A Glimpse of Heaven

Posted on December 21, 2013 by Tracy K

We can only see a glimpse of what Heaven is really like by reading the Bible.

Things we know about Heaven

We know that God created the Heaven and the earth in the beginning (Genesis 1:1).
We know that God is the ruler of Heaven. 1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.
We know that Heaven is above us because of the way the scriptures read. Job 22:12
Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!
We know that there is a throne in Heaven and the angels surround the throne. 1 Kings 22:19 And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
We know that Heaven is Holy and full of Righteousness. Psalm 50:6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. Revelations 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
We know that God looks down from Heaven upon his people. Psalm 53:2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.
We know that God has prepared a reward for his people in Heaven. Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
We know that there is no sorrow in Heaven. Revelations 21:4And 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.
We know that God is the light of Heaven. Revelations 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Revelations 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Related scriptures:

Nehemiah 9:6 Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Psalm 11:4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
Psalm 102:19 For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth;
Psalm 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
Psalm 103:19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.
Isaiah 66:1 Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?
Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
Revelations 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
Revelations 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

I urge you today to come to Jesus through prayer and repentance and ask for forgiveness for your sins.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, children of God, Christ, christian, Church, faith, forgiveness, gospel, Heaven, love, religion, righteous, salvation, Spiritual | 1 Comment

God’s Gift to Us

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Tracy K

Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ- God’s son. God gave us the best gift he could, when he gave his son as a sacrifice on the cross. Anyone who has had a son or daughter, that they have lost to death, has had a glimpse of what God went through when he gave us his son. The most precious thing that belongs to someone is their family and especially their children. Jesus was God’s son before his birth on this earth. This should show you how much God sacrificed because he loves us. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

I have had close family members to die and have seen other family members lose someone close to them. My sister lost her baby, Shelly when she was six months old. She didn’t choose to give her daughter to death. She was a special little girl who God loved and took at an early age. I have only caught of glimpse of what it would be like to lose a child to death. It is an overwhelming grief that takes a lifetime to overcome.

God loved us so much that he decided to give his son as a sacrifice on the cross. I can only imagine that giving your child to death is much harder than to lose a child suddenly. To see your child suffer a terrible death on a cross. To see your child spit upon and mocked would be unbearable. Then to turn your head away from your child when he is suffering and calling upon your name from the cross. See God turned his head from the sins that were laid upon his son on the cross.

So I urge you to seek the Lord in this Christmas season and give thanks for his sacrifice. The sacrifice of his beloved son for the sins of the world.

Related scriptures:
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

1 John 2: 1-2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Luke 1:30-32 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

The Season of Giving

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Tracy K

Christmas is the season of giving. We should all learn how to give by God’s example; he gave his only begotten son so we may have eternal life. In this season, I urge you to find ways to give to others. Giving doesn’t always mean giving money to someone in need; it can be giving of your time. To give means to freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone); hand over to. Another definition of giving means to endure the loss of; sacrifice. Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

Give unto others and expect nothing back in return. Do not let others know what you have done. Give in secret and you will receive a reward in Heaven. Luke 6:35 says, But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Giving should be done with charity (1 Corinthians 13:3).

Give the gift of the gospel to others (1 Peter 4:10). If you love others you want them to receive the gift of salvation. Romans 6:23 says, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer can be a great gift to give someone. If someone is hurting or in the need of God, prayer can be just want they need. Sometimes people cannot pray for themselves. They could be in a hospital unable to pray. Give the gift of prayer and ask others to help you pray for someone this season.

There is no greater gift to give than that of your only son. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

More definitions of giving:
a. To devote or apply completely
b. To permit one to have or take
c. To furnish or contribute
d. To offer in good faith
e. To allot as a portion or share
f. To bestow
g. To attribute
h. To award as due
I. To distribute
j. To devote (oneself) completely:
k. To devote to a particular purpose or use
l. To distribute or send forth

Related scriptures:

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Luke 1: 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; ⁷⁷To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
1 Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. ²And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. ³And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
2 Corinthians 9:14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Romans 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, charity, children of God, Christ, Christmas, compassion, gift, gift of God, giving, Grace, prayer, salvation, savior, season of giving | 2 Comments

Grace- Unmeritable Favor

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Tracy K

Grace is a huge topic. Someone could talk about God’s Grace for a while and not cover the whole topic. God is a forgiving God. We are all sinners and don’t deserve the grace of God. Grace is unmeritable favor. Grace is when we receive the love, kindness, pardon and favor of God. It is unearned forgiveness of God. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

When someone sins, and God forgives them, that is grace. God is without sin and hates it. God sent his only begotten son to die for the sins of the world. After you accept his son, then God forgives you of your sin. He loves us enough to forgive us when we ask. We are not perfect, but God knows this. That is why he give us grace. He tells us in Ephesians 2:2 that we were once the children of disobedience. We fulfilled the lust of the flesh, and the desires of our mind. We were the children of wrath. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for this great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in our sins, hath quickened us together with Christ”, Ephesians 2:4,5. “He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish”, 2 Peter 3:9.

There is nothing you can do to lose God’s grace, unless you totally deny him. Mark 3:29, “But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.” That is the only sin that God does not forgive. He redeems us by his grace through Jesus Christ, Romans 3:24

If we believe in his son’s death on the cross and ask for his forgiveness, than we become sons and daughters of God. Joint heirs with Christ. That is pretty amazing isn’t it. So don’t delay, ask God for his forgiveness today.

Grace
God gives to us more grace,
to those that deserve none.
Our sins he did erase,
from his book of judgement.
Remembering them no more,
casting our sins from east to west.
Eye hath not seen what he has in store,
for those that love and trust in him.
He cares about me when I am low,
giving me comfort in times of sorrow.
his love to all, he does bestow,
that is what grace is all about.

He walks beside me giving me peace,
helping my infirmities when I am weak.
Making me strong through his Son,
because things above, I did seek.
He Forever guides us through his word.
If we look toward him as our Father,
A Heavenly home is not unheard,
for we will see one day our family above.

Related scriptures:

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
1 Peter 5:10 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.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Christ, christian, Church, compassion, deliverance, faith, forgiveness, Grace, Jesus, love, pardon, religion, savior, Spiritual | Leave a comment

The Marriage of the Lamb

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Tracy K

God tells us a parable in Matthew Chapter 22 about a king who made a marriage for his son. He told his servants to call those who were bidden to come to the marriage. Then he told his servants to go to the highways and the hedges and invite them to the marriage of his son, so that his house would be full.

Matthew 22:9 says, Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

The marriage represents the coming together of the believers with Christ. It is a time of celebration including a feast that God will prepare for his people. If you do not believe in Christ as your savior then you will not be allowed to attend.

Matthew 22:4 says, Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

Have you been invited to the Wedding?

You must have on a wedding garment which God gives to the believer to be accepted to the marriage of the Lamb.

Revelations 19:7 says, Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Revelation 19:9 says, And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Do you have on a wedding garment?

Matthew 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Isaiah 61:10 says, I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Are you prepared for the coming of the Lord?

The Lord will come and gather his people in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, we will be called up to the marriage of the Lamb (1 Corinthians 15). Now is the time to prepare for the coming of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:52 says, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Corinthians 15:24 says, Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
Matthew 25:1 says, Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. ²And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. ³They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: ⁴But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. ⁵While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. ⁶And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. ⁷Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. ⁸And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. ⁹But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. ¹⁰And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. ¹¹Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. ¹²But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. ¹³Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

God wants everyone to go to Heaven, but they must be made clean by accepting Christ sacrifice on the cross. He gave his life as an atonement for sin. Anyone who receives Christ as their savior will go to the wedding. Revelations 22:17 says, And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Please read the following blog post below to understand why Jesus Christ had to die on the cross for the sins of the world.

The Bible- God’s Holy Word

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Tracy K

The Bible is the preserved and divine word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. God preserved his word through several generations. Psalms 12:6,7 says, The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

The word of God was given to holy men to write. 2 Peter 1:21 says, For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Romans 16:25,26 says, Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

The Bible is filled with knowledge, parables, insights into a happy life, helpful topics about life, love, fear, child rearing, prayer, the creation, future events, and about men who faced big battles. The word of God holds the keys to questions of the world. God tells us about himself and his son Jesus. He tells us what sin is and what he will not accept into Heaven. He teaches us that he is a righteous God; and his ways and thoughts are much higher than our thoughts. 2 Peter 1:2-4 says, Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

God tells us that we can learn about him by reading his laws. Deuteronomy 17:19 says, And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: Isaiah 28:13 says,But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. God expects his people to study his word. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Proverbs 3:1,2 says, My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
Isaiah 40:8 says, The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Psalms 119:105 says, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalms 119:130 says, The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Hebrews 12:2 says, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 10:23-25 says, Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised; And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Other helpful links: http://www.biblegateway.com/

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bible, children of God, Christ, christian, Church, faith, gospel, Jesus, love, religion, righteous, salvation, Spiritual | 2 Comments

Leaving A Godly Legacy to Your Children

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Tracy K

When you come to the end of your journey here on earth, what type of legacy do you plan on leaving your children. What type of life you live and how you live it will affect others, including your children. You can choose to set a Godly example for your children or a bad example. Remember when you die, your legacy is left behind to your children.

GALATIANS 6:9 teaches us that one day we will reap what we have sown. If you sow good deeds, you will one day reap good things; You will sow good things in this life and the life to come. MATTHEW 6:19-21 says, Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

No one knows the day or the hour that they will die. Hebrews 9:27 says, And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. So now is the time to focus on what you what to leave behind. Your children will be affected by your decisions. Did you take your children to church and teach them about God. Or did you play church and never fully commit. It is harder to win back someone that you thought had received Christ, when they stray from the word of God.

My ancestors left behind a legacy of the Gospel of Christ. You may ask how I know this. My great great grandfather started a church. My cousin is the pastor there. We have preachers, deacons on the church role. This led to other family members being saved and becoming preachers and deacons. You may ask why this matters. It matters because without them, the gospel might not have been shared with me. See I am thankful for the legacy my family left behind.

So to get to the point. Your actions affect others. Your children and family are watching your every move. Are you taking your children to church on a regular basis? What type of movies and television programs do you allow them to watch? What type of music are they listening to? You may ask why this mattes. Today mostly ALL shows promote witchcraft, cursing, evil, homosexuality, gossip, disrespect to authority, world things, haters of God, sex, carnality and such. Do you want your child growing up thinking this is okay.

When a person watches something like this on a continuous basis, they are eased into believing it is okay. To make my point, when I was younger, television never showed someone with their clothes off. They never promoted the things I mentioned before. Now, times have changed, and not for the better. Today evil shows are on the rise. People’s eyes are blinded to what Satan is really doing. Ask yourself this question. Is God pleased with this? I say that I think God is angry with this sin.

Why is it so prevalent today? Satan is pushing everything ungodly to our children. He does not want your children to be saved. He does not want your grandchildren saved. He is working overtime to promote evil and people think it is okay. PROVERBS 22:6 says, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. If you train your child to accept evil, they will not depart from it. If you teach your children that it is okay to murder, commit adultery and such, they will not depart from it. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:13). Chose today what legacy you will leave to your children.

Here are some things to consider when teaching your child to live a Godly life.

What do you allow your child to do? Do they hang around other children that are worldly?
What type of television shows or movies do they watch?
What type of music are they listening to?
Do you use curse words in front of them?
Are you teaching them how to defraud others?
Do you promote reading the Bible?
Do you take them to church regularly?
Do you monitor what they see on the internet?
Have you taught them what is right and wrong?
Have you taught them about God and Jesus?
Are you teaching your child to watch things that will help them in their Christian walk?
Do you punish your child when they do wrong?

There are so many ungodly influences in the world that promote evil. Lots of people telling people that God is not real. The word of God teaches us to be the example. To correct our child when it is needed. Some people do not believe in punishing their child. They people that “love” will show them the right way. PROVERBS 22:15, Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. PROVERBS 23:13-14 says, Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Last of all, do not spoil your child. if you give your child everything that he wants, he will grow up thinking he is entitled to things. He will grow up prideful. He will not respect you or honor you and will be miserable. He will be bored with his life because he will not have anything to look forward to. People tend to enjoy things that they worked hard for, instead of things that are given to them. Teach your child to work hard for what he gets and then reward him. Don’t let your child rule the house. Set the rules that they need to go by.

To leave a good legacy, you must first be right with God. Pray to him often and seek his guidance in your life. Seek his guidance on how to raise and correct your child. He will help you if only you would ask him to. If you start with a good legacy, it will make things easier. If you allow your child to do as he pleases, then it will be much harder to bring him back to God. Deuteronomy 6: 5-7 says, And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.