What Crowns Can We Receive

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Tracy K

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I came upon this when I was studying the Bible tonight, so I wanted to share.  These are the crowns that a Christian can receive by serving Christ.

  • Isaiah 62:2,3- Crown of Glory- 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.  Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. 1 Peter 6:4-And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8- Crown of Righteousness- Henceforth there is laid up form me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, they righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
  • James 1:12- Crown of Life-Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Revelations 2:10-Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:19-Crown of Rejoicing-For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
  • 1 Corinthians 9:25-Incorruptible Crown-  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. This crown is given to believers who faithfully run the race, who take up their cross daily, denying their flesh, and pointing men to Jesus.
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What Are You Willing to Lose

Posted on April 27, 2019 by Tracy K

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What are you willing to lose for the sake of the Gospel?

Luke 9:23,24,25 says: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gave the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

I have read this group of text before but never really thought about what it meant: If he gave the whole world, and lose himself.  I thought it meant only money, but have recently realized that it could be talking about friendships, jobs,  or money.

Last night a group of people at work were talking about the recent bombings at Sir Lanka where it killed over 200 people.  We continued our conversation about why someone would bomb a Christian church.  We discussed how we had read that it was in retaliation to a mosque attack the week before.  Then all of the sudden a Muslim woman in the group gets very angry and says her faith doesn’t ever say to kill people.

I was a little shocked how this woman was so blind to things that had been happening.  First of all, she hadn’t heard of the attacks.  She had said that she doesn’t watch the news.  She is from another country and acts as if she hasn’t heard anything that has happened lately regarding terror attacks and such.  Then I wondered how someone that had claimed her faith so strongly but didn’t know of teachings from her own faith.

This lady had been a dear friend to me and had talked about the Lord before, but I thought she was talking about Jesus.  I didn’t realize she didn’t have the same faith as me.  It is one thing to say you are Muslim, Christian or any other faith, but if you don’t know what you faith believes in, then you need to perhaps find out.  I have seen people claim they are Christian but never go to church, read their Bible or pray.

Last night, I worried about losing my friend because of the truth that was spoken.  I wondered if I should say I was sorry for offending her.  Then I thought that I couldn’t say I was sorry, because I spoke the truth.  Saying I was sorry would be telling this woman that we were wrong, or not speaking truth.  The fact is: we must stick to truth, no matter who it offends.  I learned a lesson that night, that we might lose friendships or even a job.  This lady could go to our boss and tell him the things that were spoken and we could be fired.  So after praying about it last night and today I came across this group of scripture.  For what is a man advantaged, if he gave the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?  So I know that I cannot worry so much about losing my job or this friendship, because I spoke the truth. And by speaking the truth, maybe this lady will think about her faith and perhaps study up on its teachings. We must speak truth no matter who it offends.

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He is Risen

Posted on April 21, 2019 by Tracy K

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Matthew 28:6- He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

One Easter morning we had planned a short testimonal service where those that wanted to participate in the service could hold up a small poster board with a phrase or word of what the Lord Jesus had done for them in their life.  We passed out black markers and small poster board paper amongst the crowd before the service began.  After the song service had ended, our chosen singers began to sing songs about Jesus.  One by one people began to walk to the front of the church holding up their poster board for all to see before returning to their seats.  What we thought would be a quick presentation became longer and longer.  People held up signs saying different things.  One held up a sign how Jesus saved them.  Another held up a sign how Jesus delivered them from death by healing their sickness.  Another held up a sign how Jesus helped them go through a terrible divorce and give them a new partner in life.

The service that was suppose to be quick became one of the most powerful, heart-felt services I have ever seen.  Where I thought only a few people would participate became almost the whole congregation.  Then after taking a while, the preacher told the congregation how he decided to change his message that day.  From preaching from his planned sermon, he began to ask people who had held the poster boards, to stand while he read what they had written.  Tears began to fill faces and God’s presence was felt everywhere.  The preacher began to say how Jesus was alive.  How he had changed so many people’s lives.  Jesus wasn’t a dead Savior but an alive one.  He had saved people from death; healed the sick, helped people out of financial burdens and so he had changed many many people’s lives.

Until we realize that Jesus is still ALIVE,  we cannot fully comprehend that he is able to save others from death.  He is not in the grave.  He is not only in Heaven but amongst each and everyone of us.  He hears our prayers, cares about our sorrows, heals our diseases and he has sacrificed his own life on the cross for each and everyone.  He is Alive.  Death could not hold him.  Romans 6:9 says: Romans 6:9-Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

Romans 6:4-Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Philippians 2:8-And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Acts 2:22-24-Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

2 Timothy 1:10-But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

1 Peter 3:18-For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Revelation 1:18-I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

 

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God Cares About Us

Posted on April 20, 2019 by Tracy K

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So many times we look at our lives and wish they were better.  We have all the comforts of life; good health, good jobs, air conditioned homes, microwaves that cook easy meals, etc…. But, for some reason we are depressed, sad, wishing our lives were better.  Today I seen a one-legged man walk in front of me.  He was walking on crutches today with the best attitude. He walked across the parking lot as if he had two legs.  I heard him say, as it was rainy and gloomy, “What a great day it is today.”  I don’t think he was saying it sarcastically either. Then I followed him into a Dollar Tree store and with such a sweet expression and smile, he asked me where the Bubble Wrap was.  Evidently he must have thought I worked there, so I just turned to find someone who did work there and ask them where it was.  Then he said, “I’m sorry I thought you worked here.”  I am ambarrassed to say that I am one of those that have been depressed lately about things in my life.  There isn’t one thing really that has me feeling this way.  It’s just a time that I have started to analyze things in my life, and wished that they were different.

If anyone really has a reason to be unhappy, it was this man.  Somehow I believe this man was put in my path to help me.  Funny how things like that happen to us.  God knows our sorrows and he cares about us.  He wants us to be happy and realize that he loves us.  However we need to learn to put our trust in Jesus no matter our circumstances. 1 Peter 5:7,9,10 says: 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.

Do not ever let anyone tell you that Jesus doesn’t care about you.  He loved you so much that he died on a cross for you.  John 3:16,1 says: 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.

Romans 8:35-39 says: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Easter is Sunday!  Try to remember how much Jesus loves you.  Please put your trust in him today!

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Are you Ready for the Wedding

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Tracy K

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My daughter was recently married last year and now my niece is getting married this weekend.  I have always enjoyed weddings.  …The decorations, the food, the decor.    ….Many new faces to see and new people to meet.  …Usually great food is prepared.  ….It is free to attend.  …People seem to be friendly and in a great mood.  A beautiful bride is adorned for her husband.  The Groom is waiting patiently on his bride to walk down the aisle.  Soft music is playing in the background.  Love is in the Air.  Smiles are on the faces;  Laughter can be heard.

As I think of my niece’s wedding, I think of an upcoming wedding.  A wedding that will be most memorable.  A wedding where there will be love, joy, peace for eternity.  A love that will not end. A groom that is waiting patiently on his bride.  He has already made preparations in advance.  He is already built mansions.  He has built a kingdom; with streets of pure gold.  He has talked with his father about his bride.

How excited he must be to receive the bride into his eternal home.  He already loves her and has spent many days getting to know her.  He knows her weaknesses.  He loves her sadnesses and tears.  He knows her trials that she has overcome just to make it to him.  He remembers the day when she first talked to him.  Despite all her mistakes, he has forgiven her.  See his bride is the church, the ones who have chosen him (Jesus) as their groom.  They have chosen to love and honor and cherish him all the days of their lives.

I cannot wait until this wedding.  It will be pure happiness to those who attend.  It is free but by invitation only.  You must have a wedding garment on.  You cannot enter the wedding venue without his approval.  No thieves or robbers are allowed.  He has sent out the invitation to all that would attend, but many have rejected the invitation.  They still have an opportunity until they take their last breath to attend.  But many still refuse.

Matthew 22:2-14- The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 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. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 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. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 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. For many are called, but few are chosen.

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Learn to Serve As Jesus Served

Posted on March 31, 2019 by Tracy K

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We are here on this earth to serve others, not live a life of a king or queen.  Our reward as a Christian will be to live in Heaven for eternity.  Jesus sat down with his Disciples and they began to ask him who would be the greatest in Heaven among them.  Jesus said, But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.  For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth (Luke 22:26,27). 

Jesus was born in a humble animal stable.  He told him Disciples, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head (Matthew 8:20).  He didn’t live a life on this earth as a king.  He lived a humble life and lived a life of service to others.  He taught his disciples to love others, to care for others and to help them.  Jesus healed the sick, fed the multitude and taught the people about God. 

Mark 6:7-11 teaches us how we are to witness to others about Jesus.   And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Matthew 20:28 says: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Romans 12:1 says: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

Ephesians 6:5-8- Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Revelations 2:19- I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

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Jesus’ Compassion for Others

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Tracy K

compassion

Jesus teaches us to have compassion for others.  The Bible shows us how he had compassion for the sick, blind, hungry and poor.   Jesus has compassion and forgiveness for us everyday.  We might not immediately recognize it but he cares for his people.  It is when people are at their lowest that they see his compassion and love for them more clearly.  When a person is at their highpoint in life, they think they don’t need Jesus or his help.  It is the time of troubles and sorrows that people tend to turn more toward Jesus and call upon his help and comfort during their times of distress and  need.

I know Jesus has given me compassion, forgiveness and love in many circumstances in my life.  I know this because I am still here.  I don’t even want to think about where I would be without him in my life.  I rely on his comfort and peace and that is where my hope comes from.  Without Jesus there is no hope.  Let me say that again.  Without Jesus there is no hope.  Jesus is our answer to every kind of happiness in the world.  A few years ago I had to learn this the hard way.  It was at my lowest point in my life where I had to rely on Jesus.  Not that I knew really how to rely on him at first, but I learned how to.  Like I said, it is at our lowest where we learn to trust in Jesus and realize that there is no other peace and comfort in our life other than from Jesus.

We cannot simply have peace alone.  Jesus is our hope, peace and comfort.  The thing is that a sinner doesn’t go to Jesus usually alone.  They have to be guided and shown Jesus.  They have to be told how Jesus is our answer for happiness.  We don’t possess the strength we need in this life without trusting in the Almighty and what he can do for us.  We may think we have everything we need, but no one can fully have peace without Jesus.  With the knowledge and trusting in Christ Jesus our Lord, we can have eternal life.

As a nurse, I recently had a patient who had just been told they had cancer.  It is hard to really comfort a person going through this type of ordeal without mentioning how Jesus can help them. How Jesus can heal.  How Jesus can give us that peace we need.  Showing comfort to those that hear that terrible terminal diagnosis; and trying with everything we can think of to help them realize that Jesus is with them, even when they are on their deathbed taking their last breath.

We should try to show Jesus to the world now.  There are many that are hurting and struggling in this life. I see young girls and guys who have tried to take their life.  All they see is that no longer want to live their life.  …Enough to end it.  I hope we can all try to comfort and show compassion to others.  You never know what someone is facing in their life.  That innocent looking 20 year old that seems fine, may be the one planning on taking her life because they are truly hurting.

If you don’t know Jesus, I highly recommend and suggest to you that you receive and accept Jesus as your Savior now, before you are on your deathbed.  Jesus can give you happiness and peace in your life.  Jesus is the answer.  Pray now and ask him into your life.

1 John 5:20-And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
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The Greatest Love

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Tracy K

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The one most important thing to all of us is to feel loved. I know of one who truly loves you more than you can ever know.  To say that a person loves us is something that we all hold dear to us.  Jesus, the son of the most high God loves you with an overwhelming love.  …A love that we can not fully grasp.  ….A love beyond measure. …A love that protects us, feeds us, guides us, shields us.  …A love that is willing enough to die in our place.  ….To become the everlasting sacrifice.

Jesus is the son of the most high God.  He is the king of kings.  He was in the beginning with God.  He had no worries.  He was protected in his own kingdom.  He was an eternal king.  ….The richest king that had everything.  ….Including love.  He left his kingdom to come to an earth full of sorrow, troubles, hardships.  Why?  Because he had a love that not one of us can truly know until we see the Father.  See God the Father is the very definition of love.  He created us in his own image.  He loves his own creation.  He wanted fellowship with his creation in the beginning.  He made Adam and he talked with Adam and gave him a help-meet; a woman named Eve.  Until one day sin entered the world through the disobedience of man.  Sin separated him from walking with man, so he sent his only begotten son to become the sacrifice; the atonement for sin.   God tells us in his word, the Bible, that without shedding of blood is no forgiveness.  Hebrews 9: 22-without shedding of blood is no remission.  So Jesus became the sacrifice on the cross.

Jesus suffered a lot on the cross; he suffered excruciating pain in our place.  See Jesus didn’t die for himself; he died for us.  We are the ones who have sinned.  We are all guilty. 1 John 1:8 says: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  John 3:16  says: 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.

We can have that everlasting life if we trust in Jesus as our Savior. Acts 4:12 says:  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Revelation 1:5 says:And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

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Poem: Be Nice, Loving and Kind

Posted on March 10, 2019 by Tracy K

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Be nice, loving and kind,
For one day you may find,
that how you treat others
will return back unto you.
God’s word teaches a great deal
such as not to lie, steal or kill.
And that what you sow,
will be what you reap or bestow.
Speak to others in a kind way,
For it really does matter what you say,
Words can harm and cut very deep,
Causing others to cry and weep.
Never talk down to someone else,
It may cause their heart to melt,
Changing the way they act,
Returning the behavior in a reenact.
Showing love instead is so much better,
Spreading goodness as a trend-setter.
For we must be a Christian in word and deed,
Sowing the word of God and spreading the seed.
Telling others about Jesus our Lord,
Defending the faith and sharing the word.

 

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Be Careful How You Treat Others

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Tracy K

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Have you ever looked at someone else and thought, how can they act that way if they are a Christian.  Recently I have noticed that there are a lot of people who really don’t seem to care how they might affect someone else’s life.  Perhaps they bully them, talk down to them, hurt their feelings or belittle them in some ways.  This has really gotten to me lately.  I recently heard about a nurse who had jumped from her job at a local hospital.  I really don’t know all the details but I know that people are hurting.  Either it is their job that has been difficult to bear; perhaps it is a coworker or classmate that has bullied someone else; perhaps its financial.  There are so many things that depress us and stress us.

So recently I saw a woman talking down to someone else and I wondered how she could do that and not have some regret about it.  Then today we ordered some food from the restaurant and the order was completely messed up.  The waiter didn’t listen to any of the instructions we had given and top it all off, the food was not fresh.  Probably had been made for someone else and they had decided against it.  So I got really upset and told the waiter that I didn’t appreciate getting old food and my order was completely wrong, etc… I know the waiter didn’t make the food, perhaps it was the cook that misprepared the order.

Then as I sat there starting to eat my food, I realized that I had done the very thing, that I had noticed the other person doing.  I had talked down to the waiter because I was upset by my wrong order.  Then I realized that I was just taught a lesson.  I had become the person who I didn’t like.  The person who had made someone feel bad.

Be careful how you treat others because “You Reap What You Sow!”  However you treat someone, it will come back to you.  It doesn’t feel good being on the receiving end.  Probably 99.9% of people have been bullied or critized one time or another in their life.  Probably 99.9% of people have bullied someone else.  So stop it!  You can hurt someone by your words, actions.  Learn to love others and treat others with the same respect you would want to be treated.  Watch the words you speak, and also the tone you say things.  Tone can sometimes mean much more than the words you say.  Show kindness, thank people for their service.

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