Supply The Word

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

Oh how wonderful the love of Jesus Christ is. He is always with us and never leaves us. It is amazing the way He leads, guides, and directs us in the way He would have us go. Putting your faith in Christ is truly the way to live. To all things do unto the glory of God. Simple conversations between God and us is truly a wonderful way to communicate with our Saviour. Jesus wants us to talk with Him in our own way. Take time to talk with God today. He will lift you up to places you have never seen.


2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
1: Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3: We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4: So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7: And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8: In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10: When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
11: Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
12: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

In today's society it is unlikely that you will come across many places where Jesus Christ is the center of their conversation. This is not to say that their faith is not there. But there is an evident pulling away from the teachings of Christ and it has been going on for a long time. Even some churches have given into the pressure of "fitting into" today's society. This is exactly what we should not do. Jesus Christ never changes nor does His teachings which are in The Holy Bible. Some may not like everything that is taught in the Bible. Some things may be inconvenient for some of our society. Jesus Christ has made it so easy for us to be given eternal life that a little of what some call inconvenience now is nothing compared to what faces us after death. We all will be judged by God whether you believe in God or not. This will be a sad occasion for some and a joyous occasion for others. Take time today and really think about where you would like to spend eternity, in Heaven Or Hell.

John Chapter 3
1: There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3: Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4: Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6: That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7: Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8: The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9: Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10: Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
11: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12: If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
13: And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16: 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.
17: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18: He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20: For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21: But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
22: After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
23: And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
24: For John was not yet cast into prison.
25: Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
26: And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
27: John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
28: Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
29: He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30: He must increase, but I must decrease.
31: He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32: And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33: He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
34: For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35: The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
36: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

My Precious Jesus

Being forever yours
Whatever the day may bring

Feelings of joy or sorrow
Will not change the fact

That through the days, months, and years
You will never leave me

The power from knowing that
Is worth more than all the silver or gold

Some will never know
But my prayer is that all will be yours

Hebrews 13:1-8
1: Let brotherly love continue.
2: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
3: Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
4: Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
5: Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6: So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
7: Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
8: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.


2 Timothy 4:3-4
3: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4: And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

They have really outdone themselves this time. Who you may ask?
Simcha Jacobovici, Director/Producer/Writer and James Cameron, producer, along with some others are saying that they have found Jesus Christ and his families ossuaries (limestone bone boxes}. These ossuaries served as coffins in first-century Jerusalem.

The following is from http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/tomb/about/about.html . You can read the full story there.
All leading epigraphers agree about the inscriptions. All archaeologists confirm the nature of the find. It comes down to a matter of statistics. A statistical study commissioned by the broadcasters (Discovery Channel/Vision Canada/C4 UK) concludes that the probability factor is 600 to 1 in favor of this tomb being the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth and his family.

The film also documents DNA extraction from human residue found in two of the ossuaries and reveals new evidence that throws light on Jesus' relationship with Mary Magdalene.

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This is why I started out with 2 Timothy 4:3-4. Take a minute and read those verses again. Christ has told us that this would happen and there is still a lot more to come, I'm afraid to say.

The devil will do what ever it takes to put doubt in our minds or do anything to draw us away from Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Do not be swayed by their talk and so called proof. They have no proof. Just as scientists can not time date anything past thousands of years, as the scientists have stated themselves. Every time something is stated as being millions of years old someone did some assuming in there calculations. That is the only way that they can come up with a date. To add their own made up numbers into their calculations. There are assumptions put into there statistical evidence that is absolutely absurd. This involved multiplying the instances that each name appeared during that time period with the instances of every other name [like they have records of this}. Their research itself states that usually only 20% of ossuaries have inscriptions. So that would leave 80% of these ossuaries with nothing on them, no inscription, no name. Who knows what their names were or how many times, the names that they do not know, were used?

These people are out to make money along with trying to discredit the Christian faith. Do not let them cause you to waiver in any way the faith you have in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

All we need to know is in The Holy Bible, the living Word of God. Amen

1 Timothy 6:1-21
1: Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
2: And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
3: If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4: He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5: Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6: But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8: And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13: I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14: That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
17: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19: Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
20: O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
21: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Forgiveness of sins

Christ died to obtain it
Col. 1:14:
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Col. 1:12-15
12: Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Christ lives to bestow it
Acts 5:31:
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 5:30-32
30: The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31: Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32: And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him

The Gospel freely proclaims it
Acts 13:38:
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

Acts 13:37-40
37: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
38: Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
39: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
40: Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

The believing sinner possesses it
1 John 2:12:
I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

1 John 2:8-17
8: Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
9: He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
10: He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
11: But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
12: I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
13: I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
14: I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
15: Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17: And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

POOR
Sermon 25 BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
MAT 5:3.

This word poor has more than one meaning. LUK 21:2 says, "And he saw
also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites." This is
dealing
with money. This word poor comes from the base word peno in the Greek.
It means: "Necessitous; to toil for daily subsistence; [a working man];
straightened by circumstances in private." This is not talking of a
public beggar. It is talking of someone in the lower, poor class. This
is someone living at the poverty level, but who had the necessities of
life.

MAT 5:3 says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the
kingdom
of heaven." This word poor comes from the base word ptosso in the
Greek.
This word means: "a beggar; as crying; pauper; strictly denoting
absolute or public begging." These are two completely different words.

We must understand that when we are speaking of spiritual poverty, we
are speaking of the beggar class. When the Lord undresses His people of
all their own righteousness, they learn to see their spiritual
nakedness. They can add nothing. They have nothing to offer. They are
public beggars. All their righteousness becomes filthy rags, and they
have absolutely nothing to offer from self. Spiritually, they are so
totally poverty stricken that they are public beggars.

Those who are declared as blessed in our text become beggars at the
throne of grace.

Jesus opened His mouth with kingly authority, "saying, Blessed are the
poor in spirit...." It is so blessed that He could say that with such
authority. He was saying that those who are empty in themselves are
blessed. Those who have been made to cry as the blind man, saying,
"Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me," LUK 18:38.

They have nothing to offer within themselves because they have been
brought to be public beggars. They have only one plea to make, and that
is the Publican's prayer, who "standing afar off, would not lift up so
much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be
merciful to me a sinner," LUK 18:13.

The Lord makes spiritual beggars out of His people by showing them
their
miserable condition outside of Christ. In JER 31:9-10 we read, "They
shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them...."
The Lord takes away all the dross. He takes away everything that we can
build in ourselves. This is showing the spiritual poverty. These people
have nothing to offer within themselves. "...I will cause them to walk
by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not
stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Hear
the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar
off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him,
as
a shepherd doth his flock."

This verse shows how the Lord will work in the heart of His people.
They
will come weeping over their sins, and He will lead them with
supplication begging for mercy.

Verse 11 says, "For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from
the hand of him that was stronger than he." We are all under the
captivity and power of Satan. We are all under the captivity of sin and
our own hard heart. This verse means that the Lord has redeemed Jacob
with the price of His blood. The Lord brings them to spiritual poverty
to understand their need of redemption.

The Lord's people will weep over the bitterness of their sins against
such redeeming love! ZEC 12:10 says, "And I will pour upon the house of
David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and
of
supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and
they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall
be
in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn."
When the Lord does pour upon His people the Spirit of grace and
supplication, they see their spiritual poverty. Then they understand
that it was their sins that pierced their lovely Lord!

The Lord said, "...they shall look upon me whom they have pierced...."
If you understand your sins, then you never have hard feelings toward
the person who hung Christ on the cross. ISA 49:16 says, "Behold, I
have
graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually
before
me." Then we can see that our sins have engraven those scars in the
palms of His hands. We look upon Him whom we have pierced with our
sins.

Oh, beloved, a faith's view of our Saviour in His bloody sweat, of His
pierced hands and side to redeem us from our sin, works humility in our
hearts. In our spiritual poverty, we have nothing but praise and
thanksgiving to offer.

When we look on Him whom we have pierced, we shall mourn for Him. The
Lord said, "...they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only
son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness
for his firstborn." We see the bitterness of sin. We see that it was
our
sins that pierced Him and hung Him on the cross. When we see the
sinfulness of sin, we become true haters of all sin.

We can see that the only hope we have of standing righteous before our
Heavenly Father is in that blessed Atonement and perfect obedience of
Christ being imputed to us. Then we see we have nothing to offer within
ourselves.

MIC 6:8 says, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth
the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to
walk humbly with thy God?" This humility is the fruit of Christ's
righteousness being imparted in us. Breaking down the power of
rebellion
and pride is the first step in the work of grace. Amen.

How blessed are they who truly see
Their emptiness and poverty;
Whose souls are humbled in the dust,
And who in Jesus only trust!

Glad they renounce their former pride,
And wholly in His name confide;
Only in Him they make their boast,
Who came to seek and save the lost.
Gadsby selection, 1838

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."(2 Timothy 3:12-15)

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Christians in Islamic Countries Targeted
This was the title of an article from NewsMax.com Wires on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001. I think that it is still relevant today.
Part of the article states: A prominent U.S. imam Monday assailed as un-Islamic the persecution of Christians in Muslim countries ranging from Indonesia to Nigeria. "The Koran enjoins Muslims to treat everybody with dignity and compassion," said Muzzamil Siddiqi, director of the Islamic Society of Orange County, Calif., when asked about the murder threats, violence, forced conversions, incarceration and discrimination some Christians are being subjected to. Read the full story HERE


Now, January 25, 2007, I read a headline that states
Bethlehem Christians fear neighbors.
Bethlehem, of course, is the place where Jesus was born and use to be predominately Christian but now it has changed. The following facts are from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The percentage of Christians in the population of Bethlehem has been steadily falling, above all due to continuous emigration, as well as owing to the lower birth rate among the local Christians compared to the Muslims. In 1947, Christians accounted for 75 percent of the population of Bethlehem, but by 1998, their share had dropped to 33 percent.[2] Bethlehem's former mayor, Hanna Nasser, says an estimated 2,000 Christians in Bethlehem have emigrated during the period of 2000 - 2003.

Dhimmi Christians break their silence. By Khaled Abu Toameh in the Jerusalem Post, with thanks to all who sent this in:
{A dhimmi is a person of the dhimma, a term which refers in Islamic law to a pact contracted between non-Muslims and authorities from their Muslim government.}
A number of Christian families have finally decided to break their silence and talk openly about what they describe as Muslim persecution of the Christian minority in this city.

The move comes as a result of increased attacks on Christians by Muslims over the past few months. The families said they wrote letters to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, the Vatican, Church leaders and European governments complaining about the attacks, but their appeals have fallen on deaf ears.
To read full story go HERE


Lamentations 1:1-22
1: How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people how is she become as a widow she that was was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary
2: She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies.
3: Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude: she dwelleth among the heathen, she findeth no rest: all her persecutors overtook her between the straits.
4: The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness.
5: Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy.
6: And from the daughter of Zion all her beauty is departed: her princes are become like harts that find no pasture, and they are gone without strength before the pursuer.
7: Jerusalem remembered in the days of her affliction and of her miseries all her pleasant things that she had in the days of old, when her people fell into the hand of the enemy, and none did help her: the adversaries saw her, and did mock at her sabbaths.
8: Jerusalem hath grievously sinned; therefore she is removed: all that honoured her despise her, because they have seen her nakedness: yea, she sigheth, and turneth backward.
9: Her filthiness is in her skirts; she remembereth not her last end; therefore she came down wonderfully: she had no comforter. O LORD, behold my affliction: for the enemy hath magnified himself.
10: The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation.
11: All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.
12: Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.
13: From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate and faint all the day.
14: The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.
15: The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress.
16: For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me: my children are desolate, because the enemy prevailed.
17: Zion spreadeth forth her hands, and there is none to comfort her: the LORD hath commanded concerning Jacob, that his adversaries should be round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them.
18: The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.
19: I called for my lovers, but they deceived me: my priests and mine elders gave up the ghost in the city, while they sought their meat to relieve their souls.
20: Behold, O LORD; for I am in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.
21: They have heard that I sigh: there is none to comfort me: all mine enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that thou hast done it: thou wilt bring the day that thou hast called, and they shall be like unto me.
22: Let all their wickedness come before thee; and do unto them, as thou hast done unto me for all my transgressions: for my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Be careful of what is said. We cannot take what is said back. Once it is out it can do a lot of lasting damage. God tells us in Matthew 15 10: "And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: 11: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man". Peter ask the Lord the meaning of this and Jesus said in Matthew 15 17: "Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?18: But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19: For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man".

People take it upon themselves to judge others when the only judge that will be is God Himself. We judge others in many ways, their appearance, what they do, where they live, the kind of job they have, the kind of vehicle they have. All of these things will pass away but what is in their heart will not pass away. We cannot see what is in their heart, only God can see that. So next time we find ourselves judging someone else let us step back and know that we do not know what is in their heart. Let us spend more time loving one another rather than gossiping about another or judging them.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 22 37: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38: This is the first and great commandment. 39: And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

It is only by the grace of God that we may be saved and not by the works of any man but one, Jesus Christ. He has done all that is needed for us to be chosen to have eternal life. Trust in Him and we are forgiven.

2 Corinthians 10:7: Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's

Romans 15:1-7
1: We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2: Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3: For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
4: For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5: Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7: Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God

Hebrews 3:1-19
1: Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
2: Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
3: For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
4: For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
5: And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
6: But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
7: Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
8: Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
9: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
10: Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
11: So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
12: Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13: But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
14: For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
15: While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
16: For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
17: But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
18: And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
19: So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

A minister passing through his church
in the middle of the day,
Decided to pause by the altar
and see who had come to pray.

Just then the back door opened,
a man came down the aisle,
The minister frowned as he saw
the man hadn't shaved in a while.

His shirt was kinda shabby
and his coat was worn and frayed,
the man knelt, he bowed his head,
Then rose and walked away.

In the days that followed,
each noon time came this chap,
each time he knelt just for a moment,
A lunch pail in his lap.

Well, the minister's suspicions grew,
with robbery a main fear,
He decided to stop the man and ask him,
"What are you doing here?"

The old man said, he worked down the road.
Lunch was half an hour.
Lunchtime was his prayer time,
For finding strength and power.
"I stay only moments, see,
because the factory is so far away;
as I kneel here talking to the Lord,
This is kind a what I say:

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,
BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM
CHECKING IN TODAY."

The minister feeling foolish,
told Jim, that was fine.
He told the man he was welcome
To come and pray just anytime.

Time to go, Jim smiled, said "Thanks."
He hurried to the door
The minister knelt at the altar,
he'd never done it before.
His cold heart melted, warmed with love,
and met with Jesus there.
As the tears flowed, in his heart,
he repeated old Jim's prayer:

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I'VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,BUT
I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKING IN TODAY."

Past noon one day, the minister noticed
that old Jim hadn't come.
As more days passed without Jim,
he began to worry some.
At the factory, he asked about him,
learning he was ill.

The hospital staff was worried,
But he'd given them a thrill.
The week that Jim was with them,
Brought changes in the ward.
His smiles, a joy contagious.
Changed people, were his reward.
The head nurse couldn't understand
why Jim was so glad,
when no flowers, calls or cards came,
Not a visitor he had.

The minister stayed by his bed,
He voiced the nurse's concern:
No friends came to show they cared.
He had nowhere to turn.

Looking surprised, old Jim spoke
up and with a winsome smile;
"the nurse is wrong, she couldn't know,
that in here all the while,
everyday at noon He's here,
a dear friend of mine, you see,
He sits right down, takes my hand,
Leans over and says to me:"

"I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM,
HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP,
AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN.
ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY,
I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY,
AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS
CHECKING IN TODAY."

May God hold you in the palm of His hand
and Angels watch over you.

But for those of us who are already His, He not
only holds us in the palm of His hand, but has
engraved our names there, and we are continually
in His sight(Isaiah 49:16)

Yes, I do love God. He is my source of existence and Savior.
He keeps me functioning each and everyday. Without Him, I
will be nothing Without him, I am nothing but with Him "I can
do all things through Christ that strengthens me." {Phil 4:13}

So this is me ... Just Checking In

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
To have the faith of a mustard seed. This is what we all need, faith. Faith that Jesus Christ came to earth as God manifested before men as a man. Faith that Christ died for the sins of the world. Faith that Jesus was raised up from the dead and is alive sitting on the right hand side of God. Faith that through Jesus Christ we may receive everlasting life. Faith that the Holy Spirit is always with us who believe in Christ. Faith that Jesus will return to earth as He has said He would. Faith that can only come through the living word of God, The Holy Bible.

Living and growing in faith with Jesus Christ is wonderful and amazing. But we can only imagine what it is going to be like when we see Christ for the first time. Will He come and embrace us with His loving arms? I think He already does that now. Will He tell us that everything is OK? I think He tells us that now. Will the angels rejoice when we get there? I think they are doing that right now. Jesus Christ is right here for us right now. Will we not be there for Him right now? Will we not praise Him and worship Him, giving Him the glory for everything right now?

There are many in and of this world but how many are not of this world just in it? There are few. This becomes more and more recognizable as time passes. Or as I get older. May God Bless all who come to Him through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Proverbs 28:1-28
1: The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2: For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
3: A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4: They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
5: Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
6: Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
7: Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
8: He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9: He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
10: Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
11: The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12: When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
13: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
14: Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15: As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
16: The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17: A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
18: Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
19: He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
20: A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
21: To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
22: He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23: He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24: Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
25: He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
26: He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27: He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
28: When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Isn't it great to know a God, the true God, that will forgive us of our sins? Not only forgive us, through Jesus Christ, but is making a place for us in Heaven. How wonderful is that? God is a God of love and compassion. He does not tell us to go forth and lie and do whatever it takes to convert people to Christ. He just tells us to spread the word and He will do the rest. This is the true God, the all powerful, the almighty.

We are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgive one another as God has forgiven us. If we cannot forgive others then our Father in Heaven will not forgive us. Jesus Christ was born to give us a way to eternal life. To give us the opportunity to never feel the sting of death. So we can be in that place where there will be no more sorrow, no more tears, no more death. Praise His dear name.

There are so many this Christmas that will not have the love of Christ shown to them by their fellow man. A lot of them will see torture and imprisonment for believing in the name of Christ. They are the persecuted Christians throughout the world. Many countries are not tolerant of others beliefs as we are in America. But even here we must be careful of what we say in a particular venue or we will be persecuted ourselves. There is a difference between the persecution here in America and in other third world countries. Here we will not go to jail, in most cases, or be tortured. But there is still an intolerance of our, Christian, beliefs. America, as a nation, has become so worried about alienating any other religions that they have taken away some rights of the Christians.

During this Christmas let us all pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ that will not have a peace filled and love filled Christmas. May they fill the love of God come upon them in there time of tribulation. Let us also pray for the ones that are causing this on our brothers and sisters. That they also will feel the love of God come upon them and unharden their hearts to be able to see the truth. And be able to hear the word of God through our brothers and sisters that they have in prison or are persecuting outside of prison. I pray that God will give those persecuted the strength to show forgiveness to their persecutors and in doing this they would turn from their persecuting.

There may be some that are holding a grudge against someone. It may even be against a family member. Get rid of that hate and bitterness and show the love of Christ that is in us all.

To all of you a Merry Christmas.

Ephesians 4:1-32
1: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2: With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5: One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6: One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7: But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8: Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9: (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10: He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
11: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
14: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
17: This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18: Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20: But ye have not so learned Christ;
21: If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23: And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25: Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27: Neither give place to the devil.
28: Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30: And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
At Answers.com it says:

Faith is that in which we have a belief in or trust in and cannot physically prove it. The Holy Bible tells us in Romans 10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God". This tells us that faith comes from hearing, or reading, the word of God. If we believe in Jesus Christ then we are the children of God. It is that simple. We do not have to prove this to anyone. All we are commanded to do is to spread the word of God throughout the whole world and God will do the rest.

In the time of Moses , before Jesus Christ was born, the law was in effect. Answers.com tells us:

The Holy Bible it tells us in Galatians 2:16 "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified".

To be justified is to be taken from sin to the state of God's grace. Grace is the undeserving love of God for man. This is not achieved by the works of any kind by man but through the faith of Jesus Christ.

In the Gospel of John one verse sums it up. John 3:16 "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".

God's only begotten son, Jesus Christ, is the only way to the Father. Hebrews 12:2 "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". You see the author and finisher of our faith is Jesus Christ. Where in Matthew it tells us in chapter 22:37 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38: This is the first and great commandment".

I will finish with Galatians and in it you can read that it is telling us again that we are the children of God through our faith in Jesus Christ and not being subjects under the law.

Galatians 3:22-29
22: But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23: But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24: Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25: But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26: For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27: For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29: And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The things of this world must not be allowed to come between the hope we have for eternal life with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We sometimes allow our thoughts to stray to the worldly things around us when we need to be growing closer to God. Spend time in His living Word, The Holy Bible. Through out the New Testament Christs' love for us is shown and offered to all who obey His commandments.

It is said that no greater love has a man than to lay down his life for his friends. That is exactly what Jesus Christ did for us. Christ died on that old cross suffering greatly. We can not imaging what He was feeling while He was there on the cross. People persecuting Him, spitting on Him. He paid the ultimate price for us. Bearing all of our sins and cleansing us through His blood. Christ also arose from the dead achieving victory over death. Now we will never have to feel the sting of death ever again.

This Christmas let us remember the birth of Christ. This is what Christmas is supposed to be for. If it were not for Him we would have no hope of salvation. Just imaging Christ being born and God walking around with us on this earth. For those who believed back then it must have been a glorious experience.

There are those today that still are persecuted for believing on Jesus Christ. But Jesus told us in John 15:20: "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." And John 16:33: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

This is a good time to share with those that have not heard of or would like to know more about Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Send some time talking with others. With this being the Christmas season it will not be hard to bring Jesus Christ into the conversation. Then put it before God in prayer and leave the rest up to Him. He is a awesome God. The one and only.

May God richly bless you all during this celebration of Christs' birth and for the new year that is right before us. Keep On Keeping On

Ephesians 2:1-22
1: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4: But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5: Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6: And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11: Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12: That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14: For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15: Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16: And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18: For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 John 3:1-24
1: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3: And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4: Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5: And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6: Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7: Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8: He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9: Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10: In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
11: For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
12: Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
13: Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
14: We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
15: Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
16: Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17: But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18: My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
19: And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
20: For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21: Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
22: And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23: And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24: And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
You know some days are just harder than others. We are to expect that. We are even told that in the Bible. But everyday is still a great day with our Lord and Saviour. Knowing that He is watching over us. We will still have our share of trials and tribulations. I think God is using them to bring us closer to Him. Romans 8:38: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39: 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.

We here in America are very blessed. But there are still some in America that go hungry. During this Christmas please stand up and give to some organization that is helping with this problem. Not only in America but in other countries also. I have some suggestions:

Feed The Children

The Voice of the Martyrs

Samaritan's Purse

Gospel For Asia

It does not have to be but $5 or $10 dollars. But if you are blessed and able to do more, do more. Thats all. Let us all show our charity this year. For that Charity is above all. This being the love of Jesus Christ in our hearts willing to spread that love with unfettered observance to Gods almighty power. That is what Charity is refrering to. Charity is Love.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13
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.
2: And 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.
3: And 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.
4: Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5: Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6: Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7: Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8: Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9: For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10: But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11: When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13: And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Thanks and praise to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Even though the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church's is past let us not forget to continue to pray for them each day in our prayers. Jesus Christ is the only one that can save them and protect them from evil in the world that they live in.

Take a minute and go to http://www.persecution.com/ and sign up. You will receive a weekly e-mail update and a monthly news letter to help keep you informed.

There are days that I will be discouraged by something trivial then I will think of the people around the world that do not have the freedom to worship Jesus Christ as we do. If you are new to Christ or new to a church talk to your pastor about this and get your church involved in praying for these persecuted church's around the world, if they are not doing so already.

As children of God we have a responsibility to pray for all His children where ever they might be. Pray for the leaders of those countries that persecute Christians that they may be touched by our Lord and Saviour that Christ will unharden their hearts to the Christians and those leaders will discontinue in their persecution of them.

Pray that Muslims and Christians may live together freely and without violence in peace and harmony. Matthew 5:43: Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46: For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47: And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Do not take your prayers lightly. God hears them all.

Romans 8:1-39
1: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3: For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5: For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6: For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7: Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8: So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9: But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10: And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11: But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12: Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13: For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16: The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18: For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19: For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20: For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21: Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22: For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23: And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24: For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25: But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
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.
28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30: Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33: Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34: Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36: As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39: 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.