RStane

We that have made the decision to follow Jesus, have had direct contact with God. We have sensed His presence. We have felt His Holy Spirit enter our innermost being. We have been given a revelation from God much like the apostle Peter. Peter said to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered and said to him, "flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven" Matthew 16:16-17. We also have had a divine revealing of who Jesus is. Like in a courtroom, we are direct witnesses, called to give an account. We have found forgiveness, love, deliverance, empowering, fruit and ministry. And the Lord wants us to be his spokesmen. "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" 2 Corinthians 5:20.

Who among us is truly wise? Who has the greatest insight to make the right decisions in life? One can be a scholar and have a Ph.D. in Philosophy or Psychology and still be only an educated fool, with a personal life and spiritual life in turmoil. The Lord says, "for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their own craftiness; and again, the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile" 1 Corinthians 3:19-20. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" James 3:17. Jesus was the perfect example of this. "Christ...the wisdom of God" 1 Corinthians 1:24. And if we are to also be wise, we must follow His example.

I felt very inspired to write a good word about "Why I Love America." There is so much to be thankful for in this great country. Let's give credit where it is most graciously deserved...

When a person determines something in their heart by what they say, it becomes binding. It is only one factor perhaps of several others, which form the root of a problem. For example, a young girl is badly mistreated by her brother and in her heart she states firmly, "I will never have a boy when I grow up and have children." The girl grows up and although medically able to bare children, she is without child in marriage. Another example: a young boy is scolded by his mother every time be tells her the truth, so he says in his heart, "whatever I say or do, can and will be used against me." Later, as a married man, he has great difficulty opening up or communicating intimately with his spouse. Many other examples could be stated. A young girl sexually molested may say, "I will never trust a man." As a woman, she has great difficulty with the sexual part of marriage, being frigid and cold.

When we speak of vengeance we are talking about "getting even" with an offender. Basically, it is punishment given in retaliation for an injury. God made an agreement with Moses and the Lord gave him laws that the people should live by. The law concerning violence was "eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound" Exodus 21:24-25. This was a call for equal retribution. It was also given by God to be a limitation. If someone owed fifty dollars, it would not be just to burn the man's house down. Today, we also have laws of the land, much in the same way as with Moses. The Lord says, "the authorities that exist are appointed by God...for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil" Romans 13:1-4. It is clear in God's Word, we are not to take matters into our own hands. For great offenses, let the courts decide.

There are times in most people's lives that they feel they have crossed that line. Many have felt that "God could never forgive me for this!" One feels accused and condemned. It may have been adultery. It may have been homosexuality. It may have been child abuse. Or stealing a large sum of money. It may have been murder. Which of those sins is unforgivable? The answer is none, if one repents. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" Romans 8:1.

We live in a performance oriented society - acceptance is conditional - if you make good grades, if you're good looking, make the football team, and if you're a financial success. But God's love is unconditional. The Lord says, "but God demonstrates His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8. You don't have to win God's approval or prove yourself before you are accepted. God loves you just the way you are.

What immediately comes to mind when we speak of thanksgiving? Jesus. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16. This is God's free love gift. And by taking God's gift with thanksgiving we are given His "righteousness" 2 Corinthians 5:21. We are made into a "new creation" 2 Corinthians 5:17, that is a pure heart before God. God has made us His "children" and we are to call God "Abba, Father" which means daddy, Romans 8:14-16. We are "heirs of God" Romans 8:17, and we have a "mansion" John 14:2, waiting for us in heaven. All of this should bring our hearts and lives to a place of gratitude.

Satan is known in God's word as "the tempter" Matthew 4:3. And the first sin of mankind was with Satan's temptation of Eve. Satan approached Eve first. Then he spoke to her conscience and doubted the truth of what God had said to Eve. He accused God of lying for selfish motives. He seduced Eve with a suggestion that she could be like God, appealing to her pride. Satan said to Eve, "for God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" Genesis 3:5.

God is in the process of transforming you from childhood to adulthood! Awesome. This is a great time to be alive. Your body is filled with energy and growth and it is reflected in your spiritual growth as well. The Lord says, "in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions" Acts 2:17. At my church, the teens lead the worship and teenagers stand in front of the church and dance, pray, see visions, prophecy and evangelize. I can tell you for certain, that my church is not dead!

Jesus often spoke of what the ideal and perfect heart before God would be. Jesus spoke in word pictures so it would be clear to our minds. He said, "if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out...and if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off" Matthew 5:29-30. The style of speech was meant to be persuasive and was exaggerated to make His point. Shortly after Jesus made the above statement He said, "If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic (shirt), let him have your cloak (coat) also" Matthew 5:40. Jesus was more concerned with our heart motivations before God, than justice in this very temporary world.

No matter how difficult life may be, Jesus gives you hope. He wants you to sense His presence, His love, joy and peace. And He wants you to be delivered from fear, pain and desperation that Satan tries to oppress you with. Yes, it is Satan who comes, "to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" John 10:10. But Jesus said that He has come to give you "life"..."abundantly." No matter if your situation is the pain caused from cancer. God can heal you. God can relieve your suffering. No matter if you have had a loss of a romance, God will bring even a better match into your life. No matter if you have lost your fortune. God will help you build another. Maybe you feel your life has been so corrupt or immoral, that you can't be fixed or corrected. God is almighty, He loves you and He wants to give you a new life, a new heart and transform your mind, Romans 12:2. What have you to lose by coming to God and letting Him have your life? God created you in His own image, Genesis 1:26. Listen to the words of our Lord. "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" Romans 8:15-16. You are God's precious child who He loves greatly. Don't let Satan try to rob you of who you are in Christ.

I felt very inspired to write a good word about "Why I Love America." There is so much to be thankful for in this great country. Let's give credit where it is most graciously deserved...

Are you now in pain? Are you suffering even now and wondering, "why Lord?" It would be comforting to at least have an answer from the Lord about this. The Lord truly is a righteous, loving and all-powerful God. But we live in a temporary world that has a fallen nature. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us...creation eagerly waits...because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption...we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body" Romans 8:18-23. Sin has corrupted this world, but Jesus' redemption will soon deliver all of creation.

Submission at first glance, reminds me of holding someone in a judo hold until they say, "I give." But Biblical submission is more like the virtue of humility. It is a willingness to accept another person as they are without trying to change them. It is a willingness to listen and take good advice. It is honoring another or preferring another. It is the opposite of rebellion. It is recognizing God's authority and God-given authority. Submission is required by God with spouses, parents, pastors, laws of the land and employers.

Since women are the weaker vessel, they are usually the victims of domestic violence. Usually there is an otherwise normal relationship with much love. But even though abusive times may be few, there is no excuse good enough for physically harming one's wife. Even one incident may make it necessary for a woman to seek a woman's shelter and divorce. The Lord says that if a man leaves his marriage in his heart by disobeying God's command to love, honor and protect his wife, then there is cause for divorce for the woman's peace and safety. "If the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace" 1 Corinthians 7:15.

We are engaged in a battle. There is real fighting going on in the unseen world. There is a struggle between angels of God and fallen angels, demons. The first great spirit battle was in heaven when one third of the angels were expelled. Listen to these words from God: "And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, and they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him" Revelations 12:7-9.

Cancer, heart disease and emphysema due to smoking are destroying the health of millions today and the death toll is staggering. Can there be any doubt that this is from Satan who has come "to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" John 10:10.?? The Lord loves you and wants the body He has given you to be healthy. God's Spirit dwells in the heart of a believer. The Holy Spirit is inside your body and your body is like a church or sanctuary for God. It should be a pure and holy place. "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

Singles often feel very isolated and alone. Especially at holidays, when so many people are with their immediate families. You may feel like you are intruding when a family asks you to join them for Thanksgiving or Christmas. That's when you may really sense loneliness the most. But the Lord would say to you right now..."I am with you always, even to the end of the age" Matthew 28:20. And "I will never leave you nor forsake you" Hebrews 13:5. You can know for certain that you are never really alone.

Fundamental to our Christian faith is the Biblical teaching that man has a sinful nature. Sin is not only an act of wrongdoing but also a state of alienation from God. Man is conceived in sin. "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me" Psalm 51:8. And man is born in a state of sin. "The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray as soon as they are born" Psalm 58:3. We are told by the Lord that the state of man's heart is far from God. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9.

Would you describe yourself as being shy? Are you jittery while giving a public speech? Does your mind go blank when talking to others? Do your palms sweat during a job interview? Do you clam up and does your heart race when people are looking at you? Does your voice tremble when you speak up at a meeting? Do you avoid starting a conversation for fear of saying something awkward? Do you try to avoid being introduced to people? Do you feel you never make a good impression? Do you only feel comfortable alone at home? Are you constantly worried about humiliation? Do you have panic attacks and have to leave the room?

These sins can be very addictive. Anytime we see compulsive behavior, we see the demonic influence and Satan must be bound, renounced, and cast out. The forces of darkness want to keep us from God's blessing. Satan tempts us with sex to meet emotional needs. Some use sex for escape from stress or depression. Some want to be loved and accepted. Some want to go into a fantasy world because life seems so harsh at times. But sexual sins cause misdirected spiritual and emotional bonds. And extreme pain is caused in braking up with someone. There is also separation from God and a great deal of inward emotional turmoil from guilt and shame.

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance, and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

When I was nine years old, I used to like the beautiful stained-glass windows that showed Jesus tenderly and lovingly holding a little lamb. And I saw pictures of Jesus with children sitting on His lap and seated all around Him. They could see how good and kind He was and they were laughing. Jesus really cared about people and pictures in books showed Jesus healing sick people and caring for poor people who needed cheering up. Everybody loved Jesus, especially Peter and John and the men who went everywhere with Him. Crowds of people got excited about seeing Jesus coming. People put branches from palm trees down in front of Him as they also waved them in the air and shouted "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord" Luke 19:38.

Before I became a Christian, a person witnessed to me on the street. He asked me if I was "saved." My answer was "well, yes, I think so." But actually, I really didn't know for sure what he was talking about. I thought to myself, "I'm a good person...if there is a loving and good God, then I must be okay." How easily I overlooked the thousands of sins I had committed in my lifetime: selfishness, rudeness, lying, cheating, sexual immorality, arrogance, greed...ouch, it hurts my pride to think of it! However, if I really wanted to be honest with myself, I knew it was true. How can a perfectly holy and righteous God have friendship with me? The answer is He won't. So in otherwords, I'm cut off from God, who alone is perfect and who alone can make me fulfilled and complete. I'm lost. I'm in darkness. I'm doomed to a miserable life reaping the consequences of my sin. And when I die, I will not go to live with the holy loving God in His heaven. I will be separated from Him, my soul in some sort of painful, burning, outer darkness. Help!...Help! Can anyone save me??