Do have joy or do you find you are lacking it?
Are you being burdened down with the things of this world and find you do not have any joy?
By the way what is biblical joy?
Unlike a fleeting moment of happiness or laughter; unlike the pleasure of a beautiful sight, unlike the sound of cherished music; unlike a close gathering of friends or loved ones, true joy is manifested in our lives because of our relationship with God. Now don't get me wrong those others things can add to our joy when our relationship is tight with our Father.
In Luke 15 we read a parable of a herdsman who lost one sheep out of his flock, he leaves the other sheep and when he finds the missing lamb he returns with great joy because the one that was lost, he has back to his sheepfold, his care.
We also read of a woman who lost one of the 10 pieces of silver given in marriage. She goes though all the house searching diligently even at night with a light and when she finds it her joy is so great she calls her friends and neighbors together sharing with them the good news *(see note 1).
A woman in labor experiences sorrow, then experiences joy when she sees the baby and holds it in her arms.
When you have true joy you want to share it with everyone. When a person becomes born again they normally have so much joy they tell everyone about it. John 16:21
Nehemiah 8:10 (Bible quotes from NKJV)
Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat (good food), drink the sweet (good drink), and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared (giving to others in need); for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
For us to have true joy we need to realize the joy of the LORD is our true strength.
Believing our Fathers promises to us results in joy.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom. 15:13
Being part of Gods kingdom we experience joy as we live in the spirit and not in the flesh.
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Rom. 14:17
Genuine Joy is not about being happy, because when we are down and thing are tough we would lose it. We can experience true joy whether times are good or bad.
Read what Paul said about his joy in tough situations and times.
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation . 2 Cor. 7:4
In all his tribulation (the pressures of life in this world) that is: hardships, trials, temptations, life's challenges in general, Paul writes he has abounding joy.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Jam. 1:2-4
This joy is twofold in nature. It is the joy of self-surrender to God. True joy can only begin when one's self has been surrendered to God.
How much Joy should we have?
And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 1 Jn. 1:4
God's desire for us is for our joy to be full!
As long as we live for this world and it's decaying treasures and not God's eternal rewards our joy will be lacking. (lay not for yourselves treasure upon earth Mt. 6:19, 20)
Let's consider one more.
“And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. Jn 16:23, 24
We should be asking our Father who supplies all our need, whatever our need (not greed) so we can live godly, righteously and soberly in this present evil world then as we know we have received our joy can be full. Phil. 4:19
* note 1: for more information on this biblical custom Read Bishop Pillai's "Light Through an Eastern Window" Marriage Customs chapter 1, or contact me for more information.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Trust in what God has done for you.
We trust in things like the sun, electricity, our TV, the air we breathe.
These are things we use or benefit from, but we may not understand how they work.
In the same way you must believe the Good News that Jesus Christ took your place, bore your sins and suffered the penalty of your guilt on that cross. As he was dying he said "It is finished' this means his work was complete, your debt was paid in full. Now your debt cannot be paid twice. Your penalty cannot be suffered twice. Jesus did it in your name, on your behalf, for you and now your salvation is complete. You are not guilty any longer for the moment you believe the good news of what he did for you (Acts 16:31; Rom. 4:24; 10:9, 10; ) You have been forever freed from the eternal penalty of sin and separation for God. So when you believe the gospel this means you trust that what Jesus did for you in his substitutionary death.
The Real issue:
Do you believe the gospel message? Do you believe what Jesus did for you? How can you prove your belief? In one simple word "Trust", Trust Him.
Trust in the finished work of Christ for your spirit. Trust what he did for you, what else are you going to trust?
Trust that he suffered enough for you and all the sins you have ever committed. Jesus paid the full and supreme price. No more needs to be paid or could be.
Trust that he did enough for you.
Trust that he was perfect, his blood was sinless.
Trust that he was innocent and could take your place, being your substitute.
Trust that his blood was enough to wash away every sin of yours.
Trust that nothing else needs to be done.
No further price needs to be paid. No further penalty needs to be suffered. No good works or offerings, or merits, or sacrifices or penance needs to be added to what Christ did to redeem you.
Trust that he did enough, rest your belief forever on the foundation of what the Bible says Jesus did for you. Once you have heard the good news, once you recognize your sin and repented of it confessing and trusting on your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Then never again do any effort or sacrifice or pay any price or take any step to be saved. Trust in Jesus Christ, Trust he did enough at the cross. Trust in his complete sacrifice. Trust that he suffered enough to redeem you to God. Trust his payment was enough.
Your offerings and good works will never improve your state of salvation, or position in God's sight. Trust in God's love to reach out to you and His power to save and redeem you. Nothing you can think or say or do now or at anytime in the future can ever add to what he did on the cross for you. This is the wonderful good news. Jesus paid enough, Jesus suffered enough. You never need to do anything more only believe on the finished work of Christ. Now you are a new creation in Christ you have been made alive in him. You cannot add or take away from what God has done it is complete.
These are things we use or benefit from, but we may not understand how they work.
In the same way you must believe the Good News that Jesus Christ took your place, bore your sins and suffered the penalty of your guilt on that cross. As he was dying he said "It is finished' this means his work was complete, your debt was paid in full. Now your debt cannot be paid twice. Your penalty cannot be suffered twice. Jesus did it in your name, on your behalf, for you and now your salvation is complete. You are not guilty any longer for the moment you believe the good news of what he did for you (Acts 16:31; Rom. 4:24; 10:9, 10; ) You have been forever freed from the eternal penalty of sin and separation for God. So when you believe the gospel this means you trust that what Jesus did for you in his substitutionary death.
The Real issue:
Do you believe the gospel message? Do you believe what Jesus did for you? How can you prove your belief? In one simple word "Trust", Trust Him.
Trust in the finished work of Christ for your spirit. Trust what he did for you, what else are you going to trust?
Trust that he suffered enough for you and all the sins you have ever committed. Jesus paid the full and supreme price. No more needs to be paid or could be.
Trust that he did enough for you.
Trust that he was perfect, his blood was sinless.
Trust that he was innocent and could take your place, being your substitute.
Trust that his blood was enough to wash away every sin of yours.
Trust that nothing else needs to be done.
No further price needs to be paid. No further penalty needs to be suffered. No good works or offerings, or merits, or sacrifices or penance needs to be added to what Christ did to redeem you.
Trust that he did enough, rest your belief forever on the foundation of what the Bible says Jesus did for you. Once you have heard the good news, once you recognize your sin and repented of it confessing and trusting on your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Then never again do any effort or sacrifice or pay any price or take any step to be saved. Trust in Jesus Christ, Trust he did enough at the cross. Trust in his complete sacrifice. Trust that he suffered enough to redeem you to God. Trust his payment was enough.
Your offerings and good works will never improve your state of salvation, or position in God's sight. Trust in God's love to reach out to you and His power to save and redeem you. Nothing you can think or say or do now or at anytime in the future can ever add to what he did on the cross for you. This is the wonderful good news. Jesus paid enough, Jesus suffered enough. You never need to do anything more only believe on the finished work of Christ. Now you are a new creation in Christ you have been made alive in him. You cannot add or take away from what God has done it is complete.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Redemption what does it mean?
The scriptures reveal to us that Jesus Christ has redeemed us what does that mean?
Redemption means:
To ransom, to liberate, to rescue from captivity or bondage or from any liability or obligation to suffer. to reclaim, to deliver. To reclaim by removing all obligation by paying the ransom price. ( Our records in heavens are paid in full). To deliver from the bondage of sin, and the penalties of God's violated laws or the consequences of sin though the reconciliation with God affected by the atonement of Christ. A payment that releases someone from captivity or punishment or any kind of penalty.
another definition.
Redeem: that which is paid for the pardon of an offense in the place of punishment. To release from captivity, release from slavery, from servitude, from punishment by paying a price. To regain possession by the legal payment of a ransom.
Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
We should recognize we don't need to ask God to be good to us or show us favor He has shown it and continues to do so now and forever.
If you would like to support our ministry and order your holiday gifts at the same time you can order most of your gifts here.
Redemption means:
To ransom, to liberate, to rescue from captivity or bondage or from any liability or obligation to suffer. to reclaim, to deliver. To reclaim by removing all obligation by paying the ransom price. ( Our records in heavens are paid in full). To deliver from the bondage of sin, and the penalties of God's violated laws or the consequences of sin though the reconciliation with God affected by the atonement of Christ. A payment that releases someone from captivity or punishment or any kind of penalty.
another definition.
Redeem: that which is paid for the pardon of an offense in the place of punishment. To release from captivity, release from slavery, from servitude, from punishment by paying a price. To regain possession by the legal payment of a ransom.
Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
We should recognize we don't need to ask God to be good to us or show us favor He has shown it and continues to do so now and forever.
If you would like to support our ministry and order your holiday gifts at the same time you can order most of your gifts here.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Who is the Bible written for? What do you say to the God rejector?
When people say they do no believe in the Bible or they not believe in God what do you tell them? You understand their position. Why? Because the Bible was not written for the God rejector the one who denies God, who chooses not to believe.
The Bible was written for those who want to know the score in life. Those who want the answers to life’s questions. Those who desire to come out of the darkness and into the light.
So when people say I don’t believe we understand their position. They choose to reject truth choosing error. They are without God and without hope living in darkness.
The Word’s testimony of itself is that the Word of God is reliable.
Joh 10:35 ..and the scripture cannot be broken...
That God is true and men are the liars.
Ro 3:4 ... let God be found true, but every man a liar.
That God has given His guarantee to all men by raising His son from the dead.
Ac 17:31 ... whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him (Jesus Christ) from the dead.
So when people deny God it is because they reject evident truth.
Ro. 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
So in the end they are without excuse. Yet we know why.
2 Co. 4:4 in whom the god of this world (the devil) has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.
The Bible was written for those who want to know the score in life. Those who want the answers to life’s questions. Those who desire to come out of the darkness and into the light.
So when people say I don’t believe we understand their position. They choose to reject truth choosing error. They are without God and without hope living in darkness.
The Word’s testimony of itself is that the Word of God is reliable.
Joh 10:35 ..and the scripture cannot be broken...
That God is true and men are the liars.
Ro 3:4 ... let God be found true, but every man a liar.
That God has given His guarantee to all men by raising His son from the dead.
Ac 17:31 ... whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him (Jesus Christ) from the dead.
So when people deny God it is because they reject evident truth.
Ro. 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
So in the end they are without excuse. Yet we know why.
2 Co. 4:4 in whom the god of this world (the devil) has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Book Review: Soulwinning by T.L. Osborn
Soulwinning by T.L Osborn Review
TL and his wife Daisy who is now asleep awaiting the return of Christ have probably witnessed more miracles, healings and seen more people accept Christ then anyone since the first century church. Reading his book
"Healing the Sick" will give you a more complete insight into God's promises of healing then any other book except the Bible. Along with others reviewed or mentioned earlier. (see note 1)
Back to Soulwinning. Because TL has always felt it was his call to be an evangelist he has spent over 60 years reaching the lost and visiting countries where they have never heard of Jesus Christ and seeing the miraculous power of God evidenced in wonderful ways. In his book he not only gives doctrinal, scriptural insight but much needed practical realities in reaching others for Christ, Why we reach out to others with the love of God, how do we do it, our mission and its alignment with Jesus's mission and those that followed Paul, Peter, John and so on.
I have read a few books on this subject over the years such as "the Master Plan of Evangelism" which is more focused on discipleship and has some good useful insights. Quite frankly though T. L.'s book is the best work on this subject of winning others to and for Christ you will read outside of scripture. It will inspire you to reach out for our Lord in a greater way.
Your faith will be stronger.
Your hope will be brighter.
Your love will be deeper.
Your life will be fuller.
Readability: 5 Bibles
Usefulness: 5 Bibles
Note 1: To see my review of Jesus the Healer by E. W. Kenyon.
For other books by these and more authors use this link and then type in your search term. You can limit your search for example to "books" by using the pull down menu their.
I've had some request for "The Best of Life" here is that link
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Trip to India
Blessings to each of you in the name above all name Jesus Christ!
A window of opportunity has opened for me to travel to India in the coming months for ministry and learning it will be during a leadership conference there and two weeks of ministry. If you would like to donate to the cause I will send you the audio and video that others and I take while there for your blessing and encouragement. God's Word is that we take the Word of God to all parts of the earth!
you can donate with paypal here to the ministry supporting the trip. More info coming.
Life Fellowship paypal donation link for India trip.
A window of opportunity has opened for me to travel to India in the coming months for ministry and learning it will be during a leadership conference there and two weeks of ministry. If you would like to donate to the cause I will send you the audio and video that others and I take while there for your blessing and encouragement. God's Word is that we take the Word of God to all parts of the earth!
you can donate with paypal here to the ministry supporting the trip. More info coming.
Life Fellowship paypal donation link for India trip.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Healing today
This post follows well with last post. One subject that seems so controversial within the body of Christ that should not be is physical healing. We all know God wants all men to be saved, made whole spiritually but what about healing, wholeness physically?
1Timothy 2:4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
The word "saved" means deliverance, to heal, to be made whole. You can find this out by looking at any good Bible Concordance and following its uses in the Scriptures.
We seem to take figuratively what we do not believe but when God speaks we need to take Him literally whenever possible. Such is the case here in Psalm 103 starting in verse two.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
We may easily accept God forgives all our iniquities (sins) but what about our sicknesses our diseases? God says plainly He heals all of them. So we either rise to the level of God's Word or we find ourselves in a state of unbelief and do not receive what He has for us.
It is odd that the walk of a believer starts out with believing but then one may try and do it by their senses, walking by the flesh instead of by faith / believing.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Paul confronts this way of living here in Galatians chapter 3.
2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
Lets finish this with this post compiled by Cal Pierce.
How long can we live in health?
Psalms 90:10 As for the days of your life, they contain seventy years or if due to strength, eighty years.
Psalms 91:16 With a long life I will satisfy thee.
Our covenant for healing.
Isaiah 53:4 Surely our griefs (sicknesses) He Himself bore, and our sorrows (pain) He carried, yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.
Jesus delivers our healing.
Matthew 8:17 In order that what was spoken through Isaiah the Prophet might be fulfilled, saying, "He Himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases."
1 Peter 2:24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin, and live unto righteousness; for by His stripes you were healed.
Our authority, His power.
Luke 10: 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall injure you.
Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.
Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.
Our faith for healing.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.
James 5:15 The prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Our confidence for healing.
Mark 11:24 Therefore, I say to you: "All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you."
John 14:13-14 And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in My name, I will do it."
Remember: Healing is a sign to the unbeliever! Hebrews 2:4
1Timothy 2:4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
The word "saved" means deliverance, to heal, to be made whole. You can find this out by looking at any good Bible Concordance and following its uses in the Scriptures.
We seem to take figuratively what we do not believe but when God speaks we need to take Him literally whenever possible. Such is the case here in Psalm 103 starting in verse two.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
We may easily accept God forgives all our iniquities (sins) but what about our sicknesses our diseases? God says plainly He heals all of them. So we either rise to the level of God's Word or we find ourselves in a state of unbelief and do not receive what He has for us.
It is odd that the walk of a believer starts out with believing but then one may try and do it by their senses, walking by the flesh instead of by faith / believing.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Paul confronts this way of living here in Galatians chapter 3.
2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
Lets finish this with this post compiled by Cal Pierce.
THE HEALING WORD
How long can we live in health?
Psalms 90:10 As for the days of your life, they contain seventy years or if due to strength, eighty years.
Psalms 91:16 With a long life I will satisfy thee.
Our covenant for healing.
Isaiah 53:4 Surely our griefs (sicknesses) He Himself bore, and our sorrows (pain) He carried, yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.
Jesus delivers our healing.
Matthew 8:17 In order that what was spoken through Isaiah the Prophet might be fulfilled, saying, "He Himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases."
1 Peter 2:24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin, and live unto righteousness; for by His stripes you were healed.
Our authority, His power.
Luke 10: 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall injure you.
Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.
Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.
Our faith for healing.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.
James 5:15 The prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Our confidence for healing.
Mark 11:24 Therefore, I say to you: "All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you."
John 14:13-14 And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in My name, I will do it."
Remember: Healing is a sign to the unbeliever! Hebrews 2:4
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