Be Inspired

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

Be Inspired

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 KJV

Be Inspired

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 KJV

Be Inspired

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:6-7 KJV

Be Inspired

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

1 John 4:9 KJV

Be Inspired

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

Matthew 1:21 KJV

Be Inspired

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14 KJV

Be Inspired

To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3 KJV

Who God is...E

December 16, 2015

Who is God... E-Eternal, Everlasting, Elohim (Creator, Judge of the universe), El Shaddai (Almighty God), Excellent, Emmanuel, Earnest of the Holy Spirit.

Emmanuel: God with us

Earnest: a pledge or down payment

Matthew 1:23b "...and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."

Ephesians 1:13b - 14 "... in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of                               promise, "Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the                                         purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Text: Genesis 39 (especially verse 21)

I. God with men in the Bible

• Joseph (Gen 39:21)
• Isaac (Gen 26:24)
• Isaiah (Is 41:10, 43:5)
• Jeremiah (Jer 1:8)
• Paul (Acts 18:10)

II. Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us

• Prophesied (Is 7:14)
• Name given (Mt 1:23b)
• Word be came flesh... (Jn 1:14)

III. God in Me (Holy Spirit)

• Holy Spirit dwells in me (Jn 14:17, 1 Cor 3:16, 1 Jn 4:13)
• He is the earnest, a down payment, an investment in me (II Cor 1:22, 5:5, Eph 1:13b-14)
• I will dwell with God in Heaven forever (Rev 7:15, 21:3)
• He will never leave me nor forsake me (Heb 13:5)

IV. The Effects of God's Presence

• In nature (1 Chron 16:33, Ps 68:8, 97:5, 114:7, Ezekiel 38:20, Nahum 1:5)
• In me (Gen 3:8, 4:16, Ex 33:14-15, Job 23:15, Ps 16:11, 51:11, 95:2, 100:2, 1 Cor 1:29, 1 Thes 2:19)

Challenge:

1. Acknowledge God being with you.
2. Thank Him for His presence.
3. Make His investment in me worthwhile.
4. Let His presence have a good and holy effect on you, your heart and actions, and those around you.

Be Inspired

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

1 Corinthians 13:6-7 KJV

Spirited verse of the day

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 KJV

Spirited Verse of the Day

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
John 1:8 KJV

Verse of the Day

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 9:28 KJV

Verse of the Day

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 KJV

Verse of the Day

Delight thyself also in the Lord ; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Psalms 37:4 KJV

Verse of the Day

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 13:20 KJV

Verse of the Day

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalms 42:11 KJV

Verse of the Day

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalms 119:9 KJV

Verse of the Day

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:7 KJV

Thanksgiving

The United States of America has set aside the fourth Thursday of every November as a day to be thankful unto God. You may be thankful for many things, but have you ever given thanks for...

I. The Forgiveness of Sin

Because we are sinners, we are thankful that God forgives sins. All men are sinners ad stated in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Your sin is what makes you guilty before God and in need of forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7 says, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin,.."

II. The Pardon From Punishment

We are thankful that though our sin deserves death in hell, Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection pardoned all of our sin. Romans 6:23 tells us "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Though all of our sins have been pardoned, a pardon is of no value if it is not accepted.

III. The Offer to All

We are thankful that God's gift is for all. God says in II Peter 3:9 that he is, "...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,.." You must decide to accept God's pardon by having "...repentance toward the God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," Acts 20:21. To receive God's offer of eternal life (Heaven) we must confess and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 says, "That if though shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

The only way to be truly thankful for Christ's payment for your sin is if you have received Christ's pardon. This pardon may be received by repenting of your sin and praying in faith the following prayer or one similar to it:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, please forgive me of my sin, and take me to heaven when I doe. I believe that you died and rose again for me. I am trusting you completely and nothing I can do. Thank you Jesus! Amen

GB
Essie

Verse of the Day

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

1 Chronicles 29:13

Verse of the Day

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV

Verse of the Day

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV

God is Good - Day 5

Here is my last day of God is good series.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord , thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

Think about it: How does knowing God has unfinished work in your life give you hope?

God is Good - Day 4

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.

Romans 8:28 KJV
Think about it: What are ways you can remind yourself to watch for God’s goodness despite the circumstances?

God is Good - Day 3

The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.
Luke 11:34 KJV

Think about it: How can you begin to retrain your mind to focus on good things?

Verse of the Day

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord , thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

God is Good - Day 2

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Corinthians 6:18 KJV

Think about it: What are some examples in your life where you’ve received unexpected or undeserved favor?

God is Good - Day 1

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Psalms 30:5 KJV

Think about it: What are some good things in your life that are easy to overlook?

Verse of the Day

Thine, O Lord , is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord , and thou art exalted as head above all.

1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV

Verse of the day

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9 KJV

Why I love to to be modest in just wearing dresses and skirts…

“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”  This verse -- Deuteronomy 22:5 -- 

What is being modest? Is modest to you wearing only skirts, no pants?

What do you first think when you see a woman wearing dresses or skirts all the time? She must be Pentecostal, she must be in a cult, legalistic, a religion belief. Anything can run through your mind. Can pants be modest for a Christian and the answer is yes they can. As long as they don’t cling to your body or show your appeal. God has made men and women to be different so why not show that we are women.

Here is something I thought was appropriate, how to decide if you are dressed modest…

“Four Guidelines for Modesty”

1. If you have trouble getting into it or out of it, it is probably not modest.
2. If you have to be careful when you sit down or bend over, it is probably not modest.
3. If people look at any part of your body before looking at your face, it is probably not modest.
4. If you can see your most private body parts or an outline of those parts under the fabric, it is probably not modest.

-Michael Hyatt

Dressing modesty helps me live out my biblical principles for me and my family, we believe this to be true for us to embrace who God has made us as women. Wearing skirts and dresses is a daily reminder to us that we are ladies and not tough boys. I want to show my femininity. What glorifies God, is being lovely, modest, and have a feminine spirit. Being Christian is what is on the outside that should be consistent with what is on the inside. The heart is the issue not your clothes. Christians should not “follow the crowd.” I don’t need the world telling me how to dress.

“Jesus said, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." This Verse --Matthew 5:28--

Verse of the Day

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Philippians 2:3-4 KJV

Verse of the Day

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10 KJV

Too Busy - Verse of the Day

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. John 16:33 KJV

Verse of the Day (Too busy)

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Mark 1:35 KJV

Still too Busy - Verse of the Day

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Mark 2:27 KJV

Verse of the day (To Busy for God)

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Luke 5:16 KJV

Verse of the Day

Another verse for does busy people, who think the word of God should not come first.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 KJV

Are you too busy for God?

Here is a verse you should remember.

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.

1 John 2:16 KJV

My Fall from God's Grace

By following my friends and the flesh I lost my faith in God when I was a teen. I did things in my life that I am not proud, but as a teen you don’t put much thought into things, you believe you are too smart to get caught. I lived a thug life with my older brother and I followed him everywhere as I was a tom boy. My first sins in life was beating up people for money that was owed to other friends for drugs. From that I went to stealing stuff in exchange for money. Being younger than my brother I was not allowed to go with him at all times. My brother went robbing people and I was not able to be a part of this because it was done at night and I had to attend school the next morning. 

They always say that God intervenes in some things, and my brother was caught one night robbing someone and got arrested. So off course he went to prison and I was left alone. He went to prison for several years, got out on probation and is currently a youth pastor. He is the founder of Radical Impact Ministry for troubled teens in the Connecticut area. I didn’t have a close relationship with my mom. Mostly my mother worked and my father was retired at the time I was at home. My mother was not a very good communicator. At 17, I felt alone in my home even though there were other older siblings, I still felt alone because my older siblings had either moved out or had families of there own. I started hanging out with girls who where interested in cosmetics, clothes and boys. I met a man who was in his twenties and I started believing every word he said and soon got pregnant while living in a christian home. I was forced into marriage to him. A few months later he went to prison for theft and drugs. I filed for divorce later and got into a heated argument with my mom so I left the house and lived moving around having multiple jobs while being pregnant and still going to school.

After giving birth to a beautiful baby girl, I went back to living with my parents but still wasn’t close to the Lord. I was forced to go to church on Sundays (house rule). In between church and baby activities I partied and still hung with the wrong crowd which was only about clubbing, drinking, and meeting guys. I met my second husband while working and this slowed me down from going out regularly, I soon got pregnant with my son out of wedlock so we got married a few years after my son's birth. Several years later we had another child. We were together for 5 years before getting married and we were together for 10 years before we got divorced. My marriage got broken because we both wanted different things, and had differences in our approach to maturity and making a life for each other. During this process, I rekindled my faith in God and embarked on the road of redemption.

Verse of the Day

I love the Lord , because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. Psalms 116:1-2 KJV

Verse of the Day

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 KJV

Verse of the Day

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. John 3:36 KJV

Verse of the Day

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10 KJV

Verse of the Day

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 KJV

Verse of the Day

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:34 KJV

Why I use the KJV Bible (KJV-King James Version)

Growing up in a Christian home, as far as I can remember we have always used the KJV bible but in Spanish. We went to an all Spanish speaking church so for the Spanish community there is only one version of the KJV bible. As I grew up and moved back to the U.S. we went to a bilingual church. I still used the same bible as it was no problem for me as I read, and spoke fluent Spanish. When I moved to my new church in Stratford that is where I began to realize the differences, because this was an English speaking church. Of course I purchased the NKJV (New King James Bible) and according to word of mouth it only removed the  "thee, thou and ye". This was supposed to make an easier reading, but as I read through my bible I didn't notice other words that was missing until I started going to my new church who only used the KJV bible. I was fine using the Spanish version but bought an English KJV bible. 

The pastor decided to have a service about why to use only the KJV bible, and the truth came out on all these other versions. I've been doing my own little research, and there are so many Christians who already talk about this topic its amazing. Here are few websites you can go check out on your own;

https://www.jesus-is-lord.com/nivdelet.htm - They have a whole segment on why not to use the NIV version (New International Version). 

http://www.av1611.org/biblevs.html - They have a chart on how many things are missing in other bible versions.

Here is a video also on youtube on why not to use other bible versions;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFtI_mVOXbQ

Please be careful when you are watching or doing research as you will have non-believers twisting your faith. 

This is why I stick to my own research, I  have my original KJV bible, Webster dictionary, bible dictionary, a notebook, and my color pencils so as to aid me in studying my bible.

Here a few pointers to daily studying the KJV bible. 

• Always start with prayer
• Select a chapter and start reading

Get the word of God so you can be filled with the Holy Spirit and help and guide others on what God has brought forward to you. 

GB,
Essie

Take the stand today

Would you take a stand for your faith? Are you that faithful? If someone asked you today even after this tragedy would you have the courage to take the stand or would you be afraid? Are you not ready to meet are maker?

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

On Friday October 2, 2015 9 were Killed for being Christians in Oregon. We are not sure if that was his intent but makes me think about others and their faith. Are you ashamed for being a Christian? Start now and put your stand to your Christianity today.

Stand up also to the things that are wrong at home, work, schools, and the streets. By putting a stand and showing you care might help to put some sort of stop to does who don’t believe. That’s why we are here to share the gospel and show others that they have a chance to change your ways and get to the right path.

Are you ready to take the stand, on your Christianity or would you lie and second guess your faith if you are put in the position with a gun to your head?

I am ready, be ready with me take your stand today.

Acts 26:15-18 – 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Galatians 1:11-18 - 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

Galatians 2:6 - 6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

Our prayers go out to the families of those who was killed Friday in Oregon.

Verse of the Day

Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength: Isaiah 26:4 KJV

How does your study looks like?

A thinking moment... This morning I thought I shared what my bible study looks like after studying my section, the question is how does yours look like? My husband doesn't scribble in his bible, looks like it came straight out of the box, but he does have a notebook that has his notes and scribbles that he understands. If your bible is too clean are you studying enough, do you have that special notebook, are taking enough notes, are you soaking the word off God as you should? I know I am are you?

GB
Essie

The Origins of my Salvation

I was raised in a religious household and committed my life to God at the age of 12, in a local church where we lived in Puerto Rico. The church's name was Primera Iglesia Bautista de Utuado, which in English means, First Baptist Church in Utuado. When you are that age or younger you are so full of God's love, you have lots of love for God, and God is your world. I remember having so much love for him and the church. We attended church regularly and faithfully Sundays, Wednesdays, and youth nights on Fridays. We accompanied my dad to help him clean up the church as he was a deacon. As a small child you don't fully understand what God and religion means. As a teenager you doubt what God means and the purpose of religion in your life. I would want to be with my friends from school instead of the youth group from church. Following the flesh seemed more fun and exciting than listening to God's word. When we moved back to the U.S. I realized that most of my friends where Catholics and few believed in God. The friends I wanted to spend my time with weren't believers in God and this tested my faith. On those occasions when things went wrong in my life there were times I would stop believing in my faith and begin hanging out with the wrong crowd. Though my parents still had a strong hand on me going to church, I would attend but would not participate. I eventually started making my own decisions, disobeying my parents and became rebellious at home. The devil is our strongest rival against Christianity and helps us in our sins. But the origins of our sins comes primarily from us loosing our faith and moving from the spiritual to the worldly.

In my next blog I will chronicle the actions in my life that led me away from my salvation.

GB-Essie

Verse of the Day

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV

Always read your verse of the day it can be so inspirational.

GB-Essie

Who God is... D

July 22, 2015

Who is God... God is Day Spring, Deliverer, Door, Divine, Dear, and Day Star.

That which precedes and accompanies the sun-rising. Found only in II Peter 1:19 where it denotes the manifestation of Christ to the soul, imparting spiritual light and comfort. He is the "bright and morning star of Revelation 2:28 and 22:16.

NT: light-bearing ("phosphorus"), esp. the morning star, fig. day star; the planet Venus; met. Christ

II Peter 1:19 "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:"

Revelation 2:28 "And I will give him the morning star."

Revelation 22:16 "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the church. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."

Ephesians 5:13 "But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light; for whatsoever doth make manifest is light."

Text: Exodus 13:20-22, 14:19-20

I. Star Light

• Created in the beginning (Gen 1:3-4, 14-17)
• Prophesied and fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Num 24:17, Mt 2:2, Rev 22:16)

II. Light's Purpose (Ephesians 5:13)

• Chases darkness away (Ps 36:9, 119:105, Ps 18:28)
• Reveals (Ps 119:130, Jn 12:46)
• Makes way for righteousness (Is 60:1, 2:5, II Cor 4:4&6)
• Finds what is lost (Micah 7:8-9, Lk 15:8)

III. Light's Work in Me

• I am a child of the Light (Eph 5:8)
• I must let His light bring spiritual wisdom and comfort. (II Pet 1:19)
• He has made me a light of the world (Mt 5:14)
• I cannot hide this light from others (Lk 8:16)
• I must be a light that helps others turn from unrighteousness to the righteousness of Jesus Christ. (Dan 12:3)
• Remember, your source of light may be a source of darkness for those in the world. (Ex 14:20)

Challenge:

1. Look to Jesus, especially when your world seems dark and troubled.
2. Let Him show you the light, and let the light of Jesus do its wonders.
3. Let the light of Jesus do its work in others, whether it be providing or bringing about salvation for their lost soul, or keeping them away from you, protecting you from their intentions or the devil's intentions.

Who God is...C

July 12, 2015 

Who is God... God is Captain, Christ, Chief Shepherd, Confidence, Consolation, Cornerstone, Counselor, Comforter, Completer, and Creator.

Creator: one who creates.

OT: to create; choose; make; do; a formative process.

NT: proprietorship of the manufacturer; to fabricate; to form or found.

"Proprietor" is an owner, one who has exclusive rights or title of something.

Syn: architect, designer, framer, maker, producer, inventor, fabricator.
Ant: destroyer

7 Wonders of the Ancient World: (The first known list of the most remarkable creations of classical antiquity, these were chosen by Hellenistic Greeks because they believed they represented perfection and plenty.) Great Pyramid of Giza, Hanging gardens of Babylon, Temple of Artemis, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

7 Natural Wonders: Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Mt. Everest, Auroras, Paricutin volcano, and Victoria Falls.

New 7 Wonders (2007): Great Wall of China, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Pichu, Chichen Itza, Colosseum, Taj Mahal.

7 Wonders of the Modern World: Channel Tunnel, CN Tower in Toronto, Empire State Building, Golden Gate Bridge, Itaipu Dam in Brazil and Praguay, Delta Works in the Netherlands (dams, sluices, locks, dykes, levees, storm surge barriers), and the Panama Canal.

Other Wonders of the Medieval World: Stonehenge, Catacombs of Kom el Shaqafa, Porcelain Tower of Nanjing, Hagia Sophia, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Text: Jeremiah 18:1-6

I. Our Creator

• Created everything in the beginning (Genesis 1:1)
• Created everything systematically (Colossians 1:16)
• Created everything in His order (Revelations 4:11)
• Created everything in His majesty & excellency, glory & beauty (Job 38-41*)
• Is faithful (1 Peter 4:19)
• Faints not (Isaiah 40:28)

II. Our Creator Created us special (Genesis 2:7)

• For His glory (Isaiah 43:7)
• Perfect until iniquity was found (Ezekiel 28:15)
• But we worship the creature more than Creator (Romans 1:25)
• So we must remember Creator (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
• And He can always create in us a clean heart (Psalms 51:10)
• So we need to put off and put on (Colossians 3:9-10, Ephesians 4:23-24)
• Be His workmanship created unto good works (Ephesians 2:10)

III. The Potter's Clay

• He is the Potter, we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8)
• Potter has power over the clay (Romans 9:21)
• The marred clay (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

* Creations God tells job about out of the whirlwind:

(Job 38-41): Foundation of the earth, limits of the waters, breadth of the earth (light and dark), rains and desert, stars and skies, hunter and prey, life cycles, unicorn, peacock, ostrich, horse, fowl of the air, behemoth, and leviathan (entire chapter).

Challenge:

1. Remember Who the Creator is and consider all He has created. Be amazed  at His majesty & excellency, His glory & beauty.
2. Let Him create a clean hear in you each day. (confession, worship, praise)
3. Be willing to become His workmanship, giving Him exclusive rights to your life.

Distracted or Distractions

July 8, 2015

Having distractions, or being distracted, can cause you to loose your Holy Spirit. By following these simple steps as per the Bible , you can keep your faith without the distractions or being distracted;

Acts 1:6-8

6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

1.     Always seek for the Holy Spirit.

2.     Witness (we are his witnesses) - Be a witness to Jesus, put Jesus into your daily conversations, Put Jesus first not sports, or problems. Don't focus on talking about sports or your problems, focus on talking about Jesus. "Is not how big your problem, is how small you can make it".

3.     Make the coming of Christ your priority, by having the focus on his return, he is coming back to us. 

Do you get distracted? Follow the these pointers as found in 1 Peter 7-11

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Here is the breakdown of the reading.

Verse 7

By keeping your focus in Christ all the issues will be fixed. Be SOBER minded (just like Noah focused on building the ark and preaching to the people of his generation about the flood that was coming). It took Noah over 120 years before God decided that it was time and that he was ready. This story is found in Genesis 6-10. Today as Christians we must have a spiritual walk so we can be spiritually minded in his coming. If not we will not see him coming, because he will come like a thief in the night. (2 Peter 3:10 - But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up). But us Christians would know when he is coming because we expect it, we know he is coming.

Verse 8

Love one another because the Holy Spirit is love. To God everyone has a value and we are all his disciples if we all love one another. (John 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.) 

Verse 9

The word Hospitality means give to others and you shall receive. (Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.)

Verse 10-11

We all have a spiritual gift and we need to find what it is and put it to use. It could be ministering or a speaking gift. Find yours! (1 Corinthians 12-1-11 - 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.)

Conclusion: Don't engage in the things that don't matter. Put Jesus first and follow Him. He will give you the spiritual guidance to be a witness and for you to be ready for His next coming.

Love, Essie

Who God is ... A

July 5, 2015 

Who God is ...God is Alpha and Omega, Abba Father, Advocate, Altogether lovely, Apostle, Architect, Arm of the Lord, Amazing, Adonai, Almighty, Available, Awesome, All I need, and the Author and Finisher of my Faith.

Author: the maker of anything, creator, originator, chief leader.

Finisher: one who brings something to completion, to complete and perfect in detail; perfector

Text: Hebrews 11

I. Faith Begun

• Faith cometh by hearing (Romans 10:13-17)
• Word of God is written (Exodus 34:27, Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10, 10:16)
• Salvation is wrought by God's Word (Hebrew 5:9, Philippians 1:6)

II. Faith in Action (Hebrews 11)

• Faith will cause us to take action.
• Faith brings about results.
• Faith will take us through difficulties well worth our traversing. (1 Peter 1:6-7, Habakkuk 2:4b)

III. Faith Now Until It Is Finished

• Faith brings rewards. (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 21:7)
• Faith needs to be added unto. (II Peter 1:5-7)
• Faith requires us to act. (Hebrews 12:1, I Peter 1:13-16, Revelations 2; 7,11)

Conclusion: Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Novel/Story/Book

1. Introductions to characters are made, and the scene is set.
2. Action, drama, dialogue....
3. Finish... may lead to a sequel...

Psalm 139:16 "...and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there were none of them."

The next two verses express how much the Lord thinks about us. When you're reading a book, does it invade and even consume your thoughts during the day? The Lord is writing our story of faith, and we need to let Him be the chief leader, our perfector of faith.

In order to see and know God as the author & finishes of your faith...

Challenge:

1. Hear God and Listen.
2. Add to your faith, and let God increase your faith.
3. Let God continue to author your faith until it is finished. (Remember Hebrews 11)

Keeping Consistent

 July 4, 2015

Keeping me consistent on the road with God

Keeping life with God we need to stay in touch with God. Here are a few things I do to always have God in my everyday life.

1. I start with praying and reading my bible.
2. Listen to christian music.
3. My friends are people from church. (Be with those who will give you guidance for the right decisions in life and show you how to read the bible and pray daily)

Here are some verses that help me that I read when I am falling of the narrow road.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

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.

1 Thessalonians 5:9

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3:17-18

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.

1 Peter 4:1-2

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

How to study your bible Video

I love watching Kim, she is so exciting, lovable and enthusiastic about her God, just like me.

How I Study the Bible ~ 10 Essentials: https://youtu.be/vGcBKOpOyUw

Who is God... B

June 28, 2015

Who is God... God is Beautiful, Blessing, Blesser, Bold, Blessed Redeemer, Builder, I Belong to Jesus, Banner, Beginning, Boast of the Believer, Bishop, Burden Bearer, Bright and Morning Star, Branch of David, Bridegroom, and Bread of Life.

Bread: a kind of food made of flour or meal that has been mixed with milk or water, made into dough or batter, with or without yeast or other leavening agents, and baked.

OT: food, esp. bread or grain for making it: victuals

NT: bread or a loaf

"Breaking bread" refers to eating a meal, esp. in companionable association with others.

Syn: feed: nourishment, sustenance, victuals

Kinds of Breads: homemade, sweet, herb, flat, corn, wheat, fruit, sourdough, unleavened, leavened, pita, rice, naan, dry, soda, white, ceremonial, crispy, biscuits, muffins, cakes, pastries, fried dough, buns, holiday, pancake, waffle, quick, and adobe.

Text: John 6:27-35

I. Bread in the Bible

• Used for travel, money exchange, sacrifices, offerings, a memorial, strength, satisfaction, fellowship, at the last supper, and at feasts.
• Eaten with kings, brethren, guests, friends, and Jesus.
• Types in the Bible include unleavened, cake, bread of affliction, of tears, of sorrows, of wickedness, of deceit, of idleness, of adversity, and of sincerity.

II. Bread with Jesus (John 6:27-35)

• Prior to this, Jesus had fed the 5,000 with 5 loaves of barley bread and 2 fishes.
• Reference made to manna from Heaven.
• Bread broken to satisfy our need for salvation...

III. My Bread for Today

• Part of curse (Genesis 3:19)
• Daily Bread (Matthew 6:11)
• We do not live by bread alone (Matthew 4:4)
• Need more than necessary food (Job 23:12)

CHALLENGE:

(Bread at the Lords supper shows me His Sacrifice)

1. Look to Jesus for your spiritual sustenance each day, throughout the day, all day.
2. Eat the bread for the day, even if it is bread of sorrows, afflictions, or adversity.
3. Break bread with others; share Christ with others.