Safe Heaven House Of Prayer

Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brothers, speaks evil of the law and judges the law....There is no Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? -James 4:11-12 Being a brother or sister of Jesus means we have spiritual siblings. As in any family, siblings can easily be negative and judgmental of one another. James had this very sobering reminder : to speak evil of another brother and sister is to speak evil of the Law of God. When we judge fellow believers, we simply that the Lord is incapable of adequately dealing with this particular child of His, so we we who clearly see the problem will step in resolve it. After all, since we think we know what's best for that person, what he or she is facing, and all the life details past and present we believe we have have the right to judge and repair him or her. But this not so. Since they aren't receiving love and care, those being judged are o

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified and whom He justified, these He also glorified. -Romans 8:29-30 Jesus as our brother? The thought is unimaginable. How could we mere humans ever be any sort of peer to Son of God? Even at our most brilliant moments, at height of our goodness, we can't approach our Lord's perfection.But God's plan to make this happen has unfolded throughout the centuries. The Almighty set in place a series of events that allows created begins to become His children, His sons and daughters, joint heirs with Jesus, The plan is amazing. Part 1: The Son of God the second Person of the godhead became a fully human man in Jesus and died. He was in the grave for three days and three nights. After that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was raised from the dead. H

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes will grant sit with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant sit with Me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:20-21  Do you realize that God is pursing you? If you have ever felt a million miles away from God and we will have the good news is it is just a feeling and not a fact. Christ is in hot pursuit of you. And why is He pursuing you? The passage says He wants to "dine" with you. The word dine speaks of fellowship, communion, and intimacy. God wants more than your Sunday mornings and mealtime prayers; He  wants intimacy with you. He wants to lead you and guide you in every area of your life. He wants to mold you into the person He created you to be. He wants you to live in the priorities that will mean abundant life: "Seek first His kingdom and His righteo

You, Lord, in the beginning laid the fountain of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail. -Hebrews 1:10-12 Have you ever noticed how the troubles and trails of life can sometimes fee like they will never end? Difficulties can come and stay for what seems an eternity. This text reminds us God has a bigger plan. He created us not just for today but for eternity. The scope of your life and mine is far greater than today's trails and troubles. The writer of Hebrews reminded us that just as we throw out old clothing, Jesus one day will do away with this earth. The Lord is going to create a new heaven and a new earth. The creation will change; the Creator will stay the same. That is why our focus should always be on Him. God not only has a plan for today; He has plans for all eterni

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. -1 John 1:3-4 I absolutely love these two verses because they have impacted my life in a very powerful way. I lived so many years of my life missing the joy that these verses promise. You may know what I am talking about. These verses clearly tell us the source of joy. It is found in fellowship  with God and in fellowship with His followers. Make sure you take notice of fact that joy is found in both. When I came to Christ on November 27, 1994, I was at the lowest point of my life. At age nineteen, I had married my pregnant sixteen-year old girlfriend, and within one year we already on our way to divorce court. However, we started attending a great church where we began to see people whose lives had been changed. We both surrendered our lives to Christ, and w

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" -Hebrews 13:5-6 Webster's defines contentment as "a state of satisfaction" and at times experiencing satisfaction can definitely be difficult. Sometimes I am very content. Life is going as planned, there are no bumps on the road, and I'm grateful and satisfied with all God has for me. But them come those times we all face when things do not go as planned at least not as I had planned! In those moments during those seasons of life can I really be content? That is the message of these words from the book of Hebrews: I am to be content not because of where I am or what I have, but because of whose I am and what I have in Him. No matter what you're facing today, no matter how you feel, remember that you as a Ch

To the Son God says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, has anointed You with oil of gladness more than Your companions." -Hebrews 1:8-9 In this passage is one of the most amazing and important statements in all the Bible: Jesus is God! Many people of many religions believe Jesus was just a man, or just a prophet of God, or just a good teacher. They like to quote His teachings, but they don't accept His claims of divinity. Yet throughout His life and ministry Jesus claimed to be equal with God, to be God. Jesus said, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30) and "for this reason therefore the Jews were seeking to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath,but also calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God" (John 5:18). Jesus made it very clear with His actions and His teaching that He is God.

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.  -John 15:15-16 Wow! What a statement! "You did not choose me, but I chose you." The Creator of the universe, the great "I Am" the King of kings, the Lord of lords, has chosen you! If you are a Christ follower, God chose you. It doesn't matter what your childhood experiences were, or how weird your teen years were, or how challenging adulthood has been. God chose you! But for what has He chosen for you? "I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit." God's plan for your life is a life full of fruit. That sounds like a great plan, but  how do you experience

I have given you example, that you should do as I done you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. -John 13:15-17 Have you ever witnessed a wedding ceremony where the bride and groom washed each other's feet? It is a humbling, beautiful moment to behold as the two seek to portray the dedication, love, and service that a healthy marriage will require. Reminiscent of Paul's words concerning Christian marriage to love one another as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), Jesus words here clearly state that the most effective relationships occur when people put others before themselves. In today's passage, Jesus demonstrated humble service for His disciples: He washed their feet. This lowly act is stunning. Now note the specific word Jesus used to make His point: He called His act an example. In other words, what Jesus did to demo

Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. -Mark 10:43-45 Leadership has been the focus of much attention in recent years. There are leadership coaches, leadership conferences, leadership networks, leadership books, leadership podcasts, and more. Everywhere we turn, the world seems desperate for quality leaders. But is it possible we are in greater need of something else? What is the real secret of leadership? Without question, Jesus Christ is the greatest Leader the world has ever known but, ironically, He is also the greatest Servant the world has ever known. In today's passage, Jesus taught His disciples the true nature of effective leadership, and that is being a servant. Unlike the leaders who dominate their subordinates through power, money, or authority, Jesus called His followers first

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:1-2 As a student, do you remember participating in races during physical education class or recess time? There were 100m, 200m, 400m races, and more. As thrilling as it was to perform while your classmates cheered, do you recall how you felt afterward? If you hadn't prepared for the race, your body paid the price! You would have been sore for days. The reason your body might have ached because of inadequate training beforehand. The writer of Hebrews compared the Christian life to running a race, but this isn't just any race it's a lengthy race, like a marathon. Completing this ra

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8 Humility is a choice. No one halfheartedly becomes humble. Instead, one determines with his or her mind to embrace the humble character of Christ on a daily basis. Paul told the Philippians to imitate Christ, history's greatest example of humble, selfless love. If believers follow in Christ's footsteps, the church will walk in unity. Paul explained how Jesus, though He was fully God, humbled himself by leaving His heavenly throne to come to earth as a man. Christ chose the role of a servant when He could have expected people to serve Him: "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve

Be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. -Ephesians 5:1-2 It's been said that imitation is the purest form of flattery. Have you ever seen a small boy trying to walk wearing his father's shoes? Or a young girl dressed in her mother's clothes? Often moments like those are the child's sincere attempt to be like to imitate one whom he or she adores. In today's passage, Paul commanded us to imitate God. Those who are the people of God are commanded to be holy because the Lord is holy (1 Peter 1:15). God's holy, loving character transforms us as we seek Him. The pinnacle of Christian love is self-giving love of Christ on the cross. Therefore, the primary way Christians should imitate Jesus today is through their love. When Jesus was asked by a scribe to identify the central teaching of Scripture, Jesus told him the most important com

To this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, then you should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth. -1 Peter 2:21-22 Suffering is a mysterious thing. Everyone suffers at some time or another. Maybe we've experienced a major setback in our physical health, the sudden loss of a friend or family member, or being socially isolated by coworkers because of our Christian values. Often we suffer for reasons beyond our control. Suffering is real, and it is painful. Suffering was even felt by Jesus, the only man ever to live and never commit sin. Scripture teaches that "there is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10) and that all have fallen short of  God's perfect standard. (Romans 3:23). Only Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life. And, yes, even Jesus suffered. If the perfect Son of God suffered for us and He is our example for living life, how on earth can we not expect to suffer? We suff

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. -John 15:4-5 If you've ever been around anyone who is close to death, you know that someone's last words are very important. Jesus knew that His death was imminent and His time with the disciples was drawing to an end. His words to the disciples during this time are extremely important. These are the teachings He chose to pass along in the few days of His life. John 15 records the words Jesus spoke to His disciplines in the Upper Room the night before His death. Judas had already revealed himself to be a traitor, and the events of Jesus arrest had been set in motion. Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches." The strength and the health of the branches are completely dependent upon a vine. Thus w

If there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. -Philippians 2:1-2 I remember a science demonstration I saw when I was in middle school. Our teacher dumped all types of different metal shavings onto a table. Some of the shavings were iron, some were steel, some were aluminium, and some were tin. Then the teacher brought out a powerful magnet and passed it over the metal. All of the metals that were not magnetically charged stayed on the table. Something similar happens spiritually. When God puts His Spirit inside of us at the point of salvation, we are magnetized. As a result, all kinds of different people are brought together by the magnetic power of the Spirit of God. This is how "every tribe and tongue and people and nation" can gather around the throne (Revelation 5:9). There are many differences but one

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." -John 14:23 Many times in the New Testament Jesus equated loving Him with keeping His Word. In fact, obedience is often the greatest expression of love. Previously in John 14, Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15). Jesus equated genuine love with faithful obedience. Obedience is not a condition of God's love for us, but it is the proof of our love for Him. Those who love Jesus and express that through love faithful obedience will experience the blessings of God's presence: "We will come to him and make Our home with him." Jesus had also promised in John:   that He would go and "prepare a place" for His followers. Here, Jesus enlarged  upon that promise. Not only will we have a home in heaven one day, but Jesus will also make His home in our hearts while we are here on earth. I'm su

That I may know Jesus and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by nay means, I may attain to the resurrection from  the dead. -Philippians 3:10-11 There are countless things in life that you should know. You should remember your address, your phone number, and your social security number. Don't forget your mom's  cell phone number and her maiden name.Your children's birthdays, your wife's birthday, the day you got engaged and don't you dare forget your anniversary!. These are a few of the many pieces of information you should be able to recall in a moment; these are important things that everyone should know. Beyond that, you have many other things you should remember. Did you forget the milk at the grocery store? Have you changed your oil lately? Did you call the exterminator to schedule that appointment? It seems the list of things you are supposed to know is endless. But there is one thing you must

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. -1 Corinthians 1:9 Do you really believe that God is faithful? The same God who called you into a relationship with Him will always be faithful in that relationship. You will never discover a time when God isn't faithful. There's a true story about nineteenth-century evangelist, missionary, and orphanage  director George Mueller that clearly demonstrates the faithfulness of God. One morning, Mueller was informed that all the children in his orphanage were dressed and ready for school, but there was no food for breakfast. He instructed the three hundred children to be taken into the dining room and seated at the tables. He thanked God for the food and waited. Within minutes, a baker knocked on the door. "Mr. Mueller," he said, "last night I couldn't sleep. Somehow I knew that you would need bread this morning. I got up and baked three batches for you. I will br

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! For I think that God displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. -1 Corinthians 4:1, 8-9 I Recently had the opportunity to travel internationally. I was away from my family for quite some time. As you can imagine, I overjoyed to see my wife and five children when I returned home. To my great pleasure, they were happy to see me as well. Before I could make it all the way down the driveway, the older children jumped off the porch and ran to my truck. They all piled in the truck and rode with me the rest of the way 100 feet to the carport. The little ones squealed with joy, "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" while they hugged and kissed me. It was a wonderful

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowing of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! "For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?" Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?" For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. -Romans 11:33-36 In 2004, Jeopardy contestant Ken Jennings went on the longest win streak in the history of the iconic American game show. Jennings won seventy four games in a row, garnering the attention of the American public. During his win streak, Jennings seemed to have an answer for any question asked. Viewers as well as competitors were mystified and awed by his vast range of knowledge. Jennings win streak and breadth of his knowledge amazed people, but that wide-ranging knowledge shrinks in comparison to the mind of God. While the world was understandably impressed by what Jennings accomplished, all of us wh

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and did not love their lives to death. Revelation 12:10-11 In spring of 2015, a man by the name of Anthony Ray Hinton was released from prison after spending thirty years on death row. Hinton was released because it was discovered that he had been falsely accused and wrongly convicted of committing two murders. The psychological, physical, and emotional toll experienced by Hinton thirty years of his life stolen from him is unfathomable. Hinton was innocent of the crime he had spent thirty years behind bars for, but you and I are 100 percent guilty of sins for which Jesus took the punishment. Even though we are forgiven, John told us in Revelation 12 that Satan

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let such as love Your salvation say continually, "The Lord be magnified!" But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer;do not delay, O my God. -Psalm 40:16-17 Being picked first in National Football League draft is one of the greatest honors a young football player can receive. Each year only one person can claim that he is the first pick. It definitely an elite club. The team that holds the first pick in the draft wants the player who will bring the most to the team. So that team evaluates the player's past performance on the field and interviews as many people related to the player as possible. Weaknesses in character as well as weaknesses in one's game can derail a team. If a player measures up. however, he is then selected as number-one pick that year's NFL draft. Unlike a player selected as the first-overall pick in the draft, the writer of 40 had no credenti

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliver; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. -Psalm 18:2 Collectors of classic cars are adamant: they want to purchase vehicles that original parts. But it's rare to find an old car with original parts that maintained their usefulness despite the wear and tear of the elements and time. No wonder the most valuable classic cars are those that have survived it all. Weathering the hard times increases a car's value. Like classic cars, the Christian life gains value when it withstands the harsh elements of this world. We overcome those challenges, however, not because of our own strength, but because God protects us. The writer of Psalm 18 understood this. He believed that when life was hard, God would see him through. God doesn't always deliver us immediately from tough times, but we can trust that He is with us and that He will preserve and protect us. Uncomfortable eve

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. -Luke 4:18 Throughout our lives each of us will probably hold several jobs. Each of these jobs will come with a detailed description of responsibilities that we will do our best to fulfill. In Luke 4, when Jesus picked up the scroll and read from Isaiah 61, He was reading a job description that only He had the ability to fulfill. One word summarizes the job Jesus was to fulfill: Deliverer. Unfortunately, while Jesus offers to anyone and everyone deliverance from sinful, self-centered ways into a Spirit-guided life, not all will be delivered. What separates those who will be delivered by Jesus from those who will not? One simple word: belief. Jesus read His job description in the presence of His hometown crowd, but the people would n

Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle. My loving kindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take  refuge, who subdues my people under me. -Psalm 144:1-2 Life is a battle. A constant battle. And many of you reading these words are undoubtedly engaged in various battles that have you feeling fragmented and fatigued. The battle of life are difficult because among other reasons they are multifaceted and no two exactly the same. We fight battles, for our families, for our fitness, for our finances, and even for our faith. Psalm 144:1-2 teaches us that although the battles we fight are unpredictable and come from various arenas of life, the solution to overcoming them is the same. Regardless of the battles in which we find ourselves, the solution involves a steady focus on and deliberate devotion to God. On the cross, Christ delivered us from the biggest battle any of us will ever face: the battl

Do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but grace. -Romans 6:13-14 The key to life is death. Because Jesus died for sin, we must be willing to die to sin and follow Him. Eternal life is more than overcoming death after our earthly lives end; eternal life is walking in Jesus resurrected power now. The apostle Paul argued that we should die to the wicked tyrant to sin that seeks to control us through unholy desires and temptations. We must so identify with the death and resurrection of Christ that sin loses its power in us and bodies ("members") become "instruments" for doing good rather than evil. The presence of this warning reveals three realities about sanctification. First, the battle against sin does not end after a person is saved. Despite some c

Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ, He is Lord of all." -Acts 10:34-36 No expectations. Those two words are sometimes painful and isolating. No ticket, no entry. No money, no food. No degree, no job. No pedigree, No accolades, The exclusivity of these claims allows for no expectations. Ironclad realities with fixed results are not always negative, though. Every person who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). No expectations. God loves all people (John 3:16). No expectations. The gospel is for everyone (Romans 10:12). No expectations. But God's people didn't realize this truth. After meeting Cornelius and a large group of Gentiles, the apostle Peter broadened the reach of the gospel beyond the Jewish people. In every nation, God

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? -John 11:25-26

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."  -1 Corinthians 1:30-31 Christ crucified. These words prompt thoughts of sacrifice and forgiveness. Rarely, however, do we consider the cross of Jesus the "wisdom of God." Yet after describing the gospel as stumbling block to some and foolishness to others (1:23), the apostle Paul went on to explain God's insistence that no person boast before Him (1:29). In fact, God chose to save sinners in such a way that all glory belongs to Him. The cross mocks human ideas by boldly declaring that God's wisdom will not bow to human standards of approval. Thus the wisdom that Christ embodies manifests itself as God's plan for "righteousness and sanctification and redemption." Apart from the cross, we stand in filthy rags rather than true righteousness. Without the

If by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. -Romans 5:17 Understanding the magnitude of redemption is impossible apart from the back story Eden. In the garden, Adam and Eve chose to rebel against God, and the drama of salvation the divine plan to reclaim what was lost began. Thus in Romans 5, the apostle Paul identified Jesus as the Second Adam who functions perfectly within the boundaries that God desired for the first man. "Death reigned through the one" refers to the fatal fall and subsequent curse Adam received and passed on to the entire human race. Because of the notorious impact of our oldest ancestor, we are born with sinful nature, and we naturally rebel against God, ensuring our condemnation. Juxtaposed against this painful reality, however, is the saving impact of Jesus Christ. One man's sin did result in our de

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. -Matthew 6:33-34 Frequent travelers understand the devastation fog sometimes causes on runways, highways, and shorelines. But few people realize that only a small glass of water can create enough fog to cover an entire acre. Similarly, a minimal amount of worry can wreak immense havoc in our lives. Just as thick fog can stop travelers in their tracks, heavy worry can paralyze us with the fear of  "what if." Perhaps this is why Jesus spent so much time in the Sermon on the Mount addressing our anxieties. And what is Jesus antidote to worry? Trusting God enough to seek His kingdom in all areas lives, knowing He will provide every need we have. When Jesus referred to "these things" being "added" to lives, He was alluding to His previou

The righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. -Romans 3:21-23 Salvation. The mention of God's gracious intervention on our behalf strikes a chord of gratitude and humility among the faithful. Yet, all too often, our focus rests only on half of the sacrificial work that enables us to be born again. Certainly, Jesus died on the cross, substituting Himself for us and taking the punishment for our sins. We celebrate and rightfully so the joy of knowing that even though we fall short of God's holy standards, our sins are forgiven. This, however, is only half of the gospel. Jesus not only removed our guilt, but He also imparted His innocence to us. Our salvation is possible because God takes our sins from us and He gives His righteousness to us. In o

But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are have passed away behold, all things have become new. -2 Corinthians 5:17 Have you ever mended an old, worn-out, but much-loved quilt your grandma made? Not long after one repair, the quilt gets a new hole, and you stitch it again...and then you stitch the next hole that appears...and the next....Soon the quilt is a hodgepodge of patches reflecting all the brokenness and all the repair work done over the years. We often do the same thing with our lives. We patch over our mistakes, trying to make it look like they didn't happen and we resolve to try harder to change our ways. Well, the items we continually  repair will eventually give out, and so will our efforts to please God with our own strength. It's not possible! Praise God for His different approach to repairs! God doesn't just cover up our mistakes and make do with our broken parts. He makes us new! He completely changes us from the inside out. Caterpill

Bear with one another, and forgive one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. -Colossians 3:12-13 Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we can ever receive. And being a gift, forgiveness is completely undeserved and unearned. No matter how hard we might work for it, the person we hurt or betray has to choose to forgive it to us. Then, when that person does forgive us, the act is a great expression of love. In today's verse, Paul was telling the believers at Colossae how to live as God's chosen people. He listed virtues the believers should posses. Compassion, kindness, humility, etc. He then told them to "bear with one another, and forgive one another" as Christ has forgiven them. Paul followed that thought saying that love binds all these virtues together. One of the most God-honoring acts we can do is to forgive one another. When we forgive, we are doing for others what God has done for us. God'

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. -1 John 1:9 Do you remember if-then statements from school? Let's review. The first part of the statement is conditional: it may or may not happen. But if that condition does happen, whatever is described in the second half of the statement will happen. Like these if-then statements, mathematical formulas are black and white; there is no gray. Two plus two does not equal fourish. it equals four. Three minus one does not equal generally somewhere close to two. Look again at today's passage, a most profound if-then statement: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all  unrighteousness." Notice that the statement doesn't say God might be faithful or there's a possibility He will be faithful. It says God is faithful. There is no gray area. Also, sins are not qualified as big sins or little sins wh

In Jesus we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He promised in Himself. -Ephesians 1:7-9 A few days ago we looked at the phrase "in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Redemption means "to purchase, to release, to repay, to reconcile, to adopt, to vindicate." Notice words from this passage: "according to riches of His grace." The apostle Paul did not just say "grace," but "riches of His grace." God's grace is rich, multifaceted, and as we then read, "abounding toward us." Abounding! In Ephesians 3:8, Paul reminded us of the unsearchable riches of God's grace and glory that He makes known to us "according to His good pleasure." Acting on His rich and abundant grace, Je

Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that Father in heaven may also forgive you your trepasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trepasses. -Mark 11:25-26 Forgiving others is difficult.When we've been hurt deeply, we can find it very challenging to extend grace. However, in today's passage, we learn that if we do not forgive others, the Father will not forgive us. Extending forgiving may seem impossible at times, and we may feel completely unable to forgive. But know that God is not asking us to do anything He hasn't done. Jesus was betrayed, His friends abandoned Him, He was spit on physically abused, and...He forgave. On the cross, as He was being crucified, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them." (Luke 23:34). At his stoning, Stephen followed Jesus example (Acts 7:60) Forgiveness is the responsibility of all believers. And forgiveness is simply supernatural. When our hearts a

God the Father, has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of  His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. -Colossians 1:13-14 Did you hear that? In Jesus "we redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Paul used this phrase when writing to the church in Colossae. It was a phrase worth emphasizing for the believers long ago, and it's phrase worth reinforcing in our minds today. If we are in Christ, we have redemption from consequences of our sins through His blood. Our sinful state, our deadness apart from Christ, has been given new breath. We have been born again to a new life and a new destiny. If we are in Christ, our sins are forgiven! Our mistakes and failures are no longer counted against us. We have pardon we could not have earned. Not only do we have redemption and forgiveness, not only are we righteous before the Father, but we have been delivered from the power of d

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgement and justice. -Isaiah 9:6-7 Approximately seven hundred years before Jesus was born, Isaiah wrote about His birth, life, death, and resurrection. The prophet also spoke of Christ's earthly ministry and eternal nature of His reign. In today's passage, Isaiah announced the coming of the Messiah and declared that He would be called the "Prince of Peace." What a wonderful thought! Jesus Christ is the Prince who brings peace, and His kingdom is characterized by peace. This Prince is not a tyrant, but a benevolent ruler. He does not hate; He loves. He does not oppress; He encourages. He is the Prince of Peace! We enter Jesu

In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought nearby the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and broken down the middle wall separation. -Ephesians 2:13-14 In the ancient world the hatred that existed between Jews and Gentiles was very real. Human history has been plagued by such racial strife from the beginning, and it remains an issue today. Education is a good thing, but it has not eliminated racism. Legislation can make laws, but it cannot eradicate racial strife. Even religion cannot stop the animosity that exits between the races. Is there any hope? Can different races worship God together, serve Him together, and love one another? The answer is yes! In our text for today, Paul reminds us that Jesus is both our Peacemaker and our Peace. Through His blood Jesus brought us near to God and near to one another. Jesus destroyed the walls that separate us in our sinfulness from God and from another: Jesus made us one. All Christians ha

Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort,be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. -2 Corinthians 13:11 In today's passage, Paul was not writing to the world at large. He was writing to the church at Corinth, and that church was a divided church. The believers were disagreeing about preachers: some liked Paul, some Peter some Apollos, and some did not like preachers at all (1 Corinthians 3). The Corinthian believers were also divided over how to handle immorality in church. A man in the church was having an affair with his father's wife (1 Corinthians 5:1). Apparently, some in the church wanted to ignore it; no one seemed to want to confront it. The Corinthian believers were also divided over spiritual gifts, arguing about which gift was the greatest (1 Corinthians 13). As Paul wrote his final letter to this church, he exhorted them to live in peace. Nothing hinders the cause of Christ more than contention within t

Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, though whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. -Romans 5:1-2 The Bible teaches that enmity exists between God and unrepentant sinners. Man in his unsaved condition is an enemy of God and at war with Him. But salvation changes that. In Ephesians 2:16, Paul informed us that the enmity between God and man was put to death through the reconciling death of Christ on the cross. As a result of having been justified through our faith that Jesus death paid for our sins, we now have peace with God. Now that we have peace with God, two wonderful truths have become realities in our lives. First, we have access to God and His grace. When we were lost in our sin, we were separated from our holy God and had no access to Him. But Jesus "made peace through the blood of His cross." (Colossians 1:20) That means Jesus has made possible a

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." -John 16:33 Years ago when I was visiting an unsaved couple in their home, I noticed a large sliver tray on the mantle. When I commented on tray, the lady of the house informed me that the tray was the god of their home. I discovered that these people were part of a shrine cult and that the sliver tray was actually the godthey worshipped. I asked her, "Where are your god's eyes?" She replied, "It doesn't have any". When I inquired about the god's ears and mouth, her reply was the same. As I looked at that piece of metal, I thanked God for a Savior who can see, hear, and speak. In today's text, Jesus spoke about the peace that He has promised. Firs, He reminded us that it is an available peace. He said, "In Me you may have peace." Jesus made a promise. This peace is real, a

Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things which one may edify another. -Romans 14:19 On the night before Jesus died, He promised to leave His disciples a wonderful gift. It was the gift of peace. But it was not just any kind of peace, and it was not available from lots of different sources. Jesus said, "My peace I give unto unto you: not as the world giveth" (John 14:27 KJV). This peace comes only from our Savior and Lord, and it is not at all like the peace this world offers. The peace the world promises is, at best, temporary and, at worst, empty and unfailing. The peace Jesus promises is lasting and meaningful. In our text for today, the apostle Paul reminds us that peace is not only a gift that believers receive, but it is something we must pursue. Paul exhorted us to pursue "the things which make for peace." Far too many people in too many churches their own desires and push their own agendas. The church is not a place for us to work towar

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." -John 15:9-12 Jesus invites us to abide in His love. To do so, however, we must surrender to Him as our Lord. While this may sound frightening to some people, the truth is that as we surrender ourselves more and more to Jesus as our Lord, we become more alive than we ever thought possible. We find abundant life in Christ and only in Christ (John 10:10) but only if we surrender to Him. For many of us, however, surrender is difficult. We have always fought to win, own, or control things, and we like being in charge of our lives. Nevertheless, Jesus wants us to surrender to Him. What is holding you back? What battle sc

"A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." -John 13:34-35 Jesus commandment to love one another as He loves us is very challenging. Sometimes people are not very lovable, or they do outrageous and malicious things. What about those people? Are we supposed to love them? Notice that Jesus does not specify whom we are supposed to love. Instead, He issued the broad command to "love one another." In order to obey this commandment, we must love indiscriminately just as Jesus loves. We are to love the people He puts in our family, our neighborhood, our church, our workplaces, our lives. God can help us love when we ask Him to enable us to see past people's attitudes or behaviors, to see people as God sees them. In response to this prayer, God can make it much easier for us to love people through our prayers, actions

"The Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel, For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will." -John 5:20-21 The Father enjoys revealing things to us as we draw near to Him. He delights in seeing our eyes widen with excitement as we learn from Him. As we go further into our relationship with Him, we gain an even greater view of the Lord in all His majesty and splendor, glory  and power, and love. Imagine being with Jesus when He spoke the words above.Would you have marveled at hearing that God wants to show you even "greater works"? Would you have considered yourself worthy of this honor? Jesus said that God raises the dead and gives them life. We all were dead in our sinfulness, but through Christ, we were forgiven and born again. Through Jesus and by God's grace, we receive new life. Knowing this, do away wi

We have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in God, and God in him. -1 John 4:16 Today's verse make this truth crystal clear: "God is love." This fact is manifest in life of Jesus, in the beauty of God's creation, in the immensity of the universe, and in the stars in the heavens. From the tiniest flower to the tallest sequoia, God's power is made real for us all. Another truth in the verse today is that if we abide in love, then we abide in God and He in us. We should let this truth capture our hearts. We live in an often brutal, heartless world where some governments thwart the dreams, if not take the lives, of their citizens. With God abiding in us, though, we can face any situation with courage, we can find strength to overcome it, and we can choose to love. We also see in this verse that God abides in us. Here, abide means "to dwell within" or "to live within." Therefore, we see that as we ab

Jesus said to the lawyer who asked, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. -Matthew 22:37-38 Human love is often conditional: we love someone on certain terms, perhaps as long as that person does or doesn't do certain things. God, however loves us unconditionally. In response, Jesus called us to love God completely. Jesus description of how to love God encompasses all of our being heart, soul, and mind: Heart denotes the seat of one's conscience. Soul refers to a person's center. Mind refers to a person's imagination, thoughts, and understanding. Jesus instruction is to devote completely the center of our being, our conscience, our lifetime, our thoughts,and our understanding to loving the Lord: to wholly love Him with all that we are. .When you have given your life to the Lord, then your mind has been set; your decision to love has been made. This is the fi

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 How completely does God love you? He demonstrated the depth of His love in His gift of Jesus, who is the "author and finisher" of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus perfectly revealed God's heart by living a sinless life on this earth for you and then dying as the atoning sacrifice for your sins. From the beginning, our holy God knew that we were incapable of living a pure and sinless life, so He sent Jesus to show us the way. Jesus did not hesitate or say no to the Father, and He gave His life so that we could be forgiven for our sins and be given everlasting life with Him,the Holy Spirit and the Father. Because of His love for you, God daily blesses you with life. Because of His love for you, Jesus opens the door to  eternal life when you name Him your Savior and Lord. So, acting in God's perfect love, reach out to other p

O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water....Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall Praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. -Psalm 63:1, 3-4 Psalm 63 is one of the wilderness psalms written by David, the king of Israel, who was likely in the wilderness of Judah while on the run from his son  Absalom. The setting for these words of praise was anything but ideal. Absalom had overthrown his father and taken over the kingdom. Yet the homeless king lifted his voice and hands in praise to the Lord. The word loving kindness beautifully describes the Lord's unfailing love for His people. Even when life is difficult David was running for his life in the wilderness, Stephen was stoned to death for his faith, Paul was jailed for talking about Jesus, we need to remember God's ultimate faithfulness and remind ourselve

If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord.  Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. -Romans 14:8-9 Our daily routines may be different, but there's one thing that we all do each morning: we look in the mirror. It's important! We want to look our best. But the truth is that as day unfolds, the worst often comes out. All of us struggle with selfishness. Making ourselves number one comes naturally to us. What is everyone's favorite subject? Himself! Who is the first person you look for in a photograph? Yourself! Have you ever noticed that the center letter in sin is the letter I? We all have an "I" problem. We are selfish because we are sinful, and that is why we need Jesus. Back to the mirror. Each morning when we look in the mirror, it's an opportunity to get things right on this new day. Remind yourself bef

Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. -Acts 2:36 Have you heard the old spiritual "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord"? Its powerful lyrics take us to the place where Jesus was crucified, and we tremble...Just a few weeks after Jesus was crucified, a memorable sermon was preached about His death and resurrection from a perhaps unexpected source. Peter boldly proclaimed, "You crucified Him!" Imagine the faces in the crowd when Peter pointed his finger accusation. The truth is that all of us crucified Jesus. We all were "there" that day. Jesus dies as the consequence of our sin; He took the punishment we deserved so that we may live. When Peter said "He is Lord and Christ!" the people, under great conviction, asked, "What must we do?" With great clarity, Peter told them to repent of their sins and be baptized. Three thousand repented and trusted in Jes

God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -Philippians 2:9-11 Every year, a celebrity becomes wildly popular in the media, but before we know it, that name fades into obscurity. Often we see the caption "Where Are They Now?" Apparently all names have a shelf life. All but one. There is a name that will never fade: the name of Jesus is timeless and without rival. God has exalted Jesus, lifting His name above every name. Does it seem as though the name of Jesus is being downplayed today? Are the name and fame of Jesus Christ fading? Absolutely not! We shouldn't think we need to "hashtag" or "favorite" the name of Jesus to keep His name relevant! That matter has been settled

The devil said to Jesus, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I will give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours." And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve." -Luke 4:6-8 Jesus was no shortcut Savior. In today's passage, the devil hurled a temptation at Jesus, and the devil's goal was to try ans convince Christ to bypass the cross, but Jesus mission was ultimately the will of the Father for His Son. Whenever we experience temptation, Satan has the same goal in mind: to keep us from doing the will of the Father. However, our enemy's weaponry has not changed throughout the ages: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Satan used all three temptations on Jesus, yet He didn't take the enemy's bait. And Jesus gives us

Jesus answered him, "The first of all commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." -Mark 12:19-31 What is the most important thing? This is a very good question to ask ourselves when we're beginning a new week. Often we make priority lists so we don't neglect the important things. But what are those things? What is the most important thing? If we haven't identified what's important, we may be neglecting it! One day a scribe asked Jesus what was the most important thing in life the most important commandment to obey and Jesus gave a clear and profoundly simple answer. Jesus said the most important thing was to love God and love others.

We know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as a Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. -1 John 4:13-15 Have you ever heard about the spiritual birthmarks of a Christ-follower, about what attitudes and actions are to distinguish the believer from the unbeliever? The apostle John was aware of the distinctive characteristics of people who truly belong to Jesus. One trait is love: "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1 John 4:8). A second trait of believers is the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives: "(God) has given us of His Spirit," and His Holy Spirit confirms for us that we belong to Him (Romans 8:16). John spoke of personal witness of Jesus because he had seen and touched the Lord (1 John 1:1). As Christ-followers, we can also testify to knowing Jesus personally because

Beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. -2 Peter 3:17-18 Have you ever had a time in your spiritual journey when you have not walked closely with the Lord? I have and it was a pleasant experience. The major problem each day was that I knew in my heart of hearts I was not where I should be with King Jesus. I am so grateful that I'm not there anymore. And I am so grateful for our Lord's invitation with a promise, spoken by His half-brother James, to "draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). I have always confessed the truth of 1 Corinthians 15:10 "By the grace of God I am what I am." However, as today's Scripture passage warns us, we can be led astray,or we may choose to disobey and go our own way. I desire to walk with Jesus. And, because I am aware that

When the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. -Titus 3:4-6 Did you recognize the central theme in today's passage in which the Lord wants us to understand and build our lives? The truth is this: salvation is from the Lord. His kindness, His goodness, His graciousness, and His love made possible our salvation, our being, our being rescued from sin's power and consequences. Our salvation is a story about what God did for us, not what we did. How humbling to realize that nothing in me or about me commends me to God. Advocate I have and, truly, the only Advocate I need is His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Everyday I see more clearly the overwhelming reality that I am hopeless without Jesus. Yet because of Jesus and all He did, I am trul