<< Knowing the Will of God in your Life >>

Everyone is included in God’s plan. No one is left out or discarded. God loves each one the same! He is the Lord of all. For God so loved the whole world that He gave us His only Son, Jesus. By this loving gift of His mercy and through Jesus by believing in Him and Who He is, we can have eternal life. He did not come to condemn us, but to save us and secure our place in heaven. (Acts 10:34,36) (John 3:16-17 and 5:24)

Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) God does not want (will) that any of us should have a life of bondage, oppression, or sickness. Through Him (Jesus) we are free of a life that always condemns or judges us. It is not for man (people) to judge, but only God our creator. (Romans 14:10-13)

Also, for those who are in Christ (believers in Jesus) there is no condemnation.  (Romans 8:1) Often times we are the one who condemns our own self. We do not need anyone else to do it. Once we know the truth (God’s word) we are accountable to it. We know better when we make a mistake or do the opposite of what God has asked us to do. Then we must repent (turn away) from our sinful ways and ask God for forgiveness. He is always faithful to forgive us each time we do. (1 John 1:9)

<< God's Will Regarding Sickness >>

It is not God’s will for us to live with sickness and disease. Though these are part of this life on earth because of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, they are not for the believer and nonbeliever alike because of Jesus giving His life on the cross. By His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5) JUST BELIEVE! (Mark 5:36) I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord. (Psalm 118:17)

 Jesus bore our sins and sickness on the cross over two thousand years ago. Everything was accomplished through His sacrifice, for us today and always. (1 Peter 3:18) Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished and that the scripture might be fulfilled.  He said, "It is finished." (John 19:28,30)

<< Claiming God's Promises for You >>

As a believer in Jesus Christ you have been given great authority over the devil and his works. Sickness is of the devil, not God. Jesus gave us power through His name to be victorious! "Behold, I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19) If Jesus lives inside of you, you have this promise too. Use it! Always remember who you are and never listen to doubts or lies. Let God be true. Greater is He (Jesus) that is in you, than he (satan) that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

In the book of Genesis we are shown how Abraham remained faithful in what God had told him. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Good standing with God) Now it was not written for his sake alone, all that was given to him, but also for us. This too shall be given if we believe in God who raised Jesus from the dead. (Romans 4:20-24) All of God’s promises are "Yes" and "Amen." (1 Corinthians 1:20) As these words of truth speak to your heart and into your spirit, I do not say them on my own authority, but on God’s. These are His words and they shall always bring forth good results to you.

Seek the Lord while He may be found and call upon His name while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6) Also, regarding the Word of God, we have yet another wonderful promise to claim. He says, "So shall my Word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to Me void." (Or incomplete) but shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper (succeed) in the very thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11) God will keep His promises, if you will keep your faith in Him.

Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’" As we read the scriptures, we begin to understand how He was able to cast the devil aside. With God’s word we too can do the same, and defeat the attacks of the evil one every time.

We need to line up our words with the Word of God. Agree with Him and you will win! How can two walk together, unless they agree? (Amos 3:3)

<< Learning to Trust God >>

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Keep sound wisdom and discretion and do not let them depart from your eyes. They will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. (Your outer self) Then you will walk safely in your way and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:5,6,21-24)

<< Your Faith Has Made You Well >>

Do you have faith in God, and what He tells you in His word? (His promises) Do you believe in what He says, and that He will perform it? Faith honors God; God honors faith. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen yet. But without faith it is impossible to please (agree with) God, for anyone who comes to Him must believe that He is Who He says He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  (Hebrews 11:1, 6) 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) When we run our race (with Jesus) we can finish it, but we must believe Him and let Him lead. We must lay down our own wants and let Him supply all the needs. He will if we can only trust. Our God shall supply all or needs according to His riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19)

The Road Of Life

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited Heaven or hell when I die.  He was out there sort of like a president.

I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn’t know Him.  But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.

I don’t know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. When I had control, I knew the way.  It was rather boring, but predictable … it was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on!  Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"

I was worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?"  He laughed and didn’t answer, and I started to learn to trust.  I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I’d say, "I’m scared,"

He’d lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy.

They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord’s and mine. And we were off again!

He said, "Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage, too much weight."

So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it; but He knows bike secrets., knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages. And I’m learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I’m sure I just can’t do anymore, He just smiles and says … "Pedal."

<< You Are Somebody Special >>

Knowing who you are is very important to God, and important to you. Through His Word He reminds us how special we are and how much He cares about us. His love for us is great indeed. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) He has a wonderful plan for your life! "I praise You because I am fearfully (amazingly) and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful. I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14) Claim who you are, and see yourself through the eyes of God. You are a precious gift of His.

Someone once said, "There is no greater invitation to love, than loving first." This is exactly what Jesus did for you and me; He loved us first. Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you." (John 15:16) We love Him, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

You Are Somebody

God looked out across eternity and He saw you. For He saw everything He had created and everything He would create around you. He saw the specific need on this earth that He would make you to meet. He saw the full set of traits and abilities that you would need in order to complete His purpose for your life. He knew what kind of environment that would be necessary for you to properly develop the gifts He would give you.

God looked…and then He created. He created you!

Then He said, "This is good."

My friend, there is something deep inside you that should always send out a message saying, "I am somebody because God made me to be somebody. Yes I am!"

That quality of inner strength makes you attractive. It causes other people to take notice, to recognize and pay attention to you. It is so much more than the outer part of you that exudes your presence with others. It is a healthy self-esteem and the power of God’s spirit within you. He wants you to appreciate who He made you to be and to develop what He gave you. He doesn’t want you to try and exchange what He gave you for what He gave someone else. God tenderly and uniquely designed you just the way He wanted you to be. He made you for Himself, in such a way that can never be duplicated.

When we begin to compare ourselves to other people, we are saying, "God, You made a mistake. You failed. You could have done a better job creating me."

None of us have the privilege of criticizing God. He is the creator who looks at each one of His children and says to Himself, "It is good."

Remember, you are a unique blend of talents and gifts and character; and you have a distinct purpose upon this earth. You are somebody so very, very special!

God loves you just the way you are, and if you will let Him, He will make you even better. He wants to finish the good work that He has started in you. (Philippians 1:6)

<< Do You Know Jesus? >>

If you have never had a relationship with Jesus Christ and want Him as your Lord and Savior you can ask Him right now to come into your life and into your heart. By praying this simple prayer Jesus will come and live inside of you and will change you and any situation that you might have. Just say these words with a true heart and He will make you a new creation. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ (you in Him; Him in you) they are a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Dear Jesus, I have sinned and have fallen short many times in my life. Please forgive me. I believe You are the Son of the living God who died on the cross and rose again for me. Please come into my life today and make me the person You want me to be. I need you. Be the Lord of my life from this day forward, I ask You now. Thank You!

If you prayed this prayer you are now saved and belong to Him forever. For it is written: ‘If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:9-13) Remember, Jesus will meet you right where you are or whatever situation you might be in. All of us are in this world together, in the hope we would love one another always. We are God’s tiny soldiers trying to walk together united with His love in us. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. (John 15:5)

<< God's Love for Us >>

Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39) Your sin is never too great to forgive in God’s eyes. (1 John 1:9) But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more. (Romans 5:20) If we become lost …God will find us. If we become weak … He will strengthen us. If we become discouraged …God will encourage us. If we become unlovely …He will make us lovely. If we become graceless … God will give us grace. If we become unfaithful …He is faithful!

The Longest March

This poem through the eyes of a child best explains how great God’s love truly is for us.

I think God must be very old and very tired. Maybe He used to look splendid and fine in His general’s uniform … but no more.

He’s been on the march a long time you know. And look at His rag tag little army. All He has for soldiers are you and me … dumb little army.

Listen! The drumbeat isn’t even regular. Everyone is out of step…

He may be old, and He may be tired, but He still knows where He’s going and He means to take every last one of His tiny soldiers with Him; only there aren’t going to be any forced marches.

Most of us are afraid and lonely and would like to hold hands or cry and run away, and we don’t know where we are going, and we can’t seem to trust God, especially when it’s dark out and we can’t see Him. But He won’t go on without us.

And maybe that’s why it’s taking so long.