Politics And Christianity

Politics and Christianity
by Anthony Smith

Revelation 20:1-20:10

Politics and Christianity - there has been many an article about this past election. Some, praising Christians and some condemning them. As for me being a Minister, I'm disappointed in both sides.

Politics have no place in the Church. Jesus would not have voted for neither. 2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Our war is with the spirit and not with the flesh. God ordains the Powers that be. Vote, but don't get involved in all the rhetoric, the damage has been done, its time to repair it.

Our missions as Christians:

1. Worship God.
2. Preach the Gospel.
3. Be instant in season and out of Season
4. Seek out the Lost

If the Church just did as our Lord commanded, it would not have brought this hate toward Christians. Politicians speak of peace in the Middle East, but the Christian community should know better. Look at God's prophecy for the Middle East. Rev 20:1-10

Rev 20:1-10 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were behead-ed for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Let me ask a question now that you've heard these passages from Revelations. Do you really believe that John in the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Church is True? How many says yes? Raise your hands. Then how can we believe any politician that says that there is going to be peace in the Middle East? John said in just these few passages that “And I saw”, John was stating facts, a future presentation of war and destruction in the Middle East.

1.”And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.” 2. “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them.” 3. “I saw the souls of them that were be-headed for the witness of Jesus.” I had a brother, the other day; tell me that He doesn't read prophecy because He can't do anything about it. This is a common mistake that many Christians make.

Prophecy is as important as the rest of Scripture. Warning after warning from Christ about the impending destruction of the enemies of Israel, and still many want to ignore the facts of the Bible. Many churches will not even acknowledge that the Book of Revelations is for our time. Many clame that the Book of Revelations has been fulfilled. Paul even warned us not to be deceived by any means. 2Th 2:1-4 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. We as Christians from time to time make mistakes and as Paul states many time and even Our Lord Jesus stated, none of us are perfect only God Himself is perfect. Let us learn from our mistakes and go out into the world and proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

Time is running out and we all must be about our Fathers business. Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Our Lord commands us, to seek out the Lost for Gods Kingdom, and Brothers and Sisters that is a fulltime job. 2Co 7:8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Let us now all, be about our Fathers business and start repairing the damage that has been done, learn from mistakes, repent, bear the burden and go on.

James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Lift up you eyes Children, Our Repentance Draweth nigh. Here is an arctical that was posted in a local paper, I thought it reflects the trend among Christians; Politics shouldn't be preached at church.

In response to condolences to Democrats of Nov. 5, 2004, my condolences now go out to your church, or maybe I should say lack of churches.

I have lived a rather long life as men go. I have never heard as much perverted gospel coming from pulpits. Many have taken the grace of God and turned it into a Republican campaign gathering.

When anything is preached other than the gospel from the pulpit, it becomes a cult. When anyone is preached except Jesus Christ, he becomes the anti-Christ. (The word anti in this case means instead of -- in place of.) Read I John 2:18. "To all those prophets of Baal, it will be a terrible day when you stand before the great white throne for judgment."

There is nothing wrong with voting for any candidate of your choice. More than one million American servicemen have died in combat so you could have that privilege.

Jesus Christ died for all. I Timothy 4:10 -- to suggest that God favors the rich over the poor or the whites over the blacks or any other discriminatory idea is pure blasphemy.

If you have heard politics preached from your pulpit, I would strongly advise you to change preachers or churches because that is not a church of the Living God. Read II Corinthians 11:13-15.

Here is a little update; Members of the small Baptist Church say their Pastor led an effort to kick out congregants who didn't support President Bush. Nine members were voted out at a Monday church meeting in this mountain town, about 120 miles west of Charlotte.

“I hate to see the church suffer like that,” she said. “God doesn't care whether you're a Republican or a Democrat. It just hurts to see that going on.”

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Sermons International
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article25138.html

Understanding And Walking In Line With The Gospel

Understanding and Walking in Line With the Gospel
by Brian Reed

This gospel is a familiar concept to Christians and many other who grew up in the church, but to others the word can seem quite foreign or one that is filled with misconceptions. For some, gospel is only familiar as a musical genre, complete with bad haircuts and an ancient sound. Even many Christians also have some misconceptions about the gospel. While there is general consenseous about what the gospel is, the good news that Jesus Christ came to earth to redeem sinners, many misunderstand its applications. It is common for Christians to believe that the gospel is only for non-Christians, only necessary for those who have not yet been justified by grace and the gospel.

According to Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York, “The main problem, then, in the Christian life is that we have not thought out the deep implications of the gospel, we have not “used” the gospel in and on all parts of our life. Paul says that the gospel only does its renewing work in us as we understand it in all its truth. All of us, to some degree live around the truth of the gospel but do not "get" it. So the key to continual and deeper spiritual renewal and revival is the continual re-discovery of the gospel. A stage of renewal is always the discovery of a new implication or application of the gospel--seeing more of its truth. This is true for either an individual or a church.”

The gospel is how we grow (Galatians 3:1-3), and renewed (Col 1:6). Our need for it does not stop when we become Christians. We do not move on to a mix of hard work and obedience, which is warned against by Paul in the passage from Galatians, to grow in our relationship with Christ. Instead, we examine our lives to see that they are in line with the gospel (Galatians 2:14) as Paul exhorted Peter for.

Grace & Peace is a Bowling Green Presbyterian church that constantly thinking, evaluating, and contextualizing the gospel. By doing so, they are more thoughtful and winsome in life, less about religiously conforming and more about hope and restoration. The hope is a new heart which begins to change from the inside out. For the skeptical person or the religious person, this environment gives answers and direction to have their lives restored and rebuilt in accordance with their creator. Grace & Peace a safe place for the religious and irreligious to process the good news of Christianity. For the Christian going through the motions, Grace & Peace is a thoughtful, gracious place not bogged down by religious duties, but freed from burden by a forgiving God.

Grace & Peace is made up by a group of individuals who gather weekly to have their lives restored by the gospel. They are knit together by a message tailor-made for broken people — people who find it easier to pretend than to be transformed. They welcome anyone – from the religiously tired, who need a break from the spiritual treadmill, to the unchurched, who need a safe place to process the gospel message.

Grace & Peace is one of the churches in Bowling Green, KY. It is a group of individuals who gather weekly to have their lives restored by the gospel. We are knit together by a message tailor-made for broken people — people who find it easier to pretend than to be transformed. We welcome anyone; from the religiously tired, who need a break from the spiritual treadmill; to the unchurched, who need a safe place to process the gospel message.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article215952.html

Serving Jesus On My Job

Serving Jesus On My Job
by Eric Mulford

Several years ago, at a networking meeting, I introduced myself as a Tailgate Theologian. I got the desired effect. Many of the people who were there that day came to ask me; "exactly what is a Tailgate Theologian"?

A Biblical Concept

The Bible is filled with people who took seriously their role in the world of work. Jesus in the Great Commission was making it clear that the believer is to make disciples as he goes about doing whatever it is that he does. Making disciples is the role of every believer! Only a few can go to other lands. Only a handful will have the time to commit to outreach programs. But many will show up to work tomorrow. Let them do so with a passion to represent Christ in their work. They'll have more opportunity to make disciples than all of the rest.

We're not talking about taking your employers time to "witness" to unbelievers. We're talking about witnessing by the quality of work that you give to your employer. Too many "witnessing" efforts have been destroyed by low quality performance on the job.

"Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:60.

Those who are spiritually dead will go through the routine of burying the dead. Those who are committed to Christ will see this opportunity in the same way they view everything else...as a follower of Jesus Christ.

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, wither thou goest." - Ecclesiastes 9:10

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." - Colossians 3:17

A Biblical Pattern

Tailgate Theologians understand that work is an indispensable part of God's plan for the world. They approach everyday as a calling from God to represent Christ by the work they do. They set before them biblical role models such as Joseph and Daniel who stood in the midst of wicked Kings, not as an adversary but as an ally, and represented God in all of His glory. They don't feel threatened by the world. They feel empowered by God make a transforming mark on the world.

Tailgate Theologians like Nehemiah are able to get the world to sponsor the work of God. They understand that God has the king's heart in His hand and He can move as He desires. They see the accomplishments of a man like Nehemiah not as an anomaly but as normal. They expect God to repeat the magnificent acts of the past. They don't see God in a box...they see Him high and lifted up.

The Apostle Paul, perhaps the greatest Tailgate Theologian of all, accepted the challenge of tent making knowing it could lead to the Areopagus. There before the crowd that day he had the opportunity to represent God. We should all long for those opportunities, but to do so will require labor in the marketplace.

More Information:

The Joy, Jazz and Juice of Serving Jesus can be experienced everyday on your job. For a full report on the Tailgate Theologian see http://www.ericmulford.com/TailgateTheologian/tailgate-theologian-report/

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article443950.html

The Importance And Need For Great Church Audio Systems

The Importance and Need for Great Church Audio Systems
by Jennifer Marble

unamplified voice, no matter how well the celebrant projects it, so quality church Audio systems are necessary to ensure intelligible, clear One of the most valuable investments that churches are making is in their Audio visual systems. The challenging acoustical nature of most church spaces, defines the need for amplification of the Celebrant and music through professional church sound systems. sound projection for the spoken word and the music ministry.

The worship is far too important to the congregation to miss a single word. Imagine, you go to church to attend a friend’s wedding, and when the bride and groom take their vows, their voices are not Audible. You would have missed some of the most important and beautiful words they’ll ever speak in front of their family and friends! Church sound is imperative for all church events, none more than the worship services. Inadequate sound systems disconnect Parishioners from the worship experience. The solution: keeping the congregation connected to the worship with quality Audio projection from a professional church sound system.

If the church sound systems are good, you won’t even feel that there is one fitted inside the room, and everything will sound very natural. Pro church sound systems are technologically advanced, and often come with The dynamics and size of most worship spaces renders them inadequate for projection of a peripherals including wireless "Earset" microphones that discreet rest over the celebrant’s ear and rest on their cheek, so that the voice can be heard clearly. In addition to the spoken word, worship services include the choir and music ministry, and quality church Audio systems will offer appropriate sound amplification for singing and instrumentation.

The importance of choosing and trusted Audio visual systems designer and installer is paramount. In addition to the goals of a custom sound system package is the budgetary goals for the project. Investing in a profession Audio visual system designed for the unique need of the worship will help ensure the system is reliable, effective and long lasting.

More Information:

To learn more about custom Audio visual systems for worship you can visit Power Sound

of New England’s website: http://www.powersoundne.com/worshipav/soundsystems.html.

Or, read more about church AV projects at their blog site.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article446104.html

Prayer (Prophetic Intercession)

Prayer (Prophetic Intercession)
by Wisdom Mupudzi

We are in a living in a world that is often labelled the 'microwave' society. This is in reference to the fact that most people want things that are quick. Everyone is busy, and our lives are so hectic that people if not careful, we are on the 'treadmill' and lose sight of the small pleasures of life or forget that some key things need to take time. In other words, some things need a slower process.

There is a cry for revival among many Christians. Many remember the revivals that have gone by over the centuries and decades, Azuza street and the like. I have often found out that in order for revival to occur it must be ignited and undergirded by the power of prayer. In fact, everything in the kingdom of God is activated by prayer. This is because prayer is a covenant part of the relationship between God the Father and His children. Prayer is the chief means of communication between God and humanity. Whether its tongues or a cry from the heart or intense travail. Prayer is also key in bringing God's agenda on the earth realm. In the Lord's prayer there is a part where we say, "Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." This then tells us that God's will on the earth realm is not automatic. It has to be prayed through, this is often different from the usual mantra of many people that 'if it's God's will it will be.' That part of the Lord's prayer tells us that we have to pray about it.

We then come to the three main types of prayers when it comes to intercession. We have kingly, priestly and prophetic intercession. Incidentally the Bible says that only kings, priest and prophets were anointed in biblical times. The book of Revelations also confirms in Chapter 1 that as believers we were made kings and priest. That is our royal position, the book of Peter states we are a royal priesthood. I could go on, but essentially we have to pray from our position, knowing who we are. This prepares us to pray with authority and with accuracy, remember there is a 'war' so one doesn't fire 'bullets' for the sake of doing so, but has to do so with 'accuracy'.

Prophetic intercession as one can guess comes from the area of prophecy. There is a lot of controversy regarding the prophetic ministry, but I will not let that ruin a kingdom activity. The spirit of Prophecy is about hearing what God is saying now, and what was on God's original mind regarding something. This is one key element missing in the body of Christ today. For the most part, most people pray week after week, but they have no clue what God is saying. In other words, their prayers are one way, the majority of Christians have never been taught about discernment, they don't know how to walk in it. So people pray longer than necessary for many things because they are not hearing God. On the other side they don't pray enough to the point of breakthrough or sometimes they pray amiss. That's why tongues are important because it's not the person praying, it's the spirit praying and the spirit knows what to pray and how. So prophetic intercession is about hearing God in the midst of prayer and making the necessary adjustments to bring results. Maybe God may say while you are praying that you need to fast, or sometimes stop praying and go do a few things. Sometimes God can say take authority over the situation and declare a thing or two. That is part of prophetic intercession, hearing what God is saying now and enforcing it through kingly intercession, which is another mode of intercession. Sounds complicated, but it's not, it's simple, and it's in the Bible.

So the prophetic ministry and anointing is such a key part of the church today and also in the market place. We need to be praying for our businesses, etc., last but not least, we definitely need Prophetic Intercession.

More Information:

To fully understand and master Kingly, Prophetic and Priestly intercession, realms, mantles, Watches of the night and to take your prayer life to the next level, Get your copy of The Three Levels of Prayer and be empowered.get it here: https://ganxy.com/i/76572

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article448961.html

God Can See Your Heart

God Can See Your Heart
by Mary Gardner

Today is the day that I’m getting back into exercise. I sprained my ankle last week and although I’ve been swimming and rode the stationary bike, today was the day that I decided to go for a 1 hour walk.

Near the end of my walk today I got yelled at. No, SCREAMED at would be a better choice of words. I was about to cross over across the street and a car was whipping around a circle to the left of me. I hesitated as he did because I thought he was going to go around the circle and turn back around. I didn’t know that he intended to turn left, right in front of me. Still, I hesitated to see where the car went.

I was staring to the left to see what the car would do with one foot on the street. The car whizzed by and slowed down just enough for me to hear the expletives coming out of his mouth about me using the sidewalk. He said, “Jesus &^% / Christ, why don’t you use the crosswalk, I’ll fun your &*%$# over!”

Now I can pretty much guarantee that this guy wasn’t praying to Jesus Christ at that moment. He was using the Lord’s name in vain. And an interesting thing happened to me… for the first time!

I felt sorry for him! I actually felt sorry for this young guy who was driving to fast, screaming obscenities out the car window and being basically a jerk to me. I also know because I have some years on me now, that that poor guy will “get his”. He’s either got a lot of stress in his life right now and doesn’t know how to manage it, or he’ll be dealing with a lot in the future. These are the things that I actually thought about!

The reason that I’m so shocked at my own reaction is that previously, if anyone would get in my face about anything, it would take me a bit of time, but I’d get it together and then I’d LET THEM HAVE IT. I’d just tell them off or somehow get back at them with every bit of certainty that they had displayed earlier.

Once in Charlotte, I had a neighbor who I complained to at 1am that their music was on too loud. They never responded to my knocking so I rang the doorbell. The next morning, the wife reamed my husband out so bad that when he came in, he was calling her crazy! I went over to try to smooth things out and she screamed and yelled and cussed at me just as much. I cowardly walked away but got my revenge. Not only did I tell everyone what bad neighbors they were, I got the music to stop by going to the board of the neighborhood and forcing them to stop the constant pounding every night.

That ruined the relationship for the first 2 years that we lived there. I never wanted to be friends with someone with such a violent temper.

But what was really going on for her? Was she in a bad place in her life? Was there a time where someone else had pressured her or her family to do something?

I never chose to look at those things. I chose to ignore her and treat her like she didn’t exist. I can tell you from experience, it is not a good way to live! There are many awkward moments that occur, and it’d just be easier to forgive and forget.

She was actually the one who initiated the conversation again. One day she just waved and said “Hi, how are you?” I responded somewhat pleasantly and from then on, we waved whenever we saw one another.

But I can’t tell you that I liked her. No, I still felt like she was an awful woman who didn’t want to be a good neighbor.

When I compare my two reactions, I felt so much more peace just forgiving the guy and going on with things. I didn’t react at all to him but I know that his day is probably ruined. Holding a grudge is HARD. You have to avoid the person so you don’t have to be in an awkward position. You have to look the other way when they approach you to act like you don’t see them and then having to totally ignore a person takes so much creative work and effort!

Forgiveness is a whole lot easier! All you have to do is forgive the person and realize that they’re not at their best at that moment. Hopefully, they’ll regret their actions and make amends but even if you don’t, you’ll feel better just by forgiving them right away. When you don’t forgive someone, your emotions become bitter, and bitterness eats away at your insides. Literally. It can cause stress and even sickness.

I can just imagine that today, the angels that were watching today, recorded something good about me. Perhaps they all nudged each other, smiled and said. “yah, NOW she’s getting it! Now she understands what it takes to become mature”.

I know in my heart that I felt better this time about the lousy experience. I know that God saw me honestly feel sorry for that young guy. And I know that it made God happy.

Now, if he can JUST work on making that GUY happy!

Contact information: mary@marygardner.com WEB: www.marygardner.com

Mary Gardner is an Executive Communications Consultant and Coach. She works with, coaches and trains individuals, sales teams, executives, and celebrities. She enjoys seeing the best come out in people and has fun in the process. Mary is married to Sway and is mommy to Jeremy 5 and lives in Orlando, FL.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article36321.html

Serving Jesus On My Job

Serving Jesus On My Job
by Eric Mulford

Several years ago, at a networking meeting, I introduced myself as a Tailgate Theologian. I got the desired effect. Many of the people who were there that day came to ask me; "exactly what is a Tailgate Theologian"?

A Biblical Concept

The Bible is filled with people who took seriously their role in the world of work. Jesus in the Great Commission was making it clear that the believer is to make disciples as he goes about doing whatever it is that he does. Making disciples is the role of every believer! Only a few can go to other lands. Only a handful will have the time to commit to outreach programs. But many will show up to work tomorrow. Let them do so with a passion to represent Christ in their work. They'll have more opportunity to make disciples than all of the rest.

We're not talking about taking your employers time to "witness" to unbelievers. We're talking about witnessing by the quality of work that you give to your employer. Too many "witnessing" efforts have been destroyed by low quality performance on the job.

"Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:60.

Those who are spiritually dead will go through the routine of burying the dead. Those who are committed to Christ will see this opportunity in the same way they view everything else...as a follower of Jesus Christ.

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, wither thou goest." - Ecclesiastes 9:10

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." - Colossians 3:17

A Biblical Pattern

Tailgate Theologians understand that work is an indispensable part of God's plan for the world. They approach everyday as a calling from God to represent Christ by the work they do. They set before them biblical role models such as Joseph and Daniel who stood in the midst of wicked Kings, not as an adversary but as an ally, and represented God in all of His glory. They don't feel threatened by the world. They feel empowered by God make a transforming mark on the world.

Tailgate Theologians like Nehemiah are able to get the world to sponsor the work of God. They understand that God has the king's heart in His hand and He can move as He desires. They see the accomplishments of a man like Nehemiah not as an anomaly but as normal. They expect God to repeat the magnificent acts of the past. They don't see God in a box...they see Him high and lifted up.

The Apostle Paul, perhaps the greatest Tailgate Theologian of all, accepted the challenge of tent making knowing it could lead to the Areopagus. There before the crowd that day he had the opportunity to represent God. We should all long for those opportunities, but to do so will require labor in the marketplace.

More Information:

The Joy, Jazz and Juice of Serving Jesus can be experienced everyday on your job. For a full report on the Tailgate Theologian see http://www.ericmulford.com/TailgateTheologian/tailgate-theologian-report/

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article443950.html

Trust Jesus (and Stress And Fear Will Disappear)

Trust Jesus (and Stress and Fear will Disappear)
by Dawn Fields

Everything was going wrong.

The weight of the world had decided to settle on my shoulders. Bill collectors were calling and asking for payments that I didn't have.

The car insurance was due and I simply did not have it. The cable went out on Wednesday, and I love Law & Order but had to miss it because regular television doesn't work without cable in my area.

The final straw came when the Student Loan people called and demanded I send a payment. I couldn't handle it anymore. Not by myself, I couldn't.

So, I called on God for assistance. I needed to know what was happening.Why was everything coming down on me at that particular time? What was the message He wanted me to learn?

But, for some odd reason, I wasn't getting any answers from Him.

The following morning, things didn't get any better. As I was making myself breakfast, I dropped and broke my favorite drinking glass. I was stressing so much it was hard for me to concentrate on one thing.

As I was driving into work and talking with God, as I so often do while in the car-- the strangest thing happened. At the very moment I was asking God to answer me and tell me what I should do, I saw a sign.

A real sign.

A sign nailed to a tree.

A sign, which read in bright orange letters - TRUST JESUS. Now, I must tell you that I have driven down this very highway for four years, to and from work, five days a week, and never before noticed that sign.

I'm a very observant person and I refuse to believe it was there prior to that day and I somehow never notice it.

It was a 2” by 2” square wooden plaid with orange writing that read, TRUST JESUS.

It looked as if someone had the sign professionally made and then took a really big nail and hung it on a tree on the side of the highway.

At that very moment, all of the stress that I was feeling disappeared.

The reason I was stressing so much is I had forgotten to trust Jesus.

I'm sure you are familiar with those feelings. The feeling of stressing yourself out because you forgot to trust Jesus. You want more than anything to take that leap of faith and find a job or career that will fit God's purpose for your life, your calling. But you are afraid to make the first step.

Fear is holding you back from following your dreams and desires.

Someone once said FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. This is so true.

The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

When we allow fear, which is not from God, to take control of us, we stress. But, God did not give us the spirit of fear therefore FEAR is false.

Whenever you feel fear starting to creep in, remember to TRUST JESUS.

Trust that He has a purpose for your life and that if you are not happy with what you are presently doing, then you aren't following HIS purpose.

Trust that making changes will be difficult and at times, frustrating, but always be mindful that you will be doing God's work.

Trust that everyone will not see the vision you see, but be mindful that God has a calling for you and you must fulfil that calling.

Here's an action point: Write both FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real and 2 Timothy 1:7 on two different pieces of paper. Then on another piece of paper, write in big orange letters, the words TRUST JESUS.

Post these saying somewhere you will see it everyday. Post it on the headboard of your bed; next to the mirror in the bathroom; on the visor of your car; on your desk at work.

Read these every day, several times a day--anytime you feel fear of stress coming down on you, take it out and read it.

If you do it often enough, you will learn to always TRUST JESUS and fear and stress will not exist in your life.

Trust Jesus and nothing will hold you back from discovering God's purpose for your life.

Dawn Fields is a motivational speaker, author and life coach who teaches how to discover God's purpose for your life and incorporate it into a lucrative career. Visit the web site at http://www.dawnfields.com and sign up for Your Life's Purpose newsletter by sending a blank email to dawn@dawnfields.com with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. Tune in Thursdays at 9 p.m. to her live radio broadcast at http://www.dawnfields.com/radioshow.htm

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article10057.html

What Did Jesus Mean When He Announced, Love Your Enemies?

What Did Jesus Mean When He Announced, Love Your Enemies?
by Jimmie Burroughs

Jesus asserted, But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44) And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. (Luke 6:29)

I heard Atheist Bill Maher denigrating Christians as he normally does, and it's his right to take whatever view he would like, but in fairness as a public figure he should at least make efforts to grasp the theology of the Bible; although if he probably did he may no longer be an atheists.

Mr. Maher referred to the passage above and said that Christian were hypocritees if they called themselves Christians and wanted to kill the enemy, talking about Osama Bin Laden and his Muslim radicals. He revealed Jesus taught that you need to love your enemies.

To understand what Jesus is talking about in those verses, you need to understand 4 things: the point he is making, who he's referring to as enemies, the context for what he is asserting, and the use of hyperbole.

T he point Jesus was making was that his disciples need to express the same sort of radical love he voiced for his enemies. Jesus loved his enemies but he also bravely stood his ground in their presence. He had no fear of informing them where they were wrong. Being a loving Christian does not mean to be feeble. To the contrary, it means standing for that which is right even in light of danger. The dividing point for Jesus was that he managed to be strong and loving at the exact same time.

Jesus was talking about personal enemies: The work-mate, for whatever reason, that hates us. The ex wife or hubby who is hated, or the disgruntle neighbor. These are the ones that we are to show kindness toward without regard for their disposition towards us.

T he context in which Jesus is teaching his disciple to love is not to be misunderstood to mean pacifism in war, as Maher was applying it. He was not talking about allowing a national enemy to destroy us while we sit disinterested and do nothing.

When I was a boy, occasionally a mad dog would come into the area. People in the area loved dogs and there were plenty of them, but somebody would shoot and kill the mad dog because he meant only harm. Ben Laden was a mad dog whose ambitions were to bring great harm to anyone who disagreed with his radical theology. He would as soon kill youngsters as anyone to make his point. There was only one alternative to protect the innocent, and that was to search him down and kill him like a mad dog before he probably did bigger harm.

These words of Jesus are not about crime or pacifism in war. Jesus wasn't talking about national enemies who would destroy a country. It's critical to appreciate who Jesus is. He's God. He made it obvious that people who saw him had seen the Father also. He claimed, I and my Father are one . ( John 10:30)

Jesus was always God before he came to earth as Jesus. How did God deal with the enemies of his chosen folk, the kids of Israel? He commanded Israel to conquer them and even helped on occasions by raining down stones from heaven.

How did Jesus handle the godless money changers who dishonored the Temple? He drove them out with a cat of nine tails and overturned their tables.

If we seek to make a new law because of what Jesus is teaching on this occasion that overrides the civil law in Exodus against violent crime, we not get the point wholly. Laws were precisely defended in Bible times. Law breakers were frequently executed with Gods command. We are to love our enemies, but we are also to defend the law and punish the law breakers. We are to protect our nation form cruel enemies who need to destroy us and our liberty.

It's a matter of understanding what Jesus meant and what he didn't mean. He did not mean that we are to just allow wrongdoers to run free and let them do violence as they please. He did not mean that we shouldn't ever call on the police when wrong is performed by criminals. He didn't mean that we should allow somebody to be attacked without offering help.

Interpreting any discussion usually needs an understang of the use of hyperbole. Today we often use hyperbole to. Stress a point. Hyperbole is a conscious exaggeration to emphasise a point. As an example, we are saying, I sort of died laughing , or, He would kill me if he knew I said that . We do not mean for these sayings to be taken literal. It was also generally utilized in the time of Jesus, and that's how Jesus is stressing the point in these verses, that we should make every effort not to take revenge, not make a response to others hatred with loathing, not to mistreat others when they mistreat us, but to plan paths to return goodness for their unkindness. Hyperbole is not misrepresenting something; it is accepted by all that it is for emphasis only.

Jesus didn't mean that when someone took your coat to give them the remainder of your clothes and be undressed. He meant that we are not to take revenge on those who need to cheat us or thieve from us. Neither did he mean that we are to literally turn a check if we are attacked by someone. He intended to try each measure to avoid a conflict.

Jesus is teaching to radically love your enemy. It would be silly, if we applied what Jesus Said here to postpone the law, or let assailants get by with causing bodily harm, or let national enemies conquer our country while we set idly by. President Ronald Reagan was a believer, but he also trusted in having a strong state defense, and he was not going against Bible teaching. God made the country of Israel robust, so they could protect themselves against all enemies, and that was just when they turned from him to other gods that they lost their robust defense and lost their nation to the enemy. We, incidentally, in The United States need to take heed from history lest we also lose our powerful defense.

More Information:

About the author: Jimmie Burroughs is an inspiring speaker and writer who has been involved in teaching Christian Personal Development for over 30 years. There are countless hundreds of articles to help you on this website, Website Contents, in your person growth. Be sure to take vantage of the FREE offer to get the ebook The 4 Pillars for Personal Development? while available.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article405722.html

Christian Love

Christian Love
by Saundra L. Washington

Actually, loving does not take any great effort on our part because it is not something we must put forth great effort to achieve. When God enters our heart, soul, and mind, love is spontaneously produced because He is love. It is a spiritual attainment. It is the result of a cause and the cause is this: God loved us first (1 John 4:19).

This love is not produced by us. No one can love God until he knows that God loves him and we can only love God when we have perceived some reasons for doing so. Each person that has ever been saved never came to God as a lover of God, but as a sinner who had come to believe in God's love for him or her. Our love is connected with this “knowing.”

When we realize God's love for us, we become acutely aware of our unworthiness. The more we recognize our own helpless state, the more we understand God's love for us; a love so great that it embraces poor sinner. We love because God first loved us.

God loves us. It is a fact affirmed and validated by the patriarchs, lawgivers, seers, prophets, apostles, teachers, deacons, evangelists. From Genesis to Revelation, a conglomeration of witnesses joined together to make this heavenly announcement: God loves us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died.

But, we cannot claim we love God if we do not love one another; for it is in loving God that we are enabled to love one another, and in loving one another, our love for God is strengthened. Human love is a response to God's love. His love within us creates goodness and transforms the unlovable into the lovable. When this miracle occurs, we discover we love not only others, but ourselves.

No greater claim can any of us make than that we love. Love is a characteristic of those who love God. Love is the great bond of fellowship which binds believers to one another, and to our Lord. We love all men—even our enemies. Like John, we do not claim to love as deeply as we desire to love; we do not claim to love as much as we expect to as we progress in the faith, but we do claim to love. There is no guessing, no speculation, no assumptions, and no inferences.

We Christians stand side by side with John and thousands of others down through the generations to affirm what John declared. That somehow, even in this messed up world, even in times like these when man's inhumanity to man seem to have reached chaotic proportions, we love and we do it because God lives in us and God is love. This is God's eminent challenge to man and one of man's greatest trials.

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. http://www.clergyservices4u.org. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, will be available soon.

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article16461.html

Discipline Of Prayer: Always Connected

Discipline of Prayer: Always Connected
by Steve Singleton

Every workday, five days a week, I take the light rail into downtown Dallas. Only last week, this routine finally taught me a lesson about prayer.

In case you're not familiar with it a light rail commuter train, it runs on 25,000 volts of alternating current. All of this electricity runs through lines suspended above the tracks. It is transmitted to the train through a spring-loaded arm called a pantograph. Once the energy is on board, it is transformed into the direct current that supplies the locomotive's motors. Without that constant supply of 25,000 volts, the train would go nowhere. That pantograph has to be in constant contact with the high-power lines.

Paul told the Thessalonians, "Pray unceasingly" (1 Thess. 5:17). Part of what that means is that we must continually stay in contact with God, who supplies us with the of spiritual power we need to keep going. In other words, wherever we go and whatever we do, we have to maintain an awareness that we are in the presence of the Almighty.

King David knew of this need. In Ps. 139:7-12, he asks:

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there Your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me,
and the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to You;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to You.

As a spiritual Being, on limited by time and space, God is omnipresent and omniscient. Nothing happens to us that He doesn't know about, nor is there a place we can go that is beyond His presence.

David's descendant, King Hezekiah, demonstrated his awareness of the same truth by his actions. When Sennacherib, king of Assyria, ordered that a threatening letter be read to Hezekiah and all of Jerusalem, 2 Kings 19:14 reports: "Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord.” It is as if Hezekiah were saying to the Lord, " Here, read this!" Then, in the verses that follow, he asks the Lord to do something about it, and the Lord honors his request with an outstanding miracle.

It is true that devotional writers have long emphasized the spiritual discipline called "practicing the Presence." Nicholas Herman (c. 1605-1691), also known as "Brother Lawrence," in what is now known as The Practice of the Presence of God, wrote:

That it was a great delusion to think that the times of prayer ought to differ from other times. That we are as strictly obliged to adhere to God by action in the time of action, as by prayer in its season. That his prayer was nothing else but a sense of the presence of God, his soul being at that time insensible to everything but Divine love: and that when the appointed times of prayer were past, he found no difference, because he still continued with God, praising and blessing Him with all his might, so that he passed his life in continual joy; yet hoped that God would give him somewhat to suffer, when he should grow stronger" ("Fourth Conversation").

Such a concept has not been invented out of thin air. Jesus himself, just before ascending to the Father, promised his disciples, “ I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). notice that Jesus neither says, "I was with you," nor does he say "I will be with you." he says, " I am with you always." This " I am" seems to run parallel to his statement to the unbelieving Jews: " I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am" (John 8:58), “not I was.” If the parallel is a valid one, Jesus' use of the present tense seems to signify that he is not limited by time or any other constraint on his ability to be aware of our needs and to bless. (After this thought occurred to me, I have found the same analysis in A. B. Bruce's commentary on Matthew in The Expositor's Greek Testament.)

Like the power lines strong above the light rail train, the power is always present and available. But we must make and maintain our connection with that power. With a constant awareness of God's presence, we will include him in every decision we make. We will give more care to where we go, what we do, and what we listen to, knowing that he goes with us, witnesses our actions, and hears what we hear. we will choose our words more carefully-not only the ones that express our petitions to him, but all of our words--realizing that we can not prevent him from listening to us.

And whenever we do pray, whether we offer praise, thanksgiving, petitions, confessions of Sin, or intercessions for others, a constant awareness of God's presence bolsters our confidence that he hears our prayers and will answer them according to his will. Don't let your pantograph droop. Oil its hinges, fix its spring. Stay connected.

* * *

Copyright ©2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has been a book editor, newspaper reporter, news editor, and public relations consultant. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.org for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article31829.html

Be Certain You And Your Lovd Ones Are Saved

Be Certain You and Your Lovd Ones are Saved
by Angela Peterson

Please notice that we are responsible for the underlined sections, God is responsible for the rest when we obey and perform our part. Unless otherwise stated, all scriptures are from the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible.

John 3:15-18 (The speaker is Jesus) So that everyone who believes in me will have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God.

II Peter 3: 9 The Lord isn't really being slow about his return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent. (Peter was a disciple of Jesus)

John 5:24 (The speaker here is Jesus) I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

Romans 10:8, 9, 10 Salvation that comes from trusting Christ - which is the message we preach - is already within easy reach. In fact, the Scriptures say, "The message is close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart." For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

There is something very important to God about the words we choose to speak every day. God made the universe with words - not deeds (Genesis 1) God's world works on words and faith and love. Say these scriptures out loud so you hear yourself saying them, and your faith will be greatly increased in a shorter amount of time. Faith and words work in the same way for salvation as they do for healing. Read Romans 10:, 8, 9, 10 again.

Ephesians 2:8 & 9 God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (This was also taught by Paul the Apostle)

Proverbs 3:5, 6, 7 & 8. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear (reverence and worship) the Lord and turn your back on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality. (This was written by King Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man to ever live.)

II Corinthians 5:17 What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore in their hearts, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! Now you must replace old bad habits with good habits that strengthen your heart/spirit with the knowledge/wisdom God gives us in the Bible. (This is also a message from Paul the Apostle)

The basics are that God loves you, sin separates you from God, and Jesus died for your sins so you can receive Jesus and experience God's love and forgiveness. This is how you are saved and go to heaven when you die rather than eternal torment in hell for denying Jesus.

Confession - Prayer for Salvation or Renewed Commitment to Jesus: Pray this out loud - Heavenly Father, In Jesus' name I repent of my sins and ask Jesus to come inside my heart. Jesus, you are my Lord and Savior. I believe you are the Son of God, and that you died for my sins and you were raised from the dead. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Thank you, Father, for saving me in Jesus' name.

More Information:

Healed! Strength for Caregivers, Cancer Fighters, and Other Serious Illness Fighters: A Crash Course in What to DO Spiritually and Practically." By at Strength for Cancer Fighters $13.99

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article180101.html

A Brief History Of Christianity

A Brief History Of Christianity
by Owen Jones

The majority of Christians have faith in that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Israel, the son of Jewish parents, Mary and Joseph, a carpenter, who had travelled from Nazareth to meet their annual taxes. Mary gave birth, so the story goes, on the 25th December in a stables and Christian countries mark that as the start of their calendar, in a similar way that Buddhists and Muslims mark the birth of their spiritual leaders as the beginning of their calendars.

However, not very much is really known about Jesus and nothing is known about him from his own hand. The nearest we can get to him are books or gospels written some time after his death by alleged disciples. He was almost certainly not born in the year one, or dot as it should have been, but four years earlier.

There is little to nothing known about him for the first thirty years of his life and then when he was thirty-two he was baptized by John the Baptist. Being Jewish himself, John the Baptist was continually on the look out for the Messiah and he saw Jesus as that Messiah.

Jesus was unlike other ministers of the time in that he worked chiefly among the poor, although it is very doubtful that he came from a poor family himself. He was after all of the House of David, the ruling royal family of the day and age.

Within a couple of years of ministering to the poor and calling himself the son of God, he was arrested by the Roman and Jewish ruling class and, as most Christians believe, crucified. After three days he rose from the dead and after forty days his spirit went up into Heaven to sit at the right hand of his father, God.

Christians see their Bible as an extension of Judaism rather than a denial or a breaking away from it. It is to be expected that the first followers of Jesus were ostracized by traditional Jewish leaders as a break-away sect and in many ways that is what Christianity still is to this day, although it now has more followers than Judaism.

The Christian Bible is in two parts, the Old Testament, which correlates to the Jewish Bible or Masorah and the New Testament, which relates to the time after Jesus' birth which is not incorporated in the Masorah.

The most important part of the New Testament by far is the gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Each of these gospels shows Jesus, his life and his teachings from the personal standpoint of the author, all of them having been one of Jesus' apostles.

The foundation of Christian belief is: 1] that Jesus was the personification of God on Earth; 2] atonement - ie that Jesus' death atoned for the sins of all mankind in eternity, so we can all go to Heaven; 3] that the one God has three aspects: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.

After that it gets a bit difficult.

More Information:

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on a number of topics, but is now involved with native religious beliefs. If you would like to know more go to What is Religious Belief?

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article406974.html

Christian Bookstores And Supplies

Christian Bookstores and Supplies
by Christian N

Christian books and supplies can be found at places that specialize in these types of material. Depending on what kinds of Christian books and supplies you are looking for, there is sure to be a business that offers what you need. If you are interested in Christian books and supplies that deal on topics such as finances, there are resources available; you just need to know where to look.

Christian books on finances can be found at a Christian bookstore. If you are curious how to make wise investments, save money, create a budget, etc., the Christian bookstore is sure to have supplies that will do just that. Christian books and supplies on finance might include how to use computer software and provide a ledger to keep track of spending and investments. This is a great resource to have because it can set you on the right path to becoming a financial expert.

If you are interested in looking for Christian books and supplies that deal with youth ministry, than you can also find that at a local Christian store. There is a plethora of Christian books and supplies on this topic. Many authors have invested their time and energy to create the resources needed for aspiring youth ministers and workers. These Christian books and supplies can range from "how to" books to icebreakers and topics that are relevant to today's teenager. You can also find supplies such as game books and activities that will engage youth groups in building unity and togetherness.

There are also Christian books and supplies that center on the topic of marriage. If you are a counselor in need of resources to help struggling marriages survive, you can find these Christian books and supplies are readily available. If you are prone to go with a certain perspective or approach to handling difficulties in marriage, there may be Christian books and supplies that can assist in those areas. If your concern is to figure out how to handle adultery in marriage or forgiveness issues, Christian books and supplies can be found on these topics as well.

All types of Christian books and supplies can be found on a variety of topics. Check your local Christian bookstore, online companies that have religious affiliation, or talk with organizations that might have these types of resources. Take your time and look around, explore your options, and familiarize yourself with where Christian books and supplies are sold, you will be glad you did.

For more information about Christian books and supplies, visit:
http://astore.amazon.com/hammcurl-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=673 http://www.christianet.com/christianbusinesses/christianbooks/index.htm
http://www.christianet.com

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article35176.html

Inspirational Bible Verses About Courage: Quotes For Christians

Inspirational Bible Verses About Courage: Quotes For Christians (via Simon Hilton Christianity and Internet Marketing Website)

Inspirational Bible Verses About Courage. Looking for Inspirational Bible Verses About Courage? The Bible gives us direction in all areas of our lives and will help us to better understand God. Do you need courage right now to face a difficult situation…

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God's Eternal Love for His People

The Love of God is eternal. His Love reaches beyound our insecurities and our failures. It is his love that keeps me going even when I don't feel or want to go on at times in this life. His Love is not conditional, but unconditional, so that means it's not based on how well I preform or under perform, he just loves. It's his greatest attribute and it was his Love that drove him to the cross. So God's Love is not earthly but Heavenly without reproach. Nothing on this earth will separate me from his great love, he will never stop loving his people and children. So rest in knowing that God not only Loves but His is Love and he's madly in Love with his Creation namely Us. So with Love in my heart for him, I love you right Back and please help those who not just need to feel your love, may they not only know it but feel it as well. Your Son.

The Past is the Past or is it?

The Past is the Past or is it? (via The Savings Wife)

One of the biggest things I have been learning the last  couple of years is that God knows us completely. He knows all of our heart aches (past, present and future). When God starts stripping us down and refining us to be holy (set apart), he uncovers a lot of skeletons in our closet. He just doesn…

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Thoughts About Worship

Thoughts About Worship (via Christian Volume)

So many times we misunderstand what Worship truly is. We make it out to be a song and a dance but miss the heart of the matter. Worship is more than music and singing. It is the positioning oneself in a place of reverence to God. Ruth shows us this in the Ruth 3:1-9 One day Naomi said to Ruth, “My…

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My Heavenly Father's Day Post

I didn't have a Father to Love and Guide me so God took his place, I didn't have the Luxury of having someone to take me to the ball game, so God was my cheerleader, saying to me that I can make it. All the years of my Life he has been to me what my earthly father wasn't, So I say Happy Father Day to the Lord, for being there when No one cared enough to show me the way. He calls me his Son or my child and I call him Dad, I Love You. This goes out to the fatherless, inspired by the My heart and the Holy Sprit. He's a father to the Fatherless and he's never left my side or cast me away, even when I was wrong, he's been there for me and he'll be there for you as well. God Bless all who read this Blog.

Is there Life after Death?

I’ve been to many funerals and I’m always looking for a way to encourage people in the time of loss. I believe that death is not the end but the beginning to eternity, so why do we as people take someone we love death to heart? The answer is that we think that this is the last time we will see them again, at least on this side and its true for the most apart but for those who believe in Jesus, you will see your love ones again. I went to a funeral this weekend and I wanted to encourage those who lost someone who believes in Jesus that death is not permanent but temporal, ok how is that possible? For those who believe will never die spiritually but live after leaving on this side of life and transition to the next life but the key to this is belief in Christ. That is the only way that can happen, so even in the mist of separation you and I can find hope when someone we love has passed on. We miss them on this side for a brief moment but when our time is over on this side, it will feel like a moment in time when you and I see our loved ones again. So try to stay encourage even though you miss them for I know it won’t last forever, just believe in Jesus and you will see them again. Be Blessed

Why do people make Forgiving so hard?

I think one of the hardest things for people to do at times is forgive and it stems from past hurts or situations that effected us, even to the present. There are many who are still holding on to something someone said or did to them, when you hold unforgiveness you give it strength and it is not going to change the past. The keys to moving on from the past is Letting it Go!! I never said that it’s easy but it’s something that must be done or you will never move on from where you are in life. You will remain stuck in a cycle that will never be broken until you Let it Go!! Jesus is our example of this when he was beaten to the point that he was unrecognizable anymore, was made to carry his cross, was nailed to the same cross he carried and then mocked and in spite of all of that, he was still praying that God the Father would forgive those who had done these things to him. He’s our example and now that I’ve shown you a person who should have been bitter and angry and resentful and unforgiven towards those around him but still showed Love, what is your excuse for holding anything towards anyone? Well if you say, I’m not Jesus, that’s fine but you still have a choice like he did and his choice was to Glorify God and not his emotions nor the circumstances around him. Let It go, it’s not worth it, it doesn’t matter what they did, Let it Go