Friday, September 22, 2017

Our World

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http://www.pastorjohnsamencorner.com


In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (ESV)

Our World As We See It

As we go through life we become more aware of trouble. It comes to the forefront of each newscast and article in the papers. No one is exempt from hearing of riots, demonstrations, or domestic violence.

Case in point: I attend a small prayer cell on Tuesday mornings. Recently, a member told me I needed to be careful when I left my house. Her daughter heard of a stabbing taking place two blocks from my house.

Then, the television news, reported three people killed in one night. These occurred in our capital city. We read of these kinds of tragedies more frequently than before.

The incident down the street from us was a domestic violence issue. That does not diminish the problem of people mistreating others. The details in the newspaper give us light into the tragedy. There are contributing factors. The victim is in a trauma hospital, fighting for her life.

Those killings come about because of a transgression of the law. A law is overlooked and at least two people confront each other. The situation escalates and one of the principles is killed. This scenario is becoming common place in our world.

 We Need the Lord

 The LORD tells the disciples and us that we will have tribulation. He also tells us He has overcome the world. What does this phrase mean? Simply put, it means that He is always with us no matter the trial.

We need Jesus to guide and direct our every move. God has all things, our movements, behavior, words, and thoughts under His control. Even when we act contrary to God’s ways, He knows it beforehand. It is paramount that we always seek His will for our lives.
When we ask Jesus into our hearts, we give Him carte blanche. He takes us as we are and changes us to resemble Him. We must be willing to allow Christ the freedom to do this.



Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Who Am I?

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http://www.onefaithonechurch.com


what is man that you are mindful of him,
 and the son of man that you care for him?
Psalm 8:4 (ESV)

Who am I, Lord, that I should expect things go without a hitch? Who am I, Father, that would want to have all my activities be easy and glamorous? Who am I, Jesus, that I should feel that I can dictate to others what I believe they should do or how they should act? Who am I to remind those around me that they might have wronged me?

I am nobody, I can’t expect things in life to go the way I think they should. I am no one special that all my plans culminate with glorious endings. I have no right to tell people how to tell others how to live. I am not allowed to hold grudges when others choose to look askance at what I ask of them.

And yet, I am a child of God. I have to trust Him for everything. That means I accept all this world throws across my path as I walk with Jesus, especially those things that don’t set well with me.

NOTE:

I started this as I went through a recent ‘down’ time. With the help of prayer, Christian friends, and my doctor, I have overcome what I call these latest speed bumps on my journey with Jesus Christ. 

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

When Jesus Speaks to Us

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If I had not come and spoken to them,
they would not have been guilty of sin
but now they have no excuse.
John 15: 22 (ESV)

Jesus speaks these words to the eleven in the upper room. He knows the time for his death is drawing near. Earlier, He said that the world will hate them because of Him. He explained that this hatred stems from the world not knowing the Father.

Then, Christ says an interesting thing; He speaks the words of our focus verse. “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin,” Our Savior states indirectly that He showed them the wrong things they were doing. Jesus then states, ”but now they have no excuse.”

If Jesus Christ could say those words then, are they still true today? If Our Savior speaks to us about our sin, are we supposed to make excuses? As I read this, I find the answer is, “No.”

As we await Jesus’ return, we have to be certain we are ready. Each of His children has to ask God to search our hearts. We have to seek His forgiveness and direction for our lives. I believe I have some issues to work on. 



God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...