Good Afternoon:
Matthew 5:11
Blessed are ye, when (men) shall revile you, and persecute (you), and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Don't count it unfair when people make fun of you because of your faith in Christ. Don't expect all to like you, befriend you or speak to you because of your faith in Christ. But, expect some to mock you, make fun of you, say mean things to you, or scorn you because of your faith in Christ.
Jesus never said your walk with Him will be easy. Instead, He warned us that there will be some that will despise us. Now, here is the key. Jesus didn't say that they despise you because of you. He didn't say they would persecute you because of you. But, some will despise, persecute and/or mock you because of HIM! Why is this so comforting? If someone does harm to us, (naturally speaking) our flesh wants to rise up. If our flesh rises up, it tends to make bad decisions that we will regret later. So, remember, its not about us but about HIM! When we realize that it is not a direct attack toward us, our flesh will not rise but our spirit man will. When our spirit man comes alive, we understand the eternal picture that Jesus had when He was railed against.
If you are a true Christian, verse 11 will happen to you some time in your life. The question is, how will you react - in the flesh or in the spirit?
Remember, its not your name sake but HIS name sake!!!
Blessings
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, December 24, 2010
His Name
Blessed Morning to all:
Let's read:
Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Luke 1:31
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Luke 2:10-14
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Why is His name so important?
Luke 5:31-32
And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician: but they that are sick.
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Out of all the religions in the world, Christianity is the only one that has and offers a plan of redemption. No other god except Christ Himself shed their blood, conquer death and hell and rose from their grave. Therefore, Jesus suffices all the requirements of the only True and Living Savior of the world. In the words of the song "How Many Kings" by DownHere:
Cause how many kings have stepped down from their throne?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats became the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
The question is: Do you need The Physician to heal you of your lost (sinful) condition? If so, call on the name of the Lord. Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Blessings
kc
Let's read:
Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Luke 1:31
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Luke 2:10-14
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Why is His name so important?
Luke 5:31-32
And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician: but they that are sick.
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Out of all the religions in the world, Christianity is the only one that has and offers a plan of redemption. No other god except Christ Himself shed their blood, conquer death and hell and rose from their grave. Therefore, Jesus suffices all the requirements of the only True and Living Savior of the world. In the words of the song "How Many Kings" by DownHere:
Cause how many kings have stepped down from their throne?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats became the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
The question is: Do you need The Physician to heal you of your lost (sinful) condition? If so, call on the name of the Lord. Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Blessings
kc
Thursday, November 25, 2010
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Psalm 100:4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
What are you Thankful for?
Here are a few things that I am thankful for:
a. Salvation - by the precious blood of Jesus
b. Freedom - spiritually and naturally
c. Family and Friends - near and far
d. Health - the ability to move and function
e. Military - aboard and home side
f. Saints - those that labor in the Lord (missionaries, persecuted believers, etc)
g. Bible - Thank God for His words in print!
Last but not least: Waiting for the promise return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!
No matter where you are in life - have a Thankful spirit.
Blessings
kc
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
What are you Thankful for?
Here are a few things that I am thankful for:
a. Salvation - by the precious blood of Jesus
b. Freedom - spiritually and naturally
c. Family and Friends - near and far
d. Health - the ability to move and function
e. Military - aboard and home side
f. Saints - those that labor in the Lord (missionaries, persecuted believers, etc)
g. Bible - Thank God for His words in print!
Last but not least: Waiting for the promise return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!
No matter where you are in life - have a Thankful spirit.
Blessings
kc
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
How Many Times Have You Been Passed By?
Good Morning:
Let's begin in Matthew 5:3 and move to Acts 3:2
Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Acts 3:2
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the temple gate called Beautiful to ask alms of them that entered into the temple.
This is a beautiful story of a lame beggar that the Lord heals through His disciples.
This man had been lame from his birth. At some point in his life, friends would take him daily and place him at the temple gate to ask of alms. The age of this man is not told in this story. If one is thinking as an American would think, one would have to say this man has to be at least 18 years of age. Or, if one is thinking as a Jew would think, one would have to say this man has to be at least 20. Again, the age doesn't really matter - he could have been 18, 20, 30, 40, etc. What is interesting is even if this man was 18, 20 or even 50 - how many times did the disciples of Jesus previously pass him by going to the temple? Or, how many times did Jesus pass this man by going to the temple? The question would have to be asked, why was this man not healed prior to this story in Acts? I think our answer is in verse 2.
Our clue is the word Beautiful. When wee see this word "beautiful" we say it is pretty, eye appealing, lovely, etc. The Greek meaning for "beautiful" is fair, proper, timely, good timing. Yes Jesus and His disciples could have (probably did) pass this lame man up many times but his healing did come then but it came later. Why? because it was the proper time - other words - it was God's timing to set this man free.
This lame man wasn't expecting to be healed that day. Why? he had been sitting there for years, seeing the saints go to church (temple) day after day and still no healing. So after a while, life became to take on the same routine - asking for alms to survive and live out his life. This is sometimes a picture of a Christian on his journey in this life. Let me explain. We (Christians)need a breakthrough in our circumstances (whether healing, fiances, family, job, etc) and if we don't see a deliverance, then a routine mentality sets in. All we start to do is expect only the source (THE WORLD) that would just get us by and not the source (THE WORD) that can totally free us.
Remember, this lame man had been passed by many. You might be in a situation that you feel that you have been passed over and life is going no where. All I can say is - I don't know when but there is a gate called Beautiful for you. Don't give up and don't give in. If Jesus did it back then, He will do it again.
Blessings
kc
Let's begin in Matthew 5:3 and move to Acts 3:2
Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Acts 3:2
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the temple gate called Beautiful to ask alms of them that entered into the temple.
This is a beautiful story of a lame beggar that the Lord heals through His disciples.
This man had been lame from his birth. At some point in his life, friends would take him daily and place him at the temple gate to ask of alms. The age of this man is not told in this story. If one is thinking as an American would think, one would have to say this man has to be at least 18 years of age. Or, if one is thinking as a Jew would think, one would have to say this man has to be at least 20. Again, the age doesn't really matter - he could have been 18, 20, 30, 40, etc. What is interesting is even if this man was 18, 20 or even 50 - how many times did the disciples of Jesus previously pass him by going to the temple? Or, how many times did Jesus pass this man by going to the temple? The question would have to be asked, why was this man not healed prior to this story in Acts? I think our answer is in verse 2.
Our clue is the word Beautiful. When wee see this word "beautiful" we say it is pretty, eye appealing, lovely, etc. The Greek meaning for "beautiful" is fair, proper, timely, good timing. Yes Jesus and His disciples could have (probably did) pass this lame man up many times but his healing did come then but it came later. Why? because it was the proper time - other words - it was God's timing to set this man free.
This lame man wasn't expecting to be healed that day. Why? he had been sitting there for years, seeing the saints go to church (temple) day after day and still no healing. So after a while, life became to take on the same routine - asking for alms to survive and live out his life. This is sometimes a picture of a Christian on his journey in this life. Let me explain. We (Christians)need a breakthrough in our circumstances (whether healing, fiances, family, job, etc) and if we don't see a deliverance, then a routine mentality sets in. All we start to do is expect only the source (THE WORLD) that would just get us by and not the source (THE WORD) that can totally free us.
Remember, this lame man had been passed by many. You might be in a situation that you feel that you have been passed over and life is going no where. All I can say is - I don't know when but there is a gate called Beautiful for you. Don't give up and don't give in. If Jesus did it back then, He will do it again.
Blessings
kc
Friday, September 3, 2010
Through The Fire
Good Morning:
Our text today is found in John 16:33:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
May the words of John be an encouragement to you and may the following lyrics to the song Through The Fire by the Crabb family be uplifting.
Through The Fire:
So many times I've questioned certain circumstances
Things I could not understand
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
It's then I am reminded I've never been forsaken
I've never had to stand the test alone
As I look at all the victories the spirit rises up in me
And it's through the fire my weakness is made strong
(chorus)
He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
And the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered our victories without fighting
But he said help would always come in time
Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision
And the adversary says give in
Just hold on, our Lord will show up
And he will take you through the fire again
(bridge)
I know within myself that I would surely perish
But if I trust in the hand of God, He'll shield the flames again
(repeat chorus)
Blessings
Our text today is found in John 16:33:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
May the words of John be an encouragement to you and may the following lyrics to the song Through The Fire by the Crabb family be uplifting.
Through The Fire:
So many times I've questioned certain circumstances
Things I could not understand
Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision
It's then I am reminded I've never been forsaken
I've never had to stand the test alone
As I look at all the victories the spirit rises up in me
And it's through the fire my weakness is made strong
(chorus)
He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
And the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered our victories without fighting
But he said help would always come in time
Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision
And the adversary says give in
Just hold on, our Lord will show up
And he will take you through the fire again
(bridge)
I know within myself that I would surely perish
But if I trust in the hand of God, He'll shield the flames again
(repeat chorus)
Blessings
Monday, August 23, 2010
Illegal Fishing
Good Morning and Greetings to all:
Our text today is Matthew 4:19
And he (Jesus) saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Many have heard of the saying "fishers of men" and what it represents. It represents people who have become a believer in Christ going out into the world to witness about Him. It would be like a person fishing out on a lake or ocean. We have heard people say - oh, he (name here) is a fisherman. A fisherman and "fishers of men" are two different roads but use the same concept. In other words, a fisherman has a rod, a weight, a hook and some bait. He then cast his line out (with hook and bait) to an area in the water where the fisherman thinks he can catch a fish. It is similar with "fishers of men" - they have been saved by the blood of Jesus, reading their bible, praying, fasting and then goes out into the world to find a spot to cast forth the word of God (witnessing) to see if they can catch some fish (souls).
Today's post is dealing with a trend I see going on in the body of Christ - I call it illegal fishing. If you are a true fisherman (I am not) and have been in tournaments, you understand that not everyone plays by the rules. There are guidelines that a fisherman must adhere to. Anywhere from filling out proper paperwork for registration, the boundaries one must stay in, how many can be in one boat, what kind of equipment and what type bait that can be used. If you fail to obey the rules, you will be disqualified.
You might say, what does this have to do with being "fishers of men"? Let me share a natural story that will give us a little spiritual insight. I have heard recently of a fisherman that had been disqualified from a tournament and banned from that prestigious tournament for life and some other competitions all for cheating. This fisherman would put a 2 ounce torpedo shape sinker on a treble hook and place it in the fish's mouth (9 fish all together). The idea is that the fisherman hoped the torpedo sinker (weight) would stay in the fish's mouth and not drop into his belly. As the bible says, you're sins will find you out. When it was time to weigh the fish, the fisherman presented three dead fish. Dead fish for weigh-ins are OK by the rules. The fish were weighed and everything seem to go smoothly for the fisherman. The dead fish from this tournament are filleted and the meat given to charity. This is where the fisherman's plan started to crumble. When the fish were fillet, the torpedo sinker did not stay in the mouth of the fish but went into the belly of the fish. The fisherman's sin (cheating) was discovered.
I believe there is illegal fishing going on in the body of Christ today. Yes, all we have to do is go out into the world and present the gospel of Jesus Christ. But, what is going on is that some are using weights to not catch but entice some to come to Jesus. A weight is something that can be heavy - like a load or a burden. Hebrews says ....let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Fishing with a weight isn't wrong but using it an improper way is. People nowadays are being fed a line of Jesus (freedom) and the world (weight) to hook them into the church. It sounds good but there is a mixing that shouldn't be going on. What are some of the weights that believers are using to entice people into the kingdom of God? Anywhere from promised riches, live like you want, God is a God of love and not wrath, you can still cling to your worldy music, movies and things and don't worry our God is the same as any other God. The list could go on and on but hopefully you see that there is some illegal fishing going on by so-called Christians.
Remember, the story of the fisherman who got caught - he was disqualified and so was his fish. Hmmmm. Just a thought.
Are you fishing by the rules of the Lord or by the popular conditions of the world?
Blessings
kc
Our text today is Matthew 4:19
And he (Jesus) saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Many have heard of the saying "fishers of men" and what it represents. It represents people who have become a believer in Christ going out into the world to witness about Him. It would be like a person fishing out on a lake or ocean. We have heard people say - oh, he (name here) is a fisherman. A fisherman and "fishers of men" are two different roads but use the same concept. In other words, a fisherman has a rod, a weight, a hook and some bait. He then cast his line out (with hook and bait) to an area in the water where the fisherman thinks he can catch a fish. It is similar with "fishers of men" - they have been saved by the blood of Jesus, reading their bible, praying, fasting and then goes out into the world to find a spot to cast forth the word of God (witnessing) to see if they can catch some fish (souls).
Today's post is dealing with a trend I see going on in the body of Christ - I call it illegal fishing. If you are a true fisherman (I am not) and have been in tournaments, you understand that not everyone plays by the rules. There are guidelines that a fisherman must adhere to. Anywhere from filling out proper paperwork for registration, the boundaries one must stay in, how many can be in one boat, what kind of equipment and what type bait that can be used. If you fail to obey the rules, you will be disqualified.
You might say, what does this have to do with being "fishers of men"? Let me share a natural story that will give us a little spiritual insight. I have heard recently of a fisherman that had been disqualified from a tournament and banned from that prestigious tournament for life and some other competitions all for cheating. This fisherman would put a 2 ounce torpedo shape sinker on a treble hook and place it in the fish's mouth (9 fish all together). The idea is that the fisherman hoped the torpedo sinker (weight) would stay in the fish's mouth and not drop into his belly. As the bible says, you're sins will find you out. When it was time to weigh the fish, the fisherman presented three dead fish. Dead fish for weigh-ins are OK by the rules. The fish were weighed and everything seem to go smoothly for the fisherman. The dead fish from this tournament are filleted and the meat given to charity. This is where the fisherman's plan started to crumble. When the fish were fillet, the torpedo sinker did not stay in the mouth of the fish but went into the belly of the fish. The fisherman's sin (cheating) was discovered.
I believe there is illegal fishing going on in the body of Christ today. Yes, all we have to do is go out into the world and present the gospel of Jesus Christ. But, what is going on is that some are using weights to not catch but entice some to come to Jesus. A weight is something that can be heavy - like a load or a burden. Hebrews says ....let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Fishing with a weight isn't wrong but using it an improper way is. People nowadays are being fed a line of Jesus (freedom) and the world (weight) to hook them into the church. It sounds good but there is a mixing that shouldn't be going on. What are some of the weights that believers are using to entice people into the kingdom of God? Anywhere from promised riches, live like you want, God is a God of love and not wrath, you can still cling to your worldy music, movies and things and don't worry our God is the same as any other God. The list could go on and on but hopefully you see that there is some illegal fishing going on by so-called Christians.
Remember, the story of the fisherman who got caught - he was disqualified and so was his fish. Hmmmm. Just a thought.
Are you fishing by the rules of the Lord or by the popular conditions of the world?
Blessings
kc
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Semper Fi
Good Early Morning to all:
It is 5:15am EST. At this early of an hour, I am reminded of my Marine boot camp days at Parris Island, SC. To all the future Marines and other Marines that are hitting the pavement at this hour - Semper Fidelis (Semper Fi).
Our text this morning is found in Mark 12:30
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy should, and with all thy mind, and with all they strength: this is the first commandment.
Semper Fi is a Latin word that means - Always Faithful. Always faithful to what? In Marine world it is being faithful to God, Country and Corps. From day one the Marine (recruit) is taught these principles. Let's take these 3 words in reverse order. The recruit in boot camp is taught to always honor the service of the Marine Corps. This means not only the present but the history of this fine institution. Not only honoring the service of the Corps but honoring the country you defend. That means you will protect America at all costs, even dying for it. Not only a Marine is taught to honor the Corps and their Country but is also taught to honor God. Actually, there is not much teaching on that subject while a person is in boot camp - at least I don't recall. They do let recruits go to church on Sunday and have their freedom of religion. Basically what is taught is if you have a God - you may worship him. Nevertheless, the motto of the Marines is Semper Fi - Always Faithful. I believe the Marines can attest that through out their history, this word Semper Fi is just not a "nice" little saying but has brought together a unity among a group of people that no matter where you at in this world - it ignites a "kindred spirit" within the ones that have proudly worn the label United States Marine.
As a Marine is faithful to the Corps during his service, the question has to be ask of those that confess Jesus as their Lord - Are you Always Faithful to Him? You see, a Marine knows that the Corps isn't going anywhere. They know they wake up each morning without a thought about anything happening to the Corps. There is no worry or concern in that Marine's mind. But, they do have to get up each morning and conduct themselves by the honor code of Semper Fidelis. Their concern is to carry out their duties as a well trained, well behaved and well mannered Marine. They show their loyalty to the one that is taking care of them.
Where is your faithfulness, where is your loyalty at or to? Do you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? Are you faithful to the One that is Always Faithful to you?
Why is there a boot camp in the Marines? There are several reasons, but one is to weed out the "wanna be". To see one is for real and who is not. Make no mistake about, the Lord knows who is Faithful and who is Not! Which one are YOU!
Blessings
It is 5:15am EST. At this early of an hour, I am reminded of my Marine boot camp days at Parris Island, SC. To all the future Marines and other Marines that are hitting the pavement at this hour - Semper Fidelis (Semper Fi).
Our text this morning is found in Mark 12:30
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy should, and with all thy mind, and with all they strength: this is the first commandment.
Semper Fi is a Latin word that means - Always Faithful. Always faithful to what? In Marine world it is being faithful to God, Country and Corps. From day one the Marine (recruit) is taught these principles. Let's take these 3 words in reverse order. The recruit in boot camp is taught to always honor the service of the Marine Corps. This means not only the present but the history of this fine institution. Not only honoring the service of the Corps but honoring the country you defend. That means you will protect America at all costs, even dying for it. Not only a Marine is taught to honor the Corps and their Country but is also taught to honor God. Actually, there is not much teaching on that subject while a person is in boot camp - at least I don't recall. They do let recruits go to church on Sunday and have their freedom of religion. Basically what is taught is if you have a God - you may worship him. Nevertheless, the motto of the Marines is Semper Fi - Always Faithful. I believe the Marines can attest that through out their history, this word Semper Fi is just not a "nice" little saying but has brought together a unity among a group of people that no matter where you at in this world - it ignites a "kindred spirit" within the ones that have proudly worn the label United States Marine.
As a Marine is faithful to the Corps during his service, the question has to be ask of those that confess Jesus as their Lord - Are you Always Faithful to Him? You see, a Marine knows that the Corps isn't going anywhere. They know they wake up each morning without a thought about anything happening to the Corps. There is no worry or concern in that Marine's mind. But, they do have to get up each morning and conduct themselves by the honor code of Semper Fidelis. Their concern is to carry out their duties as a well trained, well behaved and well mannered Marine. They show their loyalty to the one that is taking care of them.
Where is your faithfulness, where is your loyalty at or to? Do you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? Are you faithful to the One that is Always Faithful to you?
Why is there a boot camp in the Marines? There are several reasons, but one is to weed out the "wanna be". To see one is for real and who is not. Make no mistake about, the Lord knows who is Faithful and who is Not! Which one are YOU!
Blessings
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