glory

Sin is dangerous; the wages of sin is death. Sin separates man from God.We are only here temporarily and we need to fix our eyes on Jesus and not on the ungodliness of this world.The world is our enemy; we pray for those in the world to see the Light, but we are not to conform to their standards.We are aliens in this world, here to uphold God's standards by becoming Christlike in our nature and conforming to the image of God's Son, not conforming the the patterns of the world.

I am so very grateful that the Lord hand-picked me, chose me for a special relationship with Him.This used to be so difficult for me to believe because for thirty three years, I never knew there was a God or that God loved me.I was told that when I was little, someone told my mom I was a peculiar child. I always thought it meant I was retarded or dumb and it used to make me feel sad. Today, as a born again, Spirit filled child of the Most High God,I wouldn't trade being peculiar for the world!!

I praise God with sincerity from my heart and my lips. There is no formula where praising God is concerned. I do enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise, which is what we are told to do, however I allow the Holy Spirit to lead me and each time it's different.Praise is more than singing songs to God; it is a way of life. I can praise Him with my actions as well as my words.When I praise Him, I thank Him for what He's done, when I worship Him, I worship Him for who He is.

I have struggled with feelings of no worth and no value almost all of my life. I am so thankful that God doesn't see me that way but rather I am so valuable to Him that He was willing to die and shed His precious blood to redeem me from hell and destruction.God loves me unconditionally.My financial assets are all temporary, but my true long term investments are the things I do for the kingdom of God, like sharing Jesus with others, leading others to Christ, helping the poor, the widows, the orphans, etc.

I believe that people get upset when they sense they are being judged because they feel like we christians think we are holier than them, not realizing we are trying to uphold God's standards in our lives.Some get upset because they struggle with guilt and shame over their own sins; they've been convicted by the Holy Spirit,but won't repent. God has to judge sin because He says in His Word there is a final judgment coming.A lot of people, including christians, don't realize that God is our Righteous Judge to whom we will one day give an account to.This always motivate me to try and do what's right because without a final judgment, there would be no purpose for doing right or wrong.

I think holiness is being like Jesus in our character. I have been made holy and righteous unto God by the Blood of Jesus.Even though my actions aren't always right, my heart is right toward God and I'm always striving to do better so others can see a difference in me.In order for me to have close fellowship with the Lord, I have to give up the worldly desires and draw close to Him.I cannot conform to this world standards and be obedient unto God wt the same time.I sometimes struggle with anger and contrary thoughts.

Knowing that His return is soon inspires me to live with reverential fear of Him.It motivates me to try to live right and holy , because I don't know when He will return since His word says He shall come unexpectedly for us.It gives me hope while at the same time it makes me realize that I cant live in the flesh but with the help of the Holy Spirit, I need to be sober and exercise self control, thus crucifying the flesh and not being sloppy and lazy.If I'm not expecting Him to return soon, then I'm going to be careless in my walk with Christ because I won't have my focus in the right place.

The basis of inexpressible and glorious Christian joy is my faith in the Person of Jesus Christ.In His Presence there is fullness of joy, which is different from emotions which can be like a rollercoaster ride from day to day.Joy is not emotional; it comes rather from knowing Him and spending time in His Presence.I've experienced joy with no money in my pocket and no christian support at times. I've been so lonely at times I was afraid I'd lose my mind, but He kept me.Happiness is very temporary. I get happy when I get a gift or an encouraging word from someone, but that happiness never lasts. The joy of knowing the Lord is our strength.

For many years I had been angry with God and had actually been blaming him for the adversities I had been dealing with; mainly negative, unsaved family members, an unsaved spouse and a child who struggles with developmental issues. It has only been very recently that I realized that God IS the One who has actually been helping me deal with this mess and helping me to go through without feeling like I'm losing my mind.God has been using these difficulties to grow and refine my faith, to one day bring glory to His name, but I was so busy complaining and being angry I couldn't even see what He was doing until now.

GOD PROMISES TO KEEP ME SECURE, WATCH OVER ME AND PROTECT ME AS A GUARD. HOWEVER I NEED TO STAY IN FAITH AND NOT WALK AWAY FROM GOD BY DOING MY OWN THING.I DO HAVE A CHOICE AS TO WHETHER I CONTINUE FOLLOWING IN THE FAITH OR NOT.I CHOOSE TO SERVE AND FOLLOW HIM ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE BECAUSE HE IS WORTHY.!!!

IT IS HARD TO OBEY GOD IF YOU DON'T KNOW YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN FORGIVEN THROUGH THE SHED BLOOD OF JESUS ON THE CROSS.WHEN JESUS WAS OBEDIENT UNTO THE FATHER BY LAYING DOWN HIS LIFE ON THE CROSS, THEN WERE WE FORGIVEN. LIKEWISE, IN ORDER FOR ME TO BE OBEDIENT UNTO GOD, I ALSO HAVE TO EXTEND FORGIVENESS UNTO THOSE WHO HAVE HURT ME, AND ALSO RECEIVE GOD'S FORGIVENESS FOR MY SINS. SO THEY GO TOGETHER, OBEYING GOD AND FORGIVING OTHERS.WE ARE SAVED BY GOD'S GRACE, AND NOT BY OUR GOOD WORKS. GRACE IS A FREE GIFT,WE DON'T HAVE TO EARN OUR SALVATION BY OUR WORKS.BUT IF WE LOVE GOD, WE WILL OBEY HIM AND IT WILL PRODUCE GOOD WORKS IN US, BECAUSE FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.WE ARE NOT SAVED BY WORKS, BUT FOR WORKS, SO HE CAN BE GLORIFIED THROUGH OUR GOOD WORKS.GOD BLESS..

CHRISTIANS WHO IDENTIFY MORE WITH THIS WORLD RATHER THAN THEIR HEAVENLY HOME ACT VERY CARNAL AND WORLDLY. A LOT OF TIMES, PEOPLE CANT EVEN TELL THAT THEY'RE CHRISTIANS BECAUSE OF THE WAY THEY SPEAK, DRESS, ETC.WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SEPARATED UNTO GOD, CHOSEN TO DO GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS FOR HIM. WE ARE IN THIS WORLD, BUT NOT OF THIS WORLD.I HAVE CAUGHT MYSELF SPEAKING LIKE THE WORLD AT TIMES, WHICH IS NEGATIVE AND FULL OF DOUBT RATHER THAN WORDS FILLED WITH FAITH.TO GET OUT SPIRITUAL PRIORITIES STRAIGHT, I BELIEVE WE HAVE TO SPEND MORE TIME IN THE WORD AND ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO CONVICT US OF OUR WRONG BEHAVIOR, OR ELSE WE MAY NOT EVEN SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING TO US.GOD BLESS..

The Ephesian Gentile Christians believed in various spirit beings that exercised power over them. What is the significance to them of Paul saying that Christ is seated at God's right hand in the heavenly realms? In what sense are these spirit beings and powers "under his feet? I THINK THAT PAUL WANTED THE EPHESIANS TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST HAS ALL POWER, AUTHORITY AND DOMINION OVER THE POWERS OF DARKNESS AND ALL EVIL SPIRITS COMBINED.BEING SEATED AT GOD'S RIGHT HAND SPEAKS OF AUTHORITY AND HAVING SPIRIT BEINGS UNDER HIS FEET DECLARES THAT HE IS RULER OVER ALL PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS.PRAISE GOD!!

I BELIEVE PAUL PRAYED THAT WAY BECAUSE THE CHURCH WAS PROBABLY FUNCTIONING MORE AS A HUMAN INSTITUTION AND NOT IN THE DIVINE, MIRACULOUS REALM OF GOD .I THINK PAUL WAS PRAYING THAT THEIR SPIRITUAL EYES BE OPENED TO SEE AND EMBRACE TRUTH.THIS POWER OPERATES IN THE HEART, OR THE SPIRIT OF MAN; HE PRAYED THAT THE EYES OF THEIR HEART BE ENLIGHTENED.PAUL USES THE MIRACULOUS EVENT OF JESUS BEING RAISED FROM THE DEAD AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE DUNAMIS POWER THAT SHOULD BE DEMONSTRATED IN OUR CHURCHES TODAY.THIS IS THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT; THIS SAME SPIRIT THAT RAISED CHRIST JESUS FROM THE DEAD ALSO QUICKENS OUR MORTAL BODIES DAILY.PAUL WANTED THEM TO KNOW THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

REBEKAH'S CHARACTER FLAWS MOST REMIND ME OF MYSELF SINCE IN THE PAST , AND EVEN NOW I TRY TO HELP GOD OUT AT TIMES, NOT SO MUCH AS BY DECEPTION BUT BY NOT WAITING ON HIM, GETTING IMPATIENT AT TIMES AND GETTING DISCOURAGED IN GOD AND HIS PROMISES.

WHEN ONE CHILD IS FAVORED OVER ANOTHER, IT CREATES AN ATMOSPHERE OF STRIFE, JEALOUSY, ENVY AND BITTERNESS BETWEEN THEM. I HAD TO DEAL WITH THIS GROWING UP. MY MOM ALWAYS FAVORED MY TWO YOUNGER SISTERS OVER ME AND AS A RESULT I GREW UP FEELING VERY REJECTED AND CONSTANTLY LOOKED TO OTHERS FOR APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE.IT WAS ONLY WHEN I CAME TO CHRIST THAT I TRULY FELT LOVED AND ACCEPTED.I HAD TO RELY ON THE LORD AND CRY OUT TO HIM FOR DEEP INNER HEALING OF THE WOUNDS OF MY PAST AND HE HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO HELP ME OVERCOME IN MANY AREAS SO I DON'T FEEL SO INSECURE ANY MORE.PARENTS NEED TO LOVE EACH CHILD JUST FOR WHO THEY ARE AND NOT BECAUSE OF THEIR BEAUTY, OR TALENTS OR ABILITIES.EACH CHILD IS UNIQUE AND NEEDS THAT NURTURING AND LOVE FROM THEIR PARENTS TO HELP THEM GROW AND MATURE TO BECOME EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY .

ISAAC COULDN'T REVERSE THE BLESSING BECAUSE IT CAME FROM GOD HIMSELF.ISAAC WAS THE SPOKESPERSON, GOD'S MOUTHPIECE, AS IT WERE, TO SPEAK THE BLESSING UPON JACOB . GOD WAS THE ONE SPEAKING THROUGH ISAAC.

I THINK BOTH PARENTS WERE INTERESTED IN SPIRITUAL THINGS, HOWEVER, BEING HUMAN BEINGS LIKE US, THEY BOTH MADE MISTAKES.I'M NOT SURE IF EITHER ONE WAS MORE SPIRITUALLY SENSITIVE THAN THE OTHER.ESAU SEEMS TO BE VERY UNSPIRITUAL AT THIS POINT AND JACOB UNDERSTOOD THE POWER OF THE BLESSING AND THE BIRTHRIGHT, AND GOT IT FROM ESAU. HOWEVER I DONT THINK THAT MEANS HE WAS MORE SPIRITUAL BUT RATHER A MANIPULATOR AND DECEIVER.

ESAU WAS CONDEMNED FOR SELLING HIS BIRTHRIGHT BECAUSE HE WAS WILLING TO TRADE HIS BIRTHRIGHT FOR A MEAL, THUS HE WAS CALLED GODLESS IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS.SELLING HIS BIRTHRIGHT REPRESENTED THAT HE WAS WILLING TO GIVE UP HIS LEGAL RIGHTS TO THE DOUBLE PORTION OF HIS INHERITANCE AS WELL AS LEADERSHIP OF THE FAMILY WHEN HIS FATHER DIED. HE WANTED INSTANT GRATIFICATION.ESAU WAS IMPATIENT AND WAS CONCERNED WITH THE PRESENT WHILE JACOB WAS MORE CONCERNED WITH HIS FUTURE.JACOB TOOK ADVANTAGE OF HIS BROTHER'S WEAKNESS AND BASICALLY MANIPULATED HIS BROTHER TO GET WHAT HE WANTED.ESAU SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN CONTENTED WITH THE OUTDOORS, HUNTING ANIMALS, ETC AND MAYBE WASNT SO MUCH CONCERNED ABOUT BIRTHRIGHT AND FAMILY DUTIES UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE AND THEN HE COULDNT RETRIEVE THE BLESSING BECAUSE IT WAS ALREADY GIVEN TO JACOB.WE ALL NEED TO STOP AND THINK AND SEEK GOD'S WISDOM FIRST BEFORE WE MAKE CHOICES WE MAY LATER REGRET.

THIS PSALM TEACHES US ABOUT HOW INFINITE GOD IS.HE IS MAJESTIC AND LIKE NO OTHER; HE DISPLAYS HIS SPLENDOR ABOVE THE HEAVENS.HE IS SOVEREIGN.WE ARE SO MINUTE AND YET HE IS VERY MINDFUL OF US AND HAS MADE US TO RULE OVER THE WORKS OF HIS HANDS, PRAISE GOD!!I PERSONALLY STRUGGLE AT TIMES WITH WHO GOD IS BECAUSE OF THE HUGENESS OF THE TRIALS THAT I HAVE HAD TO ENDURE AND AM STILL DEALING WITH.BUT THAT'S WHY I LOVE THE PSALMS BECAUSE THEY GIVE ME PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF MY CREATOR.

DIOTROPHES IS PRIDEFUL, CONTROLLING, SELFISH AND A MALICIOUS GOSSIP.IT'S DIFFICULT TO BECOME A STRONG PASTORAL LEADER AND NOT DEVELOP THESE ATTRIBUTES UNLESS ONE LEARNS TO BE HUMBLE BEFORE THE LORD.IT TAKES THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO BECOME A HUMBLE SERVANT WILLING TO PUT OTHERS FIRST AND STILL LOVE THEM WHEN THEY ARE UNLOVABLE. I HAVE YET TO MEET A PASTOR WHO HASNT CRITICISED SOMEONE'S ELSE'S CHURCH OR MINISTRY.I FIGHT AGAINST PRIDE AND CONTROL BY CONTINUALLY SURRENDERING ALL MY CHARACTER DEFECTS TO THE LORD AND CRYING OUT TO HIM TO HELP ME TO NOT TRY TO BE CONTROLLING OR PRIDEFUL, WHICH I ADMIT IS DIFFICULT TO DO WITHOUT HIS HELP.