"1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." -1 Corinthians 13
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
New video feature added to WordofTruth blog!
I just added a new Vodpod video widget to this WordofTruth blog! This is a good change for this blog because now there will always be something new for people to watch here. Lately I have not been posting daily like I did for the first month of this blog's existence. I have had to concentrate on another area of my life for now. As the author of this blog I currently have to cut down on my posting frequency. But having some good video's should make up for some of that. The video's I will select will be ones that will express the Truth in the best way possible. I love these video's. Sometimes you can communicate things better through a video that is done well, than through an article. Some people don't want to spend the time reading, and for them I have the video's now.
Another change to the blog is the elimination of the Blogfrog widget's. That originally was put on this site to bring traffic. It has not done it's job very well, and so I removed it along with a few other links that changed since being here. Sometimes you can post a link from another site, and then they change their content to include things I don't want linked to this blog. So the best thing is to remove it altogether.
Hopefully all of you visitors and readers will enjoy the changes and continue to come back for more. I appreciate each of you, and am glad that you have visited my blog. Thank you!
Another change to the blog is the elimination of the Blogfrog widget's. That originally was put on this site to bring traffic. It has not done it's job very well, and so I removed it along with a few other links that changed since being here. Sometimes you can post a link from another site, and then they change their content to include things I don't want linked to this blog. So the best thing is to remove it altogether.
Hopefully all of you visitors and readers will enjoy the changes and continue to come back for more. I appreciate each of you, and am glad that you have visited my blog. Thank you!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Matthew 5:1-12
1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. -Matthew 5:1-12
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. -Matthew 5:1-12
Friday, July 9, 2010
God is Faithful & True !!
God is faithful and True!
...And that's why we praise Him.
When we are down and out, He is there to call on.
He is there listening and waiting for us to look to Him.
He is always waiting for us, so He can guide us through whatever it is that competes for our attention in this life.
When we fall, He helps us up! When we are down we can look to Him.
What does praising God do for us? It connects us with Gods presence.
"But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." -Psalm 22:3
Praise the Lord! I will look to Him.
The more we praise Him, the better our life becomes. The more we give Him our praise, the more His presence fills our heart and our life.
He has always been faithful to me. He leads me out of darkness. And He gives me His Truth.
It's a praise day! ...so I'm praising Him!
Praise the Holy name of the Lord!
...And that's why we praise Him.
When we are down and out, He is there to call on.
He is there listening and waiting for us to look to Him.
He is always waiting for us, so He can guide us through whatever it is that competes for our attention in this life.
When we fall, He helps us up! When we are down we can look to Him.
What does praising God do for us? It connects us with Gods presence.
"But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." -Psalm 22:3
Praise the Lord! I will look to Him.
The more we praise Him, the better our life becomes. The more we give Him our praise, the more His presence fills our heart and our life.
He has always been faithful to me. He leads me out of darkness. And He gives me His Truth.
It's a praise day! ...so I'm praising Him!
Praise the Holy name of the Lord!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Psalm 91
Psalm 91
"1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." -Psalm 91
"1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." -Psalm 91
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Luke 6:20-38
"20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
21Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
24But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
25Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
26Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
30Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
33And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." -Luke 6:20-38
21Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
24But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
25Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
26Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
30Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
33And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." -Luke 6:20-38
Friday, July 2, 2010
Praise You Jesus
Praise you Lord! Praise you God! Praise you heavenly Father!
Praise the name of the Lord!
The God of heaven,
The Name of Jesus be praised and lifted up!
All glory be to His name, forever and ever!
May the Lord God be praised forever and may His name be lifted up and glorified by His saints!
The name of Jesus Christ will be praised and lifted up forever. Let all His people praise Him!
For He is the King, ...
He is our creator, ...
He is our great Lord and savior! Our God is to be praised!
He created the heavens and the earth! Let everyone see Him on that day,
Let everyone see how great is the Lord! He is our God!
And everyone will see, that He is the Lord, great and True! He is Holy!
He is God Almighty! ...
So let us praise Him, for He is True!
God is Great! ... And His name is Jesus! ... His name is Holy! ...He is our God!
Jesus!
Praise Jesus!
Jesus is our song.
Praise the name of the Lord!
The God of heaven,
The Name of Jesus be praised and lifted up!
All glory be to His name, forever and ever!
May the Lord God be praised forever and may His name be lifted up and glorified by His saints!
The name of Jesus Christ will be praised and lifted up forever. Let all His people praise Him!
For He is the King, ...
He is our creator, ...
He is our great Lord and savior! Our God is to be praised!
He created the heavens and the earth! Let everyone see Him on that day,
Let everyone see how great is the Lord! He is our God!
And everyone will see, that He is the Lord, great and True! He is Holy!
He is God Almighty! ...
So let us praise Him, for He is True!
God is Great! ... And His name is Jesus! ... His name is Holy! ...He is our God!
Jesus!
Praise Jesus!
Jesus is our song.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
What will heaven be like? (Part 4)
This is the final and Part 4 of the last few posts entitled: What will heaven be like?
If you haven't read the previous posts, you may want to by scrolling down and starting with Part 1 so that you don't miss out on anything. This post today is going to be scriptures that deal with the kingdom of heaven.
"1At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 18:1-4
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 5:3
"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." -Matthew 4:17
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." -Matthew 6:33
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." -John 3:3
"And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." -Mark 14:62
"11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." -Revelation 19:11-16
These last verses sum up what heaven is all about. It is about Jesus the Son of God! He is our Lord and savior! He is our everything. He is the doorway to heaven. He is the only way, the truth, and the life. All praises be to Him! He is our access to God the Father and heaven itself. When we go to heaven we won't be thinking of ourselves and our needs. We will be thinking of God all the time. Our attention will always be fixed on Him, worshiping Him forever.
There are many more scriptures about heaven. I would have to write and post almost the whole bible if I put it up here. These are some of the greatest scriptures to meditate on though in order to renew the mind. I encourage you to pick up the bible, and do a search. Look up all the scriptures about heaven. And you will see all the spiritual edifying you will go through reading and praying God's Holy Word.
Thank you again for reading! And have a blessed day in the Lord today in Jesus name!
If you haven't read the previous posts, you may want to by scrolling down and starting with Part 1 so that you don't miss out on anything. This post today is going to be scriptures that deal with the kingdom of heaven.
"1At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 18:1-4
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 5:3
"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." -Matthew 4:17
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." -Matthew 6:33
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." -John 3:3
"And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." -Mark 14:62
"11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." -Revelation 19:11-16
These last verses sum up what heaven is all about. It is about Jesus the Son of God! He is our Lord and savior! He is our everything. He is the doorway to heaven. He is the only way, the truth, and the life. All praises be to Him! He is our access to God the Father and heaven itself. When we go to heaven we won't be thinking of ourselves and our needs. We will be thinking of God all the time. Our attention will always be fixed on Him, worshiping Him forever.
There are many more scriptures about heaven. I would have to write and post almost the whole bible if I put it up here. These are some of the greatest scriptures to meditate on though in order to renew the mind. I encourage you to pick up the bible, and do a search. Look up all the scriptures about heaven. And you will see all the spiritual edifying you will go through reading and praying God's Holy Word.
Thank you again for reading! And have a blessed day in the Lord today in Jesus name!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
What will heaven be like? (Part 3)
If this is your first time here to this blog, you can see that in this post title it says (Part 3). For the first parts 1 & 2 just scroll down a bit to the previous posts to read them. And that way you can do it in order.
It is my hope that as you are reading these posts about heaven and what it will be like, that you are able to get some sort of picture in your mind of it. For me when I think on these things, the Holy Spirit shows up in my mind giving me the encouragement that I need to continue pressing on.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -Philippians 4:8
Writing, reading, or thinking about these things in these posts is a practicing of the above scripture in Philippians chapter 4. This is probably one of the healthiest things we can do for our brains!
Now to continue about heaven. Where I left off in the previous post was the part about the fruit in heaven. The fruit in heaven will be like spiritual food. We will not eat to satisfy hunger pains but rather for enjoyment. To eat one fruit will fill us with joy. Another fruit will fill us with peace, another with love, and so on. The bible doesn't say this specifically, but I personally do think that the fruit or food there will have some significant benefit to us besides the ordinary satisfying of the flesh that we are used to in this life.
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." -Daniel 12:3
It's amazing how many scriptures there are in the bible concerning what heaven will be like. The above scripture makes me wonder if we will be able to travel to the stars in the universe. It is heaven after all. And I think natural man has always had a desire to travel through space. Could it be God who gave us that desire? Could it be that is what He intended for us to do in eternity? Perhaps we will each have our own planets to share. We may spend time exploring the new universe and planting gardens on these other worlds? All we can do is look at what the scriptures say about it and speculate.
"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." -1Corinthians 2:9
There are many things in God's Holy Word that may be a mystery to us. But the main key to unlocking those mysteries is having a relationship with the Holy Spirit. He is the one who reveals to us these mysteries.
"But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city." -Hebrews 11:16
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." -Revelation 21:2
The book of Revelation chapter 21 gives us a good description of this city from heaven. Some people will try to say it is merely symbolic. But the description in the bible says that an angel measured it giving it physical properties and dimensions. This city of God is absolutely astounding in it's beauty as described in the bible. It has walls 214 feet thick made out of precious stones and pure gold. The walls are translated to be 1500 miles long by 1500 miles wide by 1500 miles high! That is a big city indeed. There are 12 gates to the city each made out of pearl. It has streets of gold and a river of life running through the middle. It may sound hard to believe now while we are living on earth, but this place is true and is heaven. This is where all the believers in Jesus will spend eternity with God.
Just think, a million eons from now, we will be there still rejoicing and celebrating and enjoying God's loving presence forever. I believe that God has plans for us far into eternity that he has never revealed to anyone yet. Not even the apostles or anyone in heaven knows yet what God is going to do. Millions of eons from now we will be in celebrations with God doing new and exciting things that He has planned for us.
For the final post of this article: What will heaven be like? (Part 4) , Please visit this blog again tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by WordofTruth blog today! May God bless you with His abundant Joy!
It is my hope that as you are reading these posts about heaven and what it will be like, that you are able to get some sort of picture in your mind of it. For me when I think on these things, the Holy Spirit shows up in my mind giving me the encouragement that I need to continue pressing on.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -Philippians 4:8
Writing, reading, or thinking about these things in these posts is a practicing of the above scripture in Philippians chapter 4. This is probably one of the healthiest things we can do for our brains!
Now to continue about heaven. Where I left off in the previous post was the part about the fruit in heaven. The fruit in heaven will be like spiritual food. We will not eat to satisfy hunger pains but rather for enjoyment. To eat one fruit will fill us with joy. Another fruit will fill us with peace, another with love, and so on. The bible doesn't say this specifically, but I personally do think that the fruit or food there will have some significant benefit to us besides the ordinary satisfying of the flesh that we are used to in this life.
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." -Daniel 12:3
It's amazing how many scriptures there are in the bible concerning what heaven will be like. The above scripture makes me wonder if we will be able to travel to the stars in the universe. It is heaven after all. And I think natural man has always had a desire to travel through space. Could it be God who gave us that desire? Could it be that is what He intended for us to do in eternity? Perhaps we will each have our own planets to share. We may spend time exploring the new universe and planting gardens on these other worlds? All we can do is look at what the scriptures say about it and speculate.
"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." -1Corinthians 2:9
There are many things in God's Holy Word that may be a mystery to us. But the main key to unlocking those mysteries is having a relationship with the Holy Spirit. He is the one who reveals to us these mysteries.
"But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city." -Hebrews 11:16
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." -Revelation 21:2
The book of Revelation chapter 21 gives us a good description of this city from heaven. Some people will try to say it is merely symbolic. But the description in the bible says that an angel measured it giving it physical properties and dimensions. This city of God is absolutely astounding in it's beauty as described in the bible. It has walls 214 feet thick made out of precious stones and pure gold. The walls are translated to be 1500 miles long by 1500 miles wide by 1500 miles high! That is a big city indeed. There are 12 gates to the city each made out of pearl. It has streets of gold and a river of life running through the middle. It may sound hard to believe now while we are living on earth, but this place is true and is heaven. This is where all the believers in Jesus will spend eternity with God.
Just think, a million eons from now, we will be there still rejoicing and celebrating and enjoying God's loving presence forever. I believe that God has plans for us far into eternity that he has never revealed to anyone yet. Not even the apostles or anyone in heaven knows yet what God is going to do. Millions of eons from now we will be in celebrations with God doing new and exciting things that He has planned for us.
For the final post of this article: What will heaven be like? (Part 4) , Please visit this blog again tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by WordofTruth blog today! May God bless you with His abundant Joy!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
What will heaven be like? (Part 2)
In the last post I wrote about the new bodies that all Christian believers will receive when they go to meet the Lord in the air at the rapture. It may be hard to imagine, but it is true. Everyone will be pinching them selves to see if it's real, but there will be no pain there so I don't think that will work. We will just have to accept God's goodness and kind generosity that He so graciously provides to all those who believe in Him.
Everyone in heaven will be made perfect so that we will be like Jesus. Everyone you meet there will be kind and godly. Even you yourself will be as loving and as kind as the Lord wanting to show love to everyone that you meet. No one there will ever talk behind your back ever again. No one will ever laugh at you or make fun of you. You will always be accepted by everyone forever and will experience the perfect love and joy of the Lord.
No one will ever try to harm you in heaven or take advantage of you or be abusive toward you in any way ever! You will be in a completely safe and secure environment forever throughout eternity.
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." -2 Peter 3:10
"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." -2Peter 3:13
So after the final judgment we can expect that God will make all things new. That's what the bible says is going to happen. So that new heavens and earth is going to be in heaven. In fact the entire universe that is new will be in heaven. Because our new heavenly glorified bodies are physical and spiritual they will match the new environment of heaven perfectly. In heaven we will be in a physical environment with new laws of physics. And we will interact with the spirit realm at the same time. These two realms, the physical and the spiritual will be inseparable in heaven. They will be made one together. The only thing that will be separate from us is hell and the lake of fire which are separated from God for eternity. We will be able to eat for instance and at the same time see the activities of the angels working around us.
Speaking of eating, there will be fruit in heaven! In the book of Revelation the bible speaks of trees:
"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." -Revelation 22:2
Possibly this fruit is the same as the fruits of the Spirit? I'm not sure. There are nine fruits of the Spirit spoken of in the bible that I know of. They are in the following scriptures:
"22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering(patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance(self-control): against such there is no law." -Galatians 5:22,23
I am missing three fruits if there are twelve different ones on these trees in heaven. If I find out what they are, I will come back and update my post to include it. The leaves are for healing but they are not a fruit. This would make a great bible study. There again maybe these twelve fruits on the trees represent something other than the nine fruits of the Spirit.
Please see my next post for the continuation of this article entitled: What will heaven be like? (Part 3)
Everyone in heaven will be made perfect so that we will be like Jesus. Everyone you meet there will be kind and godly. Even you yourself will be as loving and as kind as the Lord wanting to show love to everyone that you meet. No one there will ever talk behind your back ever again. No one will ever laugh at you or make fun of you. You will always be accepted by everyone forever and will experience the perfect love and joy of the Lord.
No one will ever try to harm you in heaven or take advantage of you or be abusive toward you in any way ever! You will be in a completely safe and secure environment forever throughout eternity.
"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." -2 Peter 3:10
"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." -2Peter 3:13
So after the final judgment we can expect that God will make all things new. That's what the bible says is going to happen. So that new heavens and earth is going to be in heaven. In fact the entire universe that is new will be in heaven. Because our new heavenly glorified bodies are physical and spiritual they will match the new environment of heaven perfectly. In heaven we will be in a physical environment with new laws of physics. And we will interact with the spirit realm at the same time. These two realms, the physical and the spiritual will be inseparable in heaven. They will be made one together. The only thing that will be separate from us is hell and the lake of fire which are separated from God for eternity. We will be able to eat for instance and at the same time see the activities of the angels working around us.
Speaking of eating, there will be fruit in heaven! In the book of Revelation the bible speaks of trees:
"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." -Revelation 22:2
Possibly this fruit is the same as the fruits of the Spirit? I'm not sure. There are nine fruits of the Spirit spoken of in the bible that I know of. They are in the following scriptures:
"22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering(patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance(self-control): against such there is no law." -Galatians 5:22,23
I am missing three fruits if there are twelve different ones on these trees in heaven. If I find out what they are, I will come back and update my post to include it. The leaves are for healing but they are not a fruit. This would make a great bible study. There again maybe these twelve fruits on the trees represent something other than the nine fruits of the Spirit.
Please see my next post for the continuation of this article entitled: What will heaven be like? (Part 3)
Monday, June 28, 2010
What will heaven be like? Our heavenly glorified bodies (Part 1)
This post is part 1 of answers to the question: What will heaven be like ?
In this first part I will write about: Our heavenly glorified bodies. I have to write about our heavenly bodies first so that you can get a more clear idea of what heaven is going to be like. It's almost heaven just talking about the body we are going to receive from the Lord. It is so exciting, so that is why I am writing about it first and will write about the actual place of heaven in the next post.
In the second part I will write about: Heaven: the place
When the church, those who are believers in Jesus Christ are raptured, the bible says, "we shall be changed."
"50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." -1Corinthians 15:50-52
There is going to be a rapture! That word is not in the bible, but it is a term that modern scholars use to refer to the catching away of the believers in Jesus Christ. The idea of a rapture is expressed in the above scripture. One day very soon these Christians who are currently deceased will be resurrected from their graves by God! And those of us Christian believers who are still alive shall be caught up with them in the air to meet the Lord and we shall all be changed.
This change is primarily speaking of our physical body. It will be changed into a glorified body so that we can be with the Lord wherever He goes.
The first thing and most important change we will receive is that these new "heavenly" bodies will be without sin! Unlike these earthly bodies we have that were born with the sin nature, our new bodies will be made without it.
This is how we will be able to stand before God! So the second benefit to having this new glorified body is that with it we will be able to stand in the fullness of the Holy Presence of God Almighty! Something we cannot do in these earthly bodies we have now. (even if we are born again) Born again Christians have a saved spirit, not a saved physical body. See again verse 50 in the above scripture quote from 1Corinthians.
This body will be totally perfect. No missing limbs or digits. No bad teeth. No dwarfism, or down syndrome, or any other disease or imperfection will exist in anyone. People who are alive on earth now in ordinary sinful bodies who have these problems, will be relieved to know that throughout eternity they will never have to deal with those pains again! They will be living in a perfectly healthy body with no pain ever! War veterans, or accident victims who have lost limbs will find out that they have new limbs in heaven.
In heaven our teeth will never need brushing. There will be no decay in those bodies ever! No sickness, No disease, or death. No pain will ever be possible.
These glorified bodies will be in a constant state of youthfulness and energy. We will use that energy to praise the Lord with singing and dancing! We will use that energy to express joy and share in the perfected love of God with all of the saints!
These new glorified bodies will never need to sleep or use the bathroom. -ever again!
There will be no gluttony, because there is enough for everyone. No one will be hoarding apples in a secret pile somewhere. We will not need to eat but will do it for enjoyment and celebration to God. In my next post I will write about the fruit in heaven.
The state of being that I am describing here will be constant and continuing daily forever and ever throughout eternity. How exciting it will be just to receive this heavenly glorified body!
Please see my next post entitled: What will heaven be like? (Part 2)
In this first part I will write about: Our heavenly glorified bodies. I have to write about our heavenly bodies first so that you can get a more clear idea of what heaven is going to be like. It's almost heaven just talking about the body we are going to receive from the Lord. It is so exciting, so that is why I am writing about it first and will write about the actual place of heaven in the next post.
In the second part I will write about: Heaven: the place
When the church, those who are believers in Jesus Christ are raptured, the bible says, "we shall be changed."
"50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." -1Corinthians 15:50-52
There is going to be a rapture! That word is not in the bible, but it is a term that modern scholars use to refer to the catching away of the believers in Jesus Christ. The idea of a rapture is expressed in the above scripture. One day very soon these Christians who are currently deceased will be resurrected from their graves by God! And those of us Christian believers who are still alive shall be caught up with them in the air to meet the Lord and we shall all be changed.
This change is primarily speaking of our physical body. It will be changed into a glorified body so that we can be with the Lord wherever He goes.
The first thing and most important change we will receive is that these new "heavenly" bodies will be without sin! Unlike these earthly bodies we have that were born with the sin nature, our new bodies will be made without it.
This is how we will be able to stand before God! So the second benefit to having this new glorified body is that with it we will be able to stand in the fullness of the Holy Presence of God Almighty! Something we cannot do in these earthly bodies we have now. (even if we are born again) Born again Christians have a saved spirit, not a saved physical body. See again verse 50 in the above scripture quote from 1Corinthians.
This body will be totally perfect. No missing limbs or digits. No bad teeth. No dwarfism, or down syndrome, or any other disease or imperfection will exist in anyone. People who are alive on earth now in ordinary sinful bodies who have these problems, will be relieved to know that throughout eternity they will never have to deal with those pains again! They will be living in a perfectly healthy body with no pain ever! War veterans, or accident victims who have lost limbs will find out that they have new limbs in heaven.
In heaven our teeth will never need brushing. There will be no decay in those bodies ever! No sickness, No disease, or death. No pain will ever be possible.
These glorified bodies will be in a constant state of youthfulness and energy. We will use that energy to praise the Lord with singing and dancing! We will use that energy to express joy and share in the perfected love of God with all of the saints!
These new glorified bodies will never need to sleep or use the bathroom. -ever again!
There will be no gluttony, because there is enough for everyone. No one will be hoarding apples in a secret pile somewhere. We will not need to eat but will do it for enjoyment and celebration to God. In my next post I will write about the fruit in heaven.
The state of being that I am describing here will be constant and continuing daily forever and ever throughout eternity. How exciting it will be just to receive this heavenly glorified body!
Please see my next post entitled: What will heaven be like? (Part 2)
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Psalm 1
Psalm 1
"1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish." -Psalm 1
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments:
1) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,
3) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain;
4) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5) Honour thy father and thy mother:
6) Thou shalt not kill.
7) Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8) Thou shalt not steal.
9) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
10) Thou shalt not covet
-Exodus 20:3,4,7,8,12-17
1) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,
3) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain;
4) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5) Honour thy father and thy mother:
6) Thou shalt not kill.
7) Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8) Thou shalt not steal.
9) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
10) Thou shalt not covet
-Exodus 20:3,4,7,8,12-17
Friday, June 25, 2010
Praise God!
One of the greatest things a person can do is to give God Praise!
Praise is our spiritual weapon! It shatters the darkness. Praising God causes our spirit to be refreshed, strengthened and encouraged. To praise the One who made us is the most fantastic thing.
People do not know what a wonder it is to praise God until they start doing it.
Praising God brings health to your soul. It brings health and healing to your mind and body too!
Praising God is a form of thankfulness. It is rejoicing in who He is and what He has done.
Praising God is communicating with our creator how much we appreciate Him! It is an expression of Gods greatness.
Praising God brings Him glory!
So let us praise the Lord! Let us shout to Him our expressions of what joy we have because of Him!
Let us praise God all the more until our hearts are taken over by His loving Holy Spirit!
"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." -Psalm 150:6
Praise is our spiritual weapon! It shatters the darkness. Praising God causes our spirit to be refreshed, strengthened and encouraged. To praise the One who made us is the most fantastic thing.
People do not know what a wonder it is to praise God until they start doing it.
Praising God brings health to your soul. It brings health and healing to your mind and body too!
Praising God is a form of thankfulness. It is rejoicing in who He is and what He has done.
Praising God is communicating with our creator how much we appreciate Him! It is an expression of Gods greatness.
Praising God brings Him glory!
So let us praise the Lord! Let us shout to Him our expressions of what joy we have because of Him!
Let us praise God all the more until our hearts are taken over by His loving Holy Spirit!
"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." -Psalm 150:6
Thursday, June 24, 2010
God is the Treasure !
God wants us to look for Him like we're looking for treasure. Speaking about Wisdom this scripture says:
"4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." -Proverbs 2:4,5
When I first saw this scripture, I thought of how men in the 1800's would give everything they had to take a horse and wagon all the way across America so they could search for gold by panning or some other method.
If you think about that for a second. These men had to put whatever life they had on hold till they completed their journey and months of hard work. Think about the hard work of just driving a wagon across the rugged terrain through the rain and weather just to get the chance to work hard at finding some gold. I wonder how long it took for them to do the panning before they found anything. And then probably had to fight off robbers. Who in the world would want to go through all that.
This is what God wants from us. To search for Him as men search for treasure.
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:13
This is one of my favorite scriptures. God is calling all of us closer to Himself. The way to find Him is to search for Him. Pursue God with everything you have and He will more than notice you!
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." -James 4:8 (Nigh means near in King James English)
I love scriptures that deal with getting closer to God. These kinds of scriptures are a light to our path. They are a guide to us, helping us to find the way. This way to God is safe and secure. It is a sure way. You know you could trust in God when He is showing you the safer way to live by seeking Him.
God is the treasure!
"4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God." -Proverbs 2:4,5
When I first saw this scripture, I thought of how men in the 1800's would give everything they had to take a horse and wagon all the way across America so they could search for gold by panning or some other method.
If you think about that for a second. These men had to put whatever life they had on hold till they completed their journey and months of hard work. Think about the hard work of just driving a wagon across the rugged terrain through the rain and weather just to get the chance to work hard at finding some gold. I wonder how long it took for them to do the panning before they found anything. And then probably had to fight off robbers. Who in the world would want to go through all that.
This is what God wants from us. To search for Him as men search for treasure.
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:13
This is one of my favorite scriptures. God is calling all of us closer to Himself. The way to find Him is to search for Him. Pursue God with everything you have and He will more than notice you!
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." -James 4:8 (Nigh means near in King James English)
I love scriptures that deal with getting closer to God. These kinds of scriptures are a light to our path. They are a guide to us, helping us to find the way. This way to God is safe and secure. It is a sure way. You know you could trust in God when He is showing you the safer way to live by seeking Him.
God is the treasure!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
My Death Experience
The following account is of a thing that happened to me in my earlier 20's. Approximately 20 years ago. It is a true story.
At this time in my life I had been a true Christian believer for only a couple of years. And had much zeal for the things of God. I had volunteered my time and efforts to a ministry outreach program in the inner city of a large city. I did not have much money at the time. In fact I had become jobless and nearly homeless when the pastor of this outreach told me that I could live inside the ministry building. The building now was an old warehouse that was being converted into a place where they could meet for church services, and for reaching out to help the needy in the community. It was a dirty building needing lots of work. I volunteered to do some of that work as well as ministry activities. I slept on a cot that was donated by someone to the church.
One day, I became very ill. I don't know what it was. Maybe it could have been food poisoning. Or,...just poisoning of some kind.
This was not the only time I had been poisoned. In fact I have since had poisoning of some sort a few times since. Not ever knowing what exactly caused it.
Living in such a place I knew there were some strange things going on around me, to other people as well.
Anyway, one night I did not feel well and went to bed. Some time during the night as I was sleeping, I became very aware of my surroundings. I knew it was in the middle of the night as I sat up in bed. Even though the lights were off, I could still see in the dark. I would describe it as night vision the military uses those special night vision goggles they have. Anyway, I felt strange like something was different. I tried to look at my hand in front of my face, but I could not see it. I tried to touch my face, but my hand went right through my head! I looked down at my knees as I was sitting on the side of the bed, but only saw the side of the bed and not my knees. It was as if I was hovering. Then I looked back at my pillow and saw myself laying there! I actually was experiencing being outside my body and seeing my body laying on the pillow. It was scary. I did not see any one else. No angels or demons, or God. No one was there with me. I was all alone. I didn't see any tunnel or heaven or hell, just the room in the natural. I tried to move a pencil laying near by but it wouldn't budge. The pencil seemed to weigh 10 tons!
I became a little more fearful being outside my body. And I didn't like it. I felt that outside my body I had no control. I could not interact with the physical realm at all. All I could do was float.
I became increasingly alarmed and concerned. Luckily I knew some scriptures. I immediately moved my self back toward the bed where my body was laying. I decided that I wasn't going to accept this situation that was happening to me. So I began to fight. I was wrestling against the spirit of death. Even though I didn't see it.
The bible says: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." -Ephesians 6:12
So I spoke loudly in my spirit. (I couldn't control the lips on my body) I said, "In the name of Jesus, I shall NOT die but live and declare the Word and works of the Lord! I command this body to live and function normally in Jesus' name." I repeated this a few times and in addition I said other things too like, "I command this body to rise up in the name of Jesus! Arise and walk! I command this body to line up with the Word of God! I bind the spirit of death in Jesus name. I command sickness, disease, and death to leave me and leave my body in Jesus name!"
So I went on praying like this for a while. It felt like a wrestling match! I had to work at it. I had to fight! Then surely but slowly I could feel my body. It felt like a dead weight. It felt like a million tons of lead. But I kept fighting. Even though I began to feel my body, it didn't move at first. It took a while. But then I forced it to sit up in bed. It was so heavy that I felt literally like I was trying to pick up a dead body.
Finally I stood in my physical body out of bed! I still felt like a ton of bricks. And I also felt extremely ill. I felt like food poisoning or some other kind of poison was in my body. I struggled to the hall way and then collapsed. I opened my eyes to find myself on the floor flat on my back. I struggled again trying to get my body to function.
The next day I was sick in bed all day, but eventually regained my strength and health. And I am now alive over 20 years later to tell the story.
The strange thing is that this was not the only time I went through this. Other times I had similar experiences. I feel that the enemy of my soul was trying to kill me so that I couldn't tell people about the love of Jesus Christ which is the only reason for my existence on this earth. My relationship with God is everything I have. That is why I feel it is my reason for being alive.
I feel this is important to share with people to let them know that if you or someone you know is sick unto death, Do NOT give up! You can make it. Believe in Jesus and pray the scriptures! Some things may seem impossible to us in the natural. But all we have to do is believe in God and fight the situation! God has given those of us who believe authority in His name!
"I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD." -Psalm 118:17
At this time in my life I had been a true Christian believer for only a couple of years. And had much zeal for the things of God. I had volunteered my time and efforts to a ministry outreach program in the inner city of a large city. I did not have much money at the time. In fact I had become jobless and nearly homeless when the pastor of this outreach told me that I could live inside the ministry building. The building now was an old warehouse that was being converted into a place where they could meet for church services, and for reaching out to help the needy in the community. It was a dirty building needing lots of work. I volunteered to do some of that work as well as ministry activities. I slept on a cot that was donated by someone to the church.
One day, I became very ill. I don't know what it was. Maybe it could have been food poisoning. Or,...just poisoning of some kind.
This was not the only time I had been poisoned. In fact I have since had poisoning of some sort a few times since. Not ever knowing what exactly caused it.
Living in such a place I knew there were some strange things going on around me, to other people as well.
Anyway, one night I did not feel well and went to bed. Some time during the night as I was sleeping, I became very aware of my surroundings. I knew it was in the middle of the night as I sat up in bed. Even though the lights were off, I could still see in the dark. I would describe it as night vision the military uses those special night vision goggles they have. Anyway, I felt strange like something was different. I tried to look at my hand in front of my face, but I could not see it. I tried to touch my face, but my hand went right through my head! I looked down at my knees as I was sitting on the side of the bed, but only saw the side of the bed and not my knees. It was as if I was hovering. Then I looked back at my pillow and saw myself laying there! I actually was experiencing being outside my body and seeing my body laying on the pillow. It was scary. I did not see any one else. No angels or demons, or God. No one was there with me. I was all alone. I didn't see any tunnel or heaven or hell, just the room in the natural. I tried to move a pencil laying near by but it wouldn't budge. The pencil seemed to weigh 10 tons!
I became a little more fearful being outside my body. And I didn't like it. I felt that outside my body I had no control. I could not interact with the physical realm at all. All I could do was float.
I became increasingly alarmed and concerned. Luckily I knew some scriptures. I immediately moved my self back toward the bed where my body was laying. I decided that I wasn't going to accept this situation that was happening to me. So I began to fight. I was wrestling against the spirit of death. Even though I didn't see it.
The bible says: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." -Ephesians 6:12
So I spoke loudly in my spirit. (I couldn't control the lips on my body) I said, "In the name of Jesus, I shall NOT die but live and declare the Word and works of the Lord! I command this body to live and function normally in Jesus' name." I repeated this a few times and in addition I said other things too like, "I command this body to rise up in the name of Jesus! Arise and walk! I command this body to line up with the Word of God! I bind the spirit of death in Jesus name. I command sickness, disease, and death to leave me and leave my body in Jesus name!"
So I went on praying like this for a while. It felt like a wrestling match! I had to work at it. I had to fight! Then surely but slowly I could feel my body. It felt like a dead weight. It felt like a million tons of lead. But I kept fighting. Even though I began to feel my body, it didn't move at first. It took a while. But then I forced it to sit up in bed. It was so heavy that I felt literally like I was trying to pick up a dead body.
Finally I stood in my physical body out of bed! I still felt like a ton of bricks. And I also felt extremely ill. I felt like food poisoning or some other kind of poison was in my body. I struggled to the hall way and then collapsed. I opened my eyes to find myself on the floor flat on my back. I struggled again trying to get my body to function.
The next day I was sick in bed all day, but eventually regained my strength and health. And I am now alive over 20 years later to tell the story.
The strange thing is that this was not the only time I went through this. Other times I had similar experiences. I feel that the enemy of my soul was trying to kill me so that I couldn't tell people about the love of Jesus Christ which is the only reason for my existence on this earth. My relationship with God is everything I have. That is why I feel it is my reason for being alive.
I feel this is important to share with people to let them know that if you or someone you know is sick unto death, Do NOT give up! You can make it. Believe in Jesus and pray the scriptures! Some things may seem impossible to us in the natural. But all we have to do is believe in God and fight the situation! God has given those of us who believe authority in His name!
"I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD." -Psalm 118:17
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
The Offensive Gift
As a gift for Christmas last year, my Niece gave me a calendar with pictures of Hot Rods and fancy automobiles on it. I didn't really like it. But because it was a gift from my Niece, I hung it on the wall above my desk.
Then one day God spoke to me about the calendar. He said that the calendar was offensive to him. I said, "why God?" He said, those cars are some peoples idols! Some people actually worship those fancy cars. They spend all of their hard earned money on them. They spend all of their time with them. They work hard on them constantly washing and waxing those automobiles. And they try to fill their hearts with satisfaction from owning those idols.
"For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:" -Exodus 34:14
So I took the calendar down off my wall and threw it in the trash. At that point it didn't matter that it was a gift. I know my Niece meant well. But I have to obey God.
Something that may seem small to us is not to God! He cares about every little detail in our lives. When we have a close relationship to God, even the small things in our lives are important to Him.
Then one day God spoke to me about the calendar. He said that the calendar was offensive to him. I said, "why God?" He said, those cars are some peoples idols! Some people actually worship those fancy cars. They spend all of their hard earned money on them. They spend all of their time with them. They work hard on them constantly washing and waxing those automobiles. And they try to fill their hearts with satisfaction from owning those idols.
"For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:" -Exodus 34:14
So I took the calendar down off my wall and threw it in the trash. At that point it didn't matter that it was a gift. I know my Niece meant well. But I have to obey God.
Something that may seem small to us is not to God! He cares about every little detail in our lives. When we have a close relationship to God, even the small things in our lives are important to Him.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Personal Experiences
I am going to begin writing about some of the personal experiences I have had in my life. Some are just small to express a point while others are life-changing, soul gripping impacting situations that I will never forget.
Maybe someday I will compile these stories from this blog and put them into a book. It may sound a little boring right now, but I guarantee it is not!
I just celebrated this blog's 1 month anniversary this past weekend. From the start of it I said that I would write about many things. My life experiences is just another thing to add to the list. At the beginning when this blog started on May 20, I said that I would write about world events, the New World Order, and what is coming on this planet. Well I haven't done very much of that yet. I've really felt pressed to post the important things of Christianity first. This way I'll make sure that the things of Bible truth are available first to who ever reads. I will still write about those things, but now I am adding topics that are more personal.
Some of these personal experiences I had are too incredible to keep to myself. I can get writers block just like any other writer. So maybe this will help. So far I have been posting almost every single day. I'm sure somebody is getting something out of reading this blog because I am getting a fair amount of visitors. Many of them return to read the next post. For that I am glad and I hope the best for these folks whoever they may be.
So here's to more good writing to come. Check back often! And leave me any suggestions or comments in my BlogFrog community which you can find by looking on the right side of this page. ===>
Maybe someday I will compile these stories from this blog and put them into a book. It may sound a little boring right now, but I guarantee it is not!
I just celebrated this blog's 1 month anniversary this past weekend. From the start of it I said that I would write about many things. My life experiences is just another thing to add to the list. At the beginning when this blog started on May 20, I said that I would write about world events, the New World Order, and what is coming on this planet. Well I haven't done very much of that yet. I've really felt pressed to post the important things of Christianity first. This way I'll make sure that the things of Bible truth are available first to who ever reads. I will still write about those things, but now I am adding topics that are more personal.
Some of these personal experiences I had are too incredible to keep to myself. I can get writers block just like any other writer. So maybe this will help. So far I have been posting almost every single day. I'm sure somebody is getting something out of reading this blog because I am getting a fair amount of visitors. Many of them return to read the next post. For that I am glad and I hope the best for these folks whoever they may be.
So here's to more good writing to come. Check back often! And leave me any suggestions or comments in my BlogFrog community which you can find by looking on the right side of this page. ===>
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Prophets of God ?
Many people like to put titles on their name. There are those who call them selves; Reverend, Pastor, Father, Bishop, Apostle, Prophet, prophetess, and so on. Even though the bible says,
"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren." -Matthew 23:8
"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." -Matthew 23:9
In fact that whole chapter 23 of Matthew is a good read! I wish people would read it. And I wonder why it is that no one listens? I wonder why it is, that none of these exalted religious leaders never really take Gods Word seriously? At least not enough to humble their selves! They like to make excuses saying that our culture understands things in a different way than what Gods Word says!
If they read this post they would laugh at it, and say that this is a small thing. ...But there it is in plain writing in Gods Word! It is NOT a small thing!
There is a point I am getting to. And it is one that especially deals with Prophets and prophecy. Notice that there are a lot of people labeling them selves with this title. They have their nose pointed up above everyone else's. And they like to exalt their selves above the rest. Now, let me make it clear that I am not knocking prophecy at all. Many Christians have prophesied including myself. But I have never declared myself a "Prophet." I think it is dangerous to have these labels. People can get puffed up in their head too much. Besides, what good is a prophecy when God isn't in it?
I know some churches that like to teach their congregations to prophecy. And so they practice it. But it rarely is a true prophecy from the Spirit of God. I've heard prophecies that were negative, hateful, like a curse. And this is in the churches? They will prophecy diseases on people! It is garbage. All so they can falsely make their selves feel like they are powerful and controlling! I am telling you, a lot of it is nothing but flesh and witchcraft!
The way to discern if a prophecy is truly from God is this: 1) It will line up with what the Holy Word of God says about you, or about anything. If you don't know what Gods word says, then you should read it more. 2) A true prophecy from God is spoken in Love! 3) A true prophecy from God is for your encouragement to build you up in Christ, or it is a warning telling you to repent!
This is NOT a small matter!
So many people want these spiritual gifts. And that is fine. But we get into a hazard when we are seeking the gifts instead of seeking the giver of those gifts! People are giving in to false prophets by taking this lightly.
"22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." -Matthew 7:22,23
"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren." -Matthew 23:8
"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." -Matthew 23:9
In fact that whole chapter 23 of Matthew is a good read! I wish people would read it. And I wonder why it is that no one listens? I wonder why it is, that none of these exalted religious leaders never really take Gods Word seriously? At least not enough to humble their selves! They like to make excuses saying that our culture understands things in a different way than what Gods Word says!
If they read this post they would laugh at it, and say that this is a small thing. ...But there it is in plain writing in Gods Word! It is NOT a small thing!
There is a point I am getting to. And it is one that especially deals with Prophets and prophecy. Notice that there are a lot of people labeling them selves with this title. They have their nose pointed up above everyone else's. And they like to exalt their selves above the rest. Now, let me make it clear that I am not knocking prophecy at all. Many Christians have prophesied including myself. But I have never declared myself a "Prophet." I think it is dangerous to have these labels. People can get puffed up in their head too much. Besides, what good is a prophecy when God isn't in it?
I know some churches that like to teach their congregations to prophecy. And so they practice it. But it rarely is a true prophecy from the Spirit of God. I've heard prophecies that were negative, hateful, like a curse. And this is in the churches? They will prophecy diseases on people! It is garbage. All so they can falsely make their selves feel like they are powerful and controlling! I am telling you, a lot of it is nothing but flesh and witchcraft!
The way to discern if a prophecy is truly from God is this: 1) It will line up with what the Holy Word of God says about you, or about anything. If you don't know what Gods word says, then you should read it more. 2) A true prophecy from God is spoken in Love! 3) A true prophecy from God is for your encouragement to build you up in Christ, or it is a warning telling you to repent!
This is NOT a small matter!
So many people want these spiritual gifts. And that is fine. But we get into a hazard when we are seeking the gifts instead of seeking the giver of those gifts! People are giving in to false prophets by taking this lightly.
"22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." -Matthew 7:22,23
Saturday, June 19, 2010
WordofTruth blog celebrating 1 month!
This is just a small post celebrating this WordofTruth blog being in existence for 1 month!
I started this blog 1 month after the BP oil spill started in the gulf of Mexico! Looking at all that has been written on this blog in the past month and comparing it to things like the oil spill is astounding.
To look at something like the oil spill that still isn't under control yet and compare it to your own accomplishments gives you a perspective of the size of such a disaster.
Just go to my blog archive and select the top link "2010", and it will show all of the posts since the blog began. In one month, there is a lot. For me as the author looking back at what I've written seems like a long time. And then to think the oil is still gushing!
This wasn't supposed to be a post about the oil spill, but it sure does make a point.
I have recently had to shut off my "comments" feature under my posts because someone tried to preach another false doctrine. I should of had it moderated but I didn't. And I don't know how to delete their comment. So for now that will have to remain a dormant feature. I had a few good comments too though and would like to reinstate them some day if possible. Comments are good because it lets you know who is reading your posts. My traffic counter does show me the visitors who spend a lot of time on my blog which is encouraging to me. I like to see people looking at my important pages and articles like "Jesus Loves You!! How you can be saved".
I hope that I will have many more interesting articles to post in the coming months that will attract people to a closer walk with God. That is my ultimate reason for existing. So please keep checking back.
Thank you for visiting this blog, and for reading. And may God bless each of you!
I started this blog 1 month after the BP oil spill started in the gulf of Mexico! Looking at all that has been written on this blog in the past month and comparing it to things like the oil spill is astounding.
To look at something like the oil spill that still isn't under control yet and compare it to your own accomplishments gives you a perspective of the size of such a disaster.
Just go to my blog archive and select the top link "2010", and it will show all of the posts since the blog began. In one month, there is a lot. For me as the author looking back at what I've written seems like a long time. And then to think the oil is still gushing!
This wasn't supposed to be a post about the oil spill, but it sure does make a point.
I have recently had to shut off my "comments" feature under my posts because someone tried to preach another false doctrine. I should of had it moderated but I didn't. And I don't know how to delete their comment. So for now that will have to remain a dormant feature. I had a few good comments too though and would like to reinstate them some day if possible. Comments are good because it lets you know who is reading your posts. My traffic counter does show me the visitors who spend a lot of time on my blog which is encouraging to me. I like to see people looking at my important pages and articles like "Jesus Loves You!! How you can be saved".
I hope that I will have many more interesting articles to post in the coming months that will attract people to a closer walk with God. That is my ultimate reason for existing. So please keep checking back.
Thank you for visiting this blog, and for reading. And may God bless each of you!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Praise Jesus!
Praise Jesus!
Let everybody start praising Him!
Let us glorify His name! So that everything we do will bring glory to Him.
Jesus is worthy! Look at everything He has done. Can we even see it all? Do we even know?
Has everything He has done for you been accounted for? Have you written it down?
What if each of us had a book written about the things He has done for us personally? What if we recorded every miracle and every answer to prayer. ...We would still be writing!
There are His heavenly angels though. They are keeping the record. They have a book of what has been done for each one of us.
And we have a book, that was handed down from those who have testified for us what it is that He has done. We have the account. And it is written...
"Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!" -Psalm 71:19
"4Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." -Isaiah 53:4-5
Praise the Lord!
Thank you Jesus for what you have done for each of us! Let us praise Your Holy name!
Praise Jesus!
Let everybody start praising Him!
Let us glorify His name! So that everything we do will bring glory to Him.
Jesus is worthy! Look at everything He has done. Can we even see it all? Do we even know?
Has everything He has done for you been accounted for? Have you written it down?
What if each of us had a book written about the things He has done for us personally? What if we recorded every miracle and every answer to prayer. ...We would still be writing!
There are His heavenly angels though. They are keeping the record. They have a book of what has been done for each one of us.
And we have a book, that was handed down from those who have testified for us what it is that He has done. We have the account. And it is written...
"Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!" -Psalm 71:19
"4Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." -Isaiah 53:4-5
Praise the Lord!
Thank you Jesus for what you have done for each of us! Let us praise Your Holy name!
Praise Jesus!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Bible Versions - How to know which version to choose
For a new believer, or for anyone wanting to step up their bible reading, this can be a daunting task. For some it can even seem overwhelming. Don't let this question of choosing a bible version keep you from reading it at all.For those who don't speak English, this task is much easier because most other languages have few versions. So they just have to pick the one that is written in their own language. But for English speaking people there is an untold number of versions and even variations of the bible.
We must be careful! It is important to know a little bit about how we got the bible in our language. It is good to know a little about how God preserves His Word. I don't want to make this sound too complicated. You don't have to be a bible scholar or a seminary graduate to understand this. It is a lot simpler when we ask for Gods help.
Gods Word is perfectly accurate. There is no error in what He said. The Holy Bible is true and can be trusted completely. But there is a problem when sinful people begin to try to interpret it from an ignorant sinful perspective. That becomes a bigger problem when those sinful people begin to make their own interpretations and publish it "as the bible". We are not trusting in men when we read the bible, but are looking to God our heavenly Father.
"20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." -2Peter 1:20-21
The most important thing to realize about choosing a bible version, is to be seeking God with all of your heart. 1Thessalonians 1:5 says: "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake." And look at this scripture...
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." -John 6:63
I spoke about some of this in my post on 6/13/2010 entitled, How to read the bible. It is a good article. If you get the chance I highly recommend reading it.
It takes some effort on our part if we want God to deliver us from the spiritual darkness.
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." -Hebrews 11:6
In this scripture quote, I am placing the emphasis on seeking God diligently. Any one who is really looking for God with their whole heart, regardless of their bible version, is not going to be left out! God rewards those who are seeking Him. If you have a version of the bible that is not considered to be very reliable, that doesn't mean you will not come to the knowledge of the truth. God may eventually lead you to the correct version. I like the King James Bible the best but I am not a KJV only person. I believe that God can use other versions to speak to your heart if you are truly seeking Him. Remember that God is not limited in what He can use. He is not confined to a box like some religions believe. An example of this is the story in the bible where in the book of Numbers chapter 22:21-35 God spoke to the sorcerer Balaam through a donkey! If He did that, then I'm sure He could use any version of the bible He wants to. I do however believe that as you grow as a Christian, and as you allow God to lead you, that you will find there are fewer reliable bible versions. The King James is the most accurate English version for what I have discovered.
However, I believe also that there are dangerous things that some have done to distort the truth of Gods word in these end days. I believe that there are "versions" that are not true translations of the Holy scripture. There are some versions that are known to eliminate certain words or entire verses from the Holy scripture! This is extremely dangerous! Some people take Gods word lightly. There are even churches that quote from paraphrased bibles, making their congregations think they are reading scripture when it is nothing but a twisted rendition. Are they doing it ignorantly? God's Word says: ...
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." -Hosea 4:6
I believe that it is the believers responsibility to honor Gods Holy Word! It is our responsibility to respect God by taking His word seriously. We should be concerned about all of the "new" changes in new translations, commentaries, and transliterations of the bible. The bible says:
"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." -Deuteronomy 4:2
If you do a little history check you will see what I am referring to. Here are just a few of the problems:
In the King James Version of the bible (which is the one I use the most), the first edition printed in the year 1611 contained an apocryphal section. These books were removed from all printings in 1885. That is only 125 years ago. Such a short time for something that was existing in scripture since the Septuagint that existed in the Jewish temple since the time of Jesus! Why they took it out is because of the label it contained. The word "Apocrypha" is supposed to mean "not inspired". This label was put on these books by the Catholic bishop Jerome in 300 AD. Note that the Catholics did not put these apocryphal books into the bible, they only labeled them "Apocrypha." It is important to note that these things are too technical for new believers to have to worry about. Like I said earlier, the main thing is to be seeking God for who He is, and to not get hung up on these other technical issues. I am only bringing it out in this article because I think people should be aware of a little bible history, and how we got some of the modern translations. Even though I believe that the King James Bible is the most accurate of all English bibles, I am still curious to know why the changes were made to it. Most Christians don't even know about these things.
I visited a church who uses "The Message" as their main version for preaching. I actually heard a preacher there mock people for questioning him for using that so called version. People will not know there is something important missing from a version until they do extensive research on it. The "Message" is only one mans slang paraphrase that he decided in his own words, "to get playful with it!" This is a dangerous mistranslation of scripture! Why is it accepted by believers? Here again, I think it is due to their lack of knowledge.
The New International Version of the bible actually leaves out entire verses, and changes meanings! There are other versions as well that do the same. A couple examples of this are Matthew 18:11. It is missing from the NIV completely. In the KJV it says, "For the Son of man is come to save that which is lost." Another scripture missing from the NIV is Mark 11:26. In the KJV it says, "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." These are just a couple of examples of two scriptures that we can not live without! There is a long list of many more startling changes and omissions from this NIV bible as well as many others.
There are many sites online that will allow you to do version comparisons of the bible. Biblegateway.com has over 100 different versions on line that you could compare. Not all of those are in English though. I think about 21 of them are English versions. biblos.com is another incredible site for studying and comparing different versions of the bible. It includes other languages as well and many study resources.
I don't know how the bible is or was translated into other language versions, but I hope that it is accurate. This blog has a Language Translator widget at the upper right hand side for non English speaking folks to see it in their own language. I wonder when they use it and the KJV scripture quotes I have on this page are translated into other languages, how accurate is that translator. I wouldn't want to be guilty of changing Gods word! I don't know if transliteration and meaning is lost when those scriptures change languages. I wonder if they use the biblios.com site at the above link, if it is the same as using the translator widget. If someone knows the answer I would appreciate you sending me an email to my contact info in my profile. Thank you. I can only pray that those people are able to get an accurate version in their own language.
Another important thing to note is that the Word of God isn't going to change just because a version or language software tried to change it! God's Word is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
"Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." -Luke 21:33
"For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." -Matthew 5:18
I keep coming back to this one thing because it is the most important. If you get anything out of this post, remember this one thing. No matter which version of the bible that you use, if you are seeking God with all of your heart, He will never let you down! He will always take care of you. He will always lead you out of spiritual darkness and into His light. He is faithful! Trust in Him to guide you and lead you. Don't forget, your relationship is with your heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. With Him you can never go wrong!
Coming Soon to this blog ...
An article post Coming Soon: How to know which Bible version to choose ...keep visiting this blog!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The American people have truly been shammed!
The American people have truly been duped, lied to, shammed and scammed! And so have the rest of the world! ...Listen up folks, ...we haven't even begun to see the worst of it yet!Sorry to have to tell you what you're probably already smart enough to figure out by now. This world and it's riches are worthless!
I was just reading a blog and comments that someone posted about mortgage notes and the tangled web of who owns the loan....etc... I'm not sure I even want to explain what it is she was saying about how they can't trace who owns what based on the unlicensed transferring and so forth. "MERS"
Man, what a nightmare! There were quite a number of comments below her blog post as well. All of them going through the same mortgage problems.
I don't own any property myself. No house or land. And now, I have to say that I am glad that I don't have to deal with the stress that so many others are going through. The Bible says a few things about this:
This scripture is what I was thinking of as I read the peoples troubles they're having with the mortgage situation.
"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." -1Timothy 6:10 and...
"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." -1Timothy 6:7
By quoting these scriptures I am not trying to say that people who own homes have strayed from the faith. All I am pointing out is the trouble that has come on the American people and the rest of the world. There is no escaping this failure of the economy! There is no way our government will ever be able to pull itself out of the economic doom that has snowballed beyond our worst realizations.
Because of the greediness of the human nature and those who throttle some form of power, we are now doomed to realize the consequences. As the above scripture says, "for the love of money".
I know some people will try to say that I am being pessimistic. But I think it's time to face reality. The only bail out anyone is going to get, that is really worth something is God's bailout! It is time to look around us and see that this is it folks! The planned New World Order is here and is moving into official position over the entire planet! There is no need to fret. There is no need to cry. There is only a need to repent of the foolish things of this world and turn our hearts 100% toward our heavenly Father. Let's look to Him finally as the warnings of disaster and gloom hit the planet from all sides. Let us prepare for His soon catching away promised in His Word!
It is time for all of us to let go of the things of this world once and for all! Let go of the money and materialism. It has no eternal value anyway.
Many of the false churches are still preaching to their congregations about building wealth in this lifetime. What they are doing is setting up those people for a fall! We need to open our eyes and be alert! Many of the churches no longer preach the truth of God's Word. It's like many of them don't even really know God anymore. They have gone after signs and wonders and riches!
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." - Matthew 6:19-21
Monday, June 14, 2010
How to choose a denomination or church
There are many people around the world in various countries who are limited to what kind of Christian church they could attend. Here in America, there are so many different churches and denominations that it can be challenging for someone who is a brand new Christian to figure out where to start. How do you pick a church? Why are there so many different denominations? These are questions that I will try to answer. Hopefully by this, more understanding and wisdom can be applied so that it won't be such a stumbling block to people.
When I first got saved 22 years ago, I came out of one religion, which claimed to be a "Christian" religion. But it was just that, a religion. As a new believer in Christ, I was introduced to the concept of having a direct relationship to God through His Son Jesus Christ. The old way in the religion, you had kind of a membership of sorts with the church, and relied on the church and their doctrine to save you. (which it didn't, I might add).
Many Christians today are still relying on the "church" to do the saving for them. They got saved, but they are still practicing religion according to denominational rules and cultural traditions, instead of according to the bible and the freedom of the Holy Spirit.
It is not wrong to attend one of these churches as long as you realize that your personal relationship with God is between you and God. Not between you and the denominational church.
On 6/2/2010 and 6/3/2010 I wrote two posts entitled: God in a box and God outside the box. You could find them in the blog archive on the right side of the page.
In these two articles I wrote about this very thing of religion confining God to the boundaries of man-made denominational rules. The only thing we should use as a denominational guideline is the Word of God. Some churches have a lot of extra rules that are not in the bible. Like no wearing hats to church, or jewelry. Or no dancing. Some church denominations don't believe in using musical instruments! These things are not the doctrines of the bible. They are man-made rules. These rules restrict and confine the flow of the Holy Spirit in people putting burdens on them that the Lord did not intend! These false religions have the disguise of Christianity, but they are really a tool to trap new innocent Christians and bring them back into bondage. Some new Christians were just washed clean by the blood of Jesus being set free from the bondages of sin, and they will go to a church that puts them under a new bondage of false rules! These kinds of churches are religious and controlling. They seek to have power and control over people to get their money. They are not concerned at all with the individual believers development and growth in Christ.
Different denominations started when men, in their fleshly arguing and disagreements decided to form their "own" church or religion. In their blindness, thinking they are free, they became proud and arrogant declaring others wrong and their selves better. The bible says:
"Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge." -James 4:11
These scriptures in the book of James were written because God knew that human beings would be prone to making these errors of segregation. In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed:
"That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." -John 17:21
Jesus prayed for unity among those who would believe in Him. But a lot of what we've had in the churches is discord and division. So it wasn't God who made the different denominations. It was the sinful flesh nature at work in men.
I believe though that God is in control, and He hasn't lost His people who are a part of these denominations and churches. Gods love is strong. And He didn't die on that cross in vain. So take heart! You may still attend these churches if you want to with the spiritual understanding of religion vs. relationship.
It is incredible how much God loves His people who live their whole lives in religious bondage! If they were free, they would begin to experience His love on a much greater level than they do now.
When choosing a church remember that it is not the church that saves you! It was Jesus! Try to look for a church that you know believes in the Bible as God's true Word! This type of church will be humble and will always honor the bible by referring to it a lot during preaching, and will apply it to their own lives.
Another thing to remember is that as a believer in Christ, you are part of the church yourself! And your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit! (1Corinthians 6:19)
You are needed by the rest of the church because you belong to Jesus. The church is not a building!
If you are looking for the right place to go to meet together with other believers in Christ, you should pray first and let His Holy Spirit lead you to where you should go.
I believe that God in these end times is leading His people out of the religious arena's and bondage burdening church buildings that restrict, and sending them to be salt and light in the world. People live their lives outside of the church buildings and dead denominations anyway. The life of the Spirit is where God is. God is with you if you believe in Him!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
How to read the Bible
So in the previous article I made reference to 1Corinthians chapter 2 verse 14 which says that the natural man cannot receive or know the things of God because they are spiritually discerned. Then I said that meant the flesh part of the intellect or the brain. But I want to add also that the natural man in this scripture is referring to the sinful nature in humans. As long as people are living according to the sinful nature, they cannot understand the things of God. People are naturally accustomed to living their lives by doing what ever the sin nature tells them to do instead of listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This relates to understanding the bible and how to read it. If sinful people are to ever read the bible and understand it, they must become born again.
The Holy Bible is not just any book. It is not like any other book in the world. It is a spiritual book. And therefore must be read with spiritual understanding. It's not as difficult as it may sound.
Many people have said that they tried to read the bible but they couldn't understand it. There are a few things we should understand first that will make bible reading easier and joyful.
The bible is almost like a written code. For people to understand it, they must have the proper code key that will help them break the code so they can understand it. This code key is the Holy Spirit! If you really want to read and understand the bible you must have the indwelling Holy Spirit who will assist you in reading, and who will reveal the Word of God to you! This is the main key. If you ever want to understand the bible. This one factor is the most important thing for you to have.
Remember, reading the bible is part of the relationship you have with God. It is not a religious ritual!
So now with your relationship with God, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, you are equipped and ready to read.
Now don't try to read the bible like you would any book, like a text book or encyclopedia or something. It takes more than your brain to read this book. Remember the scripture reference and what I said earlier about the brain and the sinful nature not understanding God? The bible is a spiritual book. So you want to read it with your heart(spirit). In order to do that we must pray. Praying is opening our heart to God and preparing ourself to be able to receive what it is that the Holy Spirit may want to teach us. So pray first and ask God to help you to understand what it is that you are reading. Believe that He hears your prayer. (Believing that He hears you is faith in action). And then He will hear and answer by revealing Himself to you as you read!
Another tip to reading the bible is the way you read it. By that I mean there are many different ways to read the bible. Some read through from cover to cover in a year. Some will open it randomly and just read anything. Some will try to read a chapter a day. The best way is to do what you sense the Spirit of God is leading you to do. I like to read by jumping around and connecting verses that relate to each other. And at other times I will just read a chapter at a time. Doing any of these is better than nothing at all. Just pick it up and start reading.
If you have never read the bible before and don't know how to begin, try to start in the gospel of John. The gospel of John in the New Testament is one of the easiest and most important books in the bible. Some other places to start reading is the other three gospels, Matthew, Mark, or Luke. And then Psalms and Proverbs. Or you could just start at the front in Genesis. If you start out in Genesis, it can be a long way to getting to the gospels which is the most important part for brand new Christians.
Another tip is, try not to cover a lot of chapters in a hurry so that you could say that you read it all. People that speed read the bible never develop a relationship with God. Sometimes you can sit down and read just one verse. Read it slow, read it over again and again. This procedure will plant the scripture deep in your spirit, grounding you in the Word of God, and building your spirit up strong. Read this way through a chapter until a verse seems to jump out at you. When this happens, you want to stop on that verse and begin to read it over and over. Dwell on that one verse. When a verse jumps out at you, that is God speaking to you through that verse. So you want to spend more time on it. This way of reading scripture will feed your spirit and is the best way to read. It's not just reading it but praying the scripture as you read. Remember the Lord is with you in this helping you understand it.
Now to summarize the most important things to knowing how to read the bible properly for understanding are:
1) you must be born again according to scripture with the indwelling Holy Spirit.
2) reading the bible is not ritual, it is working out a relationship with God.
3) read with an open heart not just with your brain.
4) you must pray and ask God to reveal Himself to you as you read.
5) read slow and prayerfully to digest the Word.
What should be number 6 is, read the bible everyday. You will notice your progress and spiritual strength increasing. But if you slack off and stop reading, you will become weak in your spirit and more vulnerable to temptation. Keep reading to keep out of spiritual problems. God bless you! I hope this helps you to develop a better relationship with God!
An article post Coming Soon: How to know which Bible version to choose ...keep visiting this blog!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Knowledge
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." -Hosea 4:6
Everybody is ignorant about something. I know that is a shocking statement and can be disagreeable when first read. But lets think about this. The truth is that no one, no human being knows everything. Even Einstein was a human being lacking knowledge about something! He had a high IQ, but his brain did not contain all of the knowledge of all of the books in every library in the world.
So then, neither do we. Some people have Masters degrees or Doctorates. Some are the best in their own field. But the same may be completely ignorant in another field. For example, a rocket scientist may know nothing about brain surgery. Would you trust your surgery to a jet engine specialist?
This is not to mention whether those who have a Masters for example even are masters in their field. Or is the degree only a certificate of the completion of study in that field? Once you have a Masters does that mean there is nothing in that particular field left for you to learn?
The day we stop learning is the day we die! I think there is always something to learn. No matter what degrees we may have that "prove" we know everything! By this, many can become deceived into thinking that they know it all.
If we knew what it was that we didn't know, ...then we would know it. Therefore, we don't know what it is that we don't know! Which means we are ignorant about something. Even the FBI doesn't know everything. That's why they have to conduct investigations so they can find out and learn what it is they don't know. We too, should investigate what it is that we don't know.
Ask yourself, "What is it that God wants me to know?" By asking ourselves these types of questions we will uncover the knowledge He wants us to have.
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." -1Corinthians 2:14
The "natural man" spoken of in the above scripture is referring to the physical knowledge portion of the human, which is the brain and it's ability to learn. The scripture is saying that the knowledge we need of God is spiritual, not physical. It tells us that we need Gods spirit in order to know Him and His knowledge He has for us. We need to be born of His Spirit.
Not to sound too gloomy by saying this, but I have to make a point. When our body dies and is buried in the grave it will rot. The brain will rot with the rest of the body. And all the knowledge that was in our brains will rot with the brain. Our certificates and degrees will be placed in some memorial box by our surviving families for dust collection. So, the only thing that will last is what we know spiritually!
We must know God and the spiritual stuff that He wants us to know! This can be accomplished by becoming born again and by reading and studying the Holy Bible.
Please visit this site tomorrow for Part 2 of this article entitled: How to read the Bible.
Everybody is ignorant about something. I know that is a shocking statement and can be disagreeable when first read. But lets think about this. The truth is that no one, no human being knows everything. Even Einstein was a human being lacking knowledge about something! He had a high IQ, but his brain did not contain all of the knowledge of all of the books in every library in the world.
So then, neither do we. Some people have Masters degrees or Doctorates. Some are the best in their own field. But the same may be completely ignorant in another field. For example, a rocket scientist may know nothing about brain surgery. Would you trust your surgery to a jet engine specialist?
This is not to mention whether those who have a Masters for example even are masters in their field. Or is the degree only a certificate of the completion of study in that field? Once you have a Masters does that mean there is nothing in that particular field left for you to learn?
The day we stop learning is the day we die! I think there is always something to learn. No matter what degrees we may have that "prove" we know everything! By this, many can become deceived into thinking that they know it all.
If we knew what it was that we didn't know, ...then we would know it. Therefore, we don't know what it is that we don't know! Which means we are ignorant about something. Even the FBI doesn't know everything. That's why they have to conduct investigations so they can find out and learn what it is they don't know. We too, should investigate what it is that we don't know.
Ask yourself, "What is it that God wants me to know?" By asking ourselves these types of questions we will uncover the knowledge He wants us to have.
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." -1Corinthians 2:14
The "natural man" spoken of in the above scripture is referring to the physical knowledge portion of the human, which is the brain and it's ability to learn. The scripture is saying that the knowledge we need of God is spiritual, not physical. It tells us that we need Gods spirit in order to know Him and His knowledge He has for us. We need to be born of His Spirit.
Not to sound too gloomy by saying this, but I have to make a point. When our body dies and is buried in the grave it will rot. The brain will rot with the rest of the body. And all the knowledge that was in our brains will rot with the brain. Our certificates and degrees will be placed in some memorial box by our surviving families for dust collection. So, the only thing that will last is what we know spiritually!
We must know God and the spiritual stuff that He wants us to know! This can be accomplished by becoming born again and by reading and studying the Holy Bible.
Please visit this site tomorrow for Part 2 of this article entitled: How to read the Bible.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Praise be unto God!
All Praise and Glory be unto the one God, Holy and just!
All I want to do is praise Him for He is good!
My God is good. He is loving and full of compassion. So I praise Him and glorify His name.
People are judgmental, But God is good!
People are judgmental, But God is kind!
People are judgmental, But God is a forgiving God!
God is a forgiving and loving God! He is everything we need! He is merciful, gracious, loving and kind!
People are selfish, But God cares!
People are hateful, But God loves!
People are rude, But God is a gentle and kind and caring God!
God is a good God!
All praises be unto His name! For He is Holy, and Just, and True!
Praise be unto God!
All I want to do is praise Him for He is good!
My God is good. He is loving and full of compassion. So I praise Him and glorify His name.
People are judgmental, But God is good!
People are judgmental, But God is kind!
People are judgmental, But God is a forgiving God!
God is a forgiving and loving God! He is everything we need! He is merciful, gracious, loving and kind!
People are selfish, But God cares!
People are hateful, But God loves!
People are rude, But God is a gentle and kind and caring God!
God is a good God!
All praises be unto His name! For He is Holy, and Just, and True!
Praise be unto God!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Jesus Loves You!! How you can be saved:
Step 1) God loves you!!"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." -John 3:16
The bible says that there is only one way to get into heaven, and it is through Jesus Christ.
How do you get into heaven? In the Bible Jesus said that "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." -John 3:3 Well, what is being "born again"? And how do we do that? ...Read on further to find out:
Step 2) Acknowledge to God that you have sinned.
This may come as a shock to some but the prerequisite to becoming a true Christian is that we first must be a sinner! The Bible says that Jesus Christ died for the sinners and for the ungodly. Romans 5:6-8
I'm not saying that you should go out and commit a bunch of sin. I am only stressing the fact that in order for a person to truly be saved they must humble themselves and admit to God that they have sinned.
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." -James 4:6
This is the first step. God already knows that we have broken His rules, He just wants us to admit it.
"If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." -1 John 1:10
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" -Romans 3:23
If a person doesn't think that they have sinned and they call their self a Christian, then they are lying!
"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:" -1John 1:6
It is not enough to be a "good" person! Neither is it enough to join a denomination or a church!
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;" -Isaiah 64:6
Step 3) Our sin has separated us from God.
"23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." -Romans 6:23
"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." -John 3:17
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:8
Step 4) Repent!
What do we do about this sin that has separated us from God? We must repent! This means to turn to God with all of our heart, mind, and strength, and turn from the sinful lifestyle we were living in.
Then we put all of our trust in Him to save us!
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." -Acts 2:38
Step 5) Believe and Receive!
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." -Mark 1:15
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" -John 1:12
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." -Mark 16:16
We also must believe the things that the bible says about Jesus.
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." -John 7:38
This is what the scripture says:
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God born of a virgin. He suffered for us and died on a cross; shedding His blood to save us from our sins. Then after three days of being buried in a tomb, He came back to life because He is our God and savior. He physically rose from the grave. Then He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty!
Step 6) Pray!
To accept Jesus as your personal savior, you can pray something like this:
Heavenly Father, I come before you in prayer acknowledging that I am a sinner. I confess to you that I am guilty. I am asking that you would please forgive me of all of my sins, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.
I choose to believe in you now, and I repent and turn from my sin toward you with all of my heart.
I believe that you love me and gave yourself for me on the cross so that I may be saved.
I now accept what you did for me by suffering, shedding your blood, and dying on the cross. I believe you also rose from the grave to give me new life in you.
I now believe in my heart that you do forgive me of all my sins, and I accept you Lord Jesus as my personal savior!
Thank you Lord God for cleaning up my soul and for giving me eternal life through Jesus Christ your Son. Thank you for salvation! Thank you for your love! And, thank you for filling me with your precious Holy Spirit.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen!
Don't stop here. Now begin to develop a prayer life. Continue to pray to God all the time as much as you can now that you have started a new relationship with Him. Also, you must begin reading the Holy Bible everyday so that your new spirit can begin to grow in Jesus Christ.
Another thing you can do is get baptized in a bible believing church.
Learn about communion and how to take it.
Forgive everyone who ever hurt you!
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:" -Matthew 6:14
Congratulations! And welcome to the true family of God! If you just accepted Jesus Christ by praying this prayer, you may email me if you want and let me know about it here: WoTmin@gmail.com
How you can be saved
Today I added a new page entitled: "Jesus Loves You!! How you can be saved."
This new page is what this blog is all about. To find it, just look on the right side under the "Pages" section for this title. I also added it right after this post, just above.
It will bless you!
This new page is what this blog is all about. To find it, just look on the right side under the "Pages" section for this title. I also added it right after this post, just above.
It will bless you!
New blog "quotes" feature added today!
Today I added a new feature to this WordofTruth blog! A quotes section near the top of the page gives you a profound Christian quote every time you refresh the page! The quotes are taken from various prominent Christian leaders and preachers, and a scripture from the bible.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." -John 3:16
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Want to become a genius? ...Then follow Jesus!
I notice that when people begin looking to God for answers, He gives it to them! It's amazing how following hard after Jesus can expand your brain!
The skeptics will try to say that Christians are narrow minded, but I think it's the other way around. When you follow Christ, He opens your heart and mind to new found wisdom and truth so that you could see a larger perspective of things.
He gives you insight, wisdom, revelation, knowledge, discernment, and over all cranial expanse!
He is the creator. He made the brain. And therefore He knows more about the way humans think. So when we trust in Him for everything, He gives it to us.
When I worship God I can almost literally feel the oxygen shooting to my brain cells! Hallelujah!
I am so glad that He saved me! I am so glad that I now know Him and have Him in my life as my savior, friend and God. He is not boring like some dumb religion! He is a personable God who relates to us! He is real, and makes Himself known to those who are looking for Him!
The skeptics will try to say that Christians are narrow minded, but I think it's the other way around. When you follow Christ, He opens your heart and mind to new found wisdom and truth so that you could see a larger perspective of things.
He gives you insight, wisdom, revelation, knowledge, discernment, and over all cranial expanse!
He is the creator. He made the brain. And therefore He knows more about the way humans think. So when we trust in Him for everything, He gives it to us.
When I worship God I can almost literally feel the oxygen shooting to my brain cells! Hallelujah!
I am so glad that He saved me! I am so glad that I now know Him and have Him in my life as my savior, friend and God. He is not boring like some dumb religion! He is a personable God who relates to us! He is real, and makes Himself known to those who are looking for Him!
Philipians 4:8
"8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." -Philipians 4:8
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Oil Spill
I live in Arizona far away from the gulf of Mexico. So it can seem as though that big oil spill doesn't effect those of us who are farther away. But, we can see it on the news. It is a part of our country.
What I am trying to say is, that my heart really sinks when I see those fellow Americans of mine over there on the coast being confronted and attacked by the rich uncaring oil companies.
It makes me angry to see that companies from another country could destroy our land without a concern while American citizens lives are ruined!
We don't normally even think of our fellow citizens in another part of the country until something bad happens to them. It makes me want to support them, fight for them, pray for them, stand up for them, love them!
I am making this post because I care about those Americans in this horrible situation. I think the rest of us wish that somehow all this negativity down there would just go away. But that is not the reality. Ignoring the problems is not responsible.
I hope the US government places a large fine against the companies that are guilty of destroying the gulf coast! They say that BP makes a profit of 66 million USD per day! That is disgustingly shocking in the light of their lazy uncaring cover up attitude that they have towards the damage they have caused!
The bottom line is,... they don't care!
The American tax payer does not need to pay for this! The American tax payers need to take ownership of BP!
To all those who live in that region and are being directly affected by this spill I want to say that my heart goes out to you! I wish there was something I could do to stop the oil. I pray to God that He will take care of your personal and local economy. I pray that He interrupts this demonic attack against our land. I pray that you could feel the love coming from Americans in other parts of the country, who love you and support you through this tragedy! I pray that through this horror that God will turn it all around for your good. I pray that somehow good will come out of this. With God all things are possible.
I know there are many churches and Christians gathered together to seek the Lord down there. I want you to know that I stand in agreement with your prayers. I believe that Americans from far away places in this land will rise up and join together with you to fight this evil! And I do believe that God Almighty hears the prayers of His people! I believe that He will do something to fix this big problem. There is nothing too big for God to handle! May God bless everyone who lives in the gulf coast!
Please leave your comments below. Thank you!
What I am trying to say is, that my heart really sinks when I see those fellow Americans of mine over there on the coast being confronted and attacked by the rich uncaring oil companies.
It makes me angry to see that companies from another country could destroy our land without a concern while American citizens lives are ruined!
We don't normally even think of our fellow citizens in another part of the country until something bad happens to them. It makes me want to support them, fight for them, pray for them, stand up for them, love them!
I am making this post because I care about those Americans in this horrible situation. I think the rest of us wish that somehow all this negativity down there would just go away. But that is not the reality. Ignoring the problems is not responsible.
I hope the US government places a large fine against the companies that are guilty of destroying the gulf coast! They say that BP makes a profit of 66 million USD per day! That is disgustingly shocking in the light of their lazy uncaring cover up attitude that they have towards the damage they have caused!
The bottom line is,... they don't care!
The American tax payer does not need to pay for this! The American tax payers need to take ownership of BP!
To all those who live in that region and are being directly affected by this spill I want to say that my heart goes out to you! I wish there was something I could do to stop the oil. I pray to God that He will take care of your personal and local economy. I pray that He interrupts this demonic attack against our land. I pray that you could feel the love coming from Americans in other parts of the country, who love you and support you through this tragedy! I pray that through this horror that God will turn it all around for your good. I pray that somehow good will come out of this. With God all things are possible.
I know there are many churches and Christians gathered together to seek the Lord down there. I want you to know that I stand in agreement with your prayers. I believe that Americans from far away places in this land will rise up and join together with you to fight this evil! And I do believe that God Almighty hears the prayers of His people! I believe that He will do something to fix this big problem. There is nothing too big for God to handle! May God bless everyone who lives in the gulf coast!
Please leave your comments below. Thank you!
John 14:27
"27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." -John 14:27
Monday, June 7, 2010
Contact Info Update
After almost three weeks of blogging the WordofTruth blog I realized that I had no contact email available to readers! ...Well now I do! If you read the "About Me" section, at the bottom click the "view my complete profile" link and it will take you to the new email link if you feel the need to write me back privately.
Of course the comment section is available at the end of every post. I encourage you reader to take the liberty to make comments. I welcome your comments! I hope more people will feel like giving me, (the author of this blog), feedback so that I can get an idea of your reaction to my posts. Thank you!
And then also you may go to my Blogfrog community and join and make a discussion there in that forum. Look on the right side of my blog's main page toward the bottom and you will see the blogfrog widgets. Click the link that says "visit my community." Go there and leave me anything you want. There is a discussion in there where you can make comments about my blog or my community, or anything you like.
I hope this clears up any questions anyone may have had on where to reach me if the need should arise. Thank you for visiting and reading my blog! Enjoy your day!
Of course the comment section is available at the end of every post. I encourage you reader to take the liberty to make comments. I welcome your comments! I hope more people will feel like giving me, (the author of this blog), feedback so that I can get an idea of your reaction to my posts. Thank you!
And then also you may go to my Blogfrog community and join and make a discussion there in that forum. Look on the right side of my blog's main page toward the bottom and you will see the blogfrog widgets. Click the link that says "visit my community." Go there and leave me anything you want. There is a discussion in there where you can make comments about my blog or my community, or anything you like.
I hope this clears up any questions anyone may have had on where to reach me if the need should arise. Thank you for visiting and reading my blog! Enjoy your day!
Listening vs. Hearing
Did you ever try to tell someone something important but it seemed like they weren't listening?
A person recently asked me for advise because they were in the middle of a life crisis. I gave them good sound teaching and direction which I believe was a blessing from God for them. But, they acted like I was invisible. I could see God helping them, reaching out to them with the very solution they needed. But they were blind to it. A lot of parents feel this way with their teenagers. As a parent, you've been there. You know a bad decision from the right way, but... the kid still wants to discover the error on his own, (without your sound instruction.)
You can hear an airplane flying over, or a horn honking somewhere in the distance. But you are not listening for those things. Both hearing and listening are verbs, which means they are both an action. But the listening is more of an applied effort. It is diligent purposeful hearing plus "doing" afterward that completes the cycle of what is said.
I heard a preacher once say that 50% of the preaching is done by the listener. And that is true. Think about it. If the congregation is yawning away in the pew, then what good does the preaching do? Some preachers are very articulate, able to keep the listeners excited and awake. It would seem that they are doing a wonderful job preaching. But it is required of the listeners, that they take what was said and apply it to their lives. This is the fulfillment or completion of listening.
So listening requires a diligent action on the part of the hearer.
"22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." -James 1:22-24
It is important that we try to focus when what is being said is truth for our benefit. God wants to bless us. But sometimes we are too busy or distracted to receive that blessing.
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:" -Hosea 4:6
If we only knew what is was that God wanted to bless us with, then we would be more willing to listen and obey.
A person recently asked me for advise because they were in the middle of a life crisis. I gave them good sound teaching and direction which I believe was a blessing from God for them. But, they acted like I was invisible. I could see God helping them, reaching out to them with the very solution they needed. But they were blind to it. A lot of parents feel this way with their teenagers. As a parent, you've been there. You know a bad decision from the right way, but... the kid still wants to discover the error on his own, (without your sound instruction.)
You can hear an airplane flying over, or a horn honking somewhere in the distance. But you are not listening for those things. Both hearing and listening are verbs, which means they are both an action. But the listening is more of an applied effort. It is diligent purposeful hearing plus "doing" afterward that completes the cycle of what is said.
I heard a preacher once say that 50% of the preaching is done by the listener. And that is true. Think about it. If the congregation is yawning away in the pew, then what good does the preaching do? Some preachers are very articulate, able to keep the listeners excited and awake. It would seem that they are doing a wonderful job preaching. But it is required of the listeners, that they take what was said and apply it to their lives. This is the fulfillment or completion of listening.
So listening requires a diligent action on the part of the hearer.
"22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." -James 1:22-24
It is important that we try to focus when what is being said is truth for our benefit. God wants to bless us. But sometimes we are too busy or distracted to receive that blessing.
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:" -Hosea 4:6
If we only knew what is was that God wanted to bless us with, then we would be more willing to listen and obey.
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