A study on the Chapter of Romans 8.

Romans 8:18-39, New King James Version (NKJV)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ⁷ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. ⁸ So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.⁹ But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. ¹⁰ And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Sonship Through the Spirit

¹² Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

From Suffering to Glory

¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; ²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. ²³ Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

God’s Everlasting Love

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My Comments: This blog entry is being devoted to the whole chapter of Romans 8, and the text is included so those in parts of the world who do not have access to the Bible may see the verses for them selves. I think it, also, helps everyone be on the same page so to speak.

The preceding chapter has to do with our being dead to sin until Jesus redeems us and addresses the law, which those who are not redeemed by the Blood of Jesus Christ are under. And about how one is dead without Jesus freeing us from sin.

Let’s look at Chapter 8 which is for those who have been redeemed and are walking according to the Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, which is the Spirit of God the Holy Spirit.

Paul lets us know the good news right away in verse one. “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Wow, every time I read that I smile and tingle all over. No condemnation means just that. Christ Jesus took on Himself all the sin of the world and for those who accept His free gift they are condemned no more which is what they were before.

I remember thinking all my life that I was saved and would go to Heaven because I went to church, believed in God and that Jesus was His Son and that their Holy Spirit was sent as tongues of fire. Yes, Jesus is the Son of God and the second part of the Holy Trinity. Yes, He did send the Holy Spirit into the world after He ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father the first of the Holy Trinity and the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity. Yet I was not saved and would not have gone to Heaven because I did not take Jesus as my Savior. This verse refers to the freedom from sin by Christ Jesus. Before this time we were under the law of sin and of death and now we are free and under the law of the Spirit as verse two states.

To be under the law of the Spirit means we live our lives as Christ Jesus would as much as possible and continue with the Holy Spirits help to become more and more like Christ Jesus in all we do, think and say. Verse three goes on to tell us that the law was weak in that it could only address the flesh and not that very well. Sort of like our laws in all of our countries. But God is stronger and He sent His Son as an offering and as verse three says, condemned sin in the flesh as Jesus as man. Several of the verses address wailing in the Spirit as in verses four and five. 

I love the fifth verse it continues to edify my mind and make me look at how my walk with my Heavenly Father is. Am I walking in complete faith and trust and walking in His Spirit or am I walking in the flesh or the desires of the flesh? Do I tell the truth even if it is not peasant to hear? Do I make sure to give back money I borrow? Do I gossip or flee from saying anything about my Brothers and Sisters? Do I cause others to stumble or help them in their walk? For each of us the questions might be the same or they might be about pornography or lust of the eyes for another person or even a piece of real estate that is coveted.  As verse six says the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, and while verse seven gives the reason, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God. Then comes the reason in verse seven, for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so. Wow, again! Paul is really hitting straight at the heart of the matter and then goes on to tell us we are not of the flesh if the Spirit of God dwells in us.

In verse ten we are told that essentially when we die in our bodies we are alive in the spirit or in Heaven (we all will one day stand before the Throne of God in Heaven but only those who choose Jesus will stay the others will not), and in verse eleven we are promised we will be raised as Christ Jesus was by the Spirit bodily. That we know will happen in the future because we are the sons of God as it says in verse fourteen and will be resurrected to be with Christ Jesus when He comes again. Because we have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba? Father?” as in verse fifteen, the Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit and we are heirs as in verses sixteen and seventeen. Then Paul goes on to remind us of the fall of Mankind when Adam and Eve caused sin to be a part of (through the first Adam sin entered and through the second Adam or Jesus, sin was conquered) all mankind.

In verses nineteen through twenty-two, Paul talks of the groaning of creation. Why? Because when Adam sinned the rest of creation was changed as well. God created the world in perfection and Adam changed that with sin. The sin of giving into the flesh or what we now call sin nature, and not obeying God, is the way we live our lives before coming to redemption.  But there is hope as seen in verses twenty-three and twenty-four.

In verses twenty-six through twenty-eight we see how the Spirit of God helps us in our weaknesses. He intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And Jesus, He searches the hearts knowing the mind of the Spirit and the will of God. What a merciful God we have for a Father. He has sent His Son to die in our place and then sent His Spirit to intercede for us and groan for us, teach us and comfort us. None of which we deserve. He did it all because He loves us and doesn’t want any to perish.

In verses twenty-eight through thirty Paul talks about predestined and there has been many denominations that confuse the thinking with some of their ideas. This text merely shows all have been called yet God knew who would accept and it had nothing to do with God choosing certain people over others. It had to do with Him being all knowing yet He gives each the same chance to know Him and to accept His Son as Savior. Those who accept are justified and glorified and then in verse thirty-one Paul reminds us God is for us and what do we have to worry about if God is with us? Absolutely nothing!

Though the world slander us, persecute us and as some are experiencing today in many parts of the world, though we be put to death as Christ Jesus we have nothing to fear because to be absent from the body is to be present with Christ our King. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, not tribulation, distress, or persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or the sword because we are not ashamed of the Gospel nor of our Lord and Savior. Even though we be led to the slaughter we conquer through Him who loved us (verses thirty-one through thirty seven). As verses thirty-eight and thirty-nine, remind us, nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior please consider these things and if you would like to accept His sacrifice then just confess that you are a sinner and ask Jesus to come in to you and be your Savior. It is easy to talk to Jesus as He loves us so much and none will be rejected because He died so all would have salvation who asked.

Abba, I place all who read Your words and hear Your call into Your loving and merciful hands. May their hearts be given to You to heal and grow in Your love. Your word promises us salvation through the blood of Your Son Jesus. We praise and glorify You Abba for loving us so much You would sacrifice Your only Begotten Son for us and that when we accept His Righteousness we are made white as snow and become Your adopted children.

Thank You Jesus for Your love, for Your sacrifice and for accepting the cup so we may be Yours and one day be with You in Heaven. All praise and glory to You who created the world and came to earth as a human baby boy and died for our sin. No mind can comprehend Your Sacrifice of Love. No human could love as You have loved us. We are humbled and rejoice that You love us so much that You would give so much to buy us.

Holy Spirit, we praise and glorify You and thank You for Your groanings on our behalf and Your intercessions for us. Thank You, for the guidance and comfort You give us and the knowledge and understanding You fill us with. Help us on our walk that we may continually grow in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Father and You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Rebishka 

He became sin for us who knew no sin.

1 John 1:9, New King James Version (NKJV)

The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV

"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

1 Corinthians 15:58, NKJV

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Matthew 24:27, NKJV

"For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be."

James 1:2-4, English Standard Version ESV

² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Hebrews 12:5/6, ESV

⁵ And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
 nor be weary when reproved by him.
⁶ For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
 and chastises every son whom he receives.”

1 Peter 1:15/16, ESV

 ² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Romans 6:5-8, ESV

⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶ We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. ⁷ For one who has died has been set free from sin. ⁸ Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

Romans 12:1/2, ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. ² Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

My Comments: Sin entered into a perfect world when Adam and Eve chose not to follow God and what He told them but to listen to Satan the serpent. We have all been born with sin. Yes, even a little child has sin. The good news is we do not have to continue to keep sin because Jesus came to be the final sacrifice.

Before His birth God had given the animal sacrifice which was the blood sacrifice for the yearly removal of the years sins of the Jewish peoples. They were and have always been His chosen people. He has had to chastise them repeatedly for their walking away from Him yet they have remained and always will be His chosen. When Messiah came He allowed Himself to be crucified for the final blood sacrifice. Yes, He who created the world allowed Himself to be born a human and allowed Himself to be the sacrifice for our sin. Since that time mankind has had the choice to accept the sacrifice for their sin or reject it. Those who accept are Born Again and are going to Heaven. These are not my words they are Jesus’.

There is a song out that says, He came from Heaven to Earth to show the way, from the Earth to the Cross my debt to pay, from the Cross to the grave from the grave to the sky…which pretty much tells what He did for us. He took on all the sin, past, present and future up until He comes again, for the whole world so that none would perish but have life everlasting. It boggles my mind yet I know it to be true. I hope you ponder the words of the Lord and turn to Him and let your sin go and become Born Again in Christ Jesus and become a Child of God Almighty. Then He will fill you with His Holy Spirit so you will not have to give into your sin nature. He will help you overcome the sin nature you were born with and one day you will be with Him in Heaven.

After all, if He could create our world and all the stars, all the animals and can number the sands of the sea, do you not think He could take care of you and me and all mankind? If we turn to Him confess with our mouth that He is Lord and our savior He will be faithful and just to cover us with His blood that purifies and renews. Then when we stand before the Throne of God, He will see Jesus. What a wonder He has performed for us.

Abba Father, thank You for Your Sacrifice of Your Son. I cannot imagine how it was for You. Your love for us for all mankind was more than I can comprehend. I am humbled by Your Love and Your willingness to sacrifice Your Son Jesus.

Messiah Jesus, thank You for Your Sacrifice for our sakes, so we might become Your adopted Sisters and Brothers and Your Body here on Earth. Thank You for the Cross of Redemption that we might live eternally one day with You and rule under You. Help us to have a hunger and thirst for Your word and for Your Spirits teachings and guidance.

Holy Spirit, fill us with wisdom, knowledge and understanding so we too may flee the snares and temptations as Jesus did with the word of God on our tongues and in our hearts. Thank You for guiding and protecting us even before we knew our savior.

Abba, may our lives be lived as You created us to live them and our hearts and minds be totally yours. In Jesus name in union with the Holy Spirit I pray. Amen.

Rebishka

Some names of God

The God of Heaven and Earth, the Creator of everything has many names. Some names people have given to Him and some names He has given Himself. I thought I would give some of these and encourage you to search out the Scriptures for more. You could also look up in a concordance or a Greek/Hebrew Bible what His names mean in Greek and Hebrew. These are but a few of the names in the Word of God for God.

In Genesis 2, 3 and many other places He is called or calls Himself the Lord, Lord God or I am the Lord God (Exodus 6:2, 7, 8).

In Genesis 17:1 The Lord appeared to Abram who became Abraham and told him, “ I am God Almighty; Walk before Me and be blameless…” The rendering of this is really Almighty One.

In many places God is called The Most High God or the Most High (Psalm 83:18, Daniel 4:24, 5:18, 21). And it really translates The Possessor of Heaven and Earth (Genesis 14:18-22) or The Strong One or Almighty as in Numbers 24:16, Isaiah 13:6) God Almighty or Almighty as in Exodus 6:3, Revelation 1:8, 21:22.

He is called Lord of hosts or Lord God of hosts (Isaiah 13:4) as in Psalm 84:1, 3, 8, Isaiah 44:6 which can be translated Jehovah the Most High.

In Leviticus 11:44, God says of Himself, I am the Lord your God… be holy, for I am Holy (and :45, 19:2, 3, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 25, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 37 and on throughout Leviticus and other places which shows God places great value on His name). And I Am the Lord, your Holy One (Isaiah 43:15 here He also calls Himself, “The Creator of Israel, your King.” Lord God,( Isaiah 12:2, Revelation 21:22, 22:5); Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 43:14, 12:2).

God Himself said, “IAM WHO I AM; …” and … “I AM…” and in this chapter He refers to Himself as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.

Father or Eternal Father (Deuteronomy 32:6, Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 6:4, 9, 7:21, 26:29, Mark 8:38, John 1:14, 8:18, 10:30, Ephesians 4:6).

He calls Himself Rock (Deuteronomy 32:15, Isaiah 26:4, 41:14, 44:8, 63:16, Jeremiah 50:34) and Jesus is referred to as the stone and Chief Corner Stone (Mark 12:10).

The Lord your Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Jesus said, I am… (John 8:58, John 8:58, 13:19) and The Son of Man (Mark 8:31, 14:62, John 8:28, John 9:35) and because He referred to Himself as I am the Priests tore their robes because they understood what He was calling Himself.  The name "I Am" had always been the special name of God. Peter had just asked Him if He was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One. And Pilate asked if He was the King of the Jews (Christ affirmed it).

 

Jesus calls Himself the Son of God (Matthew 27:43).

Jesus said, “I am He who testifies… John 8:18.

 

Jesus goes by more names:

Light, Light of the World and Light of Life (John 8:12, 12:35, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 5:8, 1John 1:7) .

Alpha and the Omega, Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13.

The first and the last, Revelation 1:17, 22:13.

The living One (Revelation 1:18).

The beginning and the end (Revelation 21:6, 22:13).

Lamb ( Revelation 21:22, 22:1, 3).

 

Then we come to the third person in the One True God or the third person of the Holy Trinity:

 

Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, 2, Corinthians 13:14).

 

Helper, Spirit of Truth (John 14:16/17, 26)

 

Giver of Gifts (1Corinthians 12:8-11).

When we look at the many names of God and what He is called by people and what He calls Himself, Father, Son and Holy Spirit then we start to get a bigger picture of His attributes and why there is nothing He can not do for us. He created the Earth, Universe, Cosmos and as many as there may be. He created us. Every molecule is a testament of His creative abilities. When I see a baby or a sunrise, look at the leaves sprouting forth on the boughs of a tree in spring time, watch the waves roll in on the sea shore, hear the flutter of the wings of a Hummingbird or the cry of an Eagle miles above the earth then I am astounded at some of the things the Lord has done. When I consider Jesus died for my sin and rose on the third day from the grave so I might have life eternal with Him I am humbled for I know not I or anyone else could have done what he did. When I consider God the Almighty gave the world not one but many chances to turn to Him follow Him I am shamed at the times I did not and rejoice for the time I did that brought me into Righteousness for His glory.

God created us, He nurtured us, He called to us and Redeemed us and someday He will come again to bring us up to Him and we who Believe in Him will rule with Him on the New Earth. We will not become gods nor will we be equal with Jesus but we are adopted into the family of God and will rule under Jesus.

Abba Father thank You for loving us so much You sent Your only Son to die in our place so we could become Children of God if we so choose to accept the free gift of Redemption Jesus the Christ obtained for us on the Cross of Calvary.

Thank You Jesus for loving us so much You willingly allowed Yourself to be Crucified for my sin and the sin of the whole world past, present and future until You come again to Judge the Living and the Dead. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to guide, instruct and comfort us as we go through the things our Father allows and thank You for going through them with us.

Thank You Holy Spirit for trying so hard to get our attention when we were lost in sin. And for working so hard in us to make us Holy as God the Father is Holy. Thank You for all the times You have patiently waited as we got it together and realized what You were trying to teach us and how You were using us to teach others as well.

We praise You Father, Son and Holy Spirit and glorify Your Holy Name. In Jesus Name we pray for our Loved Ones and commend them into Your Hand. Amen.

Rebishka

Inherit Life Everlasting through the Bread of Life

My Comment: He who finds the Son and goes through Him only will find the Father and life everlasting through The Bread of Life:

 John 6:35, New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

³⁵ And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

John 11:25, American Standard Version (ASV)

²⁵ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;

My Comment: If one reads the book of John seeking the will of God then one will know that Jesus is the way the truth the life that leads one to the Father their Abba who loved them so much He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus to lead all mankind out of bondage.

John 3:16 (ASV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Romans 7:14 (ASV)
¹⁴ For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
My Comment: yet into eternal life if we accept the free gift Jesus holds out to us.

Daniel 12:2 (ASV)

² And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
My Comment: Each of us has to make the choice of where we want to go when we leave this earth. My choice is to go to Heaven and to do that I had to accept the Sacrifice Jesus made for me. I did this just before 911. My life has never been the same.

John 17:2-3 (ASV)

² even as thou gavest him authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he should give eternal life. ³ And this is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ.

John 11:25 (ASV)

²⁵ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live;

Romans 6:23 (ASV)

²³ For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My Comment: In October of 2012 my best friend and husband went to live with the Lord Jesus Christ. His final move was from a mortal body to his final home. I have rejoiced daily for him and in Jesus who showered my beloved with much grace and mercy. I wish all had known him and pray all who read this blog, all our loved ones and families and friends and yes even those who could be considered enemies, I pray all will one day know and accept Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah who came to earth to take upon Himself the sin of the world so all who wish may live forever through His grace and mercy.

Both of us surrendered our lives and all that is in them to Christ our Lord, we were Baptized and we even were remarried in church as our way of showing the world we had changed our lives to please and glorify God the Father, Jesus the Christ the Son of God and accepted the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; God three in One. It was a blessed day when the Lord chose to show Himself to us and bring us into His family. What joy, unending joy even in sorrow and pain there is joy unending. David was very ill before he was taken home and he physically suffered, yet always gave glory to his friend, brother, Abba, Savior, Jesus Christ, for His gift of Love and Salvation.

Now he rejoices with all those who have gone before. He had a beautiful voice here and I know he is singing praises continually to the God who saved him, the one who befriended him, the one who gave up heaven to be born a babe in a stable, lived life fully man, fully God but chose to be a man and take all man-kinds sin, Jesus suffered and died for all mankind so all could be with Him forever. What a beautiful Love. I have many children, Grandchildren, and Great-grandchildren and yet I know I do not have the love to do for them what He did for all mankind. No greater love (John 1:13)... Yes, we might have love enough to lay down our lives for one or even many, but not for all mankind and take on us the punishment all sin merits. We did not nor could we ever merit His love and mercy. He gave it and gives it freely. Oh, that I could love as He!

In John 14:6, Jesus reminds us who He is. He is the way, the truth and the life. Without Him there is no life eternal. If we do not believe all He has said and follow what He taught then there is no life eternal because we will fall by the wayside or brambles will grow up in our life choking off our life with Him (Matthew 13:9-23).

Remember God will not force us to take the free gift of life nor will He stop us from our choice of Heaven with Him or Hell without Him; it is not given without us making the choice. If we do not choose Heaven and life eternal with Jesus then we have chosen Hell. It is not a threat that God makes, just His way of letting us know what our choices are and that He loves us and has proven it by sending His Son Jesus so that we may live with Him eternally. Friends I pray you have or will accept the free gift Jesus offers the world. I did just before 911 and David my beloved did so I know I will be with Jesus and with David and all my loved ones who went before and accepted the free gift of Salvation. October 2^nd 2013, was the first anniversary of David going home to be with Jesus in Heaven, his home. One day I will join him. I pray you will as well.

Abba, to thee be all glory, praise and honor. Thank You, Abba, for loving us so much You sent Your only begotten Son, Jesus the Messiah to die in our place so we may live life eternally with You. There is nothing we could do to earn this grace. It is free and Your love is free. Thank You, Abba, for loving us so much You would sacrifice Your Son for us. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for loving us so much You would willingly go to Calvary in our place and take on all our sin so we can one day stand before the Throne of God pure and forgiven in Your Righteousness. Help us to live our days for Your glory, in Your truth and light and may we bring Your truth and light wherever You send us. Place Your word in our minds, hearts and on our lips. Strengthen us with Your word and with the full armor of God. May we love as You love so that one day we will be with David praising our Father in Heaven and giving glory to Jesus.  In Jesus name in union with the Holy Spirit I pray, Amen
Rebishka

Focus on God the Most High

My Comments: When you're feeling down and discouraged, where is your focus? When I feel that way, I'm usually focused on me--my problems, my worries, my pain--and I really can't see anything else--including God. But as long as we stay self-focused, we can't receive any help. Help comes only when we set our eyes, our hearts and our hope on something better. And “Better is God…”
"Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?"
"Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God" (Psalm 42:5-6, English Standard Version, ESV)
"My soul is cast down within me;
therefore I remember you" (Psalm 42:6, ESV).
"May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!" (Psalm 20:5, ESV).
My Comments:I am not sure why we wait so long to turn to God in trials and tribulations well at least until things happen often enough so we get into the habit of doing it automatically. I do not mean praying becomes automatic so we are praying without being involved. No, I mean automatically we turn to our Abba and seek His protection, help, guidance, or instruction in what ever matter is before us. He asks us to pray unceasingly and that is not just mindless words or chatter. It is from the heart to the God of the Universe and our Daddy and our Friend. It is not repetitive prayers like some churches promote nor is it saying something over and over as a mantra. Again I repeat it is from the heart yet it can be in a song or a quiet moment of just sitting with Him or enjoying the scenery as we pass it and thanking Him or praising Him when something is precious to us like the smile of a child. When we turn to Him we find the hope the Most High God offers.

God is our hope, He calms turmoil, He raises us up, remembers us even when sometimes like Joseph of the Old Testament it might seem like He has forgotten. Yet when the time is perfect as He knows it to be He will act in the best interest of souls. He never forgets us. He is never late. He has our best interest in the palm of His hand. He is our salvation so we know our destination if we accept His gift of salvation. This gives us joy. Once we accept His mantle covering us, we become aliens in this world because our home is with the Lord. Our banner proclaims His love for us and our love for Him.

The following are a few verses which you might like to take a look at and see how the Most High speaks to you. I encourage you to write down what you feel Him saying to you through His word. If you have a Bible search the Scriptures (online use sites like this, http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/) and see if you find more verses that speak to you through His word as these verses do. Listen to where the Lord is leading you. I pray you are in a good solid Bible believing and teaching church that teaches verse by verse, precept by precept so you will grow daily in the Word of God.
Deuteronomy 7:9 New King James Version (NKJV)
⁹ “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
Psalm 86:15 (ESV)
¹⁵ But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:20-24 (ESV)
²⁰ My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.²¹ But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: ²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; ²³ they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)
²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Psalm 91:1-6 (ESV)
91 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. ² I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ³ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. ⁴ He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. ⁵ You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, ⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
Psalm 143:1-2 (ESV)
143 Hear my prayer, O Lord;
 give ear to my pleas for mercy!
 In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
² Enter not into judgment with your servant,
for no one living is righteous before you.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
¹³ No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 (ESV)
² and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
My prayer,
Abba we praise and glorify Your blessed and Holy Name. We seek Your help in learning what You would have us to learn from and through Your Word. Guide us to a true understanding and knowledge of You and Your word, and give us discernment to know truth when we hear or see it. Abba, help us to seek Your face at all times whether the times are painful or sweet. Help us to trust You and to look for the opening that allows us to flee temptation. Keep us close to You especially during the difficult times and times that feel like we just cannot make it another day. Abba please shelter us under Your wings and help us to hear the sweet beat of Your heart and comfort our souls in times of trials and tribulations. We thank You Father for all You are doing in our lives and how You are growing us through the difficulties in our lives. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Rebishka

Be not afraid

Deuteronomy 31:6, New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Genesis 42:18, (NKJV)

Then Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God:

Psalm 19:9, (NKJV) 

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

Psalm 27:1, (NKJV)

A Psalm of David. 

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 111:10, (NKJV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.

Acts 9:31, (NKJV)

Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

2 Timothy 1:7, (NKJV)

 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

1 John 4:18, (NKJV)

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Ephesians 1:19-23 (NKJV)

¹⁹ and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power ²⁰ which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. ²² And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, ²³ which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 2:18-22 (NKJV)

¹⁸ For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹ Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, ²² in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Ephesians 3:14-21 American Standard Version (ASV)

¹⁴ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶ that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fullness of God. ²⁰ Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, ²¹ unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 4:14-16 (NKJV)

¹⁴ that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵ but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Matthew 6:34, (NKJV)

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Luke 12:28-32New King James Version (NKJV)

28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

My Comments: If we are the Children of God and He created the Universe and can do anything then why are we afraid of  doing the right thing? Why are we afraid or timid to tell others of He who has saved us? Why do we fear ridicule, persecution or even death for our faith in Him who gave His everything for us and is faithful to take care of us as He knows is best?

I am reminded of Joseph who as a seventeen year old heard his brothers plot to kill him and then throw him into a hole then sell him into slavery where he was imprisoned, raised to heights then accused of trying to rape the wife of his owner, back to prison and then up to second in the land and rejoined with his family again and all of that was the Lord working in and through him to save God’s people. If God could do so much in the life of a young boy why do we doubt He can use us or has our best interest at heart? If He can save a nation why not us?

In Africa, China, India and many places in our world today there are Christians who are and are willing to die for the name of Christ Jesus. They face physical persecution daily yet they are like the first Christians willing to give their all, pick up their crosses and follow Jesus. One of the things God says to us in His word often is “Fear Not” yet we fear. Why? God has promised to be with us even to the end of the age. When we tell our children we will take care of them we can try hard to protect them yet we are not god’s so we can only do our best. Jehovah is God and He can protect us if that is the best for us at the time.

Years ago I heard a story in the news of a lady who found robbers in her home. She treated them with love even though they were robbing her. She prayed for them out loud, “Father forgive them they no not what they do,” And asked the Father to take care of them. They put back everything and left. God’s power is not to be reckoned with. Will this happen every time? Will the same thing happen to us as Joseph? Only God knows. Does it matter? No! Because what does matter is that we are His and He loves us and when we leave this earth we will be with Him in Heaven. So whether we live to bring others to know and accept His grace of salvation or we pass on to Heaven, "it is all good" (as my son says).

What then matters when we are saved or Born Again? It matters that we follow Christ Jesus and not “winds of doctrine.” The word of God is very explicit about what is truth and what is falsehood. There are many religions out there professing to have the answer and none delivers what Jesus the Son of God delivers. Forgiveness of sin and life eternal in Heaven without having to do anything to merit salvation. There are even some churches who profess to be a Christian religion or have a walk with Jesus yet they have no walk with the true Jesus Christ even though they use His name.

When we accept Jesus as our Savior He fills us with His Holy Spirit so we can use His discernment to see the falsehoods of religions that do not walk with God. Some religions have many gods yet God says He is the only God; God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit; three in One. 

We can rely on God. We can rely on the solid hope of our salvation the Rock and Cornerstone who came to earth to save mankind from sin so we could become Children of God. He tells us to search out the truth. He is not afraid of our searching His Word and asking questions. He has the answers. His Holy Spirit is there to help us find the answers and to strengthen our walk with Abba Father through pointing us to the Son Jesus Christ.

Once we were far off and by His blood we are brought near to Him. He is our peace that passeth understanding and He fills us so we can do things we would never be able to have done before. He equips us as He equipped Joseph, Abraham, Moses, Deborah and Ruth. We have nothing to fear but fear itself and should only fear God. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever (Psalm 19:9a).

Abba Father, we praise You, we bow down to Your will and admit we are lost without Your salvation. We come before You praising and glorifying Your Holy Name. May we not fear what man can do or for our lives but only fear being separated from You.

Lord Jesus, our King we come rejoicing before You who created the world, came as a human child and died in our places so we could be made sons and daughters of the Most High.  Your are the Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle we shall not fear and we shall walk boldly into life holding up Your banner so more will come to know You as Lord and savior so when we stand before You we will give a good account of the gifts You have given us.

Holy Spirit, thank You for all You do to guide us and impress on us what we need to be doing in our walk with our Father. Strengthen us in the fear of the Lord and guide us in our understanding and wisdom. Let not our feet be placed in the wrong place nor our hearts turn with the winds of doctrine but keep us ever strong in our Love for Jesus.

In Jesus name I pray in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen

Rebishka

God Reveals Himself in His Word

Hebrews 12:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

Renew Your Spiritual Vitality

¹² Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,

Hebrews 12:15-17 American Standard Version (ASV)

¹⁵ looking carefully lest there be any man that falleth short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled;

¹⁶ lest there be any fornication, or profane person, as Esau, who for one mess of meat sold his own birthright.

¹⁷ For ye know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he found no place for a change of mind in his father, though he sought is diligently with tears.

Romans 8:6 The New Living Testament (NLT)

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

1 Corinthians 10:31-32 American Standard Version (ASV)

³¹ Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

³² Give no occasions of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God:

Luke 6:46-49 New King James Version (NKJV)

Build on the Rock

⁴⁶ “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? ⁴⁷ Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: ⁴⁸ He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.

And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. ⁴⁹ But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”

Hebrews 1:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

God’s Supreme Revelation

1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, ² has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; ³ who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

My Comments: Many people have a hard time giving up for Christ the lusts that they have lived with most of their lives or for a very long time. I am not talking about innocent things, I am talking about things that separate one from joining God in Heaven one day. One only has to read the Old and the New Testament to know what they are and since God is the same yesterday, today and always then it is not a matter of, “Well, those things were for then.” That was true of foods but not of behaviors. Lies have always been wrong, stealing has always been wrong, fornication has always been wrong, adultery has always been wrong and so on. Where God says a behavior is as witchcraft or an abomination to Him then it was something He wanted people to flee from.

In the Old Testament He likened fornication and adultery to the behavior of His chosen people and how it broke His heart and made Him angry enough to bring other nations to purge His own chosen people. When we as Christians choose to turn away from His teachings and “Do our own thing” then we are asking for the consequences of those actions. Just a we as parents provide our children with rules that have consequences so does God for the people He has welcomed into His family. If we wish to inherit the blessings of God through Jesus Christ then we flee lusts. Once we reject Satan and his temptations he will do everything in his arsenal to pull us back but as the word says in Hebrews 1:3 He upholds all things by the word of His power.

Jesus created the world, He has the strength to protect us and uphold us so we will not fall back into temptation if we call on His name. He says, “You have not because you ask not.” Call on the name of the Lord and He will control your sinful nature that leads to death. Be filled with the Holy Spirit who will control your mind and bring you peace and life everlasting by helping you flee the lusts of the flesh. Whatever you do, do it for the Lord and you will not want to give into your sin nature. Do everything for God’s glory and you will receive blessings. Do everything for yourself and you will heap burning coals upon your head as the word says.

When we do things for ourselves and not for God we cause others to stumble and maybe never come to the grace of God through the gift of redemption from Jesus Christ. If we have come to know Jesus and accept Him sometimes we sin but it causes us pain to know we are causing pain to Jesus who died on the Cross for our sin. We repent and turn away from our sinful nature and take up our Cross and follow Jesus who sits at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven. He will judge on day and this world will be changed. Those who choose to be with Him will live forever and rule with Him on the New Earth. Rejecting our sinful natures is well worth the price. I hope to see each and everyone of you in Heaven and on the New Earth one day. God’s peace be with you all.

Abba Father into Your hands I commend all who read these words, read Your words and take them to heart. I pray they will all give themselves to You through Your Son Jesus Christ. I pray they all become my Brothers and Sisters and work in Your fields to bring in the harvest before the time here ends. I thank You Abba for letting them read Your word before the time here has ended.

Jesus please keep us strong following You and carrying our Crosses joyfully even in sorrow. Thank You for being with us even in the sorrow and giving us Your peace and filling us with Your love for others. Let us not speak as one condemning but with Love and understanding. Let us be a help to others and never a hindrance as we help others flee lusts that pull them down to Hell. Let our words lift up to You and our countenance be full of Your glory.

Holy Spirit fill us with Your wisdom, knowledge and understanding so when we read the Word of God we will eat and digest it in our hearts and souls and it will be one with us. In Jesus Name. Amen

Rebishka