Dear Friends,
I just wanted to touch bases with you about my challenges and the reasons for not keeping us with the blog more fluidly.
With my husbands illness progressing and my time being his, it has not always given me the time to attend to this blog as I should have and I want you to know it is not because I feel less inclined to share what the Lord is teaching me through His word and my life.
I am learning many things through this journey with my husband and the Lord. Patience and controlling my mouth being two of the foremost. You see the illness causes toxins to be in his brain and he doesn't always function well and I have had to learn and am still learning when it is him and when it isn't when he behaves in a certain manner. And to let God attend to my mouth no matter what the reasons. I know God wants me to rely on Him more and not on my own strength.
I believe God allows circumstances in our lives and special people as well to help us grow in the areas where we need growth to be all we can be to bring Him glory and praise. He always gives us the strength if we will only take it and use it for His glory.
I have had many challenges in my life. Polio at 3, raped and molestations, loss of family members (Grandparents, parents and step-parents, friends and other relations as well as two children and a Grandson), divorce, children who were into the worldly life styles and beliefs and believing the lies of the world. My life went down many roads I wish I had not gone on yet I have used them to grow and I use the challenges of my present life to grow as well and to bring glory and praise to God the Father who gives me everything. The best I have received is life eternal.
Abba Father thank You for so many challenges and for always being there with me as I go through them. I am heartily sorry when I fall down and do not come through those challenges bringing you glory. May I always rely on You Abba and not myself for the strength and direction I need. Show me how You want me to live my life for You and let me be a help to others by how I live my life for You. Amen
Thank you all for taking this journey with me.
Rebishka

Death in Christ means eternal life with Christ; John 11:25-26,Luke 20:36, Romans 6:5, 1 Corinthians 15:26, 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, Philippians 1:21, Revelation 2:4 & 6 & 11, Psalm 73:24, Psalm 116:8-9 & 15, Romans 8:38-39,  Philippians 3:20-21, 2 Corinthians 5:8; There is hope after death.

You don't have to look far to find bad things about death. A mere drive by a cemetery may remind you that there is a 100 percent mortality rate just because you're human. A quick scan through a historical almanac shows you that even the greatest, richest and most beautiful will breathe a final breath. Mention of the Twin Towers or a roadside bomb in Iraq can fill you with sobering thoughts of the fearsome side of death. Somehow, death goes against the very fiber of your being.

So, is there anything good about death? How does God want us to view this inevitable attack?

Receive

To look intelligently at death's good side requires you to believe what the Bible says about death, and that you know the Savior who died to free you from its grasp. Death, for an unbeliever, may free him or her from the pain of the moment--but it leads only to an eternity of further suffering, loss and remorse.
Jesus never skirted the subject of death or its consequences, and He made some personal promises that are backed up by His deity.
In John 11:25-26 (ESV) you can read: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"

Reflect

Wouldn't you like to know some of the "good side of death"? Here are some Bible references. Find each of them and look for the corresponding promise below in the bulleted statements. (They are not in the same order.)
Luke 20:36
Romans 6:5
1 Corinthians 15:26
1 Corinthians 15:54-55
Philippians 1:21
Revelation 2:11
Revelation 21:4
Revelation 20:6
Psalm 73:24
Psalm 116:8-9
Psalm 116:15
Romans 8:38-39
Philippians 3:20-21
2 Corinthians 5:8

When you, as a Christian, die:

• You cannot die again and will be resurrected.
• Your death will bring gain.
• You will not be hurt by the second death.
• You will be imperishable, immortal and victorious.
• You will be united with Jesus in a resurrection like His.
• Your tears will be wiped away and there will be no mourning or crying or pain anymore.
• You will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
• Your death will be precious in God's sight.
• You will be at home with the Lord.
• You will have seen the last enemy, death, destroyed.
• You will share in the first resurrection.
• Nothing whatever can separate you from the love of God including death.
• Your body will be transformed into a body like His glorious body.
• God will receive you to glory.

Respond

Prepare for your next Bible Minute lesson by reading all of John 11. Write down the things you learn about death from that chapter. If you're a believer, thank the Lord for the sure promises He has given you. If you have not yet trusted Christ and wonder how to know Him, go to the "Meet Jesus" page, and ask the Lord to show you how to be a partaker in the good side of death.

Back To The Bible Ministries

My Comments: When ones considers the alternative how can there be another choice? Yet many make that choice daily. They make the choice to die and not have ever lasting joyous life.
When we choose life in Christ and to have him in us we choose to live forever. That is a beautiful thing. I shudder to think of those poor souls who have chosen not to accept Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and have chosen not to follow Him and thereby they have chosen not to accept eternal life with Him.
Sometimes we delude ourselves into thinking as long as we go to church or follow a way of living that harms no one than we will receive the gift of eternal life. Or we tell ourselves as long as we live a good life or .... Well none of those things will give us eternal life. Christ said, "Unless you are born again..." That means accepting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Trusting in Him, receiving His righteousness, going to the Father through the Son of God. When we receive we are born again.
So simple yet many do not take what the Savior offers so freely. Friend do you want to live in heaven with the Father forever? If so confess your sins to the Father and accept the gift Jesus gave for all so none need never taste of death.
Abba I pray all who read this will give their lives to you by accepting the Sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ so they may live eternally with You. Thank You Father for Your loving kindness in giving us this recourse when we are such sinners and a stench in Your nostrils. Yet when we accept Your Son Jesus as our Savior we become as a beautiful fragrance. Give us knowledge and understanding of Your Word and help us to grow in all You have for us to do. Let all we do bring You praise and glory. Amen
Rebishka

At Baptixm we share our walk with Jesus to the world; John 1:6-14, 26, 29, 33/34:9/10, John 14:1-6, Romans 10:9/10, Acts 2:37-40, Philippians 2:5-11, John 13:35;

What is 750,000 miles long, reaches around the earth 30 times and grows 20 miles longer each day? Answer: The line of people who are without Christ. The Bible tells us that since so many don't know Jesus, it's our job to make Him known.

Receive

John answered them saying, "I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know" (John 1:26, NASB).
John was not saying that folks did not know Jesus as a person. He was the carpenter from Galilee, his mother, four brothers and his sisters lived in Nazareth and the people there did know Him. John was saying that people did not recognize who Jesus was. And so John made sure to tell them.
The next day he [John] saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!....this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit. I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God" (John 1:29, 33-34, NASB).
Write out a brief bio of Jesus from John's description. Then write down who Jesus is in your life.

Reflect

Do you know anyone who may not know who Jesus really is? Could you, like John, make Jesus known to them? Write down a list of those people and begin to pray for the opportunity to share with them.
Go to your Bible and find Scriptures that provide a picture of Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior of the world and the only way a person can come to God. You might check these out: John 1:6-14; John 14:1-6; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:37-40; Philippians 2:5-11.
We need to make Jesus known not only by what we say, but also by what we do.
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35, NASB).
What are you doing to show love toward others?

Respond

Take time now to pray asking God to give you a deep and abiding desire to make Jesus known and to care about sharing with people who need the Lord.
Make a list of those who have helped you know Jesus and send them an e-mail or card thanking them for how God used them in your life.
Back to the Bible Ministries

My Comments: Sharing Jesus can be the most rewarding experience of your life. At first it can be nerve wracking yet after awhile you find you want to do it more and more. When we read the Word and share the Word we feel the Word more closely. Christ is the Word made flesh. Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving and giving. Joy comes in being close to Him and when we share Him we are very close to Him.
Jesus is complete joy and love, He is understanding and truth, in Him is all hope and all faith is strengthened in Him. We are complete because of Him. We are one with Him and because He is one with the Father so are we. One cannot comprehend all that that means in one life time. How can we be His and not talk about Him to others? We cannot. If we say we love Him how can we not share Him with others. We cannot!
We show our love and thankfulness to Him by sharing Him and proclaiming His Gospel to the world (no matter how big or how small our share of the world is) by what we say, and do and yes even by what we think or allow to become thought in our minds.
If you are His disciples love one another. That means forgiving and forgetting and moving on. It means not trying to get people to know you did the right thing or that you helped someone or that you read your Bible today because you want others to see how spiritual you are. It is all about Christ Jesus and the message of salvation He brought to share with he world. We love one another and share His Gospel with he world because we love as He loves us.
Abba Father grant that we may not seek to be noticed as to shine the light on You. That we will Love as You loved us and take Your refreshing waters to the world and share the truth of Your Gospel wherever You send us. May we be salt to refresh a weary world and a light to show the path to You. Thank You Father for Your sacrifice of sending Your Son to die in our place. Thank You Father for Your love of us. We praise You Father through our words, actions and thoughts and may we always bring You the glory. Amen
Rebishka

Share the Gospel and save another; 1 Corinthians 9:12, The Gospel is to be shared at all costs

1 Corinthians 9:12
"If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ."
NKJV

Paul had given up everything for the sake of the Gospel. He had been imprisoned, beaten, shipwrecked and snake-bit, but he still remained steadfast in declaring Christ crucified. Even in his letter to the church of Corinth, we see a man who is willing to continue the race even if all support falls out from underneath him. How could he do this? Simple. He knew the God He served.

When we step out in obedience to God, we don't always know what may happen next. He may lead us to share the Gospel with someone even though we don't know how they will respond. Sometimes, we may give to our church while not knowing how it will affect our budget for the week. Whatever the situation, there is one unchanging element - God. He is still the same God who provided for Paul despite the lack of those who gave. He's still the same God who protected Paul while adrift at sea. He is the same God who gave His own Son to die for our sins in the ultimate act of love. My friend, because He is God, we can step out in faith and experience a life like no other. Because He is God we have the freedom to serve Him with all our hearts.

Life Lesson: When we give our lives to God, only then do we discover maximum freedom.

Dear Father,
Thank You for all that You have done for me. Thank You for Jesus and the gift of salvation. Lord, because of that gift, I am now free to serve You with all my heart and soul. Remove the fear and doubt in my mind. Help me to give all of my life to You and use me for the work of Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

My Comments: Years ago I chose to follow Jesus and accept His Sacrifice on the Cross. I was reborn by the Grace of God a new person in Christ Jesus. Not from anything I did. It was by everything He did for me for all of us for all time. Since that time I am His and it is my will to do His will. At first it was hard reaching out to people I did not know to speak about the Lord God and all He was doing and had done for me.

I remember we had been living in Tacoma when I was saved just before 911 and then we lost every material thing we had and moved to the ocean where we still had a shack (literally falling down and rotten with black mold and shortly afterwards the roof blew off). We were given a scholarship to the “Y” and every morning I would go and exercise with the seniors. But before they came I used the hot tub to loosen up. The Lord impressed on me to Evangelize there so my time in the hot tub became my “Hot Tub Ministry”. And when people came in to the water I started talking to them and eventually talked about my best friend, Jesus. As time went on I found it easier and easier to talk about my Lord and the things He was doing in my life and my family.

Now I talk about Him wherever He prompts me and sometimes it still does not come easy yet He gives me the words as He did for Moses and I trust He will work it out for the best for those who hear even if I botch the whole thing. It is never because of what I say or do. It is because I am faithful to do and He takes care of the rest. God is always faithful and true and I trust Him and have faith He will do a good work always. Friends I encourage you to take that leap of faith and trust Him to guide you and give you the words to say whether you are in the line at the grocery store or sitting on the bus with a stranger. Wherever you are trust He has placed you there for His glory. Someone needs to see Christ in you, hear Christ from your mouth or even be comforted by Christ through you. That person could be family, friend or a stranger.

There will come a time when it will be forbidden to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in fact is against the law and punishable by death in many countries. Yet for now we still have it easy to share the Words and love of Christ and God’s message to the world. Ask God to guide you, ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit so you may share the Gospel wherever He has planted you.

Abba we pray You will guide us and place Your Word on our lips, have our lives to show Your Son Jesus the Christ in all we say and do, open our mouths with Your living truths, cloth us with Your armor and keep us ever strong and steeped in Your Word. We praise You and thank You for choosing us and always being there for us. Cover us with Your mantle, Oh Lord and grant that we will always be true to You. Amen

Rebishka                                        

Read the word of God and pray (two posting); 3:12, Hebrews 11:6, 1John 5:14/15;

Whether you like shopping or not, most of us would agree that the best way to approach a shopping experience is to make a list. Write out all the things you need and mark them off one by one as you put them in your cart. While this approach works for shopping, it doesn't work for prayer--although many of us try it anyway. Prayer is not about coming to God with a shopping list; it's about communicating and having a relationship with Him. Once we start to view prayer as a relationship, the way that we approach prayer will completely change.

Receive

"Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence" (Ephesians 3:12, NLT).

"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him" (Hebrews 11:6, NLT).

"And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for" (1 John 5:14-15, NLT).

• What sort of attitude are we to have when we come into God's presence?
• Why is it so important that we have faith when we pray?
• How can we be confident that God will give us what we ask for?

Reflect

These verses tell us that prayer is about confidence and faith. We have to pray expecting God to answer our prayers (although it might not necessarily be the way we want them answered or as quickly as we would like). If we don't believe in the power of God to answer our prayers, we lose our confidence that He will answer them. Ask yourself:
Is there any doubt in my prayer life right now?

• Are there things that I was praying for but I've given up on?

Do I come to God every day in prayer or just when I need something from Him?

Respond

In any relationship, it takes two people to make it work. Our relationship with God is exactly the same way. God does His part in our relationship, but we must do our part. Spend some time today thinking about your relationship with God and ask yourself these questions:

Is my relationship with God one that is pleasing to Him?
Am I genuinely approaching prayer with faith and confidence in Him?

You'll find that once you're able to view prayer as a relationship with God and approach your prayer with confidence and faith, praying will be much more satisfying.

Back to the Bible Ministries


The Bible is the Word of God. Romans 3:1/2, John 8:31/32;

Romans 3:1-2

"What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God."
NKJV

A.W. Tozer once said, "If God gave you a watch, would you honor Him more by asking Him what time it is or by simply consulting the watch." God has provided us with the instruction book He authored and it is our responsibility to read it and heed it. Friend, there are places in this world where simply possessing a Bible brings a death sentence. Many Christians have been martyred and continue to be in astounding numbers across the globe for the very thing which many of us take for granted.

God has blessed you with a Bible and with the freedom to read it. What, my friend, do you do with it? Is it simply a 'coffee table' book, a drink coaster or a paperweight? Does it sit unused on a bookshelf? The Bible, which God has given you, will keep you and your family from boatloads of trouble, but only if you read, study and apply it. It is the very Word of God.

John 8:31-32 "Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." NKJV

Friend, I want to encourage you to study your Bible. Make certain that you and your family faithfully attend a Bible teaching church. Get into the habit of praying and reading your Bible daily. Lead your family in prayer and devotions. Be diligent to do these things, and you will be amazed by the changes, miracles and blessings that are poured out on you and your family.

Life Lesson: There is a blessing and a responsibility in having a Bible.

Dear Father,
Thank You for giving me Your Bible. Please forgive me if I have been slack in reading and studying it. I ask You to give me a hunger for Your Word. Open my heart to receive Your counsel and do the things You tell me. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

Cross the Bridge Ministries

My comments: I cannot remember a time in my thinking life where I did not pray to God. I talk to Him always. Prayer is not always asking Him for something or even thanking Him it is a relationship with our best friend, our Savior, our Creator, He is our everything. He loves us more than any one in the whole world could, has or ever will love us. His is a pure sweet love. He loves more than anything being in a loving relationship with us. Reading His Word shows us what He is like and what He likes and doesn’t and what He expects from us. He has written Himself into every Word and the Word was made Man.

Pastors and theologians get to sit and study the Bible continually and many of us can only get into it when there is a quiet time. When I had many children at home, and an In-Home Day Care, I did not have much time during the day to sit and read the Word of God yet I could be in constant communication with Him. I could never make it through my life without His constant companionship. Now I am able to read His Word more and reflect on what is written and what He is telling me as it applies to history, science, socially, psychologically, and personally. There is so much contained in His Words. It is truly amazing! I still keep up my dialogue with Him, yet not about children, house work and frustrations (okay those are still part of the conversations I still have with Him, lol), yet in an ever expanding way.

When I am in the car I listen to radio stations that have solid Bible teachings and music that keep me focused on the Lord and edify my soul. They are a part of my prayer life. I have the New Testament on tapes and great Christian music, and I am able to listen to them while I go about the house doing my chores or while I am painting. It saddens me when I think of people not knowing Him, not having a relationship with Him and not knowing the Word of God nor that He sacrificed Himself for us. Friends I pray you know Him and have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior and that you have life everlasting and are building your relationship with Him. He is the best friend, brother, Father you will ever have and He never disappoints if you align yourself and your thoughts with His. Read His Word and get in relationship with him and He will open your world more than you ever dreamed possible.

Abba we thank You for all You have provided to us so we can know You better and be in relationship with You. Help us to increase our knowledge of Your word, give us understanding as we read Your Word and fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we may share Your Word, knowledge and understanding with others. We praise You Father for sending Your Word and for loving us so much You placed Your Word in the hearts and minds of those who wrote Your Words in what we now lovingly call The Holy Bible. Help us to know You more and to grow our roots deep within Your living Words and may our branches bear much, much fruit for Your Glory. Amen

Rebishka

Jesus the Son of Man and the Son of God guide us through Your Word; Ephesians 2:8-10, Matthew 25:31-46.

This posting is very long yet I felt all four of these belonged together. They are worth the study. Enjoy.

Entry #1:   
 Ephesians 2:8–10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them

As I write this, it is early afternoon the last day of the month. In my car is a postcard from the State Department of Motor Vehicles telling me I need to renew the license on my car. As of now, I have three hours to get it done. Just this morning I told my boss I would have to leave a couple hours early today to get to the DMV on time.

I've had plenty of time to license my car. With a little bit of planning, I might have been able to work ahead a bit and take a whole day off instead of just an hour or two. (I won't mention that the deadline for this Bible study is today!)

As much as my procrastination annoys and frustrates me (and others!), I'm thankful that God lets it bug me because there's a very important inflexible deadline coming up that I want to be ready for.

Receive

Matthew 25 describes this future "deadline": "'When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats'" (Matthew 25:31-32, ESV).

In verses 35-36, Jesus tells us the criteria He uses in separating the sheep from the goats. The sheep:

    gave Him food when He was hungry
    gave Him drink when He was thirsty
    welcomed Him when He was a stranger
    clothed Him when He had no clothes
    visited Him when He was sick
    came to Him when He was in prison.

The goats did none of these things (vv. 42-43). But here's the important part: Both groups were surprised at God's judgment!

    What does the surprise of the sheep reveal about their hearts?
    What does the surprise of the goats reveal about their hearts?

That Day of Judgment hasn't come yet, but it will. When it does, it will be too late to ask for any second chances. There will be no bargaining with God and no extensions given.

    In light of this, why do you think God has chosen not to tell us when He will return?

Reflect

Do you live each day as if it were your last? When many people ask that question, they're wondering if you're embracing every opportunity each day provides. For the Christian, that question carries an extra dimension. Are you embracing the opportunities to serve that God brings your way? What if God were to return today? What would He find you doing?
Respond

As you read about the sheep and the goats, be careful not to get the impression that salvation is based on works alone--it's not. Salvation is by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ--our works have nothing to do with it. See Ephesians 2:8-9 for Paul's emphatic statement about this. But while you're there, read the next verse too: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10, ESV).

If you've accepted Christ into your life, congratulations, you've made the most important decision you'll ever make--you will be one of the sheep on the final day. But don't let it stop there. Seek out new ways each day to express your love and commitment to God.

Entry #2: Revelation 1:17/18, Psalm 90:2, Hebrews 13:8, John 1:3, Colossians 1:16, Romans 5:6-8, Peter 3:18, 1John 3:8, John 14:1-3, Hebrews 4:14-16, Romans 8:34, 1 Corinthians 15:51/52, Revelations 21:3/4, Matthew 1:23, John 17:24, Ephesians 2:5-7, John 14:23;  Forever with You

A German proverb says, "Long is not forever." Diamonds may last long, but they are not forever. Political speeches can be unbearably long, but they only seem like they are forever.

Only God can promise something will last forever--because He is forever. Only God can speak of what was before creation because He alone was there even before the angels. Only God can give us life that is everlasting, because no other possesses eternal life to share.

And that is why the words of Christ in Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV) are so comforting to believers: "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades."

Receive

One of God's attributes or characteristics is "eternality." In the same way that He is holy and everywhere present and all-powerful, He is also eternal. Moses says it beautifully in Psalm 90:2 (ESV)

"Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God."
You'll find that the writer of Hebrews says the same about Christ, the Son of God, in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Christ was there "yesterday" in eternity for you before you were ever born. Look at some Bible passages that speak of things Christ has done for you in the past. Write down what you discover.

    John 1:3 & Colossians 1:16. What do you find in these two verses that Christ was doing in eternity past?
    Romans 5:6-8. In the past, what did Christ do for you? What does that show about God's attitude toward you?
    1 Peter 3:18. What did Christ's one-time suffering for sins accomplish for you personally?
    1 John 3:8. In this verse, what additional reason is given for Christ's appearing?

Christ is here for you today. Consider some things He is doing for you in the present.

    John 14:1-3. What does Jesus say He is preparing for believers right now? Why is He doing it?
    Hebrews 4:14-16. What present work of Jesus is spoken of in this passage? What does that mean for you now? Compare Romans 8:34 to see one of His ministries for you.

Christ will be there for you forever. What do you discover in the following scriptures that He will be doing for you in the future?

    1 Corinthians 15:51-52. What promise should Christ's followers be looking for in the future?
    Revelation 21:3-4. In the eternal future, what relationship will you as a believer have with God?

Reflect

God's eternal plan includes His gracious intent to be present forever with His redeemed creation. Christ will always be with you from the moment you trust Him as your Savior and on throughout eternity. Here are a few references confirming His desire to fellowship with you today and forever. Look them up and jot down your response to the questions.
    In Matthew 1:23, what does the name "Immanuel" foretell about Jesus' future relationship to His people?
    In Jesus' prayer (John 17:24) what does He ask the Father to grant for you?
    Count the number of times the word "with" appears in Ephesians 2:5-7. What things does it say God has done for us "with" Christ?

Respond

Much has been said about "practicing the presence of Christ." Sure, if you are a Christian, you should know that you'll dwell with Him and He will be your God in the future, but are you consciously living in His presence today? He is there, whether you are recognizing Him or not, but today try to think deliberately about how He is with you in everything you do. Then live in a way that shows you know He is standing there beside you and wants to be with you.

Jesus told Judas (not Iscariot) in John 14:23 (ESV), "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."

My comments:
Abba please open hearts to Your eternal word and the Salvation offered by You through Your Son the Messiah, Jesus. Remove the scales from the eyes of he who needs to see and understand Your Word.
Fill them with Your understanding through the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You Father for Your gifts. In Jesus we pray, Amen
Rebishka

Entry #3: Revelation 19:11-16,  Revelation 6:15-17, John 3:16-18; Jesus is King of Kings

Are you familiar with these names/titles of Jesus? The Christ, the Messiah, the baby in the manger, Immanuel, the man of Galilee, the Lamb of God, Rabbi, Teacher, Savior, Lord. (Many other names/titles are recorded in Scripture.) These names help us better understand who Jesus is. But there is one description that is beyond our comprehension: King of kings and Lord of lords. Let's see how Scripture applies this title to Jesus.

Receive

"Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a wine-press. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords" (Revelation 19:11-16, NLT).

    In the preceding verses, who is riding the white horse?
    What were His eyes like?
    What was on His head?
    How was He dressed?
    What was coming from His mouth?
    What title was written on His robe?

Reflect
There is only one word that comes to my mind after reading those verses: awesome--well, maybe two words: absolutely awesome.
    What words does this passage trigger in your mind?
    Have you ever used those words in connection with Jesus?
    Could those words apply to anyone else living or dead?

"Then everyone--the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person--all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?'" (Revelation 6:15-17, NLT).

    Who is speaking in these verses?
    Who will be able to stand in that great day of wrath? (Hint: Read "My Part").
    What words does this passage bring to your mind?

Respond

Facing God and eternity without Jesus as Savior will be unbelievably terrifying. But Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords wants you to know that God loves you and has--at great cost--provided a way for you to be rescued from the terror of eternal judgment.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

"There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son" (John 3:16-18, NLT).

The consequences are already fixed in eternity, but the choice is yours. Choose Jesus today.

Entry #4: Revelation 19:13, John 1:1-18, Genesis 1:3; Jesus the Word

Jesus has many names: Messiah, the Christ, Savior, Shepherd, Lamb, King, etc. You can find them scattered throughout the pages of the Bible. Some names tell us about His authority or what He does for His people. Others give us a glimpse of His character as faithful, holy or righteous. One name carries a unique distinction: it reflects something about Jesus and about God the Father. It's "the Word of God."
Receive

Usually, we talk about the Bible as the Word of God. Everything that God has to say to us is recorded in this collection of writings we call the Bible. It reveals His plan from eternity past to eternity future. But Jesus is also the Word of God. Revelation 19:13 describes a future vision of Jesus, "He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God" (ESV). He does in person what the Bible does in writing--reveal the truth of God to us. He is the Word--the whole communication--of God to man.

The Word is also used as a name or identifier for Jesus in John 1:1. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." As the Word, Jesus existed before time, before the beginning, with God and as God. This shows us that Jesus is not just connected to God, He is fully God. As the Word, we also learn that Jesus "was in the beginning with God" (John 1:2) and "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). The Word is how the creation of the world happened. Remember Genesis 1 records the act of creation? "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" (Genesis 1:3, ESV).God said--He spoke the word--and it happened. No guesswork; God--Father and Son--spoke and the world was created. Genesis 1 includes at least eight "God said" statements that brought our world into being and established man in God's image. It all happened by the Word.
The Word is a powerful concept throughout Scripture, directly referring to Jesus and indirectly to the communication from God to man. God wants to speak to us; to communicate His great love, mercy, holiness and purpose. And Jesus came to earth to put a human form to that communication. He spoke to us as God for God.

Reflect
In the Old Testament, you find many references to "the word of the Lord" or "God spoke to" followed by a message of instruction, judgment, guidance or prophecy. Use a concordance or an online "keyword search" such as the one at biblegateway.com to find some of these examples.
    What were some of the messages God gave?
    What does this tell you about God's desire to communicate with people?

What does it mean to know that Jesus is the Word? Read John 1:1-18 again and look for Jesus as the Word (and the light), keeping in mind that verses 6-8 refer to John the Baptist.

    What does the Word do for those who believe?
    What does He reveal about God the Father?
    What do we receive from Him?
    What does it mean for you personally to know Jesus as the Word?

Respond

Jesus communicates with us still--through the written word of Scripture and through the Spirit. It's good to see Scripture as the Word of God, revealing the mind of God, the heart of Christ and the power of the Spirit to us in a way we can understand and go back to again and again. In Revelation, John the apostle is told over and over to "write down" what he sees and hears so that others will know and anticipate what is to come. The whole Bible is put into your hands so that you can know the Word of God.

Picking up a study like this one is a great step; what else are you doing to get to know the Word of God? What do you do to listen to or read the message revealed by Jesus? What benefits have you seen in your life from connecting to the Word? How do you share it now with others?

My Comments: the Bible is full of the Word of God and full of the word of Jesus. He (Jesus) is contained everywhere in the Old and New Testament and one only need have eyes to see and ears to hear. God the Father of us all loved us so much He wanted to make it easy for those who sought after Him to find Him so He gave us His Word then He sent the Word and we know Jesus the God made man who came to save us. All we have to do is confess we are sinners and accept the gift of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
Abba we look to You to guide us out of darkness into the light of Salvation. Remove all barriers and open our hearts to the truth contained in Your Words and in the Word made flesh. Thank You Father for always being here for us even when we do not have eyes to see nor ears to hear. Bring Your Word alive in our hearts and give us Your peace as we rest in You. Amen
Rebishka

We are saved through Christ Jesus; Romans 2:28/29, Joel 2:13, Ephesians 2:8-10, Matthew 25:31-46.

Romans 2:28-29
"For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God."
NKJV

Who or what are you trusting in? Do you trust in rituals or Jesus? Do you place your trust in baptism, catechism, confirmation or church membership? If your trust is in these things, then my friend, it is misplaced. Do you think you are a Christian because you go to church or because your parents were Christians? None of these things mean you are a Christian. The Apostle Paul says we should examine ourselves to make certain we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Faith leads to works, not the other way around. If you are counting on works, you need to re-evaluate. God is concerned with the inward man, not with outward pomp or show.

Joel 2:13 "So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm." NKJV

God is interested in the heart, the inward you. He is not interested in our outward traditions or rituals. So test yourself, what works are in your life? "Wait a second, Pastor David. I thought it wasn't about works." Friend, if you have repented and accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the 'outward works' should change according to the 'inward working' of the Spirit of God in you. Let your heart be softened, and let your actions be changed; not placing your confidence in your own works, but in the work that God is doing in you.

Life Lesson: Let your heart and your actions be changed.

Dear Father,
Help me to place my trust in You. Change my heart so that my actions reflect the work You are doing in me. Thank You for working in me so that I may be a blessing to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

My Comments: So often I find myself saying to those who consider themselves Christians, “Does your life reflect what you profess with your mouth?” I am sure you have heard people express, “I don’t know if I am saved,” or “I don’t know if I am good enough to go to heaven.” We can all be assured if we were sincere when we asked the Lord for forgiveness of our sin and to be His. Then we can check ourselves out by how we live our lives. Are we turning from sin? Are we reading the word and hungering to understand what God has for us to do? Are we doing good works not to be saved but because we are saved? Are we in the body and giving of ourselves and our time and even if possible our money for the growth of and health of the body?

None of these things will save us yet they show where our hearts are. Only Christ Jesus saves not works or living a spotless life.  I cannot imagine a day where I do not wake up desiring to be in relationship with the Lord and to be doing His will in my life. The more we are working with Him and for Him the more we desire to be doing. It grows. Likewise the more we study His word for knowledge and understanding and wisdom the more we desire to be in the word. The Lord and companionship with Him becomes so fulfilling we desire more and more of Him.

We have all had at least one friend who we loved to visit with who understood us who was there for us (hopefully). Well the Lord is an even stronger friend (and if you’ve never had at least one He is everything you imagined in a friend). Yet many do not know Him well because they stay mired in themselves and their world as they want it rather than seeking Him out to build relationship with.

When you meet a person who you want to know better you make effort by calling them up or going to their home or out to coffee with them. Right? You build a relationship. Yet many think all they have to do it say words and they are saved. They do not know they have to open themselves to a relationship with the Creator of the Universe, their Creator and they have to seek Him out and seek to do all He enjoys to build a closer relationship.

It is not hard. In fact it is very easy you just have to start and the easiest way is to study His Words (study Him after all this is what we do with a new friend) and get to know Him.

Everywhere I go I want Him with me and I do not want to go where He does not want me to go. For me that is very simple. I pray it will be for you as well my friend.

Abba grant that we will seek You and Your will and have a hunger and thirst for Your Word and relationship with You. We praise You and thank You for wanting to be our friend and our Savior. Even though it is incomprehensible to us that You our Creator, would choose to come to earth as a human, suffer and die for us when we have been such sinners, we thank You for Your sacrifice, for Your love and for the relationship You offer to us. May we gladly accept all You have to offer us with humility and joy. Protect us from the evil one and grow our roots deep into Your Word. Fill us with Your joy no matter what is happening in our lives. Enlighten us that we may grow in good works and Your love for all people. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we may have Your knowledge and understanding and wisdom, In Jesus name. Amen

Rebishka