And You Will Perish, Too, Unless You Repent Of Your Sins And Turn To God.

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Zechariah 7; Zechariah 8; Zechariah 9; Luke 13

And You Will Perish,

Too,

Unless You Repent Of Your Sins And Turn To God.

Scripture

Luke 13

³ … And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.

Observation

Maybe you think that you are too bad to get into Heaven or maybe you think you are good enough to get into Heaven neither one of those thoughts are correct! 

Good people don’t go to Heaven and bad people don’t go to Heaven - only forgiven people go to Heaven. Jesus says, “and you will perish too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.
Most people that I talk to these days about their spiritual condition believe that they are good enough to slip into Heaven. Maybe you are one of those folks! 

If you were at Heaven’s gate and God asked you, “why should I let you into my Heaven?” What would you say”? 

Jesus gives us the answer to that question in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

The Bible says that salvation/Heaven is a free gift. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life. I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1 John 5:12-13 

Those who have repented and surrendered his/her life to Jesus have eternal life?

Application

I will share this Good News to everyone I can. How about you? 

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, the people around me are just like me except that many of them don’t know Jesus. We are all sinners. Thank You that someone shared with me that Jesus died in my place so that I could have a relationship with You. Thank You for saving me and giving me Eternal Life. 

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Can All Your Worries Add A Single Moment To Your Life?

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Zechariah 4; Zechariah 5; Zechariah 6; Luke 12

Can All Your Worries

Add

A Single Moment To Your Life?

Scripture

Luke 12

²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Observation

Here is more of that passage from Luke 12:

…Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. ²⁴ Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! ²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? ²⁶ And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

²⁷ “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. ²⁸ And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

²⁹ “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. ³⁰ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. ³¹ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

³² “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

……………………

What is worrying you? Stop worrying about it and focus on God’s Kingdom, then God will give you everything you need! Think about that all day today!

   Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

    Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.

1 Peter 5:7

   

 Application

I will focus on the Kingdom of God today and I will pray and not worry! How about you?  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to focus on Your Kingdom’s business today. Don’t let worry creep into my life. Give me the faith that I need in You so I don’t worry. I know that You care about me. I am Your delight. I am the apple of Your eye. So why should I worry! 

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“…But Even More Blessed Are All Who Hear The Word Of God And Put It Into Practice”

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Zechariah 1; Zechariah 2; Zechariah 3; Luke 11

“…But Even More Blessed

Are All Who Hear

The Word Of God And Put It Into Practice”

Scripture

Luke 11

²⁸ Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

Observation

I read recently in a Baptist Newspaper article that in evangelical churches today in the United States that 81% of the people of those that attend do not read their Bibles everyday. Are you part of that 81% that neglect God’s Word and if your answer to that question is “yes”, are you happy about that? Would you like to be one of the 19% that read his/her Bible everyday? 

Why not make a commitment to read God’s Word everyday starting today!

It is impossible to receive all of the Blessings that God wants to give you if you are not in His Word everyday! Why would I say that? Well it is impossible to put into practice the Word of God if you aren’t in it and if you aren’t hearing from God on a daily basis from His word. There is no way He can’t bless you the way He wants to. I didn’t say that … God did!

I am so proud of my wife because she spends a lot of time in God’s Word everyday!
Can your spouse say the same thing about you? I hope so! 

 Application

I will put into practice what I hear from God’s Word today! How about you?  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me pay attention to what I read in Your Word and help me put what I read into practice. Help me be a doer of Your Word and not a hearer only! Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the promises! Thank You for blessing my family and me so much!

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If Any Of You Wants To Be My Follower, You Must Turn From Your Selfish Ways, Take Up Your Cross Daily, And Follow Me.”

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Ezra 4; Psalm 113; Psalm 127; Luke 9

If Any Of You Wants To Be My Follower,

You Must Turn From Your Selfish Ways,

Take Up Your Cross Daily, And Follow Me.”

Scripture

Luke 9

23…“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

Observation

Jesus is talking to us this morning! He says to us, “If any of you want to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

Okay, I need your help this morning understanding this verse, I understand turning from my selfish ways, but I don’t get the “take up my cross daily” part of what Jesus is saying. Do you?

If you do I would love to hear what you think it means.

 Application

I am going to check out what people think it means to “take up your cross daily” so I can be sure to do that!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we don’t use crosses today like they did when Jesus walked this earth. Give me a good understanding of what Jesus was telling His disciples. Help me turn from my selfish ways today and help me follow you. Give me understanding to parts of Your Word that aren’t clear or easy for me to understand. I don’t want to just read them and miss what You are trying to say to me. 

Thank You for godly teachers that understand Your word better than I do and that love to dig into Your truths to find the answers. I will ask them today to explain this phrase to me!

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Where Is Your Faith?

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Ezra 2; Ezra 3; Luke 8

Where 

Is 

Your Faith?

Scripture

Luke 8

²² One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. ²³ As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.

²⁴ The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. ²⁵ Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”

The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

Observation

The disciples were doing exactly what Jesus had told them to do and yet suddenly they were fighting a storm that they thought was going to sink them. They woke Jesus up from obviously a deep sleep and informed Him that they were going to drown!

Hmm! Lets review this situation for a moment … they were in a boat with the Creator of the Universe and yet they were scared that a storm was going to sink the boat and they were all going to drown?

Do you see anything wrong with this picture?

Well before you are too hard on Jesus’ disciples let me remind you that you and I do exactly the same thing in our lives today! At the moment we surrender our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ the Bible tells us that He comes into our lives to live forever! God Himself comes to dwell within us. 

He is not only in the boat … way better than that He actually lives inside of us! The disciples only had God in the boat with them we actually have God inside of us and yet when storms come we act like God is going to let the storms destroy us!

Where is our faith?

Application

I will trust my God to walk with me through the storms of life. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to live like I know that You dwell within my life. Help me to walk by faith. Remind me of Your presence as I go through the storms of life! 

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A Single Day In Your Courts Is Better Than A Thousand Anywhere Else!

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Ezra 1; Psalm 84; Psalm 85; Luke 7

A Single Day In Your Courts

Is

Better Than A Thousand Anywhere Else!

Scripture

Psalm 84

¹⁰ A single day in your courts
    is better than a thousand anywhere else!
 
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
    than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
 
¹¹ For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
    He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
    from those who do what is right.
 
¹² O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
    what joy for those who trust in you.

Observation

Being in church, being at church with everyone else is better than being at a Buc’s game, better than being at Disney, and better even than fishing! A day at church is better than a thousand anywhere else! If feel like that … how about you? 

Have you missed church this year to do something else? If the answer to that question is “yes” then you probably don’t feel about church the way the Psalmist did or the way I do! 

I am not saying that you have to be in church every Sunday but if you and I were to miss then I think it should be for some emergency (like a heart attack) or a death in your family. If it is just to go do something pleasurable then I question whether you love church the way the Psalmist does or the way I do. 

You should get the biggest “high” by participating in worship on Sunday! 

Yesterday was hard work at church. We had an event called “Water Park Sunday” for our kids and those that volunteered worked hard to make the event successful. Combine all that hard work with a terrific worship service and you have a super wonderful Sunday! I wouldn’t have traded being there for a thousand anywhere else! Does that make sense to you?  

Application

I will look forward to being at church this coming Sunday too! (This week it will be with our friends Hugh and Millie Roberts in Texas!) But we will be back at Christ Fellowship the following Sunday!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don’t let me lose my love for your church. It is not the building that I love … it is Your people. Give me Your heart for them. Help me love them like You love them. Give those that struggle in their walk with You the strength to walk in victory this week! You are Mighty. You are Worthy of Praise. A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!

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“What You Say Flows From What Is In Your Heart”

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Daniel 11; Daniel 12; Luke 6

“What You Say

Flows

From What Is In Your Heart”

Scripture

Luke 6

45b “…What you say flows from what is in your heart.”

⁴³ “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. ⁴⁴ A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes.
 
⁴⁵ A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 

What you say flows from what is in your heart.

Observation

Have you ever heard someone defend someone by saying, “Oh, he or she really didn’t mean that … inside they are very good person? No, inside is where the ugly words came from those words came from the person’s heart. 

    "The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? (Jeremiah 17:9)  This verse always comes to my mind when someone shares with me that they have something that they want to share with me from their heart! I know what they mean, but I also know the condition of our hearts!    

What we allow in our hearts will come out and spill all over everyone around us so lets guard our hearts!

Application

I will pay attention to what is going into my heart!  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to fix my thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Help me to think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Help me to think on things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8-9)

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Master, “We Worked Hard All Last Night And Didn’t Catch A Thing. But If You Say So, I’ll Let The Nets Down Again.”

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Daniel 9; Daniel 10; Psalm 123; Luke 5

Master, “We Worked Hard All Last Night And Didn’t Catch A Thing.

But

If You Say So, I’ll Let The Nets Down Again.”

Scripture

Luke 5

⁴ When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

⁵ “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” ⁶ And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!
  ⁷ A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

⁸ When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” 

⁹ For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. ¹⁰ His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Observation

Feelings! You can’t live a victorious Christian life if you just depend on your feelings. People that wake up in the morning and don’t feel good so they stay home from church are living their Christian lives by their feelings.

 Some of our 80 year olds come to church every Sunday in tremendous pain. They don’t feel like coming but they don’t miss. Their hearts drag them to church! They don’t live out life based on their feelings! I am so proud of them.

The Christian life is to be lived out by our faith and our obedience! Simon Peter and the disciples didn’t feel like going back out to fish especially after fishing all night and catching nothing. Plus they were fisherman and they knew that fishing with nets was done at night and not in the daytime. So they sure didn’t feel like obeying their Master’s command.

Peter shares a huge truth in this passage that you and I should never forget when he replied to Jesus, “But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”

Here is the principle: Even when we don’t feel like doing something we should do it if it is something that Jesus has told us to do. If we live out our lives in this manner then our lives as Christ Followers will be successful.

When we are successful because of our obedience - we make God Smile. It should be our highest goal!

Application

I will strive to obey the Lord’s commands today whether I feel like it or not. I hope I make Him Smile today!

  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me not depend on my feelings today. I pray that I would be obedient and I pray that I would make You smile. 

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Now Filled With The Holy Spirit

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Daniel 7; Daniel 8; Psalm 137; Luke 4

Now

Filled

With The Holy Spirit

Scripture

Luke 4

4 Now filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan River. And then the Spirit led him into the desert. ² There the devil tempted Jesus for 40 days. Jesus ate nothing during this time, and when it was finished, he was very hungry.

Observation

Sometimes we may mistakenly think that just because we are filled with God’s Holy Spirit that we will not be tempted to sin. Nothing could be further from the truth … when we are filled or controlled by God’s Holy Spirit we are stronger to say “NO” to the temptations but trust me we will be tempted. 

Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and the Spirit led Him into the desert where Jesus was tempted by the devil for 40 days. 

One of the first Bible passages I learned when mentored by Dr. Waylon B. Moore was Psalm 119:9-11. I learned these two verses in the King James Version, 

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

You and I need to set boundaries in our lives so we don’t give the devil the opportunity to destroy us. We will be tempted. Lets not allow ourselves to be placed in positions that make it even easier for him (the devil) to bring us down.  

I like what James 4:7-10 says in the Message paraphrase, 

“So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” 

Application

I will ask God’s Holy Spirit to control me today and to give me victory over temptation.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am guarding Your Word in my heart so that I don’t sin against You. Help me say “no” when I am tempted. Give me strength today to live for You. 

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LORD, I Am In Deep Trouble, So I Am Calling To You For Help.

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Daniel 5; Daniel 6; Psalm 130; Luke 3

LORD, I Am In Deep Trouble,

So

I Am Calling To You For Help.

Scripture

Psalm 130

1. Lord, I am in deep trouble,
    so I am calling to you for help.

Observation

Deep trouble … up to your neck in a swamp full of alligators! Deep trouble! When you are in deep trouble what do you do? Sometimes the last thing we do is call on the Lord for help. 

Our story in today’s Bible reading is about Daniel. In Daniel 6 God shows us that we can trust in Him when we are in deep trouble. You can’t get yourself in any deeper trouble than getting yourself thrown into a den of lions! Here is the story from God’s word:

¹⁶ So King Darius gave the order. They brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May the God you serve save you!” ¹⁷ A big rock was brought and put over the opening of the lions’ den. Then the king used his ring and put his seal on the rock. He also used the rings of his officials and put their seals on the rock. 

This showed that no one could move that rock and bring Daniel out of the lion’s den. ¹⁸ Then King Darius went back to his house. He did not eat that night. He did not want anyone to come and entertain him. He could not sleep all night.

¹⁹ The next morning, King Darius got up just as it was getting light and ran to the lions’ den. ²⁰ He was very worried. When he got to the lions’ den, he called to Daniel. He said, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God been able to save you from the lions? You always serve your God.”

²¹ Daniel answered, “King, live forever! ²² My God sent his angel to save me. The angel closed the lions’ mouths. The lions have not hurt me because my God knows I am innocent. I never did anything wrong to you, King.”

²³ King Darius was very happy. He told his servants to lift Daniel out of the lions’ den. And when Daniel was lifted out of the den, they did not find any injury on his body. The lions did not hurt Daniel because he trusted in his God.

Are you in deep trouble this morning? Who you goin to call?

Application

I will call on the Lord with every problem in my life not just the big ones!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that You love me and that You care about every detail of my life. I know that You are there to help me with every problem in my life and not just the big ones. Give me the faith of Daniel. Thank You for all the promises that You give me in Your Word. I thank You for John 16:24, “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name, ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.”

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He Is A Light To Show Your Way To The Other Nations

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Ezekiel 47; Ezekiel 48; Luke 2 

He Is A Light

To Show Your Way

To The Other Nations

Scripture

Luke 2 

¹⁶ So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box. ¹⁷ When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child. ¹⁸ Everyone was surprised when they heard what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹ Mary continued to think about these things, trying to understand them. ²⁰ The shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It was just as the angel had told them.

²⁸ Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God:

²⁹ “Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said.
³⁰ I have seen with my own eyes how you will save your people.
 
³¹     Now all people can see your plan.
³² He is a light to show your way to the other nations.
    And he will bring honor to your people Israel.”

Observation

When the weather begins to cool down, as it should in a couple of weeks here in Tampa it is time to begin thinking about our Annual Mission’s Offering. This offering is called the “Lottie Moon Christmas Offering” named after an unbelievable missionary named Lottie Moon who served in the country of China. 

Her story is an incredible example of extreme sacrifice; she actually starved to death trying to feed and share Christ with the Chinese that God had called her to love.

It is monies that we collect in this one offering that is the main support over 5,000 missionaries that serve all over the world!

We will have the opportunity to give to this offering during our Annual International Mission’s Conference that will be held November 25th – 28^th! Now is the time to begin praying about the amount that God would have you and I to give!

 Application

I look forward to giving sacrificially to the “Lottie Moon Christmas Offering”. How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, giving is a huge part of who we are. You could have reached this world without us and without our missionaries but You have chosen to use us. Your plan includes our sacrificial giving and it includes thousands of missionaries that are sent out by Your church to reach this lost and dying world. It is Your plan. It is not our idea. 

Bless our missionaries in every place where You have them serving. I pray for Martha Moore. I pray that you would use her in a mighty way to reach many people in Germany for You. I pray for this year’s offering. I pray that it would please You as we give. Help us to prepare our people and ourselves so we are ready to give so we don’t miss out on Your special blessings!

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For Nothing Will Be Impossible For God.

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Ezekiel 45; Ezekiel 46; Luke 1 

For Nothing

Will Be Impossible

For God.

Scripture

Luke 1 

³⁷ For nothing will be impossible for God.”

Observation

Someone has said that “nothing” is a big zero with the rim knocked off! There is absolutely “nothing” impossible for our God. 

You and I can’t say that can we? There are lots of “impossibles” in our lives! So many things that we face that are totally impossible for us: health issues, financial issues, relationship issues, etc. All of these things can be overwhelming to us! You are probably thinking of something right now that seems “impossible”. 

Mary and her cousin Elizabeth both realized that their God just like our God is a God that takes the “im” out of “impossible” and with Him nothing is impossible!

So what are you facing? What seems impossible to you right now? If something comes to your mind may I suggest that you take this verse and pray it back to God letting Him know that you know that He can take care of your impossible situation!

Application

I will cast all my burdens (all my impossibles) on God because He cares for me.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for those that are facing impossible situations today. I pray that they will put their faith and their trust in You. I know that with You nothing is impossible. I pray for my friends in Cuba, Joel and Neicey. I pray that You heal Neicey and take away the cancer that is attacking her body. I pray that You give Joel strength to take care of his wife. Nothing is impossible for You. 

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Jesus Is The One Who Says That All Of This Is True. Now He Says, “Yes, I Am Coming Soon.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

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Ezekiel 42; Ezekiel 43; Ezekiel 44; Revelation 22

Jesus Is The One Who Says That All Of This Is True.

Now He Says, “Yes, I Am Coming Soon.”

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

Scripture

Revelation 22

¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to tell you these things for the churches. I am the descendant from the family of David. I am the bright morning star.”

¹⁷ The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Everyone who hears this should also say, “Come!” All who are thirsty may come; they can have the water of life as a free gift if they want it.

¹⁸ I warn everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds anything to these, God will give that person the plagues written about in this book. ¹⁹ And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away that person’s share of the tree of life and of the holy city, which are written about in this book.

²⁰ Jesus is the one who says that all of this is true. Now he says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

²¹ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all people.

Observation

Life, especially Mondays, can be pretty brutal! Sundays for most pastors are spiritual highs and Mondays (not sure why) can sometimes be extreme emotional lows! And I didn’t even preach yesterday. Pastor Bruce preached 3 services!

Yesterday was definitely a spiritual high at Christ Fellowship Church! Our people did an outstanding job at serving and worship was excellent. We had so many guests that joined us for the delicious BBQ after both of our later worship services. My thanks to Kevin Crofton, his company, and his hard working team! It was definitely a spiritual high! 

By Sunday evening I was sensing a slight emotional low and this morning I am in total agreement with the words of Jesus as He ends the book of Revelation with these words, “Yes, I am coming soon.” 

And I really agree with the writer of the book of Revelation, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

Application

I will get over this little emotional low by serving God’s people at Mission Tampa in just a few minutes! 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Jesus is my bright morning star! He is my reason to live out this day in victory. He will give me strength to serve. He is worthy of worship! I pray for my children today. I pray that they would have a desire to walk with You. Draw them close to You. 

Give our lead team Your strength. Give them Your wisdom. Make their plans successful!

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Great Blessings Belong To Those Who Fear And Respect The LORD And Live The Way He Wants.

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Ezekiel 40; Ezekiel 41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21

Great Blessings

Belong To Those Who Fear And Respect The LORD

And Live The Way He Wants.

Scripture

Psalm 128

1. Great blessings belong to those who fear and respect the Lord
    and live the way he wants.

Observation

How does God want us to live? He wants us to live our lives in a right relationship to Him. He wants to be our Lord and He wants to be our Savior. He wants us to walk in obedience. If we please Him then we can expect Great Blessings! Period … end of story!

If we choose to live life like God does not exist and live like we don’t need Him then we will miss God’s Blessings and we will live a life of existence, nothing more! How sad it is that so many people choose to live like this. 

You and I don’t have to live like that! Lets live the way God wants us to live!
Start by going to church every Sunday! It is a start! This Sunday we have a Free BBQ at our church, Christ Fellowship! So not only will you be doing what God wants you to do you will also be blessed with some great food today if you attend with us! 

Lets start living the way God wants us to live! Why not start right now!

 Application

 I will encourage people to live like God wants them to live. It is the only way they can experience God’s Great Blessings!

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, may we bring You honor and glory as we worship you today. Thanks in advance for all the people that will be serving today to help feed all the people that attend the BBQ. May You change lives because of their sacrifice and may You bless them really good for everything they do!

And I pray for my daughter Jenny especially today because it is her birthday. I pray that You bless her and bless her beautiful family. 

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!

And Anyone Whose Name Was Not Found Written In The Book Of Life Was Thrown Into The Lake Of Fire

Today’s "Life Journal" Daily Bible Reading can be found on Line. Click Here!
Ezekiel 38; Ezekiel 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

And Anyone Whose Name 

Was Not Found Written In The Book Of Life

Was Thrown Into The Lake Of Fire

Scripture

Revelation 20

¹³ The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. All these people were judged by what they had done.
 
¹⁴ And Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death.
 
¹⁵ And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Observation

Hell is just as real as Heaven is! If you believe in Heaven then you should also believe that there is a real place called “Hell”

Hell is not for bad people and Heaven is not for good people! Even though you may think like that about those two places (as many people do) it doesn’t make it true!

Hell is for un-forgiven people and Heaven is for those who have been forgiven. The Bible says that we are all “bad”. 

    For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

    For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23

We all deserve to go to “Hell” when we die! But God loves us and offers us a way to have our sins forgiven.

    But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

    But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.  John 1:12

Application

I will continue to share with people that “being good” does not get them to Heaven. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, maybe someone reading this blog thinks that by being good enough they will get to go to Heaven. I pray that you open their eyes to see that they need Your forgiveness. They need to accept Your Son Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Open their eyes to the truth. 

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“Then I Saw Heaven Open. There Before Me Was A White Horse. The Rider On The Horse Was Called Faithful And True…”

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Ezekiel 36; Ezekiel 37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19

“Then I Saw Heaven Open.

There Before Me Was A White Horse.

The Rider On The Horse Was Called Faithful And True…”

Scripture

Revelation 19

¹¹ Then I saw heaven open. There before me was a white horse. The rider on the horse was called Faithful and True, because he is right in his judging and in making war. ¹² His eyes were like burning fire. He had many crowns on his head. A name was written on him, but he was the only one who knew its meaning. ¹³ He was dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and he was called the Word of God. ¹⁴ The armies of heaven were following the rider on the white horse. They were also riding white horses. They were dressed in fine linen, white and clean. ¹⁵ A sharp sword came out of the rider’s mouth, a sword that he would use to defeat the nations. And he will rule the nations with a rod of iron. He will crush the grapes in the winepress of the terrible anger of God All-Powerful.
 
¹⁶ On his robe and on his leg was written this name:

king of kings and lord of lords

Observation

The next time the people on this earth see Jesus this is Who they will see! He will come, as Conqueror, leading Heaven’s Armies and He will totally destroy all that are not on His team!

He is coming soon!

Whose team are you on?

If you need to switch teams now is the time!

Application

I will continue to try to get people to switch over to the winning team! How about you?  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that Jesus is coming soon. I pray for family members that are still on the losing team. I pray that their hearts would be turned towards You. I pray that they would trust You as their Lord and Savior. I pray that they would finish this life on the winning team. I don’t want any of them to go to Hell. Open their spiritual eyes so they can see. Help them understand Your love for them. Don’t let them die and spend an eternity separated from You and separated from Kathy and I.

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The Lord God Says: By My Life, I Swear That I Don’t Enjoy Seeing People Die – Not Even Evil People! I Don’t Want Them To Die. I Want Them To Come Back To Me.

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Ezekiel 33; Ezekiel 34; Ezekiel 35; Revelation 18

The Lord God Says: By My Life, I Swear That I Don’t Enjoy Seeing People Die –

Not Even Evil People! I Don’t Want Them To Die. 

I Want Them To Come Back To Me.

Scripture

Ezekiel 33

11 …‘The Lord God says: By my life, I swear that I don’t enjoy seeing people die—not even evil people! I don’t want them to die. I want them to come back to me. I want them to change their lives so that they can really live.

Observation

Here we see the heart of God! He doesn’t want any to perish. He wants everyone to come to repentance! God wants people to change their lives so that they can really live.
Most people are not living and experiencing the life that God intended for them to live. 

Only when we have a right relationship with God can we enjoy life the way God intended. 

Jesus said, “… I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10 (message)

Maybe you have drifted far away from God and you know that now is the time to come back. Why not make a decision right now to be back in church this Sunday! It is a great first step in the direction that God wants for your life. He is not going to give up on you and me!

Application

I will encourage as many people as I can to be in church this Sunday! 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me make the phone calls to people that need to be encouraged to be back in church this Sunday. Give me Your heart for them. It is my desire too that they change and turn towards You so that they can really live!

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“Look! I See Four Men Walking Around In The Fire. They Are Not Tied Up And They Are Not Burned. The Fourth Man Looks Like An Angel.”

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Daniel 3; Daniel 4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17 

“Look! I See Four Men Walking Around In The Fire.

They Are Not Tied Up And They Are Not Burned.

The Fourth Man Looks Like An Angel.”

Scripture

Daniel 3

…“Look! I see four men walking around in the fire. They are not tied up and they are not burned. The fourth man looks like an angel. ”

Observation

Do you know the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? It is a story of tremendous faith! 

¹⁴ And Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don’t worship my gods? And is it true that you didn’t bow down and worship the gold idol I have set up?

 ¹⁵ Now when you hear the sound of the horns, flutes, lyres, sambucas, harps, bagpipes, and all the other musical instruments, you must bow down and worship the gold idol. If you are ready to worship the idol I have made, that is good. But if you don’t worship it, you will be thrown very quickly into the hot furnace. Then no god will be able to save you from my power!”

¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to explain these things to you. ¹⁷ If you throw us into the hot furnace, the God we serve can save us. And if he wants to, he can save us from your power.  

¹⁸ But even if God does not save us, we want you to know, King, that we refuse to serve your gods. We will not worship the gold idol you have set up.”

Application

I want this kind of faith!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in that fiery furnace! They were never alone! I ask You to give me that kind of faith. Faith that can help me face any problem, any enemy, any situation. Give me that kind of faith!

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Praise God’s Name Forever And Ever! Power And Wisdom Belong To Him. He Changes The Times And Seasons. He Gives Power To Kings, And He Takes Their Power Away.

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Daniel 1; Daniel 2; Revelation 16

Praise God’s Name Forever And Ever!

Power And Wisdom Belong To Him. He Changes The Times And Seasons.

He Gives Power To Kings, And He Takes Their Power Away.

Scripture

Daniel 2

“Praise God’s name forever and ever!
    Power and wisdom belong to him.

²¹ He changes the times and seasons.
    He gives power to kings,
    and he takes their power away.

Observation

Here is a fact: God gives power to kings (and other rulers/leaders too) and He takes their power away. Don’t kid yourself God knows who will be our next President and God can empower him and God can and will take him out when God wants to do so. 

Castro has been in power for a very long time on the island of Cuba. God has given him power and God will take his power away when God wants to do so. Castro is in power because God has allowed it. 

King Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful man on earth, at least that is what most people thought. There was someone far more powerful on earth at that time other than King Nebuchadnezzar and his name was Daniel. 

In fact, as we read the book of Daniel we will find three other men far more powerful than King Nebuchadnezzar. Do you remember their names? Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah or  names that you probably remember better are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!

We are instructed in scripture to pray for those who lead our country. We are far more powerful than our leaders when we pray to our God All-Powerful! There is nothing more powerful on the face of this earth than God’s church in prayer!

Application

I will pray for those in leadership not only in our country but other countries like Cuba.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I understand that You put men and women in leadership for Your purposes. I realize that Castro will not stay in power one day more than You allow. I pray for a better Cuba for the Cuban people. I pray for Castro that he would have a changed heart. I pray that He would encounter You in a way that would turn his life around. He is not the most powerful force on the island. Your church on the island is far more powerful than those serving in political positions.

I pray for our team as they finish their last workday in Cuba. I pray that You bless them. I pray that You bless the church where they are serving. 

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The Faithful Love Of The LORD Never Ends! His Mercies Never Cease. Great Is His Faithfulness; His Mercies Begin Afresh Each Morning.

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Lamentations 3; Lamentations 4; Lamentations 5; Revelation 15

The Faithful Love Of The LORD Never Ends!

His Mercies Never Cease.  Great Is His Faithfulness;

His Mercies Begin Afresh Each Morning.

Scripture

Lamentations 3

²² The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.

²³ Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.

²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”
²⁵ The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
    to those who search for him.

²⁶ So it is good to wait quietly
    for salvation from the Lord.

²⁷ And it is good for people to submit at an early age
    to the yoke of his discipline:

Observation

Jeremiah has a great word for us this morning! It is a great way to start out your Monday, a great way to start out your workweek! Hope you take time to let this passage sink in!

It is a reminder to us all that our God is a God that starts all over with us fresh and new every morning!

This passage reminds us that we serve a God that’s faithful love never runs out! He has mercy for us no matter how bad we mess up and His mercies begin fresh every morning. 

I don’t know about you but I need a passage like Jeremiah 3:22-27 on Monday!

Application

The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your faithful love never ends! Your mercies never cease. Great is Your faithfulness; Your mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “You are my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in You!” You Lord are good to those who depend on You, to those who search for You.  So it is good to wait quietly for salvation that comes from You. And it is good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of Your discipline.

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The Day Of The LORD Is Coming Soon!

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Lamentations 1; Lamentations 2; Obadiah 1; Revelation 14

The Day Of The LORD

Is Coming 

Soon!

Scripture

Obadiah 1

^15 “The Day of the LORD is coming soon
    to all the nations…” 

Observation

When I read this verse I thought that I was reading in Revelation, but then I realized that I was still reading in the Old Testament. 

I will echo what Obadiah said in Obadiah 1:15a, “The Day of the LORD is coming soon.” When will He come? I don’t know but I know that He will come soon!

The bigger question is, “Are you and I ready for His Second Coming?” I don’t know about you, but I say, “Come Lord Jesus. Come!”

Kathy and I joke about who is going to go to Heaven first. I have told her over and over that she better not go first because I don’t do well without her! It would be really great if Jesus returns before either one of us die then neither one of us would have to experience that separation! 

But …God is Sovereign and we are ready for whatever He would like to do in our lives. How about you?

Application

My application is to say, “Come Lord Jesus! Come!”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am ready for Jesus to come back. Tomorrow or even tonight would be just fine with me. Come Lord Jesus. Come!

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