Do not forget any of his benefits

Psalms 103:1-7
1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel.

Reflection:

While you are awaiting for your unanswered prayer, do not forget any of his benefits.
While your children are serving or not serving the Lord, do not forget any of his benefits.
While you are pressured or concerned about today, do not forget any of his benefits.
While you are building a ministry or assisting one, do not forget any of his benefits.
While you are growing rich or living by means, do not forget any of his benefits.
While people come in and out of your life, do not forget any of his benefits.
In all that you do, think, and feel never forget any of his benefits.

In a time when doing what is right, and serving the Lord has become scarcely difficult to many. We must always remember to prioritize our lives and mind according to scriptural truth. King David reminded himself that there is eternal profit, divine benefits in praising and serving the Lord God. Perhaps you don't have the latest car, or the million dollar house, perhaps your dreams seems almost impossible to accomplish, perhaps you are just waiting for some supernatural event to intervene in your life and rescue you from your turmoil. But, let me remind you according to God's truth that there is more to life than just material prosperity. There is a never ending truth that God will redeem you and crown you with love and compassion. You will rise again and your sins will be forgiven forever. Live in this truth when your soul is bankrupted, and you shall see that you are richer than you think!

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God Whisper

1 Kings 19:11-13

11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Reflection:

What has God said to you? Has he spoken to you? Has it been hard to hear God? Has God's voice been muffled by the storms of life, and the uncertainty of tomorrow? There are times in life when it seems almost impossible to hear God. When the cold nights are prolonged by the brisk of  a winter breeze, and your soul longs for comfort, if not a warm fire or an encouraging friend. As a seasoned christian I can tell you I have witnessed these moments many times before, and these are the very moments that exercises our faith and prompts us to draw closer to God.

There are always highs and lows in ministry, in life, and in our daily affairs. Just like the great prophet Elijah whose name means "Yaweh is my God". He had been destined to live life passionately, he had reach the height of his call, a man who trained his ear to listen to God, who was anointed to speak for God, and who can call fire from heaven or cause a drought by a simple spoken word from his lips. Elijah's convictions were real, he was passionate, he was convinced and he was on a divine mission. But, like many of us, he had his moments where running seemed like the best option, when hiding seems like the only solution, and where an overly pompous view of himself led him to know how weak he really was.

In the cave is where this story begins, and I can tell you many prophets are hiding in caves throughout the world silenced by their fragility and fearful of their speech. God had told Elijah to stand on the mountain, to remove himself from the cave and stand upon the obstacles that obscure his vision. Mountains are designed to be conquered and God did not tell him to kneel on the mountain, or lay on the mountain, but to stand on the mountain. As God prepared himself to pass Elijah by, the Word says that three events took place. First, a strong wind passed by, this wind represents the incredible hurricanes that wist away your hopes and blows away your dreams and everything you believe in (please notice the wind was so strong it shattered the rocks). Secondly, an earthquake jolted the core of the earth and rattled Elijah causing devastation and uncertainty as continued tremors will cause our soul to shake. Finally a fire was ignited, and this fire breathing prophet had known very well that Moses had seen a fire, and that God had answered his own prayers as fire had consumed the sacrifice on the alter. The interesting part of this scripture is that God said he was in none of these events. Sometimes we look for God in miracles, in signs and in wonders. But God said he can been found and heard through a whisper of his voice. You see, when our trust and faith is based on miracles we forget that God is only true to his Word. Jesus said in Luke 4:4  "Man does not live by bread and water alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God". He didn't say miracle, he didn't say fire, nor wind, nor earthquake he said Word.  

If you are feeling weak, be comforted and know that you have joined a cloud of witnesses that have experienced the same winter. It dawned on me the other day, if God is silent maybe he wants to grab your attention. Maybe he wants you and I to draw closer and share our innermost thoughts, concerns, desires or prayers. Or just maybe he wants you and I to listen more intently. I encourage you to go invest time with God this week and silence your cell phones, your tvs, your radio, or even your thoughts. Take a walk, drink a coffee, drive a car, or take a retreat but invest time with God and let him whisper direction and hope for your life and new year. Incline your ears to him today and listen to what God wants to say to you, you may just hear him!

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Radical Christianity

Acts 2:14-18

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 “‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
    and they will prophesy.

Reflection:

There comes a time in a Christian's life that he or she must go beyond being "lukewarm". A time when you and I are "tired, of being sick and tired". God is calling for a generation of Christians that are no longer afraid of what people think, nor are they afraid of confronting a culture which is spiritually deprived. We are so hungry to see God, and his love being poured on his people and sinners alike that we will confront sin, and love the sinner through the preaching of truth. A truth that is anchored in love!

Peter had gone through his discipleship, and now it was time to stand up for what he had just witnessed for the last three years. Peter could not deny the miracles and the power of his Savior as he stood before him after the resurrection. He could no longer deny that he had witnessed the greatest sacrifice ever known to mankind. His friend, his Savior, his God had been mutilated with the pounding of insults, whips and curses let alone the crucifixion on a cross. He had come to a place in his life where he would have to make the most powerful gesture or motion which would transform the world and launch the very first Church in the bible. Peter stood on his feet, in this posture he stood up for what he had believed and witnessed. He was empowered by on high to speak like no other man had preached before, so powerful was his words that three thousand (3000) souls were saved moments after his five minute utterance.

Standing is a posture of warfare, a posture of conviction, a posture of action. God never requires of his servants to sit down, nor lay down but to stand in the midst of adversity, to stand in the midst of trial, and to stand in the midst of war. For he will go before us, and he will defeat our enemies, just stand!

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In Love with Jesus

Colossians 1:15-20

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Reflection:

There is nothing like a newness of heart. A heart refreshed, inspired, and in love with God. Where your circumstances are melted away by the knowing that, God is in control and that he is fathering us into a nation of priests which are holy and acceptable. The kind of love that calls you and I "children of the most high God".

I ask that you take a moment to humble yourself, and lay your burdens at the feet of your Savior Jesus Christ. Allow all your circumstances to be brushed away, by the manifest presence of a living God and Savior who desires to fill your life with goodness and favor. There are many times that in the weathering and seasoning of our Christianity, we have allowed our eyes to focus on the daily interactions of culture and society, yet forgetting the most interactive experience and that is with our beloved Lord and Savior Jesus. Let me just take a moment to remind you why you should fall "in love with Jesus" all over again!

A simple summary of Scripture:

            a.       In Matthew: He is king of the Jews.

b.      In Mark: He is the Great servant.

c.       In Luke: He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.

d.      In John: He is the Son of God.

e.      In Acts: He is Savior of the world.

f.        In Romans: He is the righteousness of God.

g.       1 Corintians: He is the nuestra rock

h.      2 Corintians: He the triumphant one, your victory.

i.         In Galatians: He is your liberty; He sets you free.

j.        In Ephesians: He is head of the Church.

k.       In Phillipians: He is your joy.

l.         In Colossians: He is your Shalom, completeness.

m.    In 1 Thessalonians: He is your hope.

n.      In 2 Thessalonians: He is your glory.

o.      In 1 Timothy: He is your faith.

p.      In 2 Timothy: He is your stability.

q.      In Titus: He is the reason you serve.

r.        In Philemon: he is our provider.

s.       In Hebrews: He is your perfection.

t.        In James: He is the all powerful

u.      In 1 Peter: He is your example or model.

v.       In 2 Peter: He is your Holy God who sanctifies us.

w.     In 1 John: He is your life.

x.       In 2 Juan: He is your pattern.

y.       In 3 Juan, He is your motivation.

z.       In Jude: He is the foundation of your faith.

aa. Revelations: his is the Great King to come. 

Accompanied Musical Sound Track:

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Revived Heart

Romans 2: 28-29

28 A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God.


Reflection:

I ask that you begin this day by touching your mind and your heart and say "God touch my mind and my heart, transform it, revive it, and breath life into it, In Jesus Name, Amen".

The  Bible teaches us that our minds are being renewed daily by the washing of God's Word. The Lord desires that everything that is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. We know that the battles of life wages against our ways of thinking. But, our focus today is on the "heart".

There is nothing more beautiful than a "revived heart", a heart that is inspired and eager to live God's abundant life on earth. A heart who has tasted of the goodness of God. A miracle heart that was once bittered but today grateful. A heart that was once callused but now sensitive. A heart that was once broken, and now healed. A heart filled with the desire of God.

The bible teaches us that a Jew (one who praises God) is not simply a Jew because of his ethnicity, nor culture, nor is he/she a Jew because of their parents or geographical residence, nor is he a Jew because of physical decree. A Jew is one who praises God because of his inward convictions. He is a Jew because God has healed a callused heart and made it sensitive to the love of God. Just imagine for a moment that the fingers that molded the world, and held man in his hands is the very same healing hands that can transform your heart. He once wrote his commandments on stone, but not takes a heart of stone and writes his Words and commands with a desire to see you and I become everything God intended us to be.

Please notice you and I can not muster up enough strength, nor can we listen to enough motiviational speeches with the hope that we will entirely change and someday achieve perfection. No, the bible teaches us that this is a work of the Holy Spirit. It is a work of God, to testify to you and to the world that he is still in the miracle working business. There is nothing more powerful to see a sinful heart transformed by the power of God. Pure upright and holy, a revived heart inclined to the things of God and his purpose. Ohhh, Jesus we ask that you do something extraordinary today, something uncommon, something strange, in a time where the  "norm" has blinded us to your supernatural power. Lord create in me a "revived heart"!! In Jesus Name.    

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Not Just a Child

Jeremiah 1:4-10
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
    before you were born I set you apart;
    I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

6 “Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”
7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Reflection: There is nothing more beautiful or comforting in all creation then God's Word.

Today I ask that you take a moment to reflect on God's Word and associate yourself with the heart of the Father. Let the whisper of God's silent voice compel you to embrace God's plan in your life as you live day by day in a world that refuses to know him. Let your heart come to terms with what God says about you, and not what the world nor the voices in your head convinces you to believe.

As a young boy the Prophet Jeremiah could have not fathomed that he would be a spokesman for God and his Kingdom. He viewed himself as "to young" and "incapable of speaking". But, as the Word of the Lord came to him, the Lord reveals to Jeremiah, (which means God shall arise), his spiritual destiny in his creator. It is important to understand that every individual is a three dimensional being by which you and I possess a Spirit, a Soul, and a Body. God wants you to focus on your spiritual destiny today. I call out within you, that spirit being, that spiritual man or woman who was formed fearfully in the hands of the Almighty Creator (Elohim). Jeremiah could have not imagined that he would be destined to be a prophet, for speaking was not his strength. But God has taught us that "in your weaknesses he is made strong". Jeremiah was the perfect candidate that God choose because it did not depend on Jeremiah's strength, but in God's omnipotent spirit.

Benign to Jeremiah, Jeremiah considered his youthfulness to be an obstacle but in God's eyes it was perfect. For God desires that we all would have the heart of a child, for as the Word says Matthew 18:3 "unless you become like little children you will never enter the Kingdom of God". There is power in purity, holiness and innocence. This young Prophet did not realize that everything God needed to move was centered in Jeremiah's purity and dependency on God. For a true prophet is one who speaks the truth even when it is not popular to the masses. Truth sets people free, and truth is rooted in impenetrable purity of God's Word.

Today allow yourself to think of yourself according to God's Word. Do not limit yourself, but with sincere optimism allow God to work through you and reveal his perfect plan. 

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The Warrior and the Servant

Joshua 1

 1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Reflection:

Throughout Holy Scripture, we find God unveiling another wonderful side of his character and personality as we indulge in the story lines and outcomes of our magnificent God.

Here we have a warrior with the skills of a great general at war, reflecting on things in his past which limited his foresight in things to come. As “servant warriors”, God does not call us to be feeble muppets, but rather, a skilled and purposed soldier who knows how “not” to fumble the ball. We must be focused and driven by call, rather then by ambition or fear, and learn how to carry a sword, with the heart also to serve.

All acts of ministry (service) must be centered in Christ, and built on his Word. For success comes to those who can keep their eyes on the ball, maintaining their lips by spreading the Good News, and managing God’s gifts by the architectural design of his divine blueprint (the Word).

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Haiti - The Day After Project

Hello family and friends,

We just wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you for your prayers and support in our "Haiti- The Day After Project" which you have generously supported.  As promised, I wanted to share some of our experiences and visual images to give you a glimpse of the condition, the miracles, the love, and work of our fellow missionaries and workers.  I would like to give a special thank you to Pastor Medit, Pastor Patrick, Mr. Harold Silva, Mrs.Yemibeth Zamora, my wonderful wife Ivonne Fernandez, Marilyn Ortiz, Armando Ballart, and Mr. Ralph Yaniz for your overwhelming support. We are looking forward to continuing our work in Haiti, and will be posting our updates, missions trips, and other opportunities on our website, and facebook account. So, if you are interested in a life changing experience feel free to email me and we can give you details as to our next missions trip.

God Bless you, and we love you from "Haiti - The Day After Project"!!!!

Pictures: Haiti Pics

Updates: Haiti - The Day After Project 

Website:  http://iam-ministries.com/haiti_now.asp

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Salvation Simple.

The Bible assures us that if we believe in Jesus, we will be saved. The "prayer of salvation" is the most important prayer we will ever pray. When we are ready to become a Christian, we are ready to have our first real conversation with God! When we pray the prayer of salvation, we are letting God know we believe God’s Word is true. By the faith God has given us, we choose to believe in Him. So, when we pray, asking God for the gift of salvation, we're exercising our free will to acknowledge that we believe in Him. That demonstration of faith pleases God, because we have freely chosen to know Him.

Prayer of Salvation - Five Simples Steps.

1. Confess your sins: Father God, I’m a sinner.
2. Repent of your sins: I’m a sorry for my sins.
3. Ask forgiveness for your sins: Please forgive me for my sins.
4. Invite Jesus into your life: I want Jesus Christ to be my personal Savior.
5. Ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit: Fill me with your Spirit so I can live by Your power.

Now pray this prayer with us:

"Dear God, I'm a sinner. I'm sorry for my sins. Forgive me of my sins. I want Jesus Christ to be my Savior. I want to be filled with your Holy Spirit so I may live my life with Your power. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Now What?

Tell someone ( a friend, your family). Congratulations in making this major act of faith in accepting Jesus Christ into your heart as your Savior. Now we want you to tell someone that you just prayed the prayer of salvation. Contact your friends and let them know; also, please notify us by sending an email to Rev. Andy Fernandez, at info@iam-ministries.com.

Become a Member Today

If you are interested in becoming a member of I AM Ministries International, click on the following link: I Want to become a Member .

Supporting Scripture on your new relationship with Jesus.

Romans 10:8-13

"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Acts 16:31

They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."1

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Arminianism & Calvinism

Arminianism is the doctrine that "man" has the free will to choose salvation, and can also lose salvation. It is the work of God and man co-laboring to make salvation clear and secured. For as a man has total "free will" to choose salvation, he also has total "free will" to lose his salvation. It becomes a battle of the wills, God's wills verses man's will, or both working together.

Calvinism, in the other hand, teaches "once saved, always saved". There are some limitations regarding this doctrine, on the topic of whether salvation is only granted to the "elect" or is it offered to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. It can possibly become an issue of exclusion, rather than inclusion. Could these two doctrines possibly work together for the good of those who can, and will be saved without changing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its ordinance?

What do you think?

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Christians & Salvation?

When studying Salvation, it is important to consider all scripture before concluding whether a "Christian" can lose or forfeit their salvation. It is scripturally clear that God has completed the sacrifice for which salvation is granted, for all of God's work is perfect and complete. But, the question still arise whether Christians can lose their salvation? It is blasphemy to abuse the sacrifice of the cross, and belittle the grace for which we all have been saved by continuing to live in self indulgence and sin. For, a "genuine" Christian, resembles the work of God's hands, his mercy, his love, his humility, his character, his likeness, his image and of course his spirit. When considering this issue, we must understand fully that a "Christian" is one who believes in his heart and confesses with his mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord (governor, ruler, king) and that he resurrected from the dead (Romans 8). This confession is not simply a dictation, or a verbal declaration, for even demons will confess this, but an internal working of faith which has been proportioned by God, working through the circumcised heart of a believer. If in true, "Jesus Faith", has settled within the heart of a believer, God and angels rejoice and the Holy Spirit immerses the believer in his truth. This eternal work shall not be damned by doctrine, but fulfilled by truth. For a Christian, who has been filled with the Holy Spirit, will bear the fruits of the Spirit. This is denoted in the word "fellow" or "fellowship". Throughout scripture we can see that God calls us "fellow workers", or that we may have "fellowship" with him or other believers. This word is rich in depicting the importance of remaining in Christ, for God sees our divine relationship, through the scope of us remaining in fellowship with him. For a "true" Christian is one who has forfeited his worldly relationship, for a divine one. This, in turn, will assure and secure his eternal reward. You can not have true fellowship with God, and still come out looking and acting like the world. But, of course, this is finally revealed through time, and God will certainly judge the thoughts of the heart.

Food for thought, What is the difference between a sheep and a goat?

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Reconciliation

Consider the agonizing force of a loving relationship ending in divorce. The separation of a lost child, in a highly populated area, where it's parents just realized that their child is no where to be found. How about, the complete lost of a loved one, when you are granted one last opportunity to see their face before lowering them to their rest. This is a minimal analogy of what it could have possibly felt like, when Adam committed sin, and all humanity was separated from God. For the Bible teaches us, that we all have fallen short of the Glory of God, and that because of our depravity we are separated from him. But, how beautiful is it to know, that God is not only holy, but forgiving. Reconciliation is the complete act of bonding that which was severed. God is a loving father who is waiting for his prodigal sons to return, he awaits the day, for which man will once again acknowledge the sacrifice for which he died. For Christ alone, "elected" to die, so that we may be eternally reconciled to the father and our rightful relationship with him can be completely restored. For in biblical reconciliation there is complete healing, complete hope, and complete love for which God is pleased and heaven rejoices because the father's children have returned. Thank you for the blood of Jesus.

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The issue of "Lordship Salvation"

It is very clear, that in scripture there was a messenger by the name of John (which in hebrew means grace), it was prophesied about John, that he would be a forerunner of the anointed one (Messiah). His purpose as stated in scripture is to make straight the path, for the coming of our Savior. His message is clear "repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand". In order for individuals to recognize, and see the Kingdom at work through Christ, they must be spiritually circumcised. There must be an acknowledgement of sin, in order to be saved from sin. If sin (separation from God) is not recognized, then we fool ourselves to believe that we are closer to God than we really are.

The "Lordship Salvation" anamoly is a great title for something which is fundamentally clear in scripture, we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord (governor, ruler, king) so that we may be saved from the ruling power of sin. Repentance is a fundamental element in receiving salvation, and can not be substituted for reasoning, or dictation. For in everything that is alive - bares fruit, is animated, and is in motion. To say that faith without fruits is acceptable, is like saying lets plant a tree but hope that nothing grows!!! There is life in everything God births, so if you claim to have faith, than the fruits of God's work is revealed. James said it best "tell me about your faith, and I will show you my work, for faith without work is dead". For faith, is hope in action!

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Divine Election

1 John 4:19 "We love, because he first loved us." These are the words that speak to me, when considering the "Divine Election".

When the Lord orchestrated his creation, and lavished it with beauty, he took into account man. For in the womb he weaved our sinews together, and gave us a name (purpose). He created all things, that we may be fruitful and multiply, and reveal his awesome love. For in doing so, he predestined us to be made into the image and likeness of his Son. When considering the size of his creation, it reminds me of how small we are, in the scope and size of his throne. But yet, he considers us, the apple of his eyes? This unconditional, unmerited favor (grace), reveals a side of God which is to immense to fathom. Electing to write our names in the Book of Life, and granting us the opportunity to be seated for eternity around his throne is an eternal honor which no human being is worthy of, yet, he bestows his election. For God himself said "I show mercy, to whom I desire to show mercy to", this truth reveals a side of God which reflects his sovereign right to choose, the way he desires, to whom he desires, with no apology. For we did nothing to attain his divine mercy, nor can we do anything to hold God accountable for a debt, but received all things because of his divine love. Knowing that God has adopted me into the circle of his righteous family, and that he predestined me to live out my call, gives me a sense of unmerited comfort. For no words are more perfect than:

Romans 8: 28-30

"28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."

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Depravity

For God optioned to reveal his eternal forgiveness toward us, so that we can understand the magnitude of our own corrupted condition and his vast salvation. Throughout generations, we learn that history has a tendency to repeat itself. It is the same with all human beings, if left to sought things out on our own, we will be in an unending broken record, in a vicious cycle of immorality, corruption, and sin (separation from God). This condition literally restrains us from ever being able to live at peace with God, with man, and with thyself.

The words "forgive, as you have been forgiven" comes to mind when reflecting on this question, and God's immense love for me. For in the nature of my continual sin (separation from God) I was disabled from making and living righteously or ever living for my eternal purpose. I was limited, imprisoned, and in need of help, regarding my moral decisions and corrupt lifestyle. For God's eternal mercy, and unmerited favor, reached down and rescued my sinking soul. This depravity, and unconditional ruin was in need of a Savior, and that is why I can sing today "What can wash away my sin......Nothing but the blood of Jesus, What can make me whole again.......Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh precious is the flow......that makes me white as snow..........There's no other fount I know..........Nothing but the blood of Jesus". Thank you Jesus. :)

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Salvation = Deliverance.

What a wonderful thought, that in the original Hebrew text the name "Jesus" is defined as "God Saves". When ever we consider the question, "why are names so important in scripture?" We learn that culturally, and "biblically" God used names to reveal the purpose, destiny, character, and action of an individual or system. Names are very important in the context of scripture, and should be taken at face value. For God always has a tendency to change names of individuals who are in transition (a Hebrew) with God.

In the context of this question, we learn that Jesus's name, was divinely in line with his eternal purpose. Take for example the word "salvation", Jesus himself, according to the purpose of God, was to bring about a final act, for which humanity and its corrupt condition will be "delivered" or freed from the captivity or peril, of sin. It is an act of rescue. When considering the word "deliverance", this word is synonymous to removing the stronghold or restraint, of sin which limits mans potential to thrive in a loving relationship with God. In both God delivers and saves man from his moral depravity, and inability to live and choose righteously. These words, and acts of "heroism" are one, in the same.

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Creation vs. Evolution

"Creation vs. Theory of Evolution", this battle has been the topic of controversy for centuries. It is a topic that has more questions than answers for those who are analytically inclined, and love the scientific method rather than truth. For in this dialog, one must understand again that science was designed to complement truth, rather than truth complementing science. It's like the question, which came first, the "chicken or the egg?". For the intricate design of man, his will, this thoughts, his intellect, his image, his likeness, his abilities, his skills, his design, and self consciousness is certainly complex to comprehend when looking at it from a micro-scope, but when considering him through the lens of the macro-scope it is sincerely simple. For scripture is clear, that our God is a God of order, in the sinews of the helix DNA, the intricate organelles within cells, the signature of life embedded within each protein - we learn that man and this universe is a perfect and symphonic design that chance, nor random chaotic opportunity can explain nor fathom. For the lens of the microscope will declare the carpentry work of a master carpenter, and the architecture of a master architect. For even discussing the theories of evolution, thermo dynamics, and even biology needs to have a sense of order to explain and dictate. For faith is beyond reason, and as the scripture states "Now (today) faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for. 3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."

Another truth Colossians 1:16-: "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.". If we take this truth, at face value, scientist can than explain why the universe is such a perfect image designed by a perfect order and a perfect painter.

Theories are made up of standards of rules which can be in the present and future disproven. But, truth is unchanging and unveiling.

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Eternity with Christ?

Decisions, for each day I am reminded that we are a by-product of our decisions. For scripture states "Today you have the right to 'choose' life or death." If ever, we as human beings had an opportunity to consider our eternal destiny it is now (today). For each day we make decisions regarding our future, our children, our vocations, our families, our marriages, our food, our insurance policies, and even our bank accounts. How important is it to consider these finite things, without ever considering those things which are eternal and infinite. For every one who chooses life over death, Christ over material gain, truth rather than self philosophy, and love over hate has a wonderful opportunity to invest into their eternal destiny. Knowing, and resting on the trustworthy statement in scripture that says "For anyone who believes in their heart and confess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and resurrected from the dead shall be saved". For securing your resurrection in Christ, is as important, as life itself. For there is an appointed reward for those who acknowledge their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Imagine a place of pure splendor, majesty, righteous government, where the abundance of life (not materialistic gain), the joy of the heart, the purity of soul, the everlasting harmony of God and man, and where peace shall reign far from disease, hurt, pain, sorrow, or illness exist and dwells. For in the eternal presence of God, their is abundance of life and joy. Could you see yourself there, would you see yourself there, and could you choose to be there. So choose.

Food for thought; "It is better to live life believing there is a God, and later find out that there was none, then to live life believing their is no God, and later finding out there was one!!" This is not based on scripture, but found it to be trustworthy of reflecting on. :)

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Death without Christ?

"It is finished", these were the last Words of our Savior before his incredible resurrection. There is no other plan, no other solution, no other resolution other than to come to the full knowledge and acceptance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For it is impossible to please God, or even see God, let alone dwell in the presence of God without acknowledging his Son. For scripture is clear in John 14: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". It is the duty of the Church, with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, to reveal the grace and beauty of our Savior to every citizen of this globe. For without Christ, man's eternal future is dark, glummy, and certainly painful. To understand the magnitude of the eternal conditions of man, one must not compromise what it clear, and that is, that anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will be completely separated from the presence of God. For we can try to explain sheoul, death, grave, Hades, and hell to believers and unbelievers, but one thing is certain there is no limbo, no purgatory, and no resting place for the guilty who belittled the Son of God and his sacrifice. We are either eternally blessed, or eternally damned, for the Son of God can no longer suffer again, nor can he be sacrificed again. To live in Christ is total gain, but to die without him is total lost. Just image being totally lost for eternity...........

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Six days of Creation

There is a sense, that a times, we as human beings have a tendency to overlook, over react, and over analyze situations in life which eventually leads to our own understanding. We have a tendency to want to know all, explain all, and master all, but when dealing with the Word of God (truth) and faith, we need to submit to its authoritative power. There are things that will never be known, things which God himself leaves to "mystify" his sovereignty. How could one believe in someone so predictable? For, to try to understand God, we try to understand man, but "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?". This statement reveals that God's ways are not our ways, and his thoughts are greater than our thoughts. "Special Creation" reveals the omnipotence of a big God, who with a breathe of his nostril changes the formation of a galaxy. There is much evidence through the Word of God, scholars, and studies that "special creation" should be taken at face value. For the greatest evidence found is in the study of his Word. The word "Yom" found in Genesis, in the original context in Hebrew is a numerical adjective which means a duration of twenty four hours (24). Any other word could have been used, for example "olam" which mean "an indefinite long period of time". But, the Bible and it's writers were intentionally specific that the Hebrew word "Yom" was to be used, in order to be clear of truth. God himself wanted all readers to understand that he (the Lord) created the heavens and the earth in six days, and on the seventh day rested.

For what is so difficult for the Master Carpenter, when he himself is also a master Architect.

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