Perhaps its true

  Perhaps its true

“In the beginning God 

created the heavens and the earth.” 

                                             Genesis 1:1

Here’s an interesting thought. C. S. Lewis noted,

"Atheist express their rage against God although in their vew He does not exist", C. S. Lewis.

Around the world today there are Atheist, people who say that God does not exist yet they rage against Him and those who believe in Him.

There are atheist governments that ban Christianity yet they say God does not exist. It defies logic. How can someone or something that doesn’t exist hurt you.

And when it comes to Christianity the apostle Paul tells Christians,

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,  to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”Titus 3:1,2.

True Christians make model citizens. They pray for the their government officials. They pray that God will guide their country.

Yet still around the world Christians are thrown into prison, into labour, camps even murdered, simply because they express belief in God.

Like I said it defies logic.

perhaps it’s true what Thomas Aquinas said,

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” Thomas Aquinas.

Please think about it.

I will, will you?

  I will, will you?

The Psalmist writes,

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; 

I will tell of all your wonders. 

I will be glad and rejoice in you; 

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” 

                                                               Psalm 9:1,2.

If you claim to be a Christian a true believer in Christ Jesus, will you take some time right now to Praise God?

Will you take time in your day to tell others of the wonders of God?

Please think about it.

Because

 Because

Because...

"He (God) first loved us."

1 John 4:19

I will...love God

Because...

The Bible says,

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, 

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." 

Hebrews 11:6

I will...Have faith in God..

Because...

according to Romans 5:1,2: 

"...having been justified by faith, we have peace with God

 through our LORD Jesus Christ, 

through whom also we have access by faith into this grace 

which we stand, and rejoice in hope of glory of God."

I will rejoice in the glory of God...

Because...

"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, 

that whoever believes in Him should not perish 

but have everlasting life."  

John 3:16

I will...love God

Because...

The Bible says, "Love suffers long and is kind: 

love does not envy; loves does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, 

is not provoked, thinks no evil; 

does not rejoice in iniquity, 

but rejoices in the truth; 

bears all things; believes all things, 

hopes all things, 

endures all things...

"Now abides faith, hope and love, 

these three; 

but the greatest of these is love.   

 I Corinthians 13:4-7 

I will love Gods way.... Unconditionally.

Because... 

Jesus said,"A new command I give you: 

Love one another. 

As I have loved you, 

so you must love one another.  

By this all men will know that you are my disciples,

 if you love one another." 

John 13:34,35

I will...love my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Because...

Jesus said, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 

bless those who curse you, 

and pray for those who spitefully use you."   

Luke 6:27,28

I will...love  my enemies.

Because... 

Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-40:

"...you shall love the LORD your God 

with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  

This is the first and greatest commandment.  

And the second is like it: 

"You shall love your neighbour as yourself.  

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

I will love God, my family, my friends and my foes.

Because...

Mary said,

 "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, 

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. 

From now on all generations will call me blessed, 

for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

 from generation to generation. 

Luke 1:46-50

I will like her rejoice in God my Saviour.

This is why

  This is why

The Apostle Paul wrote,

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, 

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 

                                                                                            1 Corinthians 1:18.

There are many in our world who look at the New Testament and see it as unbelievable. Many who call its message foolishness. Why after all would God enter the world He created in the form of Christ Jesus only to die on a Roman cross? It doesn’t seem logical. But it’s what Christians believe.

My answer is simple God does not do things mans way. 

God asks all who see the life of Jesus, His death, His resurrection and His ascension to heaven, to accept this by faith. 

In the book of Hebrews we read,

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6.

The key word in Hebrews 11:6 being faith. 

Faith for many people is very difficult. Faith according to the writer of Hebrews is,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 

and 

certain of what we do not see.”  

                                     Hebrews 11:1.

I believe when someone has true faith in something they will continue to believe in it even to the point of death and beyond.

This is why I believe God asks us to have faith in the message of the cross.

Please think about it.

Are you nothing?

  Are you nothing?

The apostle Paul writes,

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

In my previous blog post I wrote about the apostle Pauls definition of Christian love. To my way of thinking if you cannot show love to those around you there is something wrong with you. 

This is especially true if you claim to be a Christian. You cannot be a Christian and hate another human being. You cannot be a Christian if you are not showing unconditional love to those around you.

Jesus when asked,

 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40.

So the question becomes, especially if you claim to be a Christian; are you showing Gods unconditional love to those around you, family, friend, and foe alike? Or are you as the apostle Paul states, “nothing”

Please think about it.

A Definition of Christian love

  A definition of Christian love?

The apostle Paul writes,

“Love is patient, love is kind. 

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,

 it is not easily angered, 

it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 

but rejoices with the truth.  

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails....

And now these three remain: 

faith, hope and love. 

But the greatest of these is love.”  

                                                       1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.

I don’t think there is a better definition of love than this definition of Gods love by the apostle Paul. This is the kind of love God wants each of us to display to those around us. It is truly unconditional love.

Are you showing this kind of love?

Please think about it.

God will render

God will render

The psalmist writes,

“Once God has spoken;

twice have I heard this; 

that power belongs to God,

and that to you, O Lord belongs steadfast love.

For you will render to a man

according to his works”

                                                              Psalm 62:11,12.

While it is true Christians believe you are saved by the Grace of God, through Jesus Christ. It is also true that one day God will judge each individual by their works. Thus I believe we need to examine ourselves to see if we are living a good moral life. A life pleasing to God.

Are you?

Please think about it.

From Him comes my Salvation

  From Him comes my Salvation

The Psalmist writes,

“For God alone my soul waits in silence;

from him comes my salvation.”

                                                   Psalm 62:1.

There is but one God. The Lord God Almighty. Creator of heaven and earth. This is what I firmly believe.

If there is no God then my believing in Him has not harmed me. If anything my belief in God has enriched my life.

Do you believe in God? W

Why or why not?

Please think about it.

God offers a choice

  God offers a Choice

Jesus speaking of Himself said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:16-18

The sole purpose of Jesus coming to this earth was to show each individual the way to heaven. To give each individual a choice. 

Each person when introduced to Jesus has a choice they can follow Jesus or they can go another way of their choosing.

That being said I think anyone considering these words of Jesus as expressed in John 3:16-18. Needs to take time to study the New Testament while at the same time praying and asking God to reveal Himself to them.

So who do you believe Jesus is?

Please think about it.

Lunatic, Fool or Son of God?

  Lunatic, Fool or Son of God? 

Think about this. The apostle Paul tells us,

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  Romans 3:23,24.

Paul then writes,

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8.

Paul is telling us that Jesus died for sinful people. That to a normal person doesn’t seem right. Why would anyone die for a sinful person. Yet the apostle Paul tells that’s exactly what Jesus did. 

C. S. Lewis speaking about Jesus states,

“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

What do you think?

Please think about it.

A Statement of Fact

  A statement of Fact

In the book of Genesis we read,

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

                                                                               Genesis 1:1

The Bible does not debate the existence of God. It was written to believers and believers have no need to debate Gods existence. 

The question is; do you believe God exists?

Before you answer that question. I would ask that you at least read the New Testament and see what it has to say about Jesus and God.

Please think about it.

Science and God

Science and God

The Psalmist writes,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard." Psalm 19:1-3.

I have always believed that science done right will one day prove the existence of God. 

The late Stephen Hawking even said,

“It would be difficult to explain why the universe should have begun in just this way, except as the act of God who intended to create beings like us" Stephen hawking.

Lord William Kelvin, noted for his works in thermodynamics said,

"If you study Science deep enough and long enough, it will force you to believe in God" Lord William Kelvin.

Werner Heisenberg father of Quantum Mechanics and Nobel prize winner in Physics said,

“The first gulp from the glass of natural science will make you an atheist, but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you" Werner Heisenberg.

The science seems to me a layman to be proving there is a Creator God who created the universe and everything in it.

The choice however is yours.

Please think about it.

I will. Do you?

  I will. Do you?

The Psalmist writes,

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;

 I will tell of all your wonders. 

I will be glad and rejoice in you;

 I will sing praise to your name, 

O Most High." 

                                              Psalm 9:1,2.

If you call yourself a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus, do you praise The Lord with your whole heart?

Do you tell those around you of his wonders?

Do you?

Please think about it.

A Christian belief

  A Christian belief

The apostle Peter said,

"And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" Acts 2:21

The apostle Paul wrote,

"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.  

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.  Romans 10: 9,10.

For a Christian getting into heaven is simple or so it seems? We do not get into heaven by our works the apostle Paul writing,

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9.

It is by the Grace of God we get into heaven. By believing, having faith in His one and only Son Christ Jesus. 

And while having faith in something may seem simple it is not necessarily so. In the book of Hebrews we read,

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11:1,2. 

Now having said that. Having faith for many people is a very difficult thing. Believing in what you cannot see, feel or hear can be a daunting task for many people. Many people refuse to believe in anything they cannot see, feel, or hear. Yet the book of Hebrews tells us,

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6.

So the question becomes do you truly have faith there is a God and that Jesus Christ is His one and Only Son The Way to heaven?

The choice is yours.

Please think about it.

A controversial statement

  A controversial statement.

Jesus said,

..."I am the way and the truth and the life.

 No one comes to the Father except through me.”

                                                                      John 14:6.

 I know that this portion of scripture is controversial to those who do not believe in Christ Jesus. But it is what we Christians believe.

If what we believe is wrong, we have lost nothing. On the other hand if what we believe is right. At the very least non-Christians have a lot to think about.

Thus as with anything concerning God and Jesus Christ you dear reader have a choice.

Please think about it.

Will you?

 Will you?

In the book of  Ecclesiastes we read,

“Better to go to a house of mourning 

than to go to a house of feasting, 

for all are destined to be mourned; 

the living should lay this to heart.” 

                                                  Ecclesiastes 7:2.

At first glance this would seem to be unusual. Why after all is it better to be in a house mourning the passing of someone, than in a house feasting.

The way I see it, if you attend someone’s funeral, it should at the very least be a wake up call for you. You should take a few moments to ask yourself where you will be spending eternity. Which is the ultimate question.

The American evangelist Tony Campolo wrote,

When you were born, you cried 

and everybody else was happy. 

The only question that matters is this - 

when you die, 

will you be happy

 when everybody else is crying?

                                                Tony Campolo.

Thus my question to you.

When you die will you be happy?

Please think about it.

Do you turn to Christ?

  Do you turn to Christ?

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

 and I will give you rest.”

                                      Matthew 11:28.

We are not promised a life without trials and tribulations. Problems in life come and go. That being said if your trust is truly in The Lord Jesus Christ, no matter what you are going through you can find rest.

In the very next line we hear Jesus say,

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29.

If we look at the early apostles especially Paul we see that he went through some horrific things. He was shipwrecked, beaten, thrown in jail and ultimately murdered for his faith. Yet his faith in Christ never wavered. If anything it seems to have made him stronger.

As a Christian I find comfort in knowing that no matter what trial or trouble I am going through Jesus is there with me giving me the strength to go through it.

When you go through troubles do you turn to Christ?

Please think about it. 

Are you sitting?

  Are you sitting?

Marks gospel records,

“When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:16,17.

We as Christians must be willing to sit down with those who do not believe as we do, and engage them in open discussion. To tell them what we believe and listen to them. That is our duty to Christ Jesus.

You can’t win a soul for Christ if you are not willing to sit down with those you disagree with.

So my question to you; If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus are you sitting down with those you disagree with and engaging them in open discussion? Are you presenting the gospel of Christ to anyone who will listen to you?

Please think about it.

Where is your heart?

  Where is your heart?

Jesus said,

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.

Where is your treasure? Now there is nothing wrong with having wealth in this world. The apostle Paul however reminds us,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10.

The key to what Jesus is saying here is where is your heart. Is it in this world trying to build an impressive fortune, or is it with God?

There comes a time I believe in every Christians life when we must ask ourselves, Where is our heart. Is it with Christ or this world?

Please think about it.

Judging never wins souls

  Judging never wins souls

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."Matthew 7:1,2.

Billy Graham the late American evangelist said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                               Billy Graham.

We need to remember this. Especially if we judge those outside our faith. Judging a person we will never win a soul for Christ. It is more likely to turn people away from Christ.

We do not have all the information as to why a person is the way they are or, why they believe what they believe. Only God knows that.

Thus my question to you is; Do you judge others?

Think about it.

Are you doing right?

  Are you doing right?

In the book of James we read,

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbour as yourself," you are doing right.” James 2:8.

The way I see this its cut and dry. We must love our neighbour as we love ourselves. We must treat our neighbour the way we want to be treated.

It all coming back to the words of Jesus who said,

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12.

So are you doing right? Are you loving others in the same way as you love yourself?

Please think about it.

How would you answer?

  How would you answer?

Jesus said,

"Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

This is a verse of scripture that even non-Christians know. Even though they may not know where the quote originates. 

In Matthews gospel we read that Jesus says it this way,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.

Do you treat people the way you want to be treated?

The Talmud while a Jewish book, and not Christian has many truths Christians can agree with. The following is one quote,

"When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, "Have you believed in God?"  Or "Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  "He is asked: "have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?" The Talmud.

Think about it when you stand before God He wont have to ask you if you believe in him. Your standing right in front of him. As for praying and observing the ritual; Those things have their place but the most important thing is “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow man”. And I think God while He knows the answer, just might offer you a chance to explain your actions. He just may want to hear what your honest assessment of your interaction with your fellow man is.

If you are dealing honourably with your fellow man you are showing the love of God in word and in deed. If you are not perhaps you are not a true believer in Christ Jesus. 

The apostle John wrote,

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7,8.

So when you stand before God how would you answer the question if God asked,

"have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?" 

Please think about it.

Poor and Needy

  Poor and needy

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

“If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbour… Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbour in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:7, 11.

Jesus said,

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 

"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 

"The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:34-40.

Helping the poor and needy is a common theme throughout the scriptures.

Now works alone will not save us. Our salvation comes through faith in Christ Jesus. That being said our faith should spur us on to do good works.

Question; If you consider yourself a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus is your faith spurring you on to do good works?

Please think about it.

Evildoers

 Evildoers

Jesus said,

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  

"Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'  

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"Matthew 7:21-23.

Now I write these blogs several weeks in advance. That being said, as I write this there is an outcry that will not go away nor should it go away soon. It’s about what amounts to genocide conducted by the Roman Catholic church here in Canada. 

This is a church organization that claims to be Christian. With a Pope who is known for his good works among the poor. Yet it will not offer a sincere apology or reach into it’s coffers and live up to the agreement they made to pay indigenous people compensation for what happened.

All that aside one has to wonder about the teacher, men and women who directly run those schools. Are these people truly Christian? From their actions I think not. 

I also think unless those who are still alive and committed these atrocities fail to repent, they will ultimately be judged by God and hear the words “away from me you evildoers”. 

Please think about it.

Dear Friend

 Dear Friends

The apostle John writes,

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1John 3:17,18

Actions mean a lot. Francis of Assisi wrote,

"The deeds you do may be the only sermon 

some persons will hear today" 

                                                         Francis of Assisi.

As Christians like it or not we will be judged by those around us by what we do and say. It’s as they say, “very easy to talk the talk but much harder to walk the walk”. And we as Christians are called to walk as Jesus walked. Love and act as Jesus did.

If it’s within our power to help anyone we should. Even something as simple giving a cold bottle of water to someone on the street helps. If you can’t do that consider contributing to a food bank, or a reputable charity that helps the poor. 

Please think about it.

Accept one another

  Accept one another

The Apostle Paul wrote,

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”Romans 15:7.

Back in the late sixties and early seventies I was part of a movement within the church called “Jesus freaks” essentially the hippy movement of church. The movement brought many young people, teens and such into the church. People within the movement met in small groups in houses generally. 

It was a group that accepted you at face value. If you said you believed in Jesus they believed you. They without probably knowing it at the time lived what Paul was saying in Romans 15:7.

At a time when the traditional church expected you to come to church in your “Sunday best” suits and ties for the gentlemen. Conservative dresses for women. Short hair for the men.  You could come as you are. Tee shirts and jeans, mini skirts, long hair. All that was important was that you came to worship in spirit in truth.

Worship consisted of lively music, in both the folk, rock and traditional genres. Music was made on whatever was available guitars, piano, tamborine  or anything that could make a joyful noise to the Lord. Even dance that at the time was taboo in many churches.

There were sadly, many church congregations that turned their back on us. I think those churches lost a lot by not welcoming us. While those who welcomed us were blessed.

While the church has come a long way since then. There is much that can be learned from what happened back then.

I think it serves as a reminder to churches today that we must embrace those who are “different”, or “out side the norm” for lack of a better description. 

It all comes down to what Jesus said,

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.

Which I believe means meeting people where they are at, showing them the Love of Jesus and teaching them all Jesus has taught us.

Please think about it.

In who do you place your faith ?

  In whom do you place your faith?

In the book of Chronicles we read,

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”1 Chronicles 16:11.

Do you look to the Lord and His strength? OR Do you rely on your own strength?

I think for most people especially here in North America where materialism is rampant, it can be hard to look to God for all our needs.

In the book of Matthew we read,

"Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 

"Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,  honour your father and mother,' and ‘love your neighbour as yourself.''" 

"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Matthew 19:16-22.

I think at times whether we have great wealth or not we need to ask ourselves the question. Am I relying on God or my own strength to get me through life?

Certainly the man that approached Jesus was relying on his wealth. His faith was in his wealth and not in God.

Thus the question becomes, In whom or what do you place your faith?

Please think about it.

Are you Ephesus?

  Are you Ephesus ?

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:  

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.  

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.  

Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.  

But you have this in your favour: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.  Revelations 2:1-7.

It is said each church represented in the book or Revelations can refer to a church, a church denomination or even a person in the present day.

Here while the Lord comments on their deeds and hard work. That they have not tolerated wicked men. And that they have hated the practices of the Nicolaitans an heretical group. The Lord also notes,

• “Yet I hold this against you: 
• you have forsaken your first love.  
• Remember the height from which you have fallen!
• Repent and do the things you did at first”. 

Some scholars note that this could mean that they have lost their love of God, of Christ. Some have even said they have lost their love of each other. While others say they have lost their love of both.

Either way The Lord makes it clear if they don’t repent they will loose their status before God.

As individuals we need to look at ourselves; Is God truly my first love? Do I truly love those around me. Family, friends, and foe alike?

Do I need to repent?

Do you?

Please think about it.

There are lots of ways

  There are lots of ways

In the book of James we read,

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”James 2:14-17.

Are you following this portion of Scripture? 

There are lots of ways to follow it. Give to a good charitable organization. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, a food bank or other charity that is helping the poor.

Why not take some time right now to pray and ask God how you can help the poor.

Please think about it. 

Remember these things

 Remember these things

Jesus said,

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20.

Here ultimately is what Christians are called to do. To tell the world about Christ Jesus. To go and make disciple of all nation.

The only way we are going to be able to do this is to remember three things...

1/ Do not judge anyone no matter who they are. What they believe or their way of life.

2/ Love unconditionally.

3/ do as Jesus said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12.

The final thing we need to remember are also the words of Jesus who said,

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16.

Please think about it.

Do your best

  Do your best

The Psalmist writes,

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, 

for I have put my trust in you. 

Show me the way I should go, 

for to you I lift up my soul." 

                                                    Psalm 143:8.

Is this your prayer? Do you ask the Lord to show His love toward you? Do you ask the Lord to show you the direction you are to go? Do you daily lift your soul to God?

As believers we need to seek God every day. We can only do this by going to Him in prayer and studying the scriptures.

The apostle Paul states,

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2Timothy 2:15.

Is this what you are doing? 

Please think about it.

Speak up

 Speak up

In the book of Proverbs we read,

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, 

for the rights of all who are destitute. 

Speak up and judge fairly; 

defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

                                                                Proverbs 31:8,9.

Now I live in Canada. I see everyday what is happening in North America and if there are questions I would ask those who espouse to be Christians particularly Evangelical Christians in the United States is; 

Do you speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves?

Do you speak up for the rights of the destitute? 

Do you defend the rights of the poor?

I say this because if you are not, you are not, obeying God. The words above from Proverbs 31:8,9 are Gods words not mine.

There has been a lot of political turmoil in the United states over the last four years and sadly Christians have been caught up in it. 

If there is a positive note coming out of it, it is that truth is coming out as to who is truly following the word of God and who is not.

Tony Campolo the American evangelist said,

"These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change." Tony Campolo.

 Campolo is right. The evangelical community in North America needs to become more biblical. 

In the book of James we read,

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:14:17.

Jesus said,

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42.

As Christians we are not called to get involved with politics. We are called to present the love of God to anyone who will listen to us.

We are to present that love in both word and deed. 

Are you speaking up for those who are in need?

Please think about it.