A Model prayer

  A model prayer

Jesus taught this to his disciples,

"This, then, is how you should pray: 

" ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'  

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:9-15.

The prayer is simple.

First, we honour God.

Second, we ask that His kingdom come

Third, we ask that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Forth, We ask that He supply our daily needs.

Fifth, We ask that He forgives our debts (Sins) as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.

Sixth, We ask that God lead us away from temptation 

Seventh, That God delivers us from the evil one.

Then Jesus adds this warning saying,

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” 

So is this the way you pray?

Devote yourself to prayer

  Devote yourself to prayer

In the book of Colossians we read,

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians  4:2.

Here’s a question for anyone who claims to be a Christian. Do you devote some of your time each day to prayer.

Think of it this way,

God gives you 1440 minutes in a day

Sleep takes up about 448 minutes,

Work and travelling to and from work takes up about 600minutes,

You are left with  360 minutes for yourself.

Are you willing to tithe some of those minutes.

Just 36 of them with God?

Are you willing to spend just 2.5% 

of all the minutes in a day God give you, 

with Him?

Please think about it.

Canada and the Christian.

 Canada and the Christian

The apostle Paul writes,

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time."  1 Timothy 2:1-6.

I live in Canada. I wasn’t born here but I’ve lived here most of my life. I thank God of Canada and its freedoms. Living in Canada I enjoy freedoms only dreamed of by those in other countries.

That being said contrary to what some Christians believe Canada is not a Christian country. It is a secular democracy who’s government does its best to balance the rights and freedoms of all who live within its bounds.

True some laws are based on Judeo-Christian principles. But that does not make the country Christian.

There is no country in the world that could remotely be called Christian. That is why we must do as the apostle Paul instructs. To pray for

 “...kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1Timothy 2:2-4

So as today is Canada day a day when Canada celebrates its birthday. Especially if you are a Canadian or live in Canada pray for the government and all those who are in authority in Canada. Pray that as the apostle Paul states,

“...that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1Timothy 2:2.

Please think about it. 

A duty to pray

 A duty to pray

Jesus said,

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11,12.

I don’t know why God allows those who believe in Him to be persecuted but they are.

That being said I believe it is the duty of all Christians, especially those of us who live in countries where we have the freedom to worship the way we wish, to pray for the persecuted and imprisoned Christians around the world.

Do you pray for brothers and sisters in Christ that are persecuted?

If you want to know more about the persecuted church around the world look up Open doors ministries. An organization that helps the persecuted church around the world.

And please remember to pray each day for those Christians. Those followers of Christ Jesus who do not have the freedom to worship God the way they wish.

Please don’t just think about it. Do it. 

The Persecuted Church

  The Persecuted church

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 

These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.  

I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. Revelations 2:8-11.

Here is one of only two churches mentioned in Revelations that Christ does not criticize. Christs states that while they may seem to live in poverty. It is quite the opposite. They are rich. 

Christ tells them that some of them are about to go to prison, and suffer persecution. Yet He reminds them that if they stay faithful to the point of death they will receive a crown of life.

This is happening around the world today in the twenty-first century. There are many believers in Christ Jesus who are being persecuted, jailed, placed in prison camps even put to death for the name of Jesus.

These believers have the assurance from Christ that they will receive a crown of life.

As believers in the western democracies we should be praying for the persecuted church around the world. 

For as brother Andrew a famous evangelist and bible smuggler once said, “our prayers go where we cannot.”

Please don’t just think about it. 

Pray for the persecuted church now.

A Standard for Christian living

 A Standard for Christian living

As Christians I believe there are certain standards we must live by. By live by I mean everything we do must line up with these standards. Standards set by Jesus himself and the apostles.

1/ Love,

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 neighbor as yourself.’  

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

Jesus also said,

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,..." Matthew 5:43,44

From the above scriptures we can see that we must love God, our neighbour and even our enemy. And we must pray for them. These are absolute truths directly from Jesus.

2/Live in Peace.

The apostle Paul states,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."Romans 12:18.

The writer of Hebrews agrees with this saying,

3/ Live Holy lives

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14 

Thus we must endeavour to live at peace and live holy lives, for "...without holiness no one will see the Lord." 

4/Respect authority.

The apostle Paul tells us to,

"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,... "Titus3:1

5/Do not slander

".....slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." Titus 3:2.

6/Exhibit the fruits of a true Christian. The fruit of the Spirit

The apostle Paul tells us,

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  

gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23.

7/ Respect others even if you vehemently disagree with them. 

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.

If you claim to be a true follower of Christ Jesus...

Please don’t just think about what is said here. Do it.

Call on Him

  Call on Him

Jeremiah the prophet states,

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12,13.

In order to find God we must be searching for Him. Not only that but when the truth of Gods existence is revealed to us, we must continue to seek the truths He offers to us.

Jesus said,

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24.

The Christian life is one of continued growth. The more we study the scriptures the more we grow into the person God wants us to be.

Jesus told us,

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7,8.

If you claim to be a Christian. A believer in Christ Jesus do you study the scriptures, praying, calling on God that He will show you the truths that are within their pages?

Please think about it.

I will

  I Will

The Psalmist writes,

"I will extol the LORD at all times; 

his praise will always be on my lips. 

My soul will boast in the LORD; 

let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 

Glorify the LORD with me; 

let us exalt his name together." 

                                           Psalm 34:1-3.

Do you do this? Do you “extol the LORD at all times”? 

I am always amazed at the reports that I read from Christians around the world that live under persecution or are in jail for their faith in Christ Jesus. These brothers and sisters in Christ some in very bad situations keep their faith and praise the Lord.

It reminds me of Paul and Silas who were in prison. The book of acts recording,

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25.

In what for Paul and Silas must have been a very bad time they prayed and sung hymns to God. Such a thing should be an example to us who live in freedom.

As Christians who live in freedom we should always remember to pray and praise God no matter what situation we are in.

Thus my question to you the reader; Do you pray and give praise to God at the very least daily?

Please think about it.

For everyone

 For everyone

The apostle Paul writes,

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone...” 1 Timothy 2:1.

If you claim to be a Christian do you pray for everyone around you? Do you pray for your family members, friends, neighbours, enemies, government and religious leaders? The apostle Paul says you should. So do you?

Please think about it.

False Christs

 False Christs 

Jesus said,

"For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.  

See, I have told you ahead of time. 

"So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. Matthew 24:24-26

As Christians we need to be on guard against false prophets and teachers, whom Jesus said “will perform great signs and miracles”

In my lifetime which now spans in excess of sixty years many false teachers have arisen leading people astray. Many times with tragic consequences. This is also true throughout the history of the church.

Sadly many Christians are easily fooled. They tend to be trusting to the point that they give anyone who claims to be Christian the benefit of the doubt. As a result many are led astray. 

The best way for a believer in Christ Jesus to know who to follow is through prayer and bible study. 

Prayer brings us closer to God. While bible study fills us with knowledge about God. The two compliment each other.

  When we pray we should also ask God to give us wisdom about the scriptures and how it relates to us and the world around us. That way we will not be led astray.

Thus my question to you the reader is; do you pray and study the Bible at least daily? OR do you simply trust anyone who claims to be a Christian? 

Please think about it.

Remember them

Remember them
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”Hebrews 13:3.
If you claim to be a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus. Do you pray for those fellow Christians who are in prison?
Today there are thousands of Christians in prison for their faith around the world. It is said that a Christian dies for their faith every seven minutes somewhere in the world.
Lately we are hearing a lot about the persecution of various groups. Yet it seems to me we hear very little about the persecution of Christians.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion in the world." 
Today as you read this Christians in North Korea must meet in secret. To be caught worshipping God is at the very least a prison sentence doing hard labour. And while North Korea is considered the worst place to be a Christian, there are many other countries around the world where being a Christian can get you thrown in prison, attacked, even murdered.
Thus we Christians in the western democracies with all the freedoms we have, must remember to pray for and support those around the world who are suffering for the sake of Christ.
 Thus I would ask anyone reading this who claims to be a Christian, please pray for those brothers and sisters who are suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.
Please Pray.

Your Sermon

Your sermon
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.
If you claim to be a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus are you doing this?
If you claim to be a Christian you are whether you like it or not representing Christ Jesus in your words and deeds.
Francis of Assisi rightly said,

"The deeds you do 

may be 

the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                            Francis of Assisi.

So what is your sermon saying to the people around you?
Are you showing the love of Christ to those around you no matter who they are?
Do you correctly represent Christ to those around you?
Are you evangelizing and telling people about what should be the most important thing in  your life?
Are you dealing honourably and faithfully with those around you?
The Talmud while not a Christian book tells this story that I can see happening. It states,
“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.
On the day you stand before God, if he were to ask you that question, “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?” What will you say?
Will God say your sermon truly reflected His unconditional love to all you came in contact with?
Please think about it.  

Pray and Study

Pray and Study
Jude the half brother of Jesus writes,
“But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.  
They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”  
These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.  
Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 1:17-21.
Jude’s message to believers in Christ Jesus is simple. He reminds believers that in the last days there will be scoffers who “Follow their own ungodly desires” That these men will divide believers.
He tells believers to build themselves up in “your most holy faith...” 
To “keep yourself in God’s love”, as they await the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is important that believers in Christ Jesus read at the very least the New Testament. It is the sole authority for the Christian faith. The New Testament tells the believer in Christ Jesus how they are to live.
Thus the more we study the scriptures the stronger our faith becomes.
When I was a young believer in Christ Jesus a pastor gave me some good advice. He told me to remember these three points,
1. Pray and study the Bible.
2. Study the Bible and Pray.
3. Never forget to Pray and Study the Bible.
It was sound advice when he gave it to me. It is sound advice today to all who would call themselves believers in Christ Jesus.
If you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus ask yourself these questions.
How often do you sit down to pray and study the Bible?
Do you think you do it enough?
Please think about it.

Believers Must

Believers must
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.  
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins “1 John 4:7-10.
C. S. Lewis notes,
“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”  C.S. Lewis.
As human beings we have the capacity to do many things. Among those things are love and hate.
If a person is truly a believer in Christ Jesus they will not have anything to do hate. They will love unconditionally.
The apostle Paul defines love as,

“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.

Love is the greatest asset a believer in Christ Jesus has. Martin Luther King jr. the great American civil rights leader at the height of the civil rights movement said two things about love,

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy 

into friend.”

                                    Martin Luther King, Jr.

He pointed out,
“Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”  Martin Luther King Jr.
Jesus knew this that’s why when asked,
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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus also went as far to say,

“You have heard that it was said,

 ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  

But I tell you: 

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” 

                                                                     Matthew 5:43,44

As believers in Christ Jesus we must love. We must love unconditionally.
Over and over again throughout the New Testament love is a recurring theme. 
If you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ are you showing the unconditional love of Christ to those around you, even your enemies?
Please think about it.

A Message for Today

A Message for today
The book of Acts records a meeting between the apostle Paul and the elders of the Ephesian church at Miletus. While the meeting is recording Paul’s last visit with the elders from Ephesus, there is within it a warning we in the twenty-first century church need to heed.
The book of Acts states,
“Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again.  
Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men.  For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.  
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.  
I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.  
Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.  
So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. 
“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Acts 20:25-32.
1/ Paul makes it clear that he is “innocent of the blood of all men” having not hesitated to proclaim the whole will of God.
This is something we must be certain of especially if you are a leader in the Church. Leaders in the church are, as is every believer in Christ Jesus responsible of proclaiming “the whole will of God”. The pure gospel. Not adding or changing God’s word in any way.
2/ Paul calls on those oversee the congregation pastors even board members and others in authority in the church to look after those in their congregation. I believe this means not only spiritually but physically also. Helping those in need. Helping the sick. Helping people to grow spiritually.
3/Paul notes “savage wolves will come” people determined to destroy the faith of individuals and use the word of God in ways that it was not meant to be used. Some of these people actually coming from within the church. Men and women who say they are followers of Christ but are not.
4/ Paul warns us to be on guard against those who would try to distort and destroy believers.
I firmly believe in order to do all of this believers in Christ Jesus must study for themselves, and with other believers, the scriptures both old and new Testaments. We must know what the word of God is saying. We must put the truths of the scriptures to work in our lives.
Above all I firmly believe we must pray. Asking God to guide us, protect us, lead us, and show us the truth that lies within His holy word.
Please think about it. 

The Persecuted

The Persecuted
Through the book of Revelations Jesus speaks to seven churches. As I said in my previous blog. Scholars have noted that these churches can be taken in several ways. They can speak to individual churches throughout history and today and they can be personalized by individuals.
The Second church mentioned is Smyrna. That was located at a major port city just north of Ephesus. The Imperial Roman cult was presence in the city as was a large number of Jews. Both of whom may have persecuted early believers in Christ.
The book of revelations records,
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
  I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”Revelations 2:8-11
Here Jesus identifies Himself as “the First and the Last, “who died and came to life again.”
He notes that the church has gone to affliction and poverty.That they are slandered, yet they are rich
Today around the world there are churches and individuals who are as one person said “dangerous neighbourhoods”. Areas of the world where being a follower of Jesus Christ can get you put in jail, attacked or even murdered.
Jesus in addressing the church at Smyrna is addressing them. He calls on them not to be afraid. That while they may be put in prison and suffer persecution they will be given a crown of life.
For anyone going through persecution it can be hard. No one deserves to go persecution for their faith not matter who they are. That being said however as believers in Christ Jesus we have the assurance that in the end we will receive the victors crown and live eternally in Heaven with God.
If you are a Christian living in the west that is not undergoing persecution take time to remember the persecuted church. Men and Women who are suffering for their faith. Take time to pray and if you are in the western democracies especially write to your member of parliament, or prime minister. Ask them to bring up the plight of persecuted Christians. It can’t hurt but it may just do a lot of good.
Perhaps even bring up to your pastor and Church congregation the need to keep praying and doing what you can to help believers in Christ that are being persecuted.
Please think about it.

A Caution to Christians

A Caution to Christians
“Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” 2Timothy 2:16.
Godless chatter, do you engage in it? Godless chatter is teaching wrong teaching. We need to be very careful about what we teach. False teaching can spread like wildfire through a congregation and have disastrous consequences. It can turn people away from God.
Paul in 2 Timothy gives an example saying,
“Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,  
who have wandered away from the truth.....”  2 Timothy 2:17,18a.
  We as Christians must hold those who teach the scriptures to a high standard. The apostle Paul states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
While we as Christians have no right to judge those outside the church. We as Christians have the right to Judge those who claim to be Christians because they by calling themselves Christians are saying “I believe as you do”.
Likewise if they are not teaching correct doctrine then we have the right to expel them from the body of believers.
Christians must remember,
“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.
As Christians we must be studying the word of God for ourselves. We must be questioning those people who are teaching the word of God if we perceive they might be in error. Asking them to explain more fully from the scriptures what they believe.
We must check to see that all scripture is used in its correct context not simply used in such a way as to deliberately or otherwise lead people astray.
The key thing is for Christians to be on guard. Pray and ask God for direction. Study the scriptures for yourself and as Paul says to Timothy,
“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.” 2 Timothy 2:15.
Please think about it. 

Stand with Olando

Stand with Orlando
Yesterday I heard a news report that anti-gay protesters from a church in Orlando were protesting against homosexuality at one of the funerals for one of these killed. They attended a church apparently and called themselves Christians.
As a Christian I am mortified that those claiming to be Christians would do such a thing. I do not know if these people are truly Christian or not. That is between them and God.
If however they are Christians they are misguided and insensitive to those who need to see the Love of Jesus. They exhibit the worst in Christians, which sadly seems to be the norm for many calling themselves particularly evangelical Christians both in the United States and Canada.
The apostle Paul said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
According to what Paul says those people who protested against the LGBT community are wrong in doing so.
Jesus makes it clear
“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.
If these anti-gay demonstrators claim to be Christian then they must believe what Jesus said here in Matthew 7:12. Which leads to the conclusion that they would like people to demonstrate outside their church.
I have been a Christian for over forty years now. I have taught the Bible for most of those years. I do not see anywhere, where Christ or the apostles spoke against those outside of their faith. I do not see where they ever demonstrated against anything that was against their beliefs or moral values.
Jesus and his disciples showed unconditional love toward all people. It was Jesus who said 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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Not only that Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”Matthew 5:43-45.
Love your God, your neighbour, and your enemy, pray for your persecutors. These are Christian values. Not standing with a placard judging people. That is not the role of any Christian.
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.
These words are very true and I believe those who protested against the LGBT community at that funeral will be judged according to how they judged.
I as a Christian however extend my prayers and condolences to the families of those who died and all those who were injured both physically and emotionally from the shootings.
My God bless you and shine His peace upon you.
Yours in Christ.
Neal W.

Christian Living

Christian living
Here is something all Christians need to consider. It is written by the apostle Paul to the Romans. He states,
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.  
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:9-21.
Dear Christian are you living this kind of life?
When people see your life do they truly see Jesus reflected in you?
Please think about it.

Christ's Example

Christ's Example
Matthews gospel records,
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.  
After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.  
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’’” 
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.  
“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’’” 
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’’” 
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.  
“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’’” 
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”   Matthew 4:1-11.
Here Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he is tempted three times by the Satan. These three temptations serve as an example to Christians as to how to deal with temptation.
The first temptation was to do a miracle outside the Fathers will.
Christians must remember that anything we do must be in accordance with God the Fathers will. Even Jesus just prior to His crucifixion while in the garden said “not my will but yours be done”.
All too many Christians forget about this. They want things done there way and when a it doesn’t happen they get upset.
I know within some church groups they pray for someone’s healing saying “it’s God’s will that everyone should be healthy”, yet the person dies and they can’t understand it.
They never think that it might just be God saying “come home to me where there is no pain and suffering.”
All our actions should be in accordance with God’s will. We are His servants. He is not ours.
In the second one Satan tells Jesus to throw Himself off a tower saying that God will protect Him by sending His angels. This would show who Jesus was through a spectacular act rather than Christ’s righteous works and life.
God want people to recognize who Jesus is by having faith in him. The writer of Hebrews telling 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.
Faith defined as,
     “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
The third temptation is Satan telling Jesus to bow to him. That if he did he’d give him the world. It would mean Jesus would not have to go to the cross.
Jesus however turned this down saying, “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’’
This should remind us that we should not have any other gods except God the Father. We should not worship the things of this world.
We must only Worship the Lord God Almighty.
Jesus through all of this used Scripture to rebuke Satan.
In order for us to be successful in our walk as Christians we should study the scriptures. We should make the scriptures part of our life and lifestyle. So that we know what God requires of us and thus live a life acceptable to God.
Please think about it.