I will sing Gods Praise

I will sing Gods praise!

The psalmist writes,

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

 before the "gods" I will sing your praise.” 

                                                            Psalm 138:1.

Question if you consider yourself a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus do you praise the Lord with your whole heart before “the gods”?

Where I live in North America too many people worship the wrong gods. The god of money, materialism, political figures among other things.

And these “gods” have slipped into the church. There are many evangelist and preachers filling stadiums with thousands of people who live by every word these people say.

Most of these pastors and evangelist are pedalling ‘christian copies’ of the secular world. Playing on the emotions of people want to get rich or healed or delivered from a bad situation.

    These so called “prosperity preachers” are little more than conmen. Who in another era would have called “snake oil salesmen”. 

They attract people with promises of wealth and health, saying if you will give what you have to their ministry. And when the giver doesn’t get rich or healthy, they say it’s a lack of faith or a need to give more money.

God is not a cosmic banker giving to his followers millions of dollars. If so those that are a part of the persecuted church around the world would be the richest Christians in the world. Because persecuted Christians, believers in Christ Jesus remain faithful to God no matter what they are going through.

The Bible never promised us riches. Jesus and his disciples were not rich men. All but one of them died a martyred death.

And as believers in 2022 we should not expect any better. We should learn from the disciples of Christ and do what the writer of Hebrews states,

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" Hebrews 12:2.

We should as the Psalmist states,

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

 before the "gods" I will sing your praise." 

                                                            Psalm 138:1.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

It's our faith

  It’s our faith

The apostle Paul writes,

“Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Galatians 3:6.

Paul also writes,

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."Galatians 2:20.

The apostle Paul reminds all believers,

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18.

The writer of Hebrews telling us,

“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.

The apostle Paul telling us,

"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.

We cannot work our way to heaven. That takes an act of faith on our part. Thus the question I have for you is;

 Do you like the Apostle Paul have faith in the Son of God?

Please think about it.

Love Hangs on Two Commandments

 Love  Hangs on two commandments

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

The apostle Paul defined what true Christian love is when he wrote,

"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.

Thus the question to you dear reader. If you consider yourself a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus do you love as God loves?

Please think about it.

Kissing the feet of Jesus

  Kissing the feet of Jesus

Luke’s gospel records this 

“Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. 

"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.  

Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he cancelled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 

Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt cancelled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. 

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  

You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.  

You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.  

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." 

Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Luke 7:40-48.

Here in North America the church talks a lot about forgiveness of sin. Many people come to church pray “the sinners prayer”. A prayer that is not in the bible. A prayer that is suppose to give assurance to the one who prays it that they will get to heaven, IF they truly mean it.

Sadly however as the late evangelist Leonard Ravenhill has said,

“The sinners prayer has sent more people to hell than all the bars in America.” Leonard Ravenhill.

The sinners prayer sadly while useful at times. Can and does give a false sense of security. When we come to Christ, we need to be like the woman who washed and kissed Jesus’ feet. 

We need to realize how much He truly did for us. So much so that we worship Him and thank Him by literally will kissing His feet. 

Is this the kind of Love you show toward Jesus?

Are you willing to kiss the feet of Jesus?

Please think about it.

You and your dealings with your fellow man

 Your dealings with your fellow man

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

In the book of James we read,

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

Doing what is right toward others is one of the most important messages in the whole of Scripture. It is seen throughout the New and Old Testament, as well as in Jewish writings,

In the book of Leviticus we read,

“You shall not take vengeance of bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself : I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18.

The Jewish scholar Hillel wrote,

“That which is hateful to you, 

do not do to your neighbour.” 

                                               Hillel

In the Talmud we read,

“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

Doing what is right toward others is one of the most important messages in the whole of Scripture.

So the question becomes are you doing to others what you would have them do to you?

Are you dealing honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow man?

Please think about it.

Canada Day

  Canada Day

The apostle Peter wrote,

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11,12.

Today is Canada day. The day Canada in 1867 gained its independence from England. A day when Canadians celebrate. And while I celebrate with them I am an alien in Canada. I was born elsewhere in the world. I have however for over fifty plus years chose to live in Canada which in my opinion is one of the best countries in the world.

Being an alien means I must obey the laws of Canada and live at peace. Thus I can understand what the apostle Peter wrote to Christians.

As Christians we are called to abstain from sinful desires, live good lives, perform good deeds. That those around us may see them and give God the glory.

Francis of Assisi wrote,

"The deeds you do

 may be the only sermon some persons will hear today" 

                                                                                  Francis of Assisi.

As believers and servants of our Lord Jesus Christ we need to, in word, and deed, do our best to represent God in the best possible light.

We need I believe not only to listen to the words of the apostle Peter, but consider putting the words of the Prayer of St. Francis into practice that states,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” 

                                                                  Francis of Assisi

Please think about it.

Not our way

  Not our way

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.

On the day Jesus was crucified Luke’s gospel records,

"The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." Luke 23:35.

To a people looking for liberation from the Roman boot. Looking for a saviour to get them from under Roman oppression. Jesus hanging on the cross didn’t fit the bill.

The Jews of Jesus’ day were looking for a conquering  Messiah to lead them, victory over their oppressors, not a suffering Messiah.

What they, and people today fail to see is that God does not work the way man works. Lets face it most people living under oppression long for the day a leader arrises to free them. Usually by force of arms.

Jesus was totally the opposite of this. He died to make us free. Not necessarily in physical way. But rather spiritually.

Jesus is God reaching down to man.

The apostle Paul writing,

"But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" Titus 3:4,5.

The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8.

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.” John 3:16. 

Thus the question becomes; Do you believe in Jesus?

Please before you answer that question take time to not just read the New Testament but study it. Taking time to Pray and ask God to show you the truth about Jesus.

Please think about it.

Advice from a Christian Grandpa

  Advice from a Christian grandpa

A short while ago I was encouraged to write some words of advice to my grandchildren. The words I wrote I believe is good advice for everyone.

One make sure you truly are in a right relationship with God. Make sure you are not just reading the Bible but studying it. So that you know what is right in Gods sight for you. 

DON'T be a follower of some fancy pastor or evangelist. Follow the words of the apostle Paul when he said,

"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.

Men and women are imperfect and there are many pastors and evangelist out there who have strayed from the truth and are preaching simply to make themselves rich often at the expense of the poor. Stay away from them.

Secondly do what you can to help those in need. Follow the words written in the book of James that states,

"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.

Simply put let your faith spur you to good works.

Be what the Jews call a tzaddik.  This is the simplest definition I can find,

The word "tzedakah" is derived form the Hebrew root Tzadei-dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act, it is simply and act of righteousness, performance of a duty giving the poor their due....

  Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need. Some sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and that a person who does not perform tzedaka is equivalent to an idol worshipper...

According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor. Although those in need do not necessarily need to give this much. And one should never give so much as to make one in need of financial help.

Thirdly have adventures! Don’t just stay near where you were born. Travel (take your faith with you and if you get a chance to share it, do so. Share it however, never force it on anyone.). 

    Explore not just your own country but others. Learn as much as you can about other cultures and ways of life. Judge no one.

Live life to the fullest. Follow the advice of the apostle Paul who wrote,

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

And always follow 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. 

                                              Please think about it.

With your whole heart

  With your whole heart

The apostle Paul wrote,

"Devote yourselves to prayer, 

being watchful and thankful." 

                                      Colossians  4:2

Writing to the Romans Paul said,

"Be joyful in hope, 

patient in affliction, 

faithful in prayer."

                                 Romans 12:12  

In the book of Jeremiah we read,

“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

If you claim to be a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus. Do you pray?

Prayer takes us to the very thrown room of God. It puts us in touch with the Creator of the universe and as such helps us through each day.

So if you are a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus are you truly praying with your whole heart?

Please think about it.

A Christians duty

 A Christians Duty

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.

As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we have a divine duty to our fellow men. 

If we truly believe the words of Jesus who said,

“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.

Then we should strive to present the Gospel Message to those around us. If we believe that we truly know the way to heaven. Then we have a duty to tell others.

And I stress here “we should present the Gospel”. We are called to present the gospel message. Not force it on people. And we are certainly Not to judge others. Especially when it come to where they will spent eternity. That is Gods job not ours.

So if you consider yourself to be a true follower of Christ Jesus are you presenting the gospel message to those around you?

Please think about it.

God the Church and you

 God the Church and you

In the Gospel of John we read,

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  

He was with God in the beginning. 

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  

In him was life, and that life was the light of men....

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. " John 1:1-4,14.

This is a cornerstone scripture for all true Christians. Jesus here is called “The Word”and John makes it clear that Jesus and God are one.

There is a work called The Apostles Creed. Now while this was not written by and apostle of Christ it sums up what True believers in Christ Jesus believe. It states,

I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth

I believe in Jesus Christ God’s on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.

I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary

 I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; 

That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.

I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.

 I believe that he ascended into heaven 

and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.

I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.

 I believe in the Holy Ghost

I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,

 I believe in the forgiveness of sin.

I believe in the resurrection of the body.

 I believe in life everlasting.

Do you believe this?

Please think about it.

God, you, and your children

 God, you and your children 

In the book of Deuteronomy we read,

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  

Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Deuteronomy 6:5-7

The late evangelist Billy Graham said,

“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” Billy Graham.

If you claim to be a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus do you believe this? More importantly, are you doing this?

Please think about it.