***Disclaimer*** I do not own this video or have any copyrights to it.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sharing a Message
Never saw this before in my life until today. It's a powerful message and very well written. I agree with everything this young man wrote and performed in his poem/rap.
***Disclaimer*** I do not own this video or have any copyrights to it.
***Disclaimer*** I do not own this video or have any copyrights to it.
Monday, April 23, 2012
But By Him
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
-St. John 14:6
There is nothing in this life and no person that can truly make you feel whole and complete like Jesus Christ can. God certainly allows us to have things that make us happy and keep us joyful here on our Earth (our hobbies, entertainment, friends, family, spouse) but we must understand that we were made for a purpose: to be reunited with God one day. We were created to love him.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
-Revelation 4:11
Like the popular Carrie Underwood song, "Temporary Home," this world is truly our temporary residence. We are on a journey that will inevitably take us to either eternal life or the second death (Hell). My guess is that everyone would like to live forever. Well, folks, it's been given to us. It's not a matter of having to take an exam and pass it. It's not a matter of having to say 40 Hail Mary's so you're cleansed.
NEWSFLASH: The Bible says clearly that the road to salvation begins with repentance (being sorry for your sins and asking forgiveness of the Father), taking Jesus as your Lord and Savior (for God sent Jesus to create a new covenant, in reference to the first one he gave Moses and his people), and remaining faithful until death. As a former member of the Roman Catholic church, I used to believe confession was the only way to ask forgiveness and be cleansed. NEWSFLASH: I learned that this is something we can do on our own, in a more meaningful, heartfelt way.
Jesus died for our sins. I find that too many people often look at Jesus as a symbol and not as much as a savior. He was indeed a SAVIOR. His death and his blood actually opened up the Gates of Heaven to all believers that have been baptized in Christ. Jesus was and still is the way, the truth, and the life. The Gospel is not a history lesson and it shouldn't be interpreted as something we look back on and say, "Oh, well things have changed." NEWSFLASH: Nothing has changed. God is still alive and forever will be and the blood covenant that Jesus created on the cross still applies. It is the only thing that applies. When we pass on from this life to the next, please, be sure that you have taken Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He is the Son of God and he died for this world so that we may have eternal life (ref. St. John 3:16).
I have witnessed supernatural things and seen miracles, both in my life and in others' lives. I have seen hearts broken, healed by God's love and God's love alone. I have seen sickness depart from the body through prayer and faith alone. I have seen my own life change and things around me "stand out" to me differently whether they are good or evil. I have been able to see evil more clearly and understand what things I should avoid. I have seen good make its way into my life day by day. I have felt my heart break in two and be lifted up just by faith.
I would not have been able to do or see any of these things but by Him, Jesus Christ. My life is the way I want it to be and I have no regrets. God has blessed me with many wonderful things over the past year and a half. And there have been many bumps and tests along the way but through each obstacle, I have put my trust in Jesus and seen something better come out of each one. It didn't take long for me. And it might take longer for you. It depends on where your heart is right now and where it should be. God will find you. People say, "I found God," and I just feel it's more appropriate to reverse that statement. God was never lost. He is and will forever be. And the only way to join Him is by Christ alone.
The following video is my own personal version of the sinner's prayer. It can be said in many ways but as long as you have faith, are sorry for your sins, ask forgiveness, and make Jesus your Lord and Savior, it is a prayer of salvation. Try it. You have nothing to lose if you do but everything to lose if you do not.
God bless and have a wonderful day!
-St. John 14:6
There is nothing in this life and no person that can truly make you feel whole and complete like Jesus Christ can. God certainly allows us to have things that make us happy and keep us joyful here on our Earth (our hobbies, entertainment, friends, family, spouse) but we must understand that we were made for a purpose: to be reunited with God one day. We were created to love him.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
-Revelation 4:11
Like the popular Carrie Underwood song, "Temporary Home," this world is truly our temporary residence. We are on a journey that will inevitably take us to either eternal life or the second death (Hell). My guess is that everyone would like to live forever. Well, folks, it's been given to us. It's not a matter of having to take an exam and pass it. It's not a matter of having to say 40 Hail Mary's so you're cleansed.
NEWSFLASH: The Bible says clearly that the road to salvation begins with repentance (being sorry for your sins and asking forgiveness of the Father), taking Jesus as your Lord and Savior (for God sent Jesus to create a new covenant, in reference to the first one he gave Moses and his people), and remaining faithful until death. As a former member of the Roman Catholic church, I used to believe confession was the only way to ask forgiveness and be cleansed. NEWSFLASH: I learned that this is something we can do on our own, in a more meaningful, heartfelt way.
Jesus died for our sins. I find that too many people often look at Jesus as a symbol and not as much as a savior. He was indeed a SAVIOR. His death and his blood actually opened up the Gates of Heaven to all believers that have been baptized in Christ. Jesus was and still is the way, the truth, and the life. The Gospel is not a history lesson and it shouldn't be interpreted as something we look back on and say, "Oh, well things have changed." NEWSFLASH: Nothing has changed. God is still alive and forever will be and the blood covenant that Jesus created on the cross still applies. It is the only thing that applies. When we pass on from this life to the next, please, be sure that you have taken Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He is the Son of God and he died for this world so that we may have eternal life (ref. St. John 3:16).
I have witnessed supernatural things and seen miracles, both in my life and in others' lives. I have seen hearts broken, healed by God's love and God's love alone. I have seen sickness depart from the body through prayer and faith alone. I have seen my own life change and things around me "stand out" to me differently whether they are good or evil. I have been able to see evil more clearly and understand what things I should avoid. I have seen good make its way into my life day by day. I have felt my heart break in two and be lifted up just by faith.
I would not have been able to do or see any of these things but by Him, Jesus Christ. My life is the way I want it to be and I have no regrets. God has blessed me with many wonderful things over the past year and a half. And there have been many bumps and tests along the way but through each obstacle, I have put my trust in Jesus and seen something better come out of each one. It didn't take long for me. And it might take longer for you. It depends on where your heart is right now and where it should be. God will find you. People say, "I found God," and I just feel it's more appropriate to reverse that statement. God was never lost. He is and will forever be. And the only way to join Him is by Christ alone.
The following video is my own personal version of the sinner's prayer. It can be said in many ways but as long as you have faith, are sorry for your sins, ask forgiveness, and make Jesus your Lord and Savior, it is a prayer of salvation. Try it. You have nothing to lose if you do but everything to lose if you do not.
God bless and have a wonderful day!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Pray for Others
Last year, I woke up one morning and asked God to make me of use to someone. As a young Christian, still only just starting to chew on the "meat" of the Word, I realized I had not done enough to pray for others. I thought about what it meant to be a Christian and a follower of Christ and I realized I needed to show more charity or love.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
-1 Corinthians 13:13
So I asked God to make me of use. It was a quick prayer and a silent one but I meant it in my heart. I knew I needed to step up and make a difference somewhere, somehow. Well, that very morning at work I was interrupted at my desk by a passerby who was lost and needed directions. She did not speak good English but she was able to gather the courage and ask me for help at the desk.
The area she was looking for was out of sight to the average resident since her destination was located at an industrial park. However, being a delivery driver at my other job, I knew the exact building she was looking to find. I gave her directions and she kindly thanked me and left to use the rest room. Upon returning to the desk the woman kindly and timidly asked my name. I told her, "Shane," emphasizing the "ane" part to help her pronounce it.
She smiled and gently responded, "Shane. I will pray for you tonight."
It didn't hit me right away what had happened and I didn't have enough time or courage to respond in a similar manner but I smiled and watched her leave. God had answered me that same morning. He sent me that woman to my job because she needed help. Right there and then I was of use to someone. I made a difference. Though it was small, it was a difference, nonetheless.
God Will Give You Direction
Much like I gave the lost woman directions, God will give us directions when we are lost. He will put us in certain places that he sees necessary for our specific talents, attributes, and personalities. And I'm not just talking about putting me at a bowling alley because I'm an established bowler...I'm talking about sending us to places to spread the Word of God and let it be seen by others. The whole point to being a good Christian and a follower of Christ is to actually follow Christ.
What did Christ do? He prayed for others. He ministered unto the people, believers and non-believers. He even prayed for the people that cursed him and spat on him while he was up on the cross. Christ is Love. We must love like Christ.
Yesterday, I found another good example of love and God's direction. He led me to a woman that needed prayer. She came to me and asked my name. Then she told me her name and the names of her children. While I will disclose the nature of why these events occurred, I must say that it had a profound effect on me. She needed help and whether she knew it or not, she was asking me for it. God led me to her to pray for her. I cannot ignore God's Will. He has a plan for each of us and His plan is greater than anything we have prepared for ourselves.
Like the lost woman, she found direction and responded in prayer. And like my experience yesterday, I found direction and I know it is a calling to respond in prayer. You may ask, "How do I know that I'm supposed to pray for someone? What if they don't ask?"
Well, the best way to answer that question is to say, "If you need to ask, then pray." God has programmed us to be curious and to show love and compassion which is why it is so necessary that we recognize moments like these and respond in prayer.
Hypothetically speaking, maybe you don't know how to respond in prayer or know if you're prayer is the right one? Well, pray for that knowledge first. Just start off by praying for an answer and a more direction. And then have faith. God will always answer you. And remember, God only answers "yes" and "Amen." Everything else is not of God. It may take some time for those yes's and Amen's to lead to exactly where you're looking for but if you stay on the righteous path, you will find the way.
So, remember: Pray for others. Start off by praying for yourself. Repent. Then ask God to show you the next step, the next person to pray for. It's that simple. Just have faith.
God bless and have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
God is Your Weapon
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
-Isaiah 54:17
The Bible isn't just a book for reading. It's not something that is meant to be made into a bland history lesson. The Bible is a tool for Christians and all believers in God. Like any tool, it can be used to protect, defend, and even take action with. The verse from Isaiah above is one of my favorites and I use it often when I pray for protection and defense.
God wants you to use your Bible actively in your life and He wants the Word to resonate in your heart. God's words written down thousands of years ago live on today and CAN and WILL help you in whatsoever you need.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
-Psalm 119:105
It is easy to read the Word of God but not understand or comprehend what it means or how exactly to apply it in your life. The best advice that I could offer regarding that is to meditate over specific passages and verses of interest. Furthermore, my uncle (Dedicated Christian) has taught me how to take verses and convert them into prayers. Let's look back at the quote from Isaiah again.
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Now, when I pray I say: "Father, I ask you in Jesus' name for protection from all things that form against me. It is written that no weapon formed against me (or my family, or anyone in particular you are praying for) shall prosper." And then I repeat that saying over and over again with meaning. "No weapon formed against me shall prosper...No weapon formed against me or my family shall prosper...etc..."
When we pray the Word of God and use it properly for God's will, angels are sent to protect us and assist us in what we need. Sound like a fairy tale? Just speak the Word of God and see how your life starts to change.
And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.
-Leviticus 26:8
The above verse refers to how God's angels are sent (into flight) to back and protect those that stand by God. While this verse is from the Old Testament, angels are still given charge over thee.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
-Psalm 91:11
However, if you remember from the Book of Luke, Satan uses that scripture to tempt Jesus. Remember, speaking the Word of God must also fall in with God's will. Jesus overcame temptation by referring to another scripture in Deuteronomy.
Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
-Deuteronomy 6:16
Therefore, what can be concluded about using God's Word? It is not a toy and it is not something that is meant to be spoken in vain. God's Word is a powerful tool that will lead to you to salvation and the Kingdom of God but you must know that it is a weapon for good, not evil.
If anyone were to hypothetically ask God for millions of dollars so that he/she may be able to live an easy, rich life, what do you think God would say? He may provide, after all, He is all powerful and loving. However, one reason I know God wouldn't provide is that the specific request made in prayer may not be according to his will. Perhaps that is why some of us may not be seeing God's plan blossoming in our lives? Perhaps our prayers may need adjusting? I know I have many times realized that God's will was not in line with what I was praying for; therefore, I had faith and trusted that God would lead me in the right direction.
The Lord has revealed to me the right direction and path to follow, both in prayer and in my life, and all it requires is having an ear to listen. How many times does the Bible say "He that has an ear to hear..."? I don't know for sure but I know it appears a lot. This is because God wants us to listen for Him that He may direct us so that we use His Word in the right way. It is a weapon to protect and to defend. But it is not a weapon to be used against His will. Don't expect to be praying for riches out of greed or anything out of lust for it because most certainly your prayers won't be answered by God, rather by fallen angels sent by Satan.
Pray to God and meditate over the Word. He will show you how to use it.
God bless and have a wonderful day!
---------------------------------------
-Isaiah 54:17
The Bible isn't just a book for reading. It's not something that is meant to be made into a bland history lesson. The Bible is a tool for Christians and all believers in God. Like any tool, it can be used to protect, defend, and even take action with. The verse from Isaiah above is one of my favorites and I use it often when I pray for protection and defense.
God wants you to use your Bible actively in your life and He wants the Word to resonate in your heart. God's words written down thousands of years ago live on today and CAN and WILL help you in whatsoever you need.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
-Psalm 119:105
It is easy to read the Word of God but not understand or comprehend what it means or how exactly to apply it in your life. The best advice that I could offer regarding that is to meditate over specific passages and verses of interest. Furthermore, my uncle (Dedicated Christian) has taught me how to take verses and convert them into prayers. Let's look back at the quote from Isaiah again.
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
Now, when I pray I say: "Father, I ask you in Jesus' name for protection from all things that form against me. It is written that no weapon formed against me (or my family, or anyone in particular you are praying for) shall prosper." And then I repeat that saying over and over again with meaning. "No weapon formed against me shall prosper...No weapon formed against me or my family shall prosper...etc..."
When we pray the Word of God and use it properly for God's will, angels are sent to protect us and assist us in what we need. Sound like a fairy tale? Just speak the Word of God and see how your life starts to change.
And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.
-Leviticus 26:8
The above verse refers to how God's angels are sent (into flight) to back and protect those that stand by God. While this verse is from the Old Testament, angels are still given charge over thee.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
-Psalm 91:11
However, if you remember from the Book of Luke, Satan uses that scripture to tempt Jesus. Remember, speaking the Word of God must also fall in with God's will. Jesus overcame temptation by referring to another scripture in Deuteronomy.
Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
-Deuteronomy 6:16
Therefore, what can be concluded about using God's Word? It is not a toy and it is not something that is meant to be spoken in vain. God's Word is a powerful tool that will lead to you to salvation and the Kingdom of God but you must know that it is a weapon for good, not evil.
If anyone were to hypothetically ask God for millions of dollars so that he/she may be able to live an easy, rich life, what do you think God would say? He may provide, after all, He is all powerful and loving. However, one reason I know God wouldn't provide is that the specific request made in prayer may not be according to his will. Perhaps that is why some of us may not be seeing God's plan blossoming in our lives? Perhaps our prayers may need adjusting? I know I have many times realized that God's will was not in line with what I was praying for; therefore, I had faith and trusted that God would lead me in the right direction.
The Lord has revealed to me the right direction and path to follow, both in prayer and in my life, and all it requires is having an ear to listen. How many times does the Bible say "He that has an ear to hear..."? I don't know for sure but I know it appears a lot. This is because God wants us to listen for Him that He may direct us so that we use His Word in the right way. It is a weapon to protect and to defend. But it is not a weapon to be used against His will. Don't expect to be praying for riches out of greed or anything out of lust for it because most certainly your prayers won't be answered by God, rather by fallen angels sent by Satan.
Pray to God and meditate over the Word. He will show you how to use it.
God bless and have a wonderful day!
---------------------------------------
Try praying this prayer with me...and don't be afraid to voice it out loud. This is the sinner's prayer, which is the beginning of your road to salvation and finding God. Pray this prayer and take your time to understand what it means...
Dear Heavenly Father, I repent of my sins and I ask you for forgiveness. Please Lord, forgive me of my sins by the blood of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I plead the blood of Christ before you Father and I thank you for your mercy, which endures forever. Lord Jesus, come into my heart and make me a new creature. Lord, make me a new creature in Christ. Thank you Father, in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you said this prayer and you meant it, then good for you! It is a beautiful prayer and it is going to change your life forever! God is with you, always. Peace be with you, always.
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