Set Your Mind On God

Romans 8:6 says..."For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the spirit is life and peace." The writer continues to say that the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God because it is not subject to the laws of God so it is impossible to please God.

You know it really is not difficult to live in this world and keep a Godly perspective about life. According to the scripture, simply set your mind on the spirit and allow His direction for each step of the day. We try not to sin each day and the best way is to continually be mindful of the Spirit that resides within you.

I just joined a group of people who believe that they can find 10 million Christians on Facebook. Let's not lose sight of the fact that we are looking for those who's lives have been COMPLETELY turned over to God. Most of America considers itself Christian but what if they had a gun to their head. Would they feel and truly confess the same. These are the 10 million that are being searched for. Harsh words for today's society but God's not looking for "quitters" when times get really tough (and they will).

Is your mind set on the flesh or the spirit? It cannot be both!

Dave

Show Us the Father!

In John 14:8 Philip says to Jesus..." Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Where is his faith. Jesus say..." Have you been with me so long and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father..." We seem to want to see one proof after another about the existence of Jesus Christ.

Remember when the Lord was in the wilderness for 40 days and nights? Satan came to Christ and says to throw Himself down upon the rocks and God's Angels in heaven would surely "swoop" down and save Him from imminent destruction? So what if Jesus said, Okay, Satan, here I go. Watch closely now! Always looking for that little glimpse of a miraculous scenery that will seal our faith? Well somewhere down the road Jesus would have had to jump off a HIGHER cliff just to prove He is who He says He is!

Jesus went on to say in John 14...Believe in Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me; otherwise believe on account of the works themselves. "Truly truly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he shall do also; AND GREATER WORKS THAN THESE HE SHALL DO (emphasized); because I go to the Father."

Jesus has given us the power to move mountains and we cannot even believe ourselves out of a witnessing situation. We shared with a server at dinner last night and later he came back to say thanks for the information. He was a believer in the Lord and it was refreshing to see someone "stretch" their faith without having to "jump of a cliff."

Don't miss the opportunity.

Dave

A Blessing From Paul

In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul says..."Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, wthout blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." In retrospect, looking into what Paul was saying here as he closes out his letter to Thessalonica he adds a line that causes one to think about his or her relationship to Christ.

He devotes all of his time to sharing all of the reasons why we should become Christians and then ends his letter by asking God to "bless and sanctify your entirely" sounding a little like he is taking some liberty here and suggesting that some of those he spoke to asked Jesus to reside in their heart.

And he follows it up with..."faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." In my way of thinking, Paul must be rejoicing in the souls who surrendered to Christ. What a joy that is. I have been in the presence of some who have given their heart to Christ and it is truely Majestic and always gives me "chills" just to see people as the meet Jesus.

Truely a magical moment in your life. Try it sometime, you'll like it. It only take a few memorized verses to lead one of Christ's "little ones" home.

Dave

"Come to Me"

Matthew 11:28 says..."Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Here we find one of the more simple invitations to come to salvation in Jesus Christ. A genuine call to repentance and a new life with Christ from the Savior Himself.

Is there someone who does not need to respond to this invitation. Only if that person has already decided he wishes Hell as his final place (where I am sure there will be no resting). You and I walk past and even brush shoulders with people who have yet to accept this invitation.

Jesus says..."Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOUL." Can we truly just walk by these poor lost souls and say absolutely nothing? I suggest that we cannot if we choose to be obedient to God's Word.

Jesus came into the world to allow us to take His yoke upon ourselves and He says..."For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Life is tough. How's your "Yoke" hanging today. Take His and then go tell someone.

Dave

Shining Brightly like the brightness of the Expanse of Heaven!

Daniel 12:3 says..."And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."

Are you one of those who know God's plan and don't bother to share it with others? Or do you "shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven?" God has commanded us to "Go" and to "Share" His plan with others. It is very possible that the person you are standing/sitting next to is clueless about the things of God and the only way he or she has a chance for heaven is in your hands.

You know the truth, so open your mouth an "let it fly". Even the blind man said..."I don't know anything. I only know that once I was blind, and now I see"(paraphrased). This may be your chance to "shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven."

Take courage and share your faith today. Look around you and see how the world is falling apart . Your chances may become fewer and fewer.

Dave

Face to Face

In 2 John 12, the Apostle John wrote..."Having many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that your joy may be made full." Even back then, the Apostle knew the joy of sharing the Gospel "face to face".

Find someone to share your faith with today. What great joy it will bring to your heart. As the time of Christ draws near to us, draw your strength from Him. Jesus is the only road to salvation. Do not be decieved.

Dave

I just wanted to take a minute to tell everyone Happy New Year. We have all endured 2008 and a New Year is upon us. Those of us who consider ourselves true "followers of Christ" have a spiritual and moral obligation in the upcoming year to spread the Gospel as far as we can. I like to think of it as if I am putting jelly on my toast. When I spread the jelly, I make sure that I reach every crevice and corner of the toast. I want every bite I take to taste like the jelly I have chosen.

A hundred years ago a pastor made me aware of what he referred to as a "Normal Traffic Pattern" life as a Christian. We should all take some pride is another person suggesting that there is SOMETHING different about us.

Matthew 5:16 says..."Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." I pray that we are not seeking our reward here on earth, though some do. Our reward is in Heaven with Jesus Christ and with His Glory. Don't be satisfied with the praise of mankind, but seek after the approval of God. That is my wish for you in 2009.

We all have Cancer; some literally, some figuratively, but there's not a one of us called without a mission, regardless of our infirmities. My prayer for myself is that I might "forever sing praises to Him"

Make this the year you give God all that you can give. It will be impossible to regret it.

Papa Dave