Hebrews 11:1-3
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Faith is not just believing in something but knowing that what you believe will happen. Jesus said " if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you".
It is through our beliefs and knowing that what we ask and command in Jesus name, that we truly experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Some people think that things happen for others because they have a stronger faith when in fact when we accept the Holy Spirit in our lives we were all given the same measure of Faith and we were given every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. What we believe to be true affects the things in our lives. If we accept what the world tells us we are putting limits on God's blessings.
Romans 4:19-25
And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
Over the past few weeks I have been lead to a deeper study of faith and not only the belief in God's Word but knowing beyond any doubt that God does what he says in his Word. In the passage above Abraham was told he would be the father of many nations even though he was in his old age. Through his faith he believed what God told him. In the passage above it states " Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was IMPUTED to him, but also for us." Being heirs of this promise we are able to not only have hope in God's Word but we can know that what is said in scripture will come to pass.
This week take some time to get alone in a quiet place and meditate on God's word and allow him to speak to you. In our quiet times we are able to have our beliefs strengthened through the power of the Holy Spirit living within us. By doing this we stop limiting what God can accomplish in our lives.
Have a blessed week,
Billy
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
In this world but not of this world
Hello Everyone,
I know many people think when they accept Christ that all of their problems go away, nothing can be further from the truth. It actually gets harder because we live in a fallen world where lies and deceit are more common than truth and integrity. In the book of John Jesus tells us we are not of this world but merely living in it and also warns us that we will be persecuted, but he also tells us not to worry or have fear as he will send the Helper or the Spirit of Truth that proceeds from the Father to comfort and care for us.
John 15:18-21
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
That does not mean we can't live a full abundant life while we are in this world, Jesus said "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." We must turn from the ways of the world and turn to Christ.
How many of you watch football and wonder why there is instant replay? Ever notice how the players rush to the line when they know they didn't make the play. People do the same thing at retail stores when they return things they know they have used. We have instant replay and return policies at our stores because the way of the world is lies and deceit. These are the things our children are getting taught everyday. We must meditate on His Word and put our trust in God and tell Satan the King of lies that he has no place in our lives.
When you think about it we could eliminate many of the worlds problems by following the simple truths written in the book of John. I have included a few passages from this book but would encourage everyone to read through and meditate on Jesus' teachings.
Have a blessed week and share the Gospel of Christ with someone,
John 15:9-13
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
I know many people think when they accept Christ that all of their problems go away, nothing can be further from the truth. It actually gets harder because we live in a fallen world where lies and deceit are more common than truth and integrity. In the book of John Jesus tells us we are not of this world but merely living in it and also warns us that we will be persecuted, but he also tells us not to worry or have fear as he will send the Helper or the Spirit of Truth that proceeds from the Father to comfort and care for us.
John 15:18-21
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
That does not mean we can't live a full abundant life while we are in this world, Jesus said "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." We must turn from the ways of the world and turn to Christ.
How many of you watch football and wonder why there is instant replay? Ever notice how the players rush to the line when they know they didn't make the play. People do the same thing at retail stores when they return things they know they have used. We have instant replay and return policies at our stores because the way of the world is lies and deceit. These are the things our children are getting taught everyday. We must meditate on His Word and put our trust in God and tell Satan the King of lies that he has no place in our lives.
When you think about it we could eliminate many of the worlds problems by following the simple truths written in the book of John. I have included a few passages from this book but would encourage everyone to read through and meditate on Jesus' teachings.
Have a blessed week and share the Gospel of Christ with someone,
John 15:9-13
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Do not be ashamed!
Hello Everyone,
Over the last few weeks I have talked about some topics that are very relevant today, deception, fear, anxiety, doubt, and the answers to those words, Faith, Hope, and Love.
We are being fed a constant diet of doubt, fear, and deception by many people that are doing it unknowingly and actually think they are doing us a favor by the things they are telling us. Jesus warned us that these things would take place, but he also told us not to fear.
1 John: 1-6
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
I believe that deep in the heart of everyone is a place where the Holy Spirit resides. Unfortunately for many of them they have not given the short simple invitation. They have not said " Jesus I believe you are my Savior and came to earth to live among us, was crucified for the sins of the world, then rose the third day to prove to the world that you are Christ. I ask you to come into my heart and reside in the place that was made just for you."
Romans 10:10-13
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
Today is a day we must remember and not be ashamed of who we are or where we live. We must proclaim to the world we are Americans and we are Christians.
Pray for our country and for those that have paid the price for us to have the right to make this proclamation.
Have a blessed week,
Billy
Over the last few weeks I have talked about some topics that are very relevant today, deception, fear, anxiety, doubt, and the answers to those words, Faith, Hope, and Love.
We are being fed a constant diet of doubt, fear, and deception by many people that are doing it unknowingly and actually think they are doing us a favor by the things they are telling us. Jesus warned us that these things would take place, but he also told us not to fear.
1 John: 1-6
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
I believe that deep in the heart of everyone is a place where the Holy Spirit resides. Unfortunately for many of them they have not given the short simple invitation. They have not said " Jesus I believe you are my Savior and came to earth to live among us, was crucified for the sins of the world, then rose the third day to prove to the world that you are Christ. I ask you to come into my heart and reside in the place that was made just for you."
Romans 10:10-13
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
Today is a day we must remember and not be ashamed of who we are or where we live. We must proclaim to the world we are Americans and we are Christians.
Pray for our country and for those that have paid the price for us to have the right to make this proclamation.
Have a blessed week,
Billy
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Fear and Anxiety
Hello Everyone,
The past few weeks we have talked about Hope and what it means to have faith in God doing what he says. This week with the 10th anniversary of 9/11 happening on Sunday I thought it would be appropriate to tackle the topics of Fear and Anxiety and how Hope and faith in God will conquer ALL fears and anxieties.
Ten years ago 20 men were able to change the lives of everyone who travels or gets together in large groups or for that matter, everyone living on the face of the earth. All of this was made possible by their actions and the fear and anxiety brought on by the possibility of it happening again. Jesus warned us that the thief/Satan was sent to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I believe we have allowed him to do just that. We have allowed it by not relying on the author of truth, God our true protector to take away our fears.
If you fly you know the changes that have been made, if you take out a loan you know the additional paperwork that has been made, if you go to sporting events you have felt the change that these actions have brought on our society.
The thief has come and has stolen, he has killed, and he has destroyed. Just like when he made his first appearance in the garden he has stolen our innocence, our peace, and our joy. The difference between now and when he appeared in the garden is Christ.
John 10:9,10
9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
We have been redeemed and have a protector from Satan. Jesus Christ is our redeemer, our savior and our deliverer from the evils of this world.
Each day this week I will send out another scripture that will give you a foundation to stand on. Remember to call on Christ when fear and anxiety start to take over.
Have a blessed week,
Billy
Deuteronomy 20:3,4
3 And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; 4 for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
The past few weeks we have talked about Hope and what it means to have faith in God doing what he says. This week with the 10th anniversary of 9/11 happening on Sunday I thought it would be appropriate to tackle the topics of Fear and Anxiety and how Hope and faith in God will conquer ALL fears and anxieties.
Ten years ago 20 men were able to change the lives of everyone who travels or gets together in large groups or for that matter, everyone living on the face of the earth. All of this was made possible by their actions and the fear and anxiety brought on by the possibility of it happening again. Jesus warned us that the thief/Satan was sent to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I believe we have allowed him to do just that. We have allowed it by not relying on the author of truth, God our true protector to take away our fears.
If you fly you know the changes that have been made, if you take out a loan you know the additional paperwork that has been made, if you go to sporting events you have felt the change that these actions have brought on our society.
The thief has come and has stolen, he has killed, and he has destroyed. Just like when he made his first appearance in the garden he has stolen our innocence, our peace, and our joy. The difference between now and when he appeared in the garden is Christ.
John 10:9,10
9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
We have been redeemed and have a protector from Satan. Jesus Christ is our redeemer, our savior and our deliverer from the evils of this world.
Each day this week I will send out another scripture that will give you a foundation to stand on. Remember to call on Christ when fear and anxiety start to take over.
Have a blessed week,
Billy
Deuteronomy 20:3,4
3 And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; 4 for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
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