How to change your water into wine

How to change your water into wine

John 2:1

2:1On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

Three is a very significant number in Judaism. Jesus rose again on the third day for a reason. God strategically planned it that way.

Three means: Completeness and stability

It is a prime number

7 is also a prime number and it means promise, blessings, complete or whole, and perfection. It is one of the most powerful numbers in Judaism.

Three is also a great number and has an important part in bible history. There are seven festivals that God commanded the Israelites observe, three of these are pilgrimage festivals. After the exodus from Egypt God commanded these observances on mount Sinai.

The three pilgrimage festivals are 1. The Passover 2. Shavuat (Pentecost in Greek) (1 kings 17:21) 3. Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) This is a Harvest festival. It was recently celebrated this year 2013 from September18th to the 25^th.

John 2:2-5

2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”

4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”
5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

If it was not yet time and everything happens in God's timing why was Jesus able to move anyway?

I'll tell you why, there were certain elements in place to create a miracle.

We have this ability also. Jesus said that we shall do greater things then he. There must be the right elements in place though.

How many people know the story of Hezekiah and his illness and death sentence?

(2 Kings 20:1-6)

God gave him 15 more years and it happened on the third day.

This is just to prove to you that we have the ability to spiritually change our natural circumstances. It is called a miracle.

John 2:6-7

6 Now there were set there six water pots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.

Purification means to cleanse. (Rev. 1:5) says about Jesus “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” (Luke 22:19-20) Says

19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it,and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Notice that there were six pots of water. Six has meaning in Judaism too, it is the number of man because God created man on the 6^th day. Keep in mind that Satan also stood in wait for his way to trap man almost immediately after God created them.

Since 7 is the number of completeness and of perfection, 6 reminds us of our incompleteness without God. We will always fall below perfect #7.

The 6^th commandment is to value the life God created on the 6^th day, “Thou shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13)

These six jars of water are significant. The number 6 means balance, Harmony, cooperation, marriage, and Love.

Boaz gave Ruth six measures of barley symbolic of his love and protection for her (Ruth 3:15)

In other resources I found that 6 also represents motherhood. A mothers sacrificial nature, her caring, healing, nurturing, protecting, and teaching all fall in line with #6 and of course Love.

But because 6 is imperfect A mother can also be intrusive and meddling. She also can because of her sacrificial nature be lead down a path of abuse at the hand of others. She can be a doormat at times and trampled over. Satan again taking something good and trying to corrupt it.

John 2:8-9

8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.

Obedience is a key ingredient in moving God's hand. Mary Jesus' mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

John 2:10

10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

When God does perform a miracle he gives you his best. Like Peter and the fish with the coin in it's mouth was enough to pay the taxes for both Jesus and Peter. So much so, it's worth was, that it shut up those who were making the inquire in the first place.

John 2:11

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

God's main purpose to perform a miracle is that he gets all the glory.

It would do us all well to remember that God deserves all the glory, honor, and praise. When we receive our miracle we must testify to God's glory. So others can believe in him and be saved.

If we want miracles to happen in our lives, we should remember that we are incomplete without God. That Satan is out to trick us out of our blessing just as he was in the beginning. That we should always obey God. We should allow ourselves to be filled with the Holy Spirit to the brim or overflowing so Jesus can turn our water into new wine (Matt. 9:14-17) Like the 6 jars of water.

New wine represents change. It represents miracles in our lives and in others since our jars should overflow. So if you need change or if you have been praying for a miracle remember you have the ability to move God's hand.

Amen!

What is Man? part 1

What is Man?

Psalm 8

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Glory of the Lord in Creation

To the Chief Musician. On the instrument of Gath.

A Psalm of David.

8 O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!

2 Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

3

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
4 What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

There is a battle going on which has been raging for millennium. This battle is the battle between Good and Evil within each and everyone of us. How we choose to fight that battle determines the outcome of our lives. Some ignore it by denying that it even exists. Others are so preoccupied by it that they fail to enjoy the gift of life to it's fullest. For many of us the battle goes on beneath our radar because of our primary focus on our material needs: Food , housing, clothing etc... We can also become overly concerned with our material wants: Things which we do not really need but which we perceive as necessities which improve our quality of life. Sometimes we have to make hard choices which put those needs and wants in direct conflict with our conscience.

I feel that we are at a period in our collective existence where great changes are occurring in both the natural and spiritual realms. These changes have a direct impact on our ability to make sound decisions regarding our spiritual needs.

I have made a choice to try and shift the focus of my efforts to achieve a greater balance between the material and spiritual needs of my circle of influence ( family, friends, brethren...).

I have decided that I can no longer sit idle while lives are being lost due to greed, lies, and general confusion. I will be making a greater effort to speak the word of God and teach what The Lord has taught me. I have decided to get off the fence. I know that some of the things that I say may bother or offend some people but my duty is to the truth of the Word of God and not the glorification of man.

So I invite you to come along on this journey with me and let us see what we learn together.

God Bless you and this Ministry in Jesus' Name

Amen.

David and Goliath

David and Goliath

1 Sam. 17:1-7

Take notice, all the armor Goliath comes out with. It signifies the weapons, tactics, and angles in which our enemy comes at us. The devil our adversary could use lies,or intimidation, fear, judgments, family, friends, weakness, past sins (even just last weeks), to get our eyes off God and onto our circumstances. The enemy will use a combination of these things or just one if it will be effective enough.

Goliath came with many. He had his height, his helmet, a full body armor,he had a javelin, and a spear. As if that wasn't enough he had and armor bearer to carry his shield and go before him to protect him from attack. Then on top of all that he spoke words of intimidation and mocked the Israelite 's. (17:8-11)

David seemed to have the deck stacked against him. (17:12-14) He was young. He was inexperienced (17:33) the king said “you are a youth” and “Goliath has been a warrior since his youth”

David's reply(17:34-37) “I have the Lord!”

Let's back up some. (17:23-29) have you ever been completely right and justified in your point of view on a subject and felt that the people around you perceive you as wrong or even of having evil intent. This reminds me of the way people call a good person a goody-goody. Or a person who is a good student, gets good grades, stays out of trouble, even goes above and beyond and tutors other students, but everyone makes fun of him, calling him teachers pet.

David's brother said he was “prideful and deceitful.” God did not see it that way. No God chose David because he had the right heart. (1 Sam. 16:7)

Saul on the other hand was rejected by God for his arrogance and issues of seeking glory from men. (1 Sam. 15:16-23)

David was not perfect he did have certain qualities that pleased God.

1. Faith (1 Sam.17:34-37) I have the Lord!
2. Love for God's Law (Psalm 119:47-48)
3. Thankfulness (Psalm 100:4)
4. Repentant (Psalm 51:1-2)

David's brothers were bothered by David and they let him know it regularly. (1 Sam. 17:29) “What have I done now” You don't answer that way unless you are tired of being accused of something, especially something you're not guilty of.

We can't get caught up in peoples opinions of us. People are fickle. They will love us today and hate us tomorrow and be on our side today and oppose us tomorrow.

God's opinion is all that matter's. Notice how David didn't allow his brothers words to get him worked up and upset. He just kept on asking about what was promised to whom was brave enough to go after Goliath.

When we as Christians see opportunity in front of us. When God puts you in the right place at the right time, with the right conditions, It is our God given right to seek the blessings. God's favor say we are entitled. God's grace says we are entitled without merit. It is unmerited favor.

The enemy will always try to rob us of that kind of blessing. He will either make us feel guilty and undeserving some how, or he will try to cause us to sin so then he could try to cause us to live in condemnation so we will lose all confidence.

We must keep in mind, That when we are in the heat of battle, we do not have favor because of anything we have done. But because of what Jesus has done for us. He also gives us victory to glorify his name in the earth. To show himself strong and that he is God.

Back to the fight. (1 Sam. 17:38-40) David said “I can't work with your armor.” “I have to use the gifts God has given me to work with.” God will never ask you to use somebody else' gifts to get you to where he is calling you to go. God expects you to use your own gifts and he will do the rest.

1 Sam. 17:41-44 Goliath didn't know it but his words backfired on him. God will use the enemies weapons against him. Read Psalms many times they say the enemy was caught in his own trap. David was not shaken by Goliath' words he was empowered by them. David knew Goliath' God's had no power at all. He also knew this was God's opportunity to show the philistines exactly who Israels God is. It was proof time! (17:45-47)

When we are assured of God's ability to fight for us, there is nothing left for us to do except go forth with all our might, confident that God is with us to deliver us. (17:48-49) (Joshua 1:9)

Did David hesitate? Did he waver to the left or to the right? He didn't flinch nor did he ask for help from the others. Goliath still had his armor bearer to help him. David had God and God alone. Oh and his faith.

17:50-54) When we get the victory it empowers our brothers and sisters in Christ to go forth and get theirs. They will take their blessing with the same confidence that you did. David took Goliath' head and his sword and celebrated his victory without batting an eye. He was still carrying it when he went before the king.

Your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men. (Proverbs 18:16)

What does room mean in this text? Simply that you will have room for growth, room for prosperity, new opportunities.

We must understand that victory is something we all want but it is only achievable by faith in God, Confidence in his ability, having a thick skin, Sensitivity does not win wars but determination and focus does. Focus on what? Focus on the fact That “You have the Lord!” and “The battle belongs to him”

Amen!!!

Deuteronomy 30:19

New King James Version (NKJV)

19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

I have been doing a study on the occult in holywood and the music industry. It is chilling how many artists are using mediums and conjuring up spirits to help them perform and achieve great fame and fortune. I just was so taken back by my findings. It just had me wondering how many Christians actually believe that we are the indwelling of the Holy spirit. If anyone does not understand what the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is here is a link that fully explains it http://www.truthnet.org/Holy-Spirit/5HolySpirit-Indwelling/Index.htm

God lives in us and we can do all things throught Christ Jesus who strenthens us.

Philippians 4:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

13 I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me.
Our lack of faith can hinder the power of God. So even though he lives in us we can still be opporating at less power then we need in order to accomplish our God given goals.

Hebrews 11

New King James Version (NKJV)

By Faith We Understand

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
3 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 at the Dawn of History

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; [a] for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Faithful Abraham

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child[b]when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

The Heavenly Hope

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them,[c] embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

The Faith of the Patriarchs

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,”[d] 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped,leaning on the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.

The Faith of Moses

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.
24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in[e] Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.

By Faith They Overcame

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again.
Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted,[f] were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.






What happens with the Holy Spirit dwelling in us? 

Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit, which would result in power.  The Greek word for power is duvnamiß Dunamis, from this word, we have the word dynamite, the word means strength power, ability.  The Holy Spirit not only transforms us into a new creation, we receive power to do the work at hand. 
We may look the same on the outside, but inside we are a new creation, we are born again, with the Holy Spirit and His power.  On Pentecost, the Spirit came upon the disciples, equipping them with power to bring the gospel forth from Jerusalem.    The power of the Spirit was not only for the disciples in Jerusalem, but also for us. 
We can apply the benefits and power of the Spirit in our own lives, understanding what the Spirit does in our life. 
1. The Holy Spirit is our teacher guiding us into truth (See also John 16;13, I Cor. 2:10-11 
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.  John 14:26 
2. The Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf  
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27 
3. The Holy Spirit gives us joy and peace 
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 
4. The spirit gives us gifts for ministry (Ephesians 2;8) 
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
I Corinthians 12:4-7 
5. The Spirit gives us boldness to witness (I Tim. 3:13) 
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4;31 
6. The Spirit gives us power  (Zechariah 4:6)

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,  Ephesians 3:16
 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,  Ephesians 1;19-20 
7. The Spirit gives us the power to live godly lives 
"I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. Ezekiel 36:27 
8. The Spirit helps us to pray 
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saintsEphesians 6:18 
9. The Spirit gives us wisdom and revelation 
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints 
Ephesians 1:17-18 
10.  God the Father speaks through us by the Spirit 
 "for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.  Matthew 10:20 
            The Holy Spirit, who dwells with us, gives us power which the world does not comprehend.  For many of us the potential, which dwells within us, is never realized because we will not take God at His word.                                                                                     

If people are willing to sell their souls for eternal damnation just to experience fame and fortune in this life which is but a vapor, Then why haven't we seen much more from the lives of the Christian who receive eternal glory and life evermore. The bible says we are here for a moment and gone the next. So we need to have more faith in order to do the work God has called us to do. God is counting on us to witness to the lost and we need his power to succeed in this dark and evil world. He has set before you life and death, choose life and faith, and power in his name. Amen! If you haven't accepted Christ as your Lord and savior and asked him to dwell or live in you. You can do so now.

Heavenly Father, I come before you and I confess that I believe in your son Jesus Christ That he died for my sins and rose again on the third day. I believe he sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and lead us in our daily lives. I believe Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead and that those who believe in him will live eternally with him in heaven. I believe that those who do not believe will suffer eternal damnation. Please father send me the Holy spirit to dwell in my heart and fill me with your presence. Forgive me and cleanse me from sin that I may be a new creation in Christ Jesus. Help me to fulfill your purpose in my life and give me faith to believe your words of truth. Amen!

And  It's Love

“We  pass out paper facts all week, and they won't come around.”

“We can debate theology, but they won't come around.”

“Apologetic reasoning, but they won't come around come around.”

“there's only one way they'll come, and it's love.”

Lyrics from a song called “Come around” by Jimmy Needham

We start this lesson in

Matthew 24:12-13

New King James Version (NKJV)

12And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.13But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
Lately I have noticed some things Maybe it's because I am fairly new to the internet. I have only been connected for the past 10 years and not consistently. So maybe it has been going on longer then I realize. What I have noticed is an attitude. An attitude from Christians towards “sinners” I consider that and oxymoron because Christians are “sinners” saved by grace.
On fb someone posted an audio tape of a very popular televangelist saying, and I'm paraphrasing , that all Christians that don't tithe should be lined up and shot.
I was shocked! This preacher was never one of my favorites but this was just beyond me. I was taught that every persons walk is their own and between them and God. I was taught that everyone in Christ has their own weaknesses and strengths and that we should never judge. The concept of tithing may come to some easily and others may struggle with it. We should pray for each other in our weaknesses and celebrate each others strengths.



In a youtube video a Pastor said, again I'm paraphrasing, all homosexuals should be put on an Island and food dropped down on them from a plane until they dye off. Now I can't even begin to describe how ignorant that statement is. But this is another statement that has no compassion for the lost.



In another youtube Documentary A Christian said in regards to a christian flag being asked to be removed from a public building, “That he was tired of turning the other cheek,” and that he would love to take the person and beat them. In that same town a public official said that if the non Christians in their town didn't like their Christian values of the majority in the town that they should just move away.



Now that doesn't sound very loving to me.

1 John 4:7-8

New King James Version (NKJV)

Knowing God Through Love

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Jesus showed us through his Love for us How we aught to love one another.

1 John 4:10-11

New King James Version (NKJV)

10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.



This means that in the same way God loves us we should Love one another.



Jesus said, if we love him we will obey his commands John 14:15

Matthew 22:37-40

New King James Version (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him,“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and great commandment.39And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
He is saying that if you obey these two commands, you will not break any of the rest of them because they all are based on these two; loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself.



In the story of the good Samaritan he expands on the concept of loving your neighbor,
Luke 10: 25-37



In the Gospel of John Jesus washes his disciples feet and then goes on to tell them to do the same for one another. He then says , That this will show their love for each other.

John 13:35

New King James Version (NKJV)

35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”



Jesus then expands further his concept on Love by saying Love your enemies.

Matthew 5:43-46

New King James Version (NKJV)

Love Your Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Matthew 5:38-42
Turn the other Cheek

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

I want you to notice something,
We show our Love towards God through obedience to him. If you Love me obey my commands.
We show our love for our neighbors through self sacrifice. Jesus' example of laying down his life, the good Samaritan story, the washing of the feet.
We show love for our enemies by turning the other cheek.



Let's Go back for a second. Jesus said because of Lawlessness or disobedience the Love of many will grow cold. So when people turn away from loving God their love will grow cold. They will stop acting loving towards their neighbor because they have lost their first love. It's as simple as cause and effect.
When we compromise God's word and set aside a Godly standard of Love to suit our own motives. Then the submissive love for Jesus grows cold and the sacrificial love for man grows cold. So loving your enemy will definitely grow cold or cease to exist at all. Christians will not be able to respond correctly to persecution which we know is coming more and more. Intolerance will beget intolerance, and offense will beget offense, hatred,hatred evil, evil, and so on. In essence an eye for an eye.






A cause of this deterioration is found in Matt 24:11 which says 'Then many false prophets will arise.”
The people being taught by these false prophets are being led astray. They have more of a relationship with their church then they do with God and they don't read the bible enough to catch the errors in their leaders doctrine.

Deuteronomy 13:1-4

New King James Version (NKJV)

Punishment of Apostates

13“If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.



Now let me make something clear. Everybody has their own language of love. Some people show it by hugs and kisses. Others by acts of service. Some through gifts. You may misunderstand someones Language of Love because yours is different from theirs. This might make you feel unloved but that is just a breakdown in understanding. We are not talking about that here. We are talking about Christians doing things contrary to Gods word (commands) and saying it is because of their devotion to God. That's a lie from the pit. You can't say your tired of turning the other cheek and still claim to be following Christ. You can't say you are calling for violence or inhuman behaviors towards others and then say you are still a follower of Christ. You have been deceived.



We need to be very careful that our hearts don't grow cold because of weariness of sin in this world or persecution from the world. A little leaven will leaven the whole lump.
We must remember that
1. We were once in darkness. Ephesians 5:8
2. That the world is still in that darkness.

3. That the darkness is getting greater as the years go on. Isaiah 60:1-3
   
4. We are to be the light in that darkness Acts 26:18 (The heavenly vision.)
   

The world desperately needs Love and some have never even experienced it. We are supposed to be God's ambassadors of Love. So the world will be drawn to it. The enemy does not want us to succeed in this because Love never fails. So he wants those who have God's love to grow cold. For us to lose our compassion, our empathy, our charity, and our peace.
A clue to how this can happen is in
1 Corinthians 13:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
And In vs 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.



Christians that lose their patience are being deceived to act contrary to God. They have trouble enduring to the end. They stray from the truth. This is caused by a fear of some kind.

1 John 4:18

New King James Version (NKJV)

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. One of the most profound things Jesus said was “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” There is an acknowledgment that those who crucified him where in darkness and could not see the truth or they would stop what they were doing.
His prayer was an act of Love and understanding.



This teaching is a warning for you to keep watch over your heart. To beware of Christians who say things that are contrary to obeying God's word, Loving your neighbor, and Loving your enemy. How can you do this? You must read your bible everyday. You must pray everyday. When you pray ask the Holy spirit to lead you into all truth. Pray that God will fill you with his Love which is a fruit of the spirit which God gives us liberally. Amen Let's pray.



May God's Love grow up in us. May we be moved with compassion for others as Jesus was moved with compassion to save us. May we reach out to a dark and dying world and be the light in that darkness. May our love for one another draw the lost to the Love of Jesus. Holy spirit teach us and guide us into truth. Give us patience to endure till you come again In Jesus name Amen!

The Stone

Mark 16:1-11

New King James Version (NKJV)

He Is Risen

16 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

8 So they went out quickly[a] and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord

9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

This stone can represent so many things in our lives that keep us from getting close to Jesus. Maybe it is your spouse,or  your child, maybe it's your job, maybe it's your friends. It could be an addiction, or a misconception that you need to change behaviors before coming to Christ but change seems to hard. Whatever it is once you decide to run to Jesus the rock is already moved away. The women just ran to him not looking back, not caring about what challenges were ahead of them, they just ran. As soon as you make a choice to be closer to God, he makes a way. What seems impossible or difficult, is easy. You just have to make up your mind. 

Matthew 6:19-34

New International Version (NIV)

Treasures in Heaven

    19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

   22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[a] your whole body will be full of light.23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[b] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

   24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Do Not Worry

    25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[c]?

   28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 

There is a lot of meat to chew over in that last passage of scripture but what it boils down to is seeking God first. No one says you can't have or want nice things, clothes, a car, a house, even wealth or to be financially secure. But your first desire should be for the Lord Jesus to be a part of your life. You should want him regardless of what condition your life is in. Your desire for him shouldn't grow only because you are going through difficulties and then diminish when things are going well for you. Nor should your gratefulness for his goodness, be for him only when things are good and then when you go through hard times "Thank you God" almost never is on your tongue or in your heart. God is good all the time Amen!. God wants your heart all the time. How do we give him our heart by seeking him daily, by trusting him completely. and by knowing who he is to us.

Psalm 24:1 The Earth is the Lords, and all it contains, The world, and all those who dwell in it.

So we are his. We don't belong to anyone or anything else. So our hearts are his too.

Matthew 28:20 Jesus is always with us. 

Jesus is our only mediator between God and ourselves. 1 Tim. 2:5

Jesus is the bread of life. John 6:35

Jesus forever lives to make intercession for us. Hebrews 7:25

Jesus Cleanses from sin. 1 John 1:9

Jesus saves forever John 10:28

Jesus gives Joy  John 15:11

Jesus gives peace John 14:27

Jesus is the good shepherd  John 10:11-14

Jesus gives us treasures of wisdom, and knowledge Colossians 2:2-3

In Jesus we have been made complete Colossians 2:10

Jesus gives us understanding  1 John 5:20

Jesus overcomes the world John 16:33

Romans 8:38-39

New International Version (NIV)

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus is the way, truth, and the life John 14:6

Going it alone is the hardest way to live life. Jesus is always waiting for you to do it with you. So Let him in. Amen!

Revelation 3:20

New King James Version (NKJV)

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.