"Only Life Changes"

Example: Three friends a skunk, Coyote and a Rabie. The skunk has fear sprays and runs. The Coyote can be wild but also can be tamed with love. The Rabie can destroy both the coyote and the skunk with no care in the world.
Interesting facts about skunks. Skunks are mammals, usually black with a white stripe on their back and a fluffy tail. The skunk family includes 10 species of skunks found in North and South America and 2 species of stink badgers found in southeast Asia. Skunks live in forest edges, woodlands, grasslands and deserts. Skunks will spray for a variety of reasons. When a skunk sprays, this is the skunk’s defense to protect itself from predators such as coyotes. Similar to bobcats, a coyote that attacks a human is most often found to be suffering from rabies. Like most wildlife, a coyote will typically exit the area upon detecting human presence. However, they do become habituated(Be accustom to people) to humans and may be attracted by food. A coyote on the other hand is willing to unite and get along. Most people hate the smell of a skunk and want to keep them away. My friend (shhh) may be the only person who doesn’t mind the smell of skunk. It reminds her of sleeping, not really sure why? She said she would like to bottle it and wear it for perfume. Never knew if she was joking with me or not. Skunks and Rabies: Skunks are the primary carriers of rabies in the Midwest. Rabies is usually fatal to humans and pets unless treated immediately. If you suspect that a skunk may have rabies, do not approach it – call animal control immediately for assistance. There are two forms of rabies in skunks: the “furious” form, where skunks become aggressive, and the “dumb” form where they become unfazed by human presence. Some other signs of rabies in skunks to look out for include activity during the daytime, an unsteady or disoriented gait, drooling, and or foaming at the mouth. Isn’t this what gossip does it causes unsteady disoriented conflict between others. The Rabie’s reminds me of a gossiper who can’t hold their tongue and cause all kinds of dumb stuff to happen. {Rabies def: a contagious and fatal viral disease of dogs and other mammals that causes madness and convulsions, transmissible through the saliva to humans.} We all stumble: James included himself among those who stumble. Yet he did not excuse his or our stumbling. We know that we all stumble, but we should all press on to a better walk with the Lord, marked by less stumbling. This is another of the several statements in the Bible which tell us that all men sin (also including 1 Kings 8:46: “When they sin against you-for there is no one who does not sin-and you become angry with them and give them over to their enemies, who take them captive to their own lands, far away or near.” “Job 14:4; Who can bring what is pure from the impure? No one!” “Proverbs 20:9: Who can say, I have made my heart clean — No man.” “Ecclesiastes 7:20: “For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinned not.” and 1 John 1:8- 10:If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. Gossip is unconstrained and often disrespectful attitude or conversation about other people, and can involve betraying a confidence and spreading sensitive information or hurtful judgments. Research shows that people who gossip the most have very high levels of anxiety. They are generally not particularly popular because they cannot be trusted. But like it reads in 1 John 1:9 : “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
We read in James 3:2-6:.

We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
We read in: James 1:26
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I believe that I may reflect the Lord Jesus in all wisdom and understanding and that genuine humility and gentleness of heart may become the hallmark of my life. I think of the skunk which actually protects it self, the Coyote that can either run or become a unity of community kind of pet and the Rabie that destroys what it comes in contact with. I thank You and praise You for warning us of the devastation that unguarded words can have. Guide me to keep my tongue under control, and let the words that I speak and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable to You. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

John insists that this new life in Christ, that we now have in union with Him, is reality and affects real change. It is not possible for followers of Christ to go on living as before because that is to live a lie, to live in an unreality. We already talked about the passage on hating your brother so I won’t go back to that one now. John insists that this new life in Christ, that we now have in union with Him, is reality and affects real change. It is not possible for followers of Christ to go on living as before because that is to live a lie, to live in an unreality. Why is it that we cannot love the world and have the love of the Father in us? Well, to have the love of the Father in us is to know ourselves as His children–really, truly His sons and daughters. That is not just a new label to add to all the rest, it is the reality that all roles, labels, even thoughts about ourselves must conform to. We are His sons and daughters and God is making this reality more and more manifest, someday there will be no doubt as to our true selves. God is our life, not just the origin of our biological life but the only source of true life in every dimension. The particular Greek word often used for eternal life is zoe. It is not just bios, biological life going on forever and ever. It is life from God, God-life, living in righteousness the only source of real true life. It goes beyond the biological and yet of course includes it, God is the author of all life at all levels. The life God gives us in Christ is a life that involves removing and destroying all the brokenness, evil and mentally disturbed sin in us. It is the life that comes from the very heart of the trinity God, full of love, joy, peace, hope and faith. To love the world is to still be seeking for something out there, apart from God, that is going to give us our meaning, purpose, security, identity, life. John is not speaking here of enjoying the earth and the beauty of God’s creation. He is not speaking against music and art that can be enjoyed and reflected upon. In verse 16 we see lusting after illusions is Idolatry that harms the mind and what God is giving is truly enough. We cannot receive God’s life when we are looking for life somewhere else. We can’t live in His love, peace and embrace His joy. In fact, what the world offers is, as John puts it, darkness.
1 John Chapter 2:14-17
I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You that no one is beyond Your ability and desire to be saved by grace through faith in Christ, and thank You that You are ready and willing to use anyone whose heart is open towards You. Increase my longing and love for You and help me to live by faith and not by sight. I thank You and praise You that Your Word is altogether true and trustworthy and prevent me from being influenced by the circumstances that surround me rather than looking to Jesus and trusting Your Word. I thank You and praise You that I have been born anew and placed into Your eternal family. Look down in compassion and grace on lost souls and bring many more out of darkness as “John spoke” into Your kingdom so they can experience Your truly enough light of life. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

Six Aspects of Faith
I would like to speak to you today about one of the most important areas in our walk with the Lord and that is our Faith, Trust and Confidence in God.
Hebrews 11:6 it reads: And without faith it is impossible to please Him for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.
Romans 10:17 it reads; So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Luke 22:31-32 it reads: And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you / that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Luke 18:8 – JESUS said: “…Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” The theme of the message today is – “Living A Faith Life”
What is the Definition of Faith?
It means – Belief in / Devotion to / Trust in somebody -or something / Allegiance or loyalty to somebody -or something. For the Christian Believer, Faith is putting our total trust and confidence in God.
{F-A-I-T-H:

• Feeling
• Afraid
• I
• Trust
• Him}
  In Psalm 56:3 – 4 it reads: The Psalmist said: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in YOU.” “In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? “ That is what Faith is about. When we are afraid, we put our wholehearted, or total trust in Him.
  In Hebrews 11:6 we are told that without faith it is impossible to please Him.
  What is the Definition “To Please”? It means to:
• To satisfy, to give pleasure to, to thrill, to make happy, to delight
  Jesus desire and purpose while on this earth was to please His Father – in doing His will .
• Also to finish the work that His Father assigned to Him.
  John 4:34 it reads:
  Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
  John 6:38- 40 it reads:
  For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
  John 17:4 it reads: I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.
  John 19:30 it reads: So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
  John 5:30 it reads: I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of the Father who sent Me.
  The Bible is very clear that it is impossible to please GOD unless we have one thing… and that is faith.
  What does it take to please God? It is our faith, our confidence, our trust in Him, our obedience to His word, our pleasing Him rather than please people, knowing that if we please people, we cause offense to God.
  In today’s context: Offend God means – being “Politically Right” Nonspeaking the Word of God boldly But playing it down to keep people happy or diluting the Word of God. [Remembering – We are called to speak the Word of God in Love].
  Then to please God: We have to finish His work. It is not how well we start that matters to Him – But how well and strong we finish. It is very important our relationship with Him. How do we “Live A Life Of Faith.”?

1. Faith Is BELIEVING When I Don’t SEE It. Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance [or Essence or Reality] of things hoped for, the evidence [or evidence] of things not seen. ”Faith means : We cannot see the outcome but we know for certain that we will eventually triumph because we placed our TRUST in GOD. Mark 11:24 – Jesus said: When you pray and ask for something, believe that you have received it [past tense] and you will be given what you ask for [present tense].” How many of us have ever said… “I’ll believe ONLY when I see it?” FAITH is believing before I see it
2. Faith Is OBEYING When I Don’t UNDERSTAND It. Hebrews 11:7 reads: “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Two important Words stand out. Lead “BY Faith” and “REVERENT FEAR” “Reverent fear” is the word for “obedience.” It reads in Hebrews 11:8: By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Matthew 17:20 it reads: And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
3. Faith Is GIVING When I Don’t HAVE all of it. Giving and faith go together. God sometimes uses finances to test our faith. Have you ever had to decide between tithing and paying a bill? This is a test! GOD is saying, “Who are you going to trust? My promise is to take care of you if you put ME first or yourself?” Matthew 6:33 it reads: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
   In Hebrews 11, amongst the Heroes the first person listed is a man named Abel. Abel gets listed not because he did something great. He had no great accomplishment or Achievement to his name. The only thing he did was he gave a sacrifice that was More acceptable to GOD than his brother Cain. And God listed Abel in the Hall of Fame and Faith. Why? It wasn’t how much he gave, it wasn’t what he gave, but it was the attitude in which he gave God that mattered. Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel offered to GOD a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” The Bible here is talking about giving a more acceptable sacrifice in faith, God commending this act of giving and it still speaks even though Abel died 1000’s of years ago! It wasn’t what Abel gave that pleased God but how he gave it. It wasn’t the amount but the attitude of his heart. God doesn’t care about the amount. He cares about the attitude in which we give. Whenever we give in faith, God always shows up at the right time! Amen! 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 it reads: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
4. Faith Is PERSISTING When I Don’t FEEL Like It. Persevering, Continuing, Keeping At It, Sticking It Out, Carrying On to the finish. Be it a Job, Ministry, Marriage, studies or even our devotion time – God expects us to persist even when we don’t feel like it. 2 Corinthians 8:10-11 it reads: And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. Persistence brought the bible to completion, financed, translated, distributed to over 90 Nations! Don’t Give up / Don’t give in!
   Another Example: Galatians 6:9 it reads: And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
   Faith is being persistent.

• Faith is refusing to give up.
• Faith is doing the right thing,
• Even when we are tired,
• Even when we are moody,
• Even when we go through disappointments and discouragements.
  Keep your eyes firmly fixed on the Lord.
  “Look back and thank GOD,
  Look forward and trust GOD,
  Look around and serve GOD,
  Look within and find GOD.”
  Hebrews 10:35-38 it reads: So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.”
• 5. Faith Is THANKING GOD Before I RECEIVE It. Look at JESUS’ Prayer before calling Lazarus out of the grave: It reads in John 11:41-46 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did.
  It also reads in 2 Chronicles 20:18-23: Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with very loud voice. Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise / the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
  I believe God gave us this heart to thank Him from. He gave us our moth to Thank Him from. God also gave us His powerful mind to learn to do right and Thank Him in the good and the bad. God brings blessings out of our mess’s. Our Mind can heal our body, but our body cannot heal our mind. But when we straightly pray to our creator God He hears us and goes into action on our behalf. Faith is thanking GOD in advance.
• 6. Faith Is TRUSTING If I Don’t GET It. Paul said ~ in Philippians 4:11-13: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength.
  God is more interested in my character than He is in my comfort or my wealth.
  God is more interested in making me HOLY than in making me happy.
  {Lets Pray}
  Father God, I can be so established in my own thinking that sometimes I doubt Your Word and questioned Your promises, often wishing I had some concrete ‘proof’ of Your love for me, and yet Your Word gives me all the affirmation of this absolute reality I need, for Your Word and Promises are sure and Your faithfulness stretches beyond the limits of time and space. During the hard times and sufferings. I thank You and praise You for letting me know You and that I needed faith of a mustard seed. I thank You and praise You for the gift of faith, and I believe that day by day my loving trust in You and the reality of Your Word will become increasingly established within my heart, for I long to be where You are at, or if You come back to get me. I will be ready. I thank You and praise You for transformation. I am believing if there is anyone out there who don’t know You that You will guide Your angels in their life to let them know of the freedom they have in Christ if they just believe. Bless them this day Father God. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

1 Peter was written by the apostle Peter and intended for believing Jews and Gentiles of North Asia Minor. About this time was the Great Fire of Rome (64 A. D.), which Nero persecuted Christians for and the official persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Domitian (81-96 A.D.) Having witnessed the suffering and death of Jesus, Peter saw Christ as the model and means to endure the persecutions Christians were facing. Because of Christ’s resurrection and victory over death, faith in this knowledge can empower a Believer to live a life “holy and blameless” as a redeemed sinner.1 Peter was written to encourage Believers to remain steadfast in their faith and live as a testimony of Christ, in spite of trials and sufferings, because of their assurance of salvation and glory that awaits them with Christ.
“The Roman Catholic Cardinal Robert Bellarmine (1570) understood the passage to mean that the Spirit of Christ went to release the souls of Old Testament believers who repented before the Flood. Instead of hell, these believers were kept in Limbo, which was a place between heaven and hell. Rome, Italy, (CNA) – St. Robert Bellarmine, whose feast is celebrated Sept. 17 on the General Roman Calendar, was a Jesuit and a cardinal who used his incredible intellect to defend Catholic teaching, largely through responses to the Church’s opponents in the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation.” All who believe in Jesus Christ we can research history’ Getting back to Peter: They will find true enjoyment in life as they turn away from insincere speech and hurtful actions, and concentrate instead on doing good and promoting peace. They will also find that such a life is assured of God’s constant help. Peter addresses all believers, commanding Christians to be unified and to refuse to seek revenge when wronged. Peter quotes from both David and Isaiah to show that God’s people have always been called to reject evil and to do good. This is true even when we are suffering. Suffering for Christ is only temporary, but the suffering for evil is eternal! That is, we are continually under God’s notice and his care; God continually watches for us and watches over us, and we are under his constant protection. God never sleeps. “Psalm 134:1-3: A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.” A reason of the hope that is in me, Jesus Christ is the reason, His perfect love, His teachings, His sacrifice on the cross. To know Jesus Christ is to know how deeply loved I am, to truly live. He didn’t just die to get me into heaven, he died to get a little bit of heaven into me and you. Set the Lord upon the throne of your heart, to make Him the Lord and Ruler of your life. In Hebrews 13:5–6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hope is a source of energy. It helps us to see something better up ahead and to put one foot in front of the other to move forward. When we feel hopeful for the future, we wake up in the morning ready to embrace the day. We are more prepared to work hard, to strive, to be willing to tackle and overcome the obstacles that we face. Suffering for evil is what will happen if we are not willing to stand up for Jesus. Amen!

1 Peter Chapter 3:13-18
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You that there is nothing in earth or heaven, visible or invisible, that can separate us from Your love and for all those that are in Christ Jesus. I believe that I may be eager to live as You have instructed and to earnestly seek after that which is good. I thank You and praise You that I have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, and my desire is to be fully sanctified unto Him. Also to offer my body as a living sacrifice – holy and acceptable unto God. Guide my heart and guide my speech. Give me wisdom to be able to give an answer for the hope that is in me. Also to give a defense for my trust in Jesus Christ and the blessed hope that I have in Him. I thank You and praise You for Your will and gentleness. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Lets Pray}

Father God, bless this message and everyone who listens. Implant Kindness and compassion in our hearts. Bless us one-by-one and help us to understand how our faith is revealed in our actions. I thank You and praise You in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

Paul warns Christians about the influence of false teachers, particularly those who add legalism:( dependence on moral law rather than on personal religious faith.) on top of the gospel. Paul describes his impressive credentials, showing that he has the right to consider himself ”justified” according to the traditional Jewish view. Philippians chapter 3 speaks about Christ as the proper focus during times of suffering. Philippians 2 sets this passage up in the context of persecution and oppression for the sake of the gospel. First, Paul discusses the importance of righteousness through faith in Christ rather than by works (Philippians 3:1–11). Philippians Chapter 3. In Philippians Chapter 3 Paul tells us about how he is sold out to Christ and how he presses on to reach his goal and then encourages us to follow in his footsteps as we follow Christ. Your learning comes from reading and studying the Bible. After you have read the Scripture passage below.
Philippians Chapter 3:1-11
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I am so thankful that Your power and authority are so much greater than my mistakes and others . You are a forgiving God as we walk right with You. I press forward leaving my past behind. This world surrounds us, pressing us and tempting us in so many ways. Assist us in setting appropriate limits and learning to say no in wrong situations. Give us sound judgement to choose wisely. Guard us from temptation; Protect us from physical and mental predators. Guide us into paths of righteousness, good people of encouragement and light. Reassure us with Your promise that You are holding us in Your hands in Jesus Precious Name. I thank You and praise You Amen.

{Power Verse}

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Philippians 3:1

Father God, let what I speak guide others Your way. Let Your words speak truth into others so they can see Your light, feel Your strength and walk in Your power I thank You and praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen
No one can change their life as quick as turning a page of a book! I get it! But as you grow in Christ, God will show you the way. He will guide you as you learn. How awesome is this? God loves you so much He has been waiting on you and He will wait as you learn. Hope what I share today can help you to build a relationship with the Lord Jesus through His strengths and power that He gives freely.
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the LORD that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:8-15
These six virtues include wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. All these you ask of God.
The strength of wisdom refers to the ability to take stock of life in large terms, in ways that make sense to oneself and others. Wisdom is the product of knowledge and experience, but it is more than the accumulation of information. It is the coordination of this information and its deliberate use to improve well-being.
Courage describes strengths that help you exercise your will and face adversity. The other strengths in Courage are bravery , honesty , perseverance , and zest .
Humanity describes strengths that manifest in caring relationships with others. These strengths are interpersonal and are mostly relevant in one-on-one relationships. The other strengths in Humanity are kindness , love , and social intelligence .
Justice describes strengths that help you connect in community or group-based situations. The other strengths in Justice are fairness, leadership, and teamwork.
Temperance describes strengths that help you manage habits and protect against excess. The other strengths in Temperance are forgiveness , humility , prudence , and self-regulation . Where does Self-Regulation appear in your Character Strengths Profile?
Transcendence describes strengths that help you connect to the larger universe and provide meaning. The other strengths in Transcendence are appreciation of beauty & excellence, gratitude, hope, humor, and spirituality.
The root word for joy in this context means to rejoice or to make glad. “Strength” in the same verse is a Hebrew word meaning “a place or means of safety, protection refuge, or stronghold.” The root word of strength means “to be strong, prevail; to make firm, strengthen.” The joy of the Lord is a constant gladness and cause to rejoice.

What Does it Mean ‘The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength’? “The joy of the Lord is our strength,” is brought to fullness when we accept His provision of righteousness by grace that reunites us so we can enjoy His presence. {Romans 14:17″For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”}
Commpassion opposed to empathy (which is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes), compassion means having genuine feelings for other people’s struggles. Compassion is a soft skill with practical benefits. You don’t have to like or agree with everything someone does, but when you treat others with compassion, they are likely to treat you back in kind.
What is the difference between compassion and action?
The component of action is what separates compassion from empathy, sympathy, pity, concern, condolence, sensitivity, tenderness, commiseration or any other compassion synonym. Compassion gets involved. Like praying for others. Listening to them. When others keep their distance from those who are suffering, compassion prompts us to act on their behalf.
Faith has nothing to do with my own strength or my own human works. It is God who works in me both to will and to do, and the glory goes to God. He can be glorified by my faith and the resulting righteousness. (Philippians 2:13:for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. ) Holiness is your conduct; righteousness is what you are, the nature of God. In other words, righteousness is not a “goody-goody” way of acting or something that can be attained. The word translated righteousness literally means “in right-standing.” We have been put in right-standing with God through the work of Jesus at Calvary.
Kindness is a strength within the virtue category of humanity, one of six virtues that subcategorize the 24 strengths. Humanity describes strengths that manifest in caring relationships with others. These strengths are interpersonal and are mostly relevant in one-on-one relationships.
(For the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. “Job 12:22: He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light.” Timothy 1:7: love self-control Spirit I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
{Lets Pray}
Father God, give me the patience to change for the better. Assist me to submit to Your Spirit, strength and power so that I may carry out the good works that You have prepared for me to do in the only way that pleases You, which is Christ in me, the hope of glory to You. I thank You and praise You for Your promises not only in my life, but also in others. I am believing for those who don’t know You Lord Jesus. That You will guide others, in their life. Guide them to a church whereas they will know that the love of Jesus resides there. Let Your light, prayer, action and power through others draw them to You in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

You ever realize that when you are going through sufferings or not even the toughest. That God will speak through others to bring a solution to your problem or solution. God will also guide you to a solution. What ever the case may be. You just pray and you are guided to someone in need and you assist them and Wala! Their prayer is answered! What joy! Your prayer is answered when you take action as God’s guides you His way. You shake your head after and joy just over takes you that comes from God. It is amazing to journal my prayers and I will read back at what I wrote several weeks before and God answered my prayer in some miraculous way. I thank God during and after I realize I am thanking Him before, during and after. The joy gives me a heart of Thanksgiving and praise in everything. I may not let those words come out my mouth all the time. But I think it all the time. God is so good all the time. John Chapter 16 speaks strongly of how God spoke through Jesus powerfully. Even though the disciples didn’t know what was happening. Jesus spoke truth of the coming happenings.
“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever kills you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.” (John 16:1-3) We see to this day all over the world Christians being prosecuted for their faith and those who do this are froward immature persons who think they have to fight God. Like they think they are hurting God by hurting others. They say where is your God now? Who is going to save you now? How You going to get out of this without your God? You call your self a Christian? What they do not know is your God is right there with you and them in their presence. But I can just see God laughing and saying pray for me to break their hearts by you killing them with kindness and compassion. Lo! They will acknowledge Me. God’s availability is just as close to them as He is right there with you through it all. Amen! No one can take eternity from the Christian. No froward {Difficult person} No evil person or Satan! That’s right! Satan can’t touch the sinner. Satan can tempt the sinner and it is up to the Christian to rebuke Satan! Satan hates those who walk with God! I say so sad! To bad Satan get though behind me!

       Jesus continues to voice His l discussion concerning the persecution they will face as His disciples. He explains His reason for telling them of these things was that when the persecutions come the would not stumble. Later God's word Paul would explain,"2 Timothy 3:12-17: Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. {1 Peter 4:12-18:  And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comes, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.}The opening line of 1 Peter identifies it as a letter from “ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exiles dispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia…” . At first blush, the wording suggests that Peter is addressing ethnically Jewish followers of Jesus. We see the Lord Jesus in it all.

       It is common today to think that if Christians are being mistreated or persecuted in our day it is a "strange thing." Yet, all around the world Christians are being persecuted and murdered for their faith in Jesus Christ. It has been going on for two thousand years and will continue until the Lord returns. American's have been spared physical persecutions until now, but today believers are shunned, ridiculed and even despized for their faith. That does not mean all Christians, but it means the ones who believe God's word and live by it. That is what Peter told Timothy. There is a powerful asserted effort in America to remove anything biblical Christian teaching or symbols from society. These forces who hate God and the Lord Jesus are rapidly gaining influence and power. It will be soon when the discrimination will become violate and oppressive. Why? People don't want to learn what is so simple! They have only two chioices! 1. Walk in righteousness! 2. Walk as fools and do wrong. What is so simple gets scattered all around like a bunch of falling thumb tacks that someone comes along barefoot, step on them and stumbles! Instead of picking up those thumbtacks and putting them back in the box, they choose to be froward "dificult to deal with! Makes no sense to me to do wrong instead of right. Get the picture?

       Jesus had explained to His disciple He was leaving and even though He would be resurrected showing beyond all doubt He was the Lord Jesus, Messiah, King of the Jews. So  most of the Jews would reject Him. They would not just not believe, but would attack any who did believe and follow the Lord Jesus. He explained the degree of the persecution would include putting them out of the Jewish synagogues and in time they killing believers. It was a serious matter to remove from the synagogue and had the effect of excommunications. The act supposedly cut them off from God, but did cut the Jews off socially from their families and friends. Today the cults practice the same procedure including the Roman Catholic church. It then becomes a matter of one's dedication and commitment to the Lord to continue uphold one's profession of faith in the face of such opposition. God is with you every moment, whereas you can worship Him always! Jesus states these who are so dedicated in their opposition of the Lord Jesus are not saved. They do not know the Lord and persecute true believers in God's name. Paul encouraged the Philippians who were suffering for their faith saying, "For unto you it is given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" {Philippians 1:29:  Paul exhorted Timothy to command and teach this truth to his congregation, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe." {1 Timothy 4:9-10}. "But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asked me, Whither goes thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart." (John 16:4-6)

       It is not likely the disciple fully understood what the Lord was telling them, but He explains that later when the persecution came they would remember. The next sentence may give some light on the fact that until now the disciples were not being targeted by the Jewish leaders. Jesus said He had not told them of these things before because He was with them. It seems to imply that He was protecting them up to the point. Peter had asked earlier in John 13:36 where the Lord the Lord was going, but the Lord did not explain. The Lord's statement about why they were not asking where He was going showed they did not understand that He was leaving and going to heaven. In John 13:36 Peter's question amounted to asking the Lord where on earth or Israel was He going. He said plainly in John 14:1-4 He was going to heaven to prepare a place for them. Could it be they did not understand He was referring to heaven then and not some place on earth which would be part of the promised kingdom? They were effected by His statements. It seems this truth of His leaving had now clicked  in mind and they accepted He was truly leaving. It seems they did not understand where He was going.

John Chapter 16:7-31
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?

{Let’s Pray}
Lord Jesus, good morning. I love you, thank you and praise You for this new day. For this new day is a blessing from You. Lord Jesus, may learning be a joy rather than a chore. May exploration of new ideas bring a sense of wonder, awe, excitement and ability to concentrate on the task at hand. Father God, I thank you and praise You for the examples, I see around me of your devotion and love echoed in the love and care we have of others. May I always come to you without hesitation. Thank you, praise You and give you all the glory Lord Jesus in Your Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
The Lord is watching everywhere and keeps His eye on both the evil and the good.

Proverbs 15:3

Public prayer is different. When one prays in public he or she prays not as an individual, but on behalf of the entire church. More than that, though we are praying to God, we are to be mindful of those listening to us. Our prayers are to edify and build up those that hear us. In public, we are to be wise in our conduct and winsome in our words so that we might be effective witnesses of Christ.
{1 Cor 14:13-19: Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: }
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. . In private, devote yourself to prayer; you can make a prayer closet. Kneel in a quiet room. Find your quiet and time with God. You will see the big difference and you will receive answers. In private, we are to be persistent in watchful, thankful prayer. I know it seems I am repeating myself. But if someone really explained prayer to me growing up instead of just doing it. I would of understood more of how it is personal. Instead I was made to understand that it was hypocritical and I just had to pray in public when others was doing the praying. I believe that prayer by the pastor should be one of the highest moments in public worship services. This moment of public intercession can be absolutely powerful. When the Pastor Is Praying in Public. As the spiritual leader of the church, when you pray, you are standing the gap for God’s family. So when we pray for each other no matter what we are going through, God is blessing all in this unity. I have many of times in my life that it was just me and God speaking to each other. But when others came along and prayed for me or helped me in my distress of healing. God worked blessings and miracles. Even if I pray for someone or a situation from afar. God is working everything out in His timing. God is so good.
The Bible tells us in “1 Thessalonians 5:16-22: Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying’s. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
This “pray without ceasing.” Jesus stayed close to God. Continually talking with God who sent Jesus in His image, He is shown to pray: alone. Being still and in peace mode.
{Matthew 14:23: And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.} Staying close to God!
{Mark 1:35: And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.} Jesus believed in being alone and spending time with God in the morning.
{Luke 9:18-24: And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straightly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
“Lk 22:39-41: And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. In public Jesus prayed! “
“John 11:39-46: Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
“John 12:27-30: If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for the power of prayer and unity. I thank You, I praise You and glorify Your Awesome name for the life and witness of the Dear Blessed Lord Jesus Who came to earth to fulfil Your redemptive purpose and plan for the fallen race of mankind. Proved Your promises to us. Father God, if it were not for His miraculous birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious Resurrection, I would still be dead in my trespasses and sin and at conflict with You. I thank You and praise You that through Your goodness and grace, You purposed and planned to redeem mankind through faith in His finished work. I thank You and praise You for saving me. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory for sending Jesus to be the sacrifice for my sin. I thank You and praise You that You loved me before I knew You and have brought me into Your heavenly family. May I live and be Your light of Your praise and glory, from this day forward. I thank You and praise You for all those who love You and are a light in all lives. Bless them today. “Father God, glorify thy name. I thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
The Lord loves those who hate evil, He protects the lives of His people and rescues them from the wicked. Psalm 97:10

Jesus Christ looked to find some fruit, for the time of gathering figs, though it was near, was not yet come; but he found none. He made this fig-tree an example, not to the trees, but to the men of that generation. It was a figure of the doom upon the Jewish church, to which he came seeking fruit, but found none. Christ went to the temple, and began to reform the abuses in its courts, to show that when the Redeemer came to Zion, it was to turn away ungodliness from Jacob. Jesus’ miracle involving the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22; ” Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” and Mark 11:12-14, 20-24) is the only one in which He brings judgment by a miracle. All the other miracles are acts of goodness and mercy. This miracle, which can also be classified as a parable, is recorded in more detail in Mark than in Matthew. Mark’s chronology is also more detailed, showing its correlation with other events, clarifying, for instance, that this miracle and the cleansing of the Temple took place within two days. During the final week of Jesus life, often called “Passion Week,” Jesus forfilled His mission.
Having gone through several days of conflict and tension, Jesus now needed to find a place of love, gratitude, and peace to rest and meditate on soon-coming events. He found it with His friends in Bethany. This setting contrasted markedly to Satan’s world, designed to be hectic with its constant pressure to keep people from thinking deeply about anything of true value. Satan knows that if he can make us busy, it is easier to make us sin.The scribes and the chief priests sought, not how they might make their peace with him, but how they might destroy him. A desperate attempt, which they could not but fear was fighting against God. Jerusalem for the coming Passover.
{Here are most of the miracles Jesus performed.}
Jesus healed the centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13).
Jesus stilled the storm (Matthew 8:23-27).
Jesus cured two demoniacs (Matthew 8:28-34).
Jesus cured the paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8).
Jesus raised the ruler’s daughter from the dead (Matthew 9:18-26).
Jesus opened the eyes of two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31).
Jesus loosened the tongue of a man who could not speak (Matthew 9:32-33).
Jesus restored a withered hand (Matthew 12:10-13).
Jesus cured a demon-possessed man (Matthew 12:22).
Jesus fed at least five thousand people (Matthew 14:15-21).
Jesus healed a woman of Canaan (Matthew 15:22-28).
Jesus fed at least four thousand people (Matthew 15:32-39).
Jesus cured a boy who was plagued by a demon (Matthew 17:14-21).
Jesus opened the eyes of two blind men (Matthew 20:30-34).
Jesus caused the fig tree to wither (Matthew 21:18-22).
Jesus cast out an unclean spirit (Mark 1:23-28).
Jesus cured Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever (Mark 1:30-31).
Jesus healed a leper (Mark 1:40-45).
Jesus cured a deaf and mute man (Mark 7:31-37).
Jesus opened the eyes of a blind man (Mark 8:22-26).
The great haul of fishes (Luke 5:1-11).
Jesus raised the widow’s son from the dead (Luke 7:11-18).
Jesus cured a woman of an issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48).
Jesus cured a woman who had been afflicted eighteen years (Luke 13:10-17).
Jesus cured a man of dropsy (Luke 14:1-4).
Jesus cleansed ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19).
Jesus restored the ear of the high priest’s servant (Luke 22:50-51).
Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 24:5-6).
Jesus changed water into wine (John 2:1-11).
Jesus cured the nobleman’s son (John 4:46-47).
Jesus healed an invalid man at the pool called Bethesda (John 5:1-9).
Jesus opened the eyes of a man born blind (John 9:1-38)
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-46).
The second great haul of fishes (John 21:1-14).

{Lets read Mark Chapter 11:10-26} Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. And when even was come, he went out of the city. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou curses’ is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank you and praise You that despite the times that my faith has failed and my pride has caused me to ignore You. You still shower me with Your amazing grace. I thank You and praise You that You should send Your only begotten Son to come to earth as the heavenly Lamb of God. Jesus who takes away the sin of the world, and also as the human son of king David, Who will set up a kingdom of peace and prosperity on earth and in Heaven. I thank You and praise You that You loved the world so much that You chose to send Your Jesus to die on the Cross so that we might live. I thank You and praise You that Your plan of redemption does not exclude anyone, Jew or Gentile, and all who call on the name of the Lord in faith will be saved. Help me to live my life in a way that honors Your name, gives You all the glory. I thank You and praise You that all Your plans, purposes and promises is all for the salvation of mankind, and the restoration of the world in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
God is my shield; He will defend me. He saves those whose hearts and lives are true and right. Psalm 7:10

And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. It seems the days of ‘going to court’ and processing a claim to the magistrate about your next door neighbor is not just a contemporary phenomenon. Trials and civil courts have existed for thousands of years and we only need to look to the book of Exodus to read about Moses finding himself swamped by the thousands upon thousands of hearings. Below we will read about Paul and his dealings with the Corinthian church, and especially around his comments on Christians taking other Christians to court, and also his strong comments about sexual immorality and the Kingdom of God. The exact purpose of 1 Corinthians is debatable, though Paul definitely writes this letter to highlight some moral issues affecting the Corinthian Church, and the response required from the people. How Paul learns of the issues in Corinth, whether it be issues of sexual immorality, marriage, lawsuits, etc, is probably through a letter from Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. Three men from Corinth, Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, apparently enabled this exchange. Circumstantial evidence within Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians points to them as the bearers of “the matters you [Corinthians] wrote about” { Stephanas was the head of the household and he apparently brought two of his slaves or freedmen, Fortunatus and Achaicus, with him. Fortunatus’ name, commonly given to a Roman slave, has at its Latin root, “blessed,” “fortune,” or “good luck.” His nickname today would be Lucky, a name you would give to a dog, but not to your child!} This was a letter sent back to Paul as a response to Paul’s first letter (prior to the 1 Corinthians text)
1 Corinthians – Chapter 6:1-11
Are any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for Your Word and the truths that it contains. Keep me from all forms of dysfunctional stinking thinking. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pure in Your sight, so that my life is not only positionally holy but practically holy – in all I say and do. I thank You and praise You that I am washed clean in the blood of Christ, positioned in Him and set apart unto You. As a child of God, shape my heart and mind to serve You better. I believe that I may grow in grace, mature in the faith and walk in the spirit and truth to Your praise and glory everyday and in everyway as I keep walking Your way. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.