Am I going to Hell?

Good Morning! John 8:32 Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Today I want to share something with you all and also ask your opinion. But one thing I have learned in my Recovery is it is a program of honesty. And here of late its not that I haven't been honest, but I haven't shared the whole story with you. But here in the last couple of days I have been sharing with some people including my Pastor what is going on in my life. And you know what? Instead of feeling like I am going to Hell, I feel relieved. Well I told you all about this woman I have met. Well we have been dating for a few months now, but were kind of keeping it under our hats so to speak because she was still married, but separated! Because I was worried about what all of you would say. See that has always been one of my Character Defects, always worrying what others think instead of doing whats right in my heart. Well to make a long story short, her husband passed away a couple of weeks ago. So now I want to share this. We are going to get Married. I asked her and she said YES! But now came the big dilemma. She was not living with her husband at the time and where she was living was only temporary until she found a place. So to get to the point, I have moved her and her 13 yr old son in with me. Because Financially it just makes sense for both of us. And believe me we are going to get married soon. But this raises the question in my mind. Am I going to Hell for this. Should I stop sending these texts everyday cause I am a man caught up in a sin. In John 8:7 Jesus tells us, "If anyone of you is without sin let him be the first one to cast the first stone. So today I ask you for your thoughts and your opinions on this matter, because I value them. They will not change the fact that I am a sinner, but I am a Happy sinner in Love. And I do want to share that I feel so much better bringing this all out in the light. Because in 1st John 1:7-9 John tells us, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9.If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. And I want to add Vs 10 in there. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. So there I have claimed my sin to God, to Jesus, and to you. So if you no longer want to receive these texts because I have shared this thing I have done, I understand. Just text me and I will take you off the list. But I do want to say this, I feel so much better getting this out in the open. And I want to share, if there is any sin in your life you are trying to keep under the radar or keep from people it only makes it worse. And Satan uses that sin to cause more sin. You cannot hide anything from God. And its not easy to hide it from people either. So sometimes, No all the time! It is better to tell the truth, cause the truth will set you free. HABD!

The Face of Jesus

Good Morning! Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; whom shall I be afraid? Fear can so easily tie us up. Fear of the future, when our lives seem out of control, dread that someone will hurt us or our loved ones, apprehension that we will make mistakes in life. And the list could go on indefinitely. Lets face it none of us is entirely fearless. How powerful fear attacks our lives, keeping us from doing the good acts we should, dragging us into acts of indecision and acts of wrong doing. Yet our awesome God has told us not to fear. When we doubt and worry, He promises to be our strength. With Him beside us, we need to have no concern that anyone could do us permanent harm. Looking in His face, awed by the power behind this promise, we know that the idea of fear is ridiculous. But when we look away, do we remember His faithfulness to us? Or do the issues in this world become so important we fall prey to their delusions? If that happens we're looking in the wrong direction, putting our doubts before faith. We're letting people take the place of Jesus in our lives. One look into His, one touch of His power, and we know we've been wrong. So when earth tempts us, let us seek His face again. When He is our strength, we have nothing to fear at all. So why let the world and fear stop us from doing what we know is right, from serving Jesus to the best of our abilities, or from taking a bold new step forward. After all whom should we fear? If He is our strength. HABD!

Are You Really Concerned?

Good Morning! TEX: Leviticus 19:16 "Do not go about spreading slander among your people. "Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the Lord." Today I'm going to touch on something that I know I do, and I'm sure most of us do. Yesterday I got a call from a Brother who was wanting to know what was going on with me these days. Because he was concerned. And I told him cause he was generally concerned. But how many of us speculate and come to conclusions and end up either hurting someone or creating gossip out of what we call "Being Concerned." How many of us come up with all kinds of stories and illusions of what is really going on. But when it comes down to it, we haven't talked to the person and don't really know what the True Story is. This is Gossip and it is something we all do everyday whether we consciously think about it or not. Alot of us just talk about others because we say we are concerned, when in reality we are just Gossips and we need somebody to talk about and look at their faults, so we don't have to look at our own. I do this and I know its not right. This is also Judging people and no one has that right except for God. So today if you find yourself talking about someone, and I'm sure at some point you will. Ask yourself, Is it really out of concern for them, Or are you really just talking gossip and making fun, because the life you are living is really no better than theirs, But when you act concerned yours looks better. One reason I do this ministry everyday is to remind myself I'm a sinner. And let me tell you in Gods eyes we all are, until He sees Jesus! It also reminds me I am no better than anyone else, and that God loves us all the same. No matter what mistakes we make, or how good we think we are. Be Concerned with what He thinks. HABD!

He Has Always Known You

Good Morning! Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."Think of it, God not only knows what is going on in your life right now, but He knew all about you even before you were born. WOW! That's a pretty big concept to wrap my mind around. And here's another one. You are not here on earth by accident, you are here by His design! Before you were born God had a purpose for your life. But what happened? I would think that if God was in control, wouldn't all our lives be perfect. Wouldn't He want us all to have our "Best Life Now" but you see a little thing called sin crept into our lives a long time ago, and kinda messed with Gods plans, or did it? You see even though sometimes we don't live our lives to the standards God has laid out for us, He knows that we came from dust, He knows that we are not perfect and we will never be. That is why His plan also included Jesus. I know many people who believe God is in Control of everything. And I believe that. But I Also believe He lets things happen in our lives (good and bad) that we have control over. Things to help us learn His will for us, or things that may help bring us back to Him. God has a purpose for your life today! Are you seeking to fulfill it? He has a purpose for where you're at in your life today. Some of us may wonder what it is, but there is a reason. But what I have found today is I can only do my best to seek His will in my life. And guess what, I may fall short sometimes. But guess what He knows that too! Cause He has known you from birth. So today know God loves you! And He has a plan for you. Read Jeremiah 29:11 for that and have a Blessed Day!

Need Strength?

Good Morning! 1Chron 16:11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore. Do you need strength to face the day today? I know I do everyday. That is why I do this, because everyday I must look to Jesus to find that strength. Some days I'm confused, some hurting, some doubtful. But let me share something with you. Any emotion you feel, Jesus can relate to it. During His years on earth, He learned about them all. Nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Do you feel as if you can't go on sometimes? Well He can keep you going by His power, and as His Spirit fills you, you'll know that even if you are fighting tooth and nail, you will eventually win in Him. Whatever we face, God wants to share His strength with us. His might is not simply something He plans on using to make us see things His way or manipulate us into a position where He'll be in control. Its a powerful blessing He has designed to share with us. As we get to know Jesus more clearly, as we peer into His face and understand more completely just who He is, we can be awed by His strength and humbled by His desire to share even that truth with us. But as we recognize those truths, we we also understand that all the strength we have is loaned to us by Him. Misusing it is never an option as we draw near and thank Him for the way He allows His power to work in our lives. Have you felt the power and strength of Jesus in your life lately? If not, maybe you need to draw closer to Him. I know I need to everyday. Cause the more you seek Him, the more His strength can empower your whole life. Jesus knows what you are going through. He's been there and done that. HABD!

Never Give Up

Good Morning! Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1Corinth 1:3 If anyone really needed grace and peace it was the Corinthians. Paul's letters to them describe a church that was constantly faced with problems that might make a lot of modern day believers move to another congregation. Sin didn't creep into that church, it marched right up to the alter. Yet when the apostle wished grace and peace on these young Christians, he wasn't being facetious. The first 8 verses of this chapter make that clear. Paul was more interested in putting them on the right path than handing them harsh critique. Any critical comments are designed to show them a better way in Jesus. Sometimes we to may have days when we need huge quantities of Gods grace and peace, A relationship gone awry, a bad choice that we have to live with, or a seemingly impossible work situation has derailed our lives. We know whats wrong, and we're not looking for anyone to simply delight in telling us how bad we are. Instead, we need a solution. Like those Corinthians, when we get help, we'll have to face the bad news and admit what wrongs we've done. But we also nee someone like Paul, who won't give up on us. We want one of God's people to come to us with grace and peace, help us find the right path, and aid us in walking down it for the rest of our lives. None of us is beyond Gods grace and peace. Paul told that to the Corinthians, and he's telling it to us, too. Jesus picks up fallen people with His unending grace and mercy. He never, never, never, gives up on a child who calls out to Him. As long as we never give up calling to Him. HABD!

Are You A Doer?

Good Morning! James 1:22 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. You know it was said to me one time, That sitting in a garage doesn't make you a car. And in this same way, sitting in church every Sunday doesn't make you a Christian. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying don't go to church. I am saying that if the only reason you do is to show people you do, you might want to check your motives. Just like going to Bible studies and reading Gods Word religiously. Without the right motives it is just as James points out here, Knowledge without Action is useless. Knowing who God is and how much He loves you without loving Him and obeying Him in return is empty. I have to admit there are times that I know I am not doing what God would want me to be doing, but that's Ok, cause at least I know that, that is not what I should be doing. After all, we are all a work in progress. For the one who truly believes Gods Word is not that person who studies it the longest or who argues most eloquently on its behalf. But it is the person who incorporates it into their life. I know here of late there are a few things I'm doing in my life that I am not being a Doer. But the good thing is I know it. That means I can do something about it. There are so many people out there today who deceive themselves because they know something is not right in their life, but because they go to Church or because they attend Bible studies it is ok, because I am still a Christian. God knows we can only do our best to follow His Word. So what I am telling you today is work on being a Doer of the Word. Do not think you are just because you know it. That is where I think so many people deceive themselves. All we can do is work at it, cause only Jesus perfected it. HABD!

Are You Sure?

Good Morning! John 29:10 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Fathers hand. Let me ask you something, do you know beyond a shadow of doubt that you are going to Heaven? You see this is one of Satan's biggest lies that he tells us. He has been doing it to me lately. He uses Guilt and lack of assurance about our salvation to convince us we are not good enough to get there. You see that is the problem with many of us, especially me here of late. It is that deep down many of us feel our salvation is up to us. And that we can only get to heaven if we are good enough and by the deeds we do. Somebody was talking to me yesterday and we were talking about whoever took their lawn mower and that God was really going to get down on this person. Well if that is the case, they stole a lawn mower. Then I am in big trouble, cause that is like stealing candy (which I might add is the same sin, cause sin is sin) compared to some of the things I've done in my life. But you see this devotion today reminded me of what it is really all about. You see the key is to understand that Christ took away all our sins, not just some of them. ALL OF THEM! No matter how good we are we can't save ourselves. Because God demands perfection. But Christ who was without sin, did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He took ALL our sins upon Himself, and took the death and hell we deserve. He paid the price! And now we owe nothing. So today know you are saved if Jesus is your Savior. And don't think you will go cause you do good things and those who do bad won't. Cause you just might be surprised that person you don't think will make it there might be standing right next to you up there one day. Jesus died for us all. HABD!

Hidden Weakness

Good Morning! Psalm 41:1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak. Weakness in ourselves and others takes all sorts of forms. I just want to say thank you to everyone for the feedback I got the other day. It helped me see that I am weak in some areas, but that we all have Hidden Weaknesses and that God is always there with an answer. Sometimes from Him, and then sometimes He uses others to give us the answers we need. You know sometimes peoples weaknesses are obvious, a chronic illness, a physical disability or a destructive habit or addiction. But sometimes it can be less obvious (but no less real) a tendency to make bad decisions, a personality trait that alienates others or a destructive habit no one knows about. And then there are the weaknesses we may never detect in someone because they have successfully hidden it from others and even from themselves. Often those who seem the strongest on the outside are the weakest on the inside. But God sees our weaknesses, and He sees the weaknesses in others as well. And just as He wants to help us deal with our weaknesses, so He wants us to help others deal with theirs, as you all did for me the other day. Thank you for your wisdom and your encouraging words to keep on with this ministry. As you made me realize we all have Weaknesses and that it is the weakest people God uses to spread His word. Even King David a man God said had a heart after His own, had many weaknesses. And the other day just made me realize I am human. And until the day I can shun this earthly body, I am going to have weaknesses. So today lets ask God to make us sensitive to those around us who are weak, and to help them both in practical ways and by pointing them to the answers we have in Christ. HABD!

Just a bunch of Hypocrites!

Good Morning! John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command." You know one of the most common charges leveled against the Christian faith is that we are just a bunch of hypocrites. Sadly, those who make such a charge often have someone in mind who claimed to be a Christian, but didn't act like it. I know I can be that way sometimes here of late. And I am kind of torn in this. For some of Jesus' strongest words were reserved for hypocrites, for people who claimed to believe in God and follow His laws, but in reality lived only for themselves. And this is really what has been bothering me lately. Because Jesus compares them to Whitewashed Tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but inside they are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. And that is what is bothering me. I want to be honest with you people cause I have been that way with you for all the years I have been doing this. I have met someone and have fallen in love with this person. And I want to be with this person for the rest of my life. And this has brought up thoughts and desires in myself that I know are not appropriate, but I think them anyway. Am I a Hypocrite? I know none of us is perfect and we all fall short, but it is just something I have been struggling with here of late. Even to the point of stopping doing this ministry in the mornings, because I am not worthy to be doing this. So could you please give me some feedback on this. I know my heart is committed to Jesus. But I guess Satan is telling me because of the way I feel about this person and these thoughts I am no longer worthy to spread the Good News. I am torn here and will be praying about it, so will you please join me. And if you have any feedback, please feel free to text me or email me. HABD and thanks!

Trust

Good evening, I'm filling in for Daniel today, Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God" Did you get that? Read it again. "For NOTHING is impossible with God" This is so true. Why is it then we have such a hard time trusting Him? What are we thinking? Do we think He isn't capable? Do we think that our challenges may be to much for Him? Read the Vs again -NOTHING is impossible with Him. This is a saying at CR "Let Go and Let God! There are things we are just not capable of doing on our own. So why do we insist on trying. Trust! The issue of trusting Him is more that He might not do things the way we want them done, Right? Well He might not. But He sees a bigger picture than we do. But some think (myself included) that I can trust myself. I should be able to trust myself right after all I know what’s best for me. Plus who else has my best interest at heart other than me. Look after number one right. WRONG “He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.” (Proverbs 28:26) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”(Proverbs 3:5-6)Trust is a decision! It is not a feeling! Trust is also a resolution that we activate when we say to God, from our hearts:I don’t care what the situation looks like. I don’t care what my reasoning ability is dictating to me – I am just not going there! And I also don’t care if it looks as though you didn’t come through. I don’t care what the world says. I don’t care what negative reports come down the pike. I don’t care what my emotions are dictating; I have made up my mind that from this day forth I am going to steadfastly trust what You have said. I will be obedient to do what You tell me to do; I will make Your Word my final authority; and then I will rest in You.And when feelings of disappointment try to crowd in I will make that my warning signal, and I will stop and renew my choice to trust in You. Then Lord, the rest is up to You.Disappointments be Gone!“Lord, in this particular situation (name the situation) I choose to trust You.”“Lord, I am trusting You in the middle of this impossible situation, and I know the time will come that I will not be disappointed – so I am making the choice not to allow feelings of disappointment to overtake me now.”God says, “If you trust Me YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” His Word tells us that He is the God of the impossible. But the degree to which we trust Him determines the degree of victory we will experience.

So give it a try and you too will not be disappointed. HABD and Weekend

Ulterior Motives

Good Morning! James 4:3 "When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasure." No wonder I never get what I ask for lol. Because in my nature I always have an ulterior motive. God is still working on this with me. Its a good thing He's in charge and only gives me what I need. Cause lets face it, when I ask for things there is good in alot of things I pray about, for people, for ministries etc, etc. But there are those times I pray and there is a little SELF there. That if God does this, then I could do that, even if I think it is something that would benefit Him. It might still be all about me. Have you ever thought like that? Be honest now. If not than you must be one of those good Christians. I thank God for His Holy Spirit to help me discern and change my selfish self. See I realize today when I'm asking for something and not getting it, its time to check my motives. And usually I will find its got something to do with what I want, Not what God wants. So today if you are praying about something and your not getting the answer, YOU WANT! Check your motives. You may not see the SELFishness in your prayer, but God does. And remember that's OK! Cause we are work in progress (Phillip 1:6) SO ALL WE CAN DO is Keep on Keeping on. Pray without ceasing, and ask and you shall receive, DEPENDING! LOL! HABD!

Real Answers!

Good Morning! Ezekiel 14:6 "Therefor say to the house of Israel. This is what the Sovereign Lord says; Repent, Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices. If you read Ezekiel Chapters 13-14 you'll read how the people of that day didn't want to listen to Ezekiel about what was going to happen to them. Instead they went to magicians, astrologers and fortune tellers. Who lied to them and told them only what they wanted to hear. So I have a Question. How many of you get up and read your horoscope each day. I know the papers up here don't have them. But I used to. And how many of us watch those self help gurus on TV or Radio talk show people telling us how we should live. And how many of us flock to the Christian Book Stores to get books that tell us "How to have your Best Life Now!" Don't get me wrong those books are great for insight and encouragement. But sometimes they can even deceive us into thinking that if you do and live the way these books tell you, You will reap all the Great Blessings in life God has to offer. NOT TRUE! I have found today if you want to find the real way to live and how to live. There is only one book to read. And that is Gods Word. Sure we all want to hear the Soothing Words that when we become Christians how Grand life will be. And it is! But not all the time. There will be tests and trials. But one thing I do know is if we keep on pressing on and trying to live to the Best of our ability to please God, we will one day receive the Greatest Blessing of all. Being with our Father and Savior forever in Heaven. So today don't be misled. Build your life on the Truth God gave us in His Word. Life is a Roller Coaster ride. But with His Word it is rideable. HABD!

The Real Meat and Potatoes

Good Morning! 2 Peter 3:18 "But GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory now and forever!" Amen! You know for me I find it sad that as Christians so many of us miss our mark in life, because we never get off the milk and into the meat. We never GROW UP! And be the mature Christians we are to be. One reason is because we miss the WHOLE meaning of Gods grace.(Gods, Riches, At, Christs, Experence GRACE) Because as Christians we don't take the time to do the things that help us get off the milk and onto the meat and potatoes. We don't do the things that help us grow in Gods Grace and Knowledge. Like prayer, studying the Word, Fellowship with other Christians and sharing our witness with others. So many of us fall short of our mark, the true potential we have in Christ because we are not growing. We are getting just enough milk to sustain us, but you cannot Grow without real food. I know! I used to be one of those people. I went to meetings and church. Went to Bible studies, but when I got home my Bible went on a shelf and that's where it stayed until the next one. See this Vs SIMPLY tells us we MUST GROW, in the Grace and Knowledge of God. Its very simple if we get off the milk and onto the Meat and Potatoes of being a Christian we will grow! But to do that we have to do those things I mentioned before. Getting in the Word, Prayer and sharing the Love of Jesus. And that is what makes us Mature in Christ. So today get off the Milk and onto the MEAT! And Hey! If you need help with that meat Remember I work in a Meat Market! lol lol! HABD!

Feel the Pain!

Good Morning! This one comes from the Archives this morning. Psalm 30:5 Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. And psalm 126:5 They who sow in tears, shall reap in joy and singing. We all know life has its UPS and DOWNS! But sometimes I think we miss what the pains in life are for. We don't like pain and the more we fight pain the more of an effect it has on us. I know for me I used to fight pain all the time. I didn't want anyone to know I was hurting. Because I am a TOUGH GUY and I can take it. But you see we have pain in our lives for a reason. Its Gods way to build our Character. It is Gods way for Him to show us that in those times of pain and hurt He is there for us to lean on. And sometimes He even sends others into our lives we can lean on also. Because they have been through the same thing you have and they can help. Plus it is easier to go through something together than alone. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) Another thing I have learned about pain is they are learning experiences. So many of us fight pain and what we really need to do is experience it and let it do its job. And then Guess What? When we work through the pain on the other side is Joy! The Joy of the Lord! Pain is necessary in life, so God can show us His power and Love for us. So if you are hurting today. Don't be afraid to show it. Chances are someone else is to. Or they have been there done that and they can help. And together and with God you can find the answer to your pain. And once you know the answer, then you know the Truth. And guess what that does? The Truth shall set you free. And with Freedom comes Joy! So today Endure the Pain, cause eventually it leads to Joy! HABD!

All because of His Love for us!

Good Morning! Mark 3:28-29 "I tell you the truth, all sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." now we all know that, that sin that God cannot forgive is that of someone that deliberately rejects the Holy Spirits witness that Jesus is the Savior. Basically saying you don't believe in Him. But today I want to concentrate on the beginning of the Vs. The Good News that through Jesus all our sins and blasphemes will be forgiven. Why is this? It is because of Gods great Mercy. Which in turn is caused by Gods great Love for us. It is an Everlasting Love that cannot ever be measured. In Jeremiah 31:3 God tells us, I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness. The Bible is the revelation of the fact that God is Love and His Love for us. When the Word tells us of justice, it is justice tempered by love. When it preaches righteousness, it is righteousness founded on love. Now here's the good one. When it preaches atonement for sin, it is atonement necessitated because of love, provided by love and furnished by love. You see God loves us so much that He gave His only Son to die for us. (John 3:16) That is why today when we are preaching the resurrection of Christ, we are preaching the miracle of love. When we are preaching the ever abiding presence of Christ, we are preaching the power of love. And when we preach the return of Christ, we are preaching the fulfillment of love. You see it is all about Gods love for us. So today it doesn't matter what sin you have committed. No matter how dirty, how shameful you think it is. It doesn't matter how terrible you think it may be. God can and will forgive you of it. Man may not! But God will! You may be standing at the very gates of Hell, but God because of His love for you and me, will come take your hand and lead you out. How do I know? I was there a few years ago. So today do not underestimate Gods love for you and me. It is an Everlasting love. It is a love that will go on for all time. And what is the proof of this love? It is the fact that Jesus went to the Cross to take on the sins of you, me And the whole world. Now that is Gods love for us. Just wanted to give you something to think about this weekend. How much God Loves You! So let me ask you! How great is your love for Him? HABD!

Gods Plan!

Good Morning! Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Now a long time ago its been years now, I did a text on this Vs telling that God has already fulfilled this promise, which he has! He sent Jesus into the world to give us a future (Eternal Life) and Hope (In Him). But today I want to talk about things that happen that change our direction in life. I know for me it was a woman wanting to take my Bible from me, for Paul it was being blinded on the road to Damascus. For Jacob it was wrestling with an Angel of God and for Moses it was talking to the Burning Bush. But I think if you think about it, we all have had some kind of encounter with God that has changed our life and our purpose today. Maybe it wasn't a good experience like Paul's, but it was something that made us know that God was real and that He Loves us. In 1John 4:19 he reminds us that, We love because He first loved us. And that in today's Vs He has plans for us, good plans, plans to make our life better, if we will just let Him. And that we should cast all our worries and anxieties on Him, WHY? Because he cares for us (1Peter 5:7) And that is why he sent His Son Jesus, so we can have Life and have it to its fullest. (John 10:10) So today if you think your life has no direction, get in touch with God. He has a purpose for you. He wants you to live an abundant, happy, joyful life. These are the plans He has for you. So today believe that! And believe this. God has a purpose for your life, so what you have to do is follow Him, believing that He'll keep directing your paths straight. (Pro 3:6) Have a Blessed Day and walk with Purpose today. That's what God wants for your life!

Victory in Death!

Good Morning! Today's Verses are long, but it is something that I have realized over time dealing with Death. And that sometimes when someone we love dies, we can be selfish in not wanting them to be gone. For one thing I do know God knows what is best for us. 1Corinth 15:51-55 Listen, I tell you a mystery; We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-52 in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable and will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in Victory. 55 Where O death, is your victory! Where O death is your sting? Over the years I have lost many people that I loved. Because of sin, it is something that we all have to face someday. And sometimes we don't understand why or how come it happened when it did. And yes there is a grieving process we must go through. For we miss them. But today I want to give you my thoughts and ways I have dealt with losing loved ones in the past. We can grieve, but why? We should be Happy! Even though we miss that person, they are in a better place now. They are in a place where, there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, (Rev 21:4) Instead of Mourning and wishing they were still here, we should be Thankful they have gotten out of this world filled with its problems and its troubles. And another thing, I remember when my Dad died! For many, many years my Dad dealt with pain and torment from a accident he had many years ago. I remember seeing him in so much pain sometimes. But I knew after he got his imperishable body, he didn't have to deal with that pain anymore. I am talking about these things today, because someone close to me is experiencing Death today. And it hurts me to see them hurting. But I want them to know Death has No Victory through Jesus Christ. And even though you are sad now, Be Happy for the one you loved. And for you who have, or maybe you will soon. (Cause we will all experience Death) Look at the Bright Side. The ones you love are now up in Heaven running through the river of life and dancing with the angels. So have some happiness for them today. For sorrow may last a night, but joy comes in the morning. So today if you are experiencing the lose of someone you loved. Don't let grief and sorrow win. Because Death has no Victory! Be Glad that in Jesus Christ that loved one is looking down upon you and waiting for the day you will be reunited in Heaven. Remember! Jesus died so we don't have to! HABD!

Tough Love!

Good Morning! Heb 12:7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? It is so true, not just a cliche everybody says that, God loves you to much to leave you where you are. I want to look at the word Chastening in this Vs. The Greek meaning of this word is to Correct, to Discipline, to give Training and Nurture with the goal of Improving Ones Character. Now all through my life I have to admit my earthly parents pretty much were there to help anytime that I got myself in trouble. But I always remember my Dad saying, "But now your going to have to face the Consequences of your actions." And there was a couple of times when they had to show Tough Love and leave me to face those actions on my own. Like in 2005 when I had to face the problem of Forging a bunch of Checks instead of Bailing me out they just left me in Jail and I had to face it all and do my time on my own. But at that point that's what I needed to get me back on the right track. It is the same with our Heavenly Father. When He sees us straying from His path. He will not sit by idly and watch. When He sees us falling into sin He will not ignore it. When He sees us getting lazy in our devotion, He will allow us to suffer the Consequences. So many of us misunderstand Gods discipline in our lives. So many of us think that when things aren't going right in our lives that it is an attack from the enemy. There is some kind of Spiritual Warfare going on that is keeping us from the Blessings we deserve. When in reality it is our Father chastening us and trying to bring us back to the path He wants us to be on. He will allow Us to suffer the consequences of our actions. Just as a loving parent does. Why? Because He loves us! So today is there something going on in your life that you think is an attack from the enemy? Are you suffering through something and don't understand why? Take a little Personal Inventory and see if in some way you are not walking on the path Gad has set for you. You may have strayed off the path a step or two, and God is trying to Lovingly get you back on it. Cause everything He does, He does with the same love as a parent. After all He is our Father! And as our Father He will allow Chastening in our lives. But it is all for our own good. Just like when you used to get sent to your room for misbehaving. So it is when we misbehave towards God! We must face the Consequences. Tough Love can be Good! But only when it is done with the Love of God! HABD!

Sometimes We Don't Understand!

Good Morning! Lamentations 3:31-33 For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. I have a friend who has just lost her Husband and I know she and especially her children are wondering why? In Rom 8:28 it tells us, That, In all things God works for the good. But how can you explain that to a 13 yr old boy who has just lost His Father. God does things sometimes we just don't understand, but we have to remember that we will never understand the ways of the Lord. But in 2 Samuel 22:31 It tells us, As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. You see we will never understand the ways of the Lord and why things happen the way they happen. This is part of the great mystery of Faith! And it is in these times of troubles we must use that Faith no matter how small it is, (It only has to be as big as a Mustard Seed) to turn to God for comfort and strength. But it is the last part of today's Vs that I want to concentrate on for a minute. For God does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. You see God does not do anything to hurt us. But sometimes the things he does, DO! And we don't understand WHY? And it is at those times we must run on that Faith. And realize God would never do anything that in the long run, in the long scheme of life would not be better for us. So today I ask you all would you please say a prayer for my friend and her children that they may find comfort in what has happened. And that they find the Peace of the Lord which passes all understanding. And one day see there was a purpose why this happened. HABD!

Who do you hang with?

Good Morning! Luke 7:36 Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisees house. Jesus was a man who the Pharisees said hung out with Tax Collectors and Sinners. But you see here, He also hung out with them too! You see as Christians, just like Jesus we should be unlike the world in our behavior, but we should be squarely in the world, just as He was. Jesus hung around with everyone. So let me ask you something today, Do I have friends who are sinners? So many of us CHRISTIANS today only have friends that go to Church with us. We only hang with people we know are Believers. So let me ask you this? How can we be spreading the Word of God to people who already know it. Do you have a neighbor or someone at work that doesn't lead a savory life style? And you don't go around them, because of that? How will they ever see or know the love of Jesus if they are never subjected to it. I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for a mans love of Jesus, to open a place on a hill called Christian Love Ministries and welcome in the Misfits and Addicts of life so we could experience Jesus and HIS LOVE! You see in Jesus' day they had Him, and today they have Him as shown through us. So who are you hanging with today? The safe people? The Pharisees and Sadducee's of our day. Are you hanging with the people that as soon as Church is over you go take up one whole section of a Restaurant so people can see how strong and good you are. Now here's the biggie! How about when you see that person on the street who is a little down on their luck. Or maybe like me they had an addiction that was so far out of control, it ruled their life. Because you may not think it of me now, but I have Panhandled on the Street a time or two. But the point I am trying to make today is, If we all live in our little Christian Worlds where we only hang with other Christians, how can we effectively be spreading The Word of Christ? Now I am not saying that we should go hang out in Bars or Crack Houses trying to save people. I'm just saying we should go by Jesus' example. He hung around with everyone. So today as you are out in your little Christian world I want you to think about one thing. When you are standing next to that person in the store, or you are just out in public what is stopping you from talking to them. Is it the way they are dressed? Is it the Tattoos on they're body? Maybe it is the way they smell. Remember Jesus hung around with these people. So are we better than He was? lol lol I don't think so. So who are you hanging around today? People who already know the love of Jesus, or people who need to know it and see it through us. Because as CHRISTians we are who they see Jesus in. So as Jesus did, hang with everyone today. You may just meet someone like me! A Sinner! HABD!

God Can Heal!

Good Morning! Jeremiah 30:17 "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the Lord!I am using this Vs today, cause I need you all to pray for me today. I hurt my back yesterday and I am in alot of pain. But this is the question I want to ask you today. Do you believe God heals people? Sure we read about all the people Jesus healed and brought back to life. But have you seen God actually heal someone in your life. Well if you haven't all you have to do is take a look at me. I know there are some out there that say Alcoholism isn't a disease but I am here to tell you it is, and IT WILL KILL YOU! If it is not brought under control at some point when a person has it. I had an AA Sponsor who once told me, and it makes sense that if they put in the Obituaries how many people died because of Alcohol related things, the alcohol manufacturers would go out of business. That is why I am so Thankful that the Lord has restored my health. Because all the abuse I used to put my body through while I was drinking and drugging, I should be dead right now. I'm going to share one story of my drinking just so you will know how sick I was. When I was going through my divorce in 99 and moved here to Blairsville. Once I found out where the Beer and Liquor stores were I went on a drinking rampage that should have killed me. Now this is how sick I was! I was drinking close to a fifth of Vodka and a case of beer a day. Now here comes the sick part. Every morning when I got up, I would open a beer or drink a little vodka cause I didn't want to waste any, so I would puke. That way I could start drinking. Because I had to have a couple Beers and shots before I could go out in the world and function. Now here's the sick part. I thought that was normal at that time in my life, to do and live that way. Now if that is not a sickness I don't know what to tell you. But what I am here to tell you today is God does Heal not just physically, but mentally also. There are many people out there today suffering from depression and anger. There are people suffering from many types of Phobias and things of that nature, but God will help if you ask Him. We all suffer from something in our lives be it physical or mental. But God is there to help. In Philip 4:6 it tells us, Do not be anxious (worry) about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. So today do you have an illness you are battling or depression or just a bad back. Get someone to pray with you and for you. Because God is the Great Physician. And he wants to Heal you! But you have to believe He can. That is called Faith my friends. And if you just have as much as the Mustard Seed you can move Mountains. So put your Faith in God and His healing powers today and see what happens. HABD!

Nobody is Perfect except Jesus!

Good Morning! 1Tim 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst. Do you ever feel like you are just not living up to the standards that everyone around you thinks you should be living? Here lately that has been laying on my heart heavily. Before Paul got saved He was the worst. He tortured and killed Believers in Christ. But if you read here he tells us, Christ came into the world to save us. Something I have found out here lately is no matter how hard I try, no matter how much I do, I can never live up to the expectations and standards of the people around me. Something I have always had a problem with all my life is Selfishness! I want what I want and I don't care what I have to do to get it. I have been going through some of that here lately, but the thing is, even though what I am doing may look wrong in others eyes, it is making me happy. Even though some would say, "OH what you are doing is wrong!" To me it doesn't feel wrong. I think what I am trying to say is in this Vs Paul admits He is the worst type of sinner. But who is to say, What or Who is the worst type of sinner. Something I have learned over my years of Recovery is we will make mistakes. Some good, some bad, but wait you say, what is a Good mistake. I will go into this in a little more detail at another time. Because the point I'm trying to make with today's text is we are all sinners and No one has the right to judge anyone. Only God has that right! In John 8:7 Jesus said, " If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." I tell you it is the same today, we are all ready to look and see all the wrong everyone else is doing. But do not see our own wrongs. We are all ready to tell someone else how they should be living their lives, but yet we can't even live ours right. I have been doing alot of pondering here lately and have come to this conclusion! I am a Sinner, I do not live my life perfectly. But I do know one who was perfect and His name is Jesus! And He came to be perfect for us who are not. And He is who my defender will be on Judgement day. Here lately I have been worrying about what people will say! But who can say anything? Who can cast the first stone? Who among us is perfect enough to tell me my faults. No one but God! What I am saying here today is I am not Perfect, but then again neither is anyone else in this world. And the only person we have to worry about, (and He is a person) is God. He will be the one who I will stand in JUDGEMENT BEFORE! So today do not worry about what anyone has to say about you and what you are doing. Jesus came to this world for us! Sinners. Of which I am the worst! So please do not judge me! HABD!

Satan and his Lies

Good Morning! Rev 20:10 Thrown into a lake of fire and tormented day and night forever and ever. God who CANNOT lie, assures us that this is what awaits Satan. So why doesn't he just give up and quit bothering us. Maybe he still expects to win. After all Satan totally rejects everything about God. Even in the Garden of Eden he tried to brand God a liar to Eve and tell she would not die if she ate the fruit (Gen 3 1-4) I think Satan even rejects everything God says, even his own destiny. He believes his own Lies. So why does Satan persist in trying to deceive us? Because his main goal is to block Gods work in any way he can. As long as he is around, his main goal will be to deceive people into following his ways and not Gods. He can even divert Believers from Gods perfect plan for their lives and have them be content with a lukewarm faith that has little impact on others. And I don't care how strong you think your faith is and how Good of a Christian you think you are. Satan will annoy you today and he will produce some sin in your life today. After all He is the perfecter and cause of sin. That is why I call this ministry Views of a Sinner! Because I am full of sin. As Paul say in Roms 7 I try and want to do the right things in life, but I do not and fail miserably sometimes. I still want to do things my way instead of Gods, which believe me is the sin that lives in me. But the Good News today! Is it doesn't matter how many of Satan's lies we believe. No matter how much we sin, as long as we confess it and deal with it, God deals with it to! That is why He sent His Son, to deal with it for us. Jesus has already defeated Satan. He has crushed him beneath His heel. So that even when we do believe his lies, Jesus is there with Truth and Redemption. You see we will never be perfect, and everyday Satan is going to be there to tempt us with lies and temptations. And some days we will win! And some days we will fail. I do it all the time. But one lie Satan cannot tell me, is there is no God and there is no Forgiveness of Sins. For this is How Jesus defeated Him! Cause it doesn't matter what lie he has told you today. It doesn't matter what sin he has gotten you to do because of his lies. God can and will forgive them. Look how many times Gods people the Israelites failed and turned away from God, but He was always there. So today when Satan tempts you with those lies. Remember God doesn't lie. And He has already told us that Satan is a loser. And even though sometimes we believe that loser and his lies. As long as we believe in Jesus and our faith is in Him. And we know He is our Savior. We can fail, but we will not lose! In life we will all fail! But in Jesus Christ we are all Winners! HABD!

Troubles? Not for Long!

Good Morning! 2Corinth 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.You know being a believer in Jesus has changed my life tremendously today. But you know what? It is hard to live a Christian life sometimes. It is hard for me to live the way I should. The world tells me OH! This is acceptable today! But the Word tells me its not. In my mind I get perplexed about how things should be. But I know those are not Gods plans for me. I have people who don't talk to me or treat me different, because of my beliefs. And at times I feel alone and abandoned. But I know I am never alone. Sometimes I feel like I have messed up my whole life, by things I did in the past. And if I had only done things differently back then. If I had only done it this way, how different my life would be today. But you see this is just Satan doing his job. Trying to make the things of this world look better to us. But if you go to Vs 18, Paul tells us to fix our eyes on what is unseen, not what is seen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. This is what pulls me through and out of perplexity. Seeking Jesus and His Word. When I see Jesus on the Cross and what he did for us, it opens my eyes to see that the world is just Satan's playground. And we are just passing through. On our way to a place we have not seen. But Jesus has prepared for us. In this world we will be perplexed about things. We will sometimes stumble. But in Vs 17 it tells us, For our fight and momentary troubles are achieving for us eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So today! We may be in this world, but we don't have to live of this world. So don't let it perplex you. HABD!

You are Forgiven!

Good Morning! Psalm 103:11-12 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he has removed our transgressions from us. I want to share something with you today that I really had to accept and believe before I was really able to get into recovery and a relationship with our Savior. And that was the fact that Jesus went to Calvary and allowed himself to be hung on a cross, so you and I could experience Gods forgiveness. In 2Corinth 5:21 NLT: It says, "For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for OUR sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. And I believe this is a BIG struggle for some people today. Believing that God can forgive them for things they have done, Today or in the Past. And I believe this keeps alot of people from having a relationship with God. One of Satan's biggest lies is telling us that we don't deserve Gods love or Forgiveness. But I am here today to tell you we all deserve it and can get it. No matter what you have done. Maybe like me your past was filled with lies, manipulating people, stealing and living a lifestyle that goes along with addiction. Maybe you are going through a Divorce or you have hurt someone very dear to you. Maybe you have been hurt and you don't understand why God would let this happen. Whatever it is, these Hurts, Habits,or Hangups. Believe me it is Satan who is trying to keep the guilt of your past or even something that might be going on today from letting you know the true forgiveness of God and His Love for you. You have to believe you have been forgiven. In 1John 1:9 it tells us, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. This is a favorite Vs of mine, but I really had to get into it and study and meditate on it before I was really able to accept it. As it says in the Vs for today, as far as the east is from the west, so far he has removed our transgressions from us. Do you know how far that is? Can you fathom how deep His love is for us. Today when Satan is telling you, you don't deserve Gods love, tell yourself that you do and what you have done in the past or even today does not effect how he feels about you. Do you remember when you did something wrong as a kid? And maybe your mom or dad was a little upset with you at first, but then when you said "I'm sorry!" They opened their arms and gave you a hug. That is how God is waiting for you today, with arms open wide. All you have to do is Confess and say I'm sorry! He is there to forgive you and to love you. But like I said, you really have to believe in his forgiveness. Cause Satan is lurking right around the corner with his bag of guilt. Thank God for His forgiveness today and in it HABD!

Will it get you to Heaven?

Good Morning! Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holly Spirit and power, and how HE WENT AROUND DOING GOOD and healing all those who were under the power of Satan, because God was with him. There are many places in the Bible where it tells us to do good. In Matt 5:44 it tells us, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, DO GOOD to those who hate you. Also check out Luke 6:27-35 and Gala 6:10 and Heb 13:16. But let me ask you this, Do you know someone or maybe its you? That goes around doing Good all the time, but does not really have a true relationship with Jesus Christ? I know a few people that think just because you are a Good Person and you don't do anything to hurt anyone and you are always being helpful, that they think they will get to heaven by being this way. In John 14:6 Jesus tells us, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." So you see we can go around doing good and helping people all day long, but unless we are doing it out of Love, a Love that can only be found in Jesus Christ we are not doing it for the right reason. Now I know there will be those who argue that if you do Good and don't steal and lie and live a Good life or as some say a Good Christian Life, your on your way to Heaven. But as Jesus used to say! "I tell you the truth!, this is just not so. You must have a Relationship with the Son who in turn brings you to the Father who then gives you the Holy Spirit. If you look at the first part of today's Vs it says God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power. And that is what gave Jesus the power and us the power to do good, even to our enemies. I know for me it is only the Holy Spirit that helps me do good. Cause believe me it is not in my character to be that way. So what about those people who do good but don't believe? I hate to tell you this and them to, but it is just another ploy by Satan to deceive them. You cannot get to Heaven by the deeds or works you do. You can only get there through a belief in Jesus Christ. That He died for you and then rose again for you and me. And it is through him we will want to Do Good and spread the Good News! Doing good can be a way of life for some people. And that is Good! But if they do not know Jesus, I just don't know what to say. So today ask yourself, Why do you do good? Is it to be of help to others as Jesus was. Or is it just because you think if you do that will get you to Heaven. Being a Good person does not guarantee you will go to Heaven, but a Relationship with Jesus will. And with His Spirit you will be doing Good for the right reasons. In Matt 5:16 Jesus said, " In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven." When you are Doing Good for the right reasons people will know! And the Father will to. HABD!