Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Looking Above Lasting Love-Ed Welch & Shawn Smith
Since it's February and we celebrate Valentine's day this month it seemed only fitting to write about love. Love is a word we often use loosely today when expressing ourselves but do we actually know what real love is? Often we use it when describing our favorite food or pastime but we don't actually "love" it because true love is really about giving. We all have our favorites and we prefer special places and certain things but do we prefer one another? The fact is real love is really not about us at all and what we personally prefer. We may thoroughly enjoy someone or something but in our relationships today in general we seem to lack real clarity on the meaning of the word. Many often jump quickly from one relationship to another desperately looking for lasting love. Once the newness of infatuation wears off and reality sets in however they quickly move on to someone else hoping this time somehow things will be different. Unfortunately they often are not. So the saga continues as they sadly move from one broken relationship to another. And as we can see judging by the current divorce rate in our society today things don't appear to be getting any better.
So why is this happening so often in our lives today isn't there a better way? The truth is we're all selfish and sinful by nature and without God first in our lives we all lack the most important type of love. Often we tend to act out instead of look within. Even in the best-case scenarios relationships often fail so no one really is ever truly exempt. Sometimes we just can't explain why things don't work out and it's true circumstances can often dictate the stability of a relationship. Most of us realize that love is not actually a feeling but we still tend to measure it that way. If we feel happy with someone then we're in love. When feelings fade then we're not. We're in love then out of love. He loves me he loves me not. You get the picture and you may know the story. If so you may be wondering today can I ever get off this roller coaster ride and ever find true love? The answer is yes but it's not ever actually found in any temporal earthly relationship as you may have discovered by now. If you're fortunate enough to be in a healthy relationship currently then you're blessed indeed and are an exception to the rule today. Whatever the case may be for you lately the truth is everlasting love can only ever be found by looking above.
If you're a believer today in the Lord Jesus Christ then you know personally that God loves you and you've experienced his love in your life. You may be suffering and struggling in or out of a relationship right now but you believe by faith in God's master plan. You know that Jesus himself said there's no marriage in heaven so you're convinced that one way or another it will all work out in the end. As a believer you also know from his word that his love never fails and he'll never leave you no matter what you're going through. You don't live by feelings because you know they come and go. If you're not a believer yet then please know today that God truly loves you and his Son gave his life for you. Simply believe in him and receive him in your heart today. Look what the apostle Paul had to say to show us all he's the way, "BUT GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US IN THAT WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS CHRIST DIED FOR US. MUCH MORE THEN BEING NOW JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD WE SHALL BE SAVED FROM WRATH THROUGH HIM (Romans 5:8-9)." John the Baptist said this about Jesus when he began his earthly ministry when he proclaimed, "BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD (John 1:30)." God loves you but hates sin and that's why he who knew no sin became sin for us that we might be "made" the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! By his grace he took our place and died on a tree so we could be free.
Wherever you are in life today in your relationships whether good or bad remember what the apostle Paul had to say to help us all along the way,"WHAT I MEAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS IS THAT THE TIME IS SHORT. FROM NOW ON THOSE WHO HAVE WIVES SHOULD LIVE AS IF THEY DO NOT. THOSE WHO MOURN AS IF THEY DID NOT. THOSE WHO ARE HAPPY AS IF THEY WERE NOT. THOSE WHO BUY SOMETHING AS IF IT WERE NOT THEIRS TO KEEP. THOSE WHO USE THE THINGS OF THE WORLD AS IF NOT ENGROSSED IN THEM FOR THIS WORLD IN ITS PRESENT FORM IS PASSING AWAY (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)." If we hold on to anything or anyone too tightly in this life it will only be harder to one day let go. The truth is we're just passing through and we need to discover what God has for us and wants us to do. If you feel alone and are hurting today remember what the writer of Hebrews once had to say, "LET YOUR LIFESTYLE BE WITHOUT COVETOUSNESS AND BE CONTENT WITH SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE FOR HE HATH SAID I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE OR FORSAKE THEE (Hebrews 13:5). Lasting love comes from above and remember God loves you and knows exactly what you're going through. If you're a believer today and are his child he'll never leave you. Seek his face and grow in grace he's with you to the end! He's always there and really does care his love for you is unlike any love anywhere.
So why is this happening so often in our lives today isn't there a better way? The truth is we're all selfish and sinful by nature and without God first in our lives we all lack the most important type of love. Often we tend to act out instead of look within. Even in the best-case scenarios relationships often fail so no one really is ever truly exempt. Sometimes we just can't explain why things don't work out and it's true circumstances can often dictate the stability of a relationship. Most of us realize that love is not actually a feeling but we still tend to measure it that way. If we feel happy with someone then we're in love. When feelings fade then we're not. We're in love then out of love. He loves me he loves me not. You get the picture and you may know the story. If so you may be wondering today can I ever get off this roller coaster ride and ever find true love? The answer is yes but it's not ever actually found in any temporal earthly relationship as you may have discovered by now. If you're fortunate enough to be in a healthy relationship currently then you're blessed indeed and are an exception to the rule today. Whatever the case may be for you lately the truth is everlasting love can only ever be found by looking above.
If you're a believer today in the Lord Jesus Christ then you know personally that God loves you and you've experienced his love in your life. You may be suffering and struggling in or out of a relationship right now but you believe by faith in God's master plan. You know that Jesus himself said there's no marriage in heaven so you're convinced that one way or another it will all work out in the end. As a believer you also know from his word that his love never fails and he'll never leave you no matter what you're going through. You don't live by feelings because you know they come and go. If you're not a believer yet then please know today that God truly loves you and his Son gave his life for you. Simply believe in him and receive him in your heart today. Look what the apostle Paul had to say to show us all he's the way, "BUT GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US IN THAT WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS CHRIST DIED FOR US. MUCH MORE THEN BEING NOW JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD WE SHALL BE SAVED FROM WRATH THROUGH HIM (Romans 5:8-9)." John the Baptist said this about Jesus when he began his earthly ministry when he proclaimed, "BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD (John 1:30)." God loves you but hates sin and that's why he who knew no sin became sin for us that we might be "made" the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! By his grace he took our place and died on a tree so we could be free.
Wherever you are in life today in your relationships whether good or bad remember what the apostle Paul had to say to help us all along the way,"WHAT I MEAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS IS THAT THE TIME IS SHORT. FROM NOW ON THOSE WHO HAVE WIVES SHOULD LIVE AS IF THEY DO NOT. THOSE WHO MOURN AS IF THEY DID NOT. THOSE WHO ARE HAPPY AS IF THEY WERE NOT. THOSE WHO BUY SOMETHING AS IF IT WERE NOT THEIRS TO KEEP. THOSE WHO USE THE THINGS OF THE WORLD AS IF NOT ENGROSSED IN THEM FOR THIS WORLD IN ITS PRESENT FORM IS PASSING AWAY (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)." If we hold on to anything or anyone too tightly in this life it will only be harder to one day let go. The truth is we're just passing through and we need to discover what God has for us and wants us to do. If you feel alone and are hurting today remember what the writer of Hebrews once had to say, "LET YOUR LIFESTYLE BE WITHOUT COVETOUSNESS AND BE CONTENT WITH SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE FOR HE HATH SAID I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE OR FORSAKE THEE (Hebrews 13:5). Lasting love comes from above and remember God loves you and knows exactly what you're going through. If you're a believer today and are his child he'll never leave you. Seek his face and grow in grace he's with you to the end! He's always there and really does care his love for you is unlike any love anywhere.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Fulfilling Prophecies Manmade Philosophies-Shawn Smith
Recently I've wondered often how to put words to my many thoughts as we enter 2012 and what lies in store for us all. As you've noticed in the world today things continue spiraling out of control apparently with no end in sight. To cope with the corruption and confusion many turn to manmade fables and philosophies instead of trusting reliable biblical prophecies. Many are acting out trying to mask the pain in life and uncertainty of the future resorting to unhealthy extremes and uncontrollable vices just to survive it all. As believers we really shouldn't be surprised by it though after all God's made it clear in his word that perilous days would define our time. And in the last days men would be "lovers of themselves". As we look around today we see more indications that we may indeed be the generation that Jesus himself referred to when speaking to his disciples about the time of his return. One of the most significant signs recently of course is when Israel officially gained its independence again in 1948. The regathering of God's chosen people back to her homeland recently is very significant according to Bible prophecy and the end of this age. And there are obviously many more. Jesus referred to signs of the times as birth pangs occurring with increasing intensity and frequency with each and every one.
Life today is difficult to say the least and like the disciples you too may wonder just when it will all end and is there any relief in sight? It certainly can be overwhelming but for each generation God always has a purpose and a plan for man. What's surprising is the way in which many today fall so easily for the deception that's slowly but steadily taking over the world. Instead of falling for manmade fables and philosophies we should believe biblical prophecies. Many are familiar with the beloved Hebrew prophet Daniel and his prophecy about the antichrist and his abomination of desolation in the holy land (Daniel 9:27). However relatively few I believe are familiar with Daniel's vision of the four beasts and the interpretation given to him by God in Daniel chapter 7. It's there where he's given a chilling description of the revived Roman empire and the man of sin who will take over the world at the time of the end. Here's what Daniel saw, "AFTER THAT IN MY VISION AT NIGHT I LOOKED AND THERE BEFORE ME WAS A FOURTH BEAST TERRIFYING AND FRIGHTENING AND VERY POWERFUL. IT HAD LARGE IRON TEETH. IT CRUSHED AND DEVOURED ITS VICTIMS AND TRAMPLED UNDERFOOT WHATEVER WAS LEFT. IT WAS DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE FORMER BEASTS AND IT HAD TEN HORNS (Daniel 7:7)."
It is during this time of worldwide domination that the antichrist ("little horn") will arise and speak against God and oppress his people and try to "change" the set times and laws. The generation of unbelievers not yet saved who come to Christ after believers are "caught up" in the last days (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18), will have to endure great tribulation here on earth. In fact no one living on the earth during that time will be able to buy or sell without having the "mark" of the beast spoken of by the apostle John in the book of Revelation (13:16-18). Life is hard indeed but living now compared to when the antichrist appears on the scene it's a walk in the park! Once he's given control it will be like nothing the world has ever seen. Look what the apostle Paul wrote about this man of sin and his ability to deceive with relative ease all who don't believe, "THE COMING OF THE LAWLESS ONE WILL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH HOW SATAN WORKS. HE WILL USE ALL SORTS OF DISPLAYS OF POWER THROUGH SIGNS AND WONDERS THAT SERVE THE LIE, AND ALL THE WAYS THAT WICKEDNESS DECEIVES THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING. THEY PERISH BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO LOVE THE TRUTH AND SO BE SAVED (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)."
The Psalmist prayed teach me Lord to number my days. We only have a short time here on earth and we need to know the truth about the future. If Jesus is your Lord you're his child and he's with you to the end. If he's not yet then don't delay believe in him and receive him in your heart today! With so much deception in the world today and more on the way we desperately need to hear what God has to say. Look what the apostle Peter said as he neared the end of his days, "THEREFORE DEAR FRIENDS SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN FOREWARNED, BE ON YOUR GUARD SO THAT YOU MAY NOT BE CARRIED AWAY FROM YOUR SECURE POSITION. BUT GROW IN THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. TO HIM BE GLORY BOTH NOW AND FOREVER! AMEN (2 Peter 3:17-18)." We're clearly nearing the end and it's time to seek his face and grow in grace. The time is short his return is at hand we need to draw closer to him and farther from sin! The fact is one way or another we will all stand before God one day. Whenever that day is for each of us God only knows. In the meantime we simply can't afford to ignore anymore what the future has in store. Prophecies are fulfilling today right before our eyes! So don't fall for lies it's really the devil in disguise.
Life today is difficult to say the least and like the disciples you too may wonder just when it will all end and is there any relief in sight? It certainly can be overwhelming but for each generation God always has a purpose and a plan for man. What's surprising is the way in which many today fall so easily for the deception that's slowly but steadily taking over the world. Instead of falling for manmade fables and philosophies we should believe biblical prophecies. Many are familiar with the beloved Hebrew prophet Daniel and his prophecy about the antichrist and his abomination of desolation in the holy land (Daniel 9:27). However relatively few I believe are familiar with Daniel's vision of the four beasts and the interpretation given to him by God in Daniel chapter 7. It's there where he's given a chilling description of the revived Roman empire and the man of sin who will take over the world at the time of the end. Here's what Daniel saw, "AFTER THAT IN MY VISION AT NIGHT I LOOKED AND THERE BEFORE ME WAS A FOURTH BEAST TERRIFYING AND FRIGHTENING AND VERY POWERFUL. IT HAD LARGE IRON TEETH. IT CRUSHED AND DEVOURED ITS VICTIMS AND TRAMPLED UNDERFOOT WHATEVER WAS LEFT. IT WAS DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE FORMER BEASTS AND IT HAD TEN HORNS (Daniel 7:7)."
It is during this time of worldwide domination that the antichrist ("little horn") will arise and speak against God and oppress his people and try to "change" the set times and laws. The generation of unbelievers not yet saved who come to Christ after believers are "caught up" in the last days (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18), will have to endure great tribulation here on earth. In fact no one living on the earth during that time will be able to buy or sell without having the "mark" of the beast spoken of by the apostle John in the book of Revelation (13:16-18). Life is hard indeed but living now compared to when the antichrist appears on the scene it's a walk in the park! Once he's given control it will be like nothing the world has ever seen. Look what the apostle Paul wrote about this man of sin and his ability to deceive with relative ease all who don't believe, "THE COMING OF THE LAWLESS ONE WILL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH HOW SATAN WORKS. HE WILL USE ALL SORTS OF DISPLAYS OF POWER THROUGH SIGNS AND WONDERS THAT SERVE THE LIE, AND ALL THE WAYS THAT WICKEDNESS DECEIVES THOSE WHO ARE PERISHING. THEY PERISH BECAUSE THEY REFUSED TO LOVE THE TRUTH AND SO BE SAVED (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)."
The Psalmist prayed teach me Lord to number my days. We only have a short time here on earth and we need to know the truth about the future. If Jesus is your Lord you're his child and he's with you to the end. If he's not yet then don't delay believe in him and receive him in your heart today! With so much deception in the world today and more on the way we desperately need to hear what God has to say. Look what the apostle Peter said as he neared the end of his days, "THEREFORE DEAR FRIENDS SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN FOREWARNED, BE ON YOUR GUARD SO THAT YOU MAY NOT BE CARRIED AWAY FROM YOUR SECURE POSITION. BUT GROW IN THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. TO HIM BE GLORY BOTH NOW AND FOREVER! AMEN (2 Peter 3:17-18)." We're clearly nearing the end and it's time to seek his face and grow in grace. The time is short his return is at hand we need to draw closer to him and farther from sin! The fact is one way or another we will all stand before God one day. Whenever that day is for each of us God only knows. In the meantime we simply can't afford to ignore anymore what the future has in store. Prophecies are fulfilling today right before our eyes! So don't fall for lies it's really the devil in disguise.
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